Campfire Audio Clara 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 4 of 4 measures.

Campfire Audio Clara
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

8.8

9.4

Value

6.3

7.6

Price (USD)

$2,000

$1,150

Specifications

ClaraMonarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $2,000; $1,150
HearWiki score: 78; 84
Released: 2025; 2025
Availability: Sold new; Sold new
Driver: 4-driver hybrid; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: hybrid; tribrid
Driver configuration: -; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: 10 mm; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 4; 10
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 20 kHz; -
Sound signature: neutral; -
Impedance: 13.3 Ω; -
Sensitivity: 94 dB/mW; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
Connector: MMCX; -

Specification comparison of Campfire Audio Clara vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	Campfire Audio Clara	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$2,000	$1,150
HearWiki score	78 / 100 Great	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2025	2025
Audio
Driver	4-driver hybrid	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	hybrid	tribrid
Driver configuration	-	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	10 mm	8 mm
Drivers per side	4	10
Frequency response	5 Hz - 20 kHz	-
Sound signature	neutral	-
Impedance	13.3 Ω	-
Sensitivity	94 dB/mW	-
Design
Detachable cable	Yes	-
Connector	MMCX	-

What reviewers said

Campfire Audio Clara

The Campfire Audio Clara is a premium hybrid IEM that pairs a warm, bass-forward tuning with crisp mids and a refined high end, resulting in a sound that is both engaging and easy to enjoy over long sessions. Its solid build, detachable MMCX cable, and included accessory package add to the value, though the large shells may not suit all ear shapes. Overall, it offers a versatile, musical performance that works well for both casual listening and monitoring.

Pro:Rich, controlled low end
Pro:Clear and natural mids
Pro:Refined, non-fatiguing treble

Con:Large shells may fit poorly for smaller ears
Con:Soundstage is not particularly wide
Con:Slightly recessed treble for some listeners

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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