Wired IEMs
Campfire Audio Dorado 2020
68Good
$700
Full review dataCampfire Audio Dorado 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 Dorado 2020
- THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
68
84
Sound
7.9
9.4
Value
5.8
7.6
Price (USD)
$700
$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.
- Dorado 20202020
- Monarch MKIV20255 yr newer
Specifications
Dorado 2020Monarch MKIV
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $700
- $1,150
- HearWiki score
- 68
- 84
- Released
- 2020
- 2025
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2-driver hybrid
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- -
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 8 mm
- Drivers per side
- 2
- 10
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz - 22 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 10 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 94 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- No
- -
- Connector
- MMCX
- -
What reviewers said
Campfire Audio Dorado 2020
The Campfire Audio Dorado 2020 is a hybrid in-ear monitor that delivers a bold, V-shaped sound with powerful bass and sparkling treble, making it a fun, energetic choice for listeners who prefer a lively signature over neutrality. Its premium build, comfortable fit, and easy-to-drive nature add to its appeal, though its colored tuning and occasional response peaks may not suit everyone.
- Pro:Premium build and comfortable fit
- Pro:Powerful, dynamic bass with good control
- Pro:Easy to drive due to low impedance
- Con:Tuning can be excessive with uneven response peaks
- Con:Colored midrange may not appeal to all
- Con:Expensive for its niche sound profile
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.