Wired IEMs
Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020
65Good
$830
Full review dataCampfire Audio Andromeda 2020 vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV - Outstanding overall at around $1149.
Wired IEMs
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
84Outstanding
$1,150
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020
- THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
65
84
Sound
8.4
9.4
Value
-
7.6
Price (USD)
$830
$1,150
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV is 5 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Andromeda 20202020
- Monarch MKIV20255 yr newer
Specifications
Andromeda 2020Monarch MKIV
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $830
- $1,150
- HearWiki score
- 65
- 84
- Released
- 2020
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 5× balanced armature
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
- Driver type
- balanced-armature
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- -
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
- Driver size
- -
- 8 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 10
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz - 20 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 6.4 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 123 dB/mW
- -
- Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
- 94
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Controls
- none
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- No
- -
- Connector
- MMCX
- -
- Model code
- Andromeda Emerald Sea
- -
What reviewers said
Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020
The Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 is a premium five-driver balanced-armature IEM that refines its predecessor with smoother, more coherent mids and a lively treble. It delivers a spacious soundstage with excellent imaging and layering, though its low impedance and high sensitivity mean it benefits from a quality source to shine. Built with a detachable MMCX cable and no onboard controls, it's a wired, purely analog listening tool for audiophiles.
- Pro:Cohesive, well-tuned sound signature
- Pro:Excellent soundstage, imaging, and layering
- Pro:Smoother and stronger mids than the original
- Con:Limited bass texture and impact
- Con:Requires a good source to avoid hiss or distortion
- Con:No inline controls or microphone
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
The Monarch MKIV is a flagship in-ear monitor built around a ten-driver tribrid configuration, blending dual 8mm dynamic drivers, six balanced armatures, and two electrostatic tweeters. It offers a studio-neutral sound signature with an additional switchable bass-boost mode for listeners who prefer a more impactful low end.
- Pro:Reference-grade neutral tuning with excellent clarity
- Pro:Versatile bass boost mode adds flexibility
- Pro:Detailed and extended treble from electrostatic tweeters
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
- Con:Requires a capable source to perform at its best
- Con:Large shell may not suit smaller ears
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.