Campfire Audio Fathom 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.

Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.

Campfire Audio Fathom
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

8.3

9.4

Value

7.7

7.6

Price (USD)

$800

$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 2 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.

Fathom2023
Monarch MKIV20252 yr newer

Specifications

FathomMonarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $800; $1,150
HearWiki score: 72; 84
Released: 2023; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 6× balanced armature; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: balanced-armature; tribrid
Driver configuration: -; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: -; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 6; 10
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 20 kHz; -
Impedance: 11.7 Ω; -
Sensitivity: 94 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Controls: none; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
USB-C: No; -
Connector: 4.4 mm balanced; -

Specification comparison of Campfire Audio Fathom vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	Campfire Audio Fathom	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$800	$1,150
HearWiki score	72 / 100 Great	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2023	2025
Audio
Driver	6× balanced armature	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	balanced-armature	tribrid
Driver configuration	-	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	-	8 mm
Drivers per side	6	10
Frequency response	5 Hz - 20 kHz	-
Impedance	11.7 Ω	-
Sensitivity	94 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Controls	none	-
Design
Detachable cable	Yes	-
USB-C	No	-
Connector	4.4 mm balanced	-

What reviewers said

Campfire Audio Fathom

The Campfire Audio Fathom is a wired, all-balanced-armature IEM that delivers a refined, balanced sound with a strong focus on vocal clarity and precise imaging. Its low impedance makes it easy to drive from a wide range of sources, while the smooth, detailed tuning reveals its strengths over longer listening sessions. This model offers a mature, engaging take on the brand's signature sound, wrapped in a sturdy, audiophile-focused design.

Pro:Very balanced and refined sound signature
Pro:Strong vocal presence and precise imaging
Pro:Easy to drive thanks to low impedance

Con:Requires a balanced source for optimal use
Con:No included controls or wireless features
Con:Sound may not impress immediately without extended listening

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 Fathom THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV