Wired IEMs
Campfire Audio Solaris 2020
Not yet scored
$1,500
Full review dataCampfire Audio Solaris 2020 vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
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 4 of 4 measures.
- Campfire Audio Solaris 2020
- THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
-
84
Sound
-
9.4
Value
-
7.6
Price (USD)
$1,500
$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.
- Solaris 20202020
- Monarch MKIV20255 yr newer
Specifications
Solaris 2020Monarch MKIV
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $1,150
- HearWiki score
- Not scored
- 84
- Released
- 2020
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- hybrid
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- -
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
- Driver size
- -
- 8 mm
- Drivers per side
- -
- 10
- Sound signature
- v-shaped
- -
- Sensitivity
- 94 dB/mW
- -
- Connector
- MMCX
- -
What reviewers said
Campfire Audio Solaris 2020
The Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 is a refined version of the original, with a more compact and sleek build using Solid-Body construction. It delivers a V-shaped sound profile, combining dynamic driver bass with balanced armature drivers for a lively, engaging listen that emphasizes lower mids and upper treble sparkle.
- Pro:Compact, streamlined design
- Pro:Solid-Body construction enhances durability
- Pro:Dynamic, fun V-shaped tuning
- Con:Requires a powerful source due to low sensitivity
- Con:V-shaped signature may not suit neutral purists
- Con:High price point for an IEM
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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