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DUNU Kaoru DUNU x FitEar 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.

  • DUNU Kaoru DUNU x FitEar
  • THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
75
84
Sound
8.5
9.4
Value
4.5
7.6
Price (USD)
$1,700
$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

DUNU Kaoru DUNU x FitEar (2026) against THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV (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.

  • Kaoru DUNU x FitEar20261 yr newer
  • Monarch MKIV2025

Specifications

Kaoru DUNU x FitEarMonarch MKIV
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$1,700
$1,150
HearWiki score
75
84
Released
2026
2025
Availability
Sold new
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
Active noise cancelling
No
-
Connector
2-pin 0.78 mm
-

What reviewers said

DUNU Kaoru DUNU x FitEar

This limited-edition collaboration IEM pairs six balanced armature drivers with an unusual oval, triple-layer nozzle to shape its sound. It’s a wired, passive design built around a FitEar cable terminated with a 2-pin connector and Oyaide 3.5mm plug, aimed at detail-focused listeners who value a distinctive tuning approach. Priced as a premium boutique offering, it targets audiophiles seeking a unique sonic signature rather than everyday convenience features.

  • Pro:Six balanced armature drivers for detailed, high-resolution sound
  • Pro:Unique oval, triple-layer nozzle helps refine frequency response
  • Pro:Premium FitEar cable with Oyaide plug ensures solid connectivity
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, so isolation depends on fit
  • Con:High price limits accessibility
  • Con:Wired-only design may not suit wireless users

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 comparisonDUNU Kaoru DUNU x FitEarTHIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV