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Campfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM 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.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • Campfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM
  • THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
80
84
Sound
9.0
9.4
Value
6.4
7.6
Price (USD)
$2,200
$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

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV (2025) against Campfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM (2024). These are 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.

  • Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM2024
  • Monarch MKIV20251 yr newer

Specifications

Astrolith - Dual Planar IEMMonarch MKIV
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$2,200
$1,150
HearWiki score
80
84
Released
2024
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
2× 14.2 mm planar magnetic
2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type
planar
tribrid
Driver configuration
-
2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size
14.2 mm
8 mm
Drivers per side
2
10
Frequency response
5 Hz - 25 kHz
-
Impedance
8.2 Ω
-
Sensitivity
94 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
-
Voice assistant
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
Connector
4.4 mm balanced
-

What reviewers said

Campfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM

The Campfire Audio Astrolith is a premium dual-planar IEM that delivers exceptional speed, clarity, and technical resolution, making it a standout in the brand's lineup. Its nearly flat impedance, low distortion, and high sensitivity pair well with quality sources, though its low 8.2-ohm impedance may require a capable amplifier for optimal performance.

  • Pro:Exceptional speed and transient response
  • Pro:Highly resolving and detailed sound
  • Pro:Cohesive dual-planar driver integration
  • Con:Low impedance may need a powerful source
  • Con:Stock ear tips are underwhelming
  • Con:Mid-bass can exhibit slight bloom

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.

New comparisonCampfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEMTHIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV