Wired IEMs
DUNU SA6EST
Not yet scored
$640
Full review dataDUNU SA6EST vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the DUNU SA6EST 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 3 of 4 measures.
- DUNU SA6EST
- THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
-
84
Sound
-
9.4
Value
-
7.6
Price (USD)
$640
$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
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV (2025) against DUNU SA6EST (2024). 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.
- SA6EST2024
- Monarch MKIV20251 yr newer
Specifications
SA6ESTMonarch MKIV
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $640
- $1,150
- HearWiki score
- Not scored
- 84
- Released
- 2024
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 6BA + 2EST hybrid
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 6BA + 2EST
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
- Driver size
- -
- 8 mm
- Drivers per side
- 8
- 10
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz - 40 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 55 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 117 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Controls
- none
- -
- Weight
- 6 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
What reviewers said
DUNU SA6EST
The DUNU SA6EST is an eight-driver hybrid IEM that pairs six balanced armatures with two electrostatic units, managed by a custom four-way crossover and a swappable plug system. It delivers a broad frequency range from 5 Hz to 40 kHz with high sensitivity, making it a versatile wired option for detailed listening. Its lightweight build and detachable cable add practicality for audiophiles on the go.
- Pro:Detailed and airy treble from dual electrostatic drivers
- Pro:Wide frequency response covers deep lows to extended highs
- Pro:Lightweight design at just 6 grams for comfortable wear
- Con:No active noise cancellation, so isolation depends on fit
- Con:Lacks inline controls, requiring external device management
- Con:Hybrid driver setup may require a good source to shine
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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