Wired IEMs
Campfire Audio Andromeda S
61Average
$1,100
Full review dataCampfire Audio Andromeda S 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 S
- THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
61
84
Sound
8.1
9.4
Value
-
7.6
Price (USD)
$1,100
$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 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Andromeda S2019
- Monarch MKIV20256 yr newer
Specifications
Andromeda SMonarch MKIV
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,100
- $1,150
- HearWiki score
- 61
- 84
- Released
- 2019
- 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
- 10 Hz - 28 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 6.4 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 112.8 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Weight
- 5.9 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- No
- -
- Model code
- Andromeda Emerald Sea
- -
What reviewers said
Campfire Audio Andromeda S
The Campfire Audio Andromeda S is a wired, multi-driver in-ear monitor built around five balanced armature drivers, delivering a highly detailed and analytical sound signature. With a low 6.4-ohm impedance and high sensitivity, it pairs well with quality sources, though it lacks wireless or noise-canceling features. Its compact, lightweight build and detachable cable make it a portable reference option for critical listening.
- Pro:Extremely detailed and resolving sound
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
- Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement or upgrade
- Con:Sensitive to source impedance and may hiss with noisy gear
- Con:Lacks wireless connectivity and noise cancellation
- Con:Upper mids can sound harsh or aggressive to some ears
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.
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