Campfire Audio Cascara 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

Score 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 Cascara
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

8.0

9.4

Value

7.1

7.6

Price (USD)

$600

$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 Cascara (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.

Cascara2024
Monarch MKIV20251 yr newer

Specifications

CascaraMonarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $600; $1,150
HearWiki score: 73; 84
Released: 2024; 2025
Availability: Still sold new; Sold new
Driver: 10 mm dynamic; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: dynamic; tribrid
Driver configuration: -; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: 10 mm; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 10
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 20 kHz; -
Impedance: 23 Ω; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
Connector: 4.4 mm balanced; -

Specification comparison of Campfire Audio Cascara vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	Campfire Audio Cascara	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$600	$1,150
HearWiki score	73 / 100 Great	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2025
Audio
Driver	10 mm dynamic	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	dynamic	tribrid
Driver configuration	-	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	10 mm	8 mm
Drivers per side	1	10
Frequency response	5 Hz - 20 kHz	-
Impedance	23 Ω	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Detachable cable	Yes	-
Connector	4.4 mm balanced	-

What reviewers said

Campfire Audio Cascara

The Campfire Audio Cascara is a wired, dynamic-driver IEM that delivers a warm, bass-forward sound with substantial low-end punch and a cohesive, engaging character. Its comfortable shell and solid build make it a versatile choice for both music and gaming, though its treble is somewhat subdued and isolation is only average. With a 4.4mm balanced connector and 23-ohm impedance, it pairs well with a variety of sources for a satisfying, weighty listen.

Pro:Deep, impactful bass response
Pro:Comfortable and ergonomic fit
Pro:Good soundstage and imaging

Con:Lacks upper-treble sparkle
Con:Only average passive isolation
Con:Requires a bit more power than some peers

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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New comparison Campfire Audio Cascara THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV