Campfire Audio Ponderosa 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 Ponderosa
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

7.9

9.4

Value

6.9

7.6

Price (USD)

$970

$1,150

Specifications

PonderosaMonarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $970; $1,150
HearWiki score: 73; 84
Released: 2024; 2025
Availability: Still sold new; Sold new
Driver: 5× balanced armature; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: balanced-armature; tribrid
Driver configuration: -; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: -; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 5; 10
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 20 kHz; -
Impedance: 6 Ω; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
Connector: 3.5 mm; -

Specification comparison of Campfire Audio Ponderosa vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	Campfire Audio Ponderosa	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$970	$1,150
HearWiki score	73 / 100 Great	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2025
Audio
Driver	5× balanced armature	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	balanced-armature	tribrid
Driver configuration	-	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	-	8 mm
Drivers per side	5	10
Frequency response	5 Hz - 20 kHz	-
Impedance	6 Ω	-
Design
Detachable cable	Yes	-
Connector	3.5 mm	-

What reviewers said

Campfire Audio Ponderosa

The Campfire Audio Ponderosa is a five-driver balanced-armature in-ear monitor that delivers a warm, refined sound signature with a robust low end, clear vocals, and polished highs. It combines good ergonomics and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of genres while maintaining a non-fatiguing character, though its soundstage is somewhat limited and the lower treble can occasionally be sharp.

Pro:Warm, robust bass foundation
Pro:Clear and lively mids and treble
Pro:Comfortable fit with good isolation

Con:Soundstage feels somewhat constrained
Con:Lower treble can be harsh at times
Con:High impedance of 6 ohms may require a powerful source

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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