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Campfire Audio Grand Luna - Planar Hybrid 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 Grand Luna - Planar Hybrid IEM
  • THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
73
84
Sound
8.1
9.4
Value
6.5
7.6
Price (USD)
$1,400
$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

Both shipped in 2025. 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.

  • Grand Luna - Planar Hybrid IEM2025
  • Monarch MKIV2025

Specifications

Grand Luna - Planar Hybrid IEMMonarch MKIV
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$1,400
$1,150
HearWiki score
73
84
Released
2025
2025
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
3-driver hybrid
2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type
hybrid
tribrid
Driver configuration
-
2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size
14 mm
8 mm
Drivers per side
3
10
Frequency response
5 Hz - 30 kHz
-
Impedance
13 Ω
-
Sensitivity
94 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
-
ANC type
none
-
Companion app
No
-
Custom EQ
No
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
none
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
-
Connector
4.4 mm balanced
-

What reviewers said

Campfire Audio Grand Luna - Planar Hybrid IEM

The Grand Luna is Campfire Audio's debut planar-hybrid IEM, combining a 14 mm planar driver with two balanced armatures for a refined, high-resolution sound. Its tuning leans toward a smooth, easy-going character rather than a clinical or analytical edge, and the included modular USB-C DAC cable adds versatile connectivity. Positioned as a premium, technically ambitious option, it pairs extended frequency response with low distortion in a wired, balanced-output design.

  • Pro:Smooth, detailed hybrid tuning with planar speed and armature clarity
  • Pro:Extended 5 Hz–30 kHz frequency response for airy highs and deep lows
  • Pro:Modular USB-C DAC cable offers convenient all-in-one connectivity
  • Con:Premium $1399 price point limits accessibility
  • Con:No in-line controls or app support for adjustments
  • Con:Lacks active noise cancellation despite premium status

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 Grand Luna - Planar Hybrid IEMTHIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV