DUNU x Z Reviews SA6 Ultra 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.

DUNU x Z Reviews SA6 Ultra
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

8.1

9.4

Value

7.6

Price (USD)

$600

$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 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

x Z Reviews SA6 Ultra2022
Monarch MKIV20253 yr newer

Specifications

x Z Reviews SA6 UltraMonarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $600; $1,150
HearWiki score: 70; 84
Released: 2022; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: -; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: -; tribrid
Driver configuration: -; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: -; 8 mm
Drivers per side: -; 10

Specification comparison of DUNU x Z Reviews SA6 Ultra vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	DUNU x Z Reviews SA6 Ultra	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$600	$1,150
HearWiki score	70 / 100 Good	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2022	2025
Audio
Driver	-	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	-	tribrid
Driver configuration	-	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	-	8 mm
Drivers per side	-	10

What reviewers said

DUNU x Z Reviews SA6 Ultra

This limited-edition wired IEM from DUNU and Z Reviews is a retuned, upgraded take on the SA6, packing six balanced-armature drivers per side for a detailed, audiophile-focused sound. It connects via a standard 0.78 mm 2-pin cable and offers no active noise cancellation, keeping things purely analog. Priced around $600, it’s aimed at listeners who want a refined, neutral-leaning tuning over extra features.

Pro:Detailed six-driver balanced-armature design
Pro:Upgraded tuning for audiophile clarity
Pro:Standard 0.78 mm 2-pin cable compatibility

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Limited-edition availability may be scarce
Con:Requires a good source to shine

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

This flagship in-ear monitor packs a ten-driver hybrid setup—pairing dual 8mm dynamics with six balanced armatures and two electrostatic tweeters—to deliver a reference-grade, studio-neutral signature. It also offers a switchable RUMBLE mode for those who prefer a more pronounced low-end, catering to both purists and bass enthusiasts. The wired-only design focuses on audiophile-grade sound without active noise cancellation.

Pro:Reference-neutral tuning with optional bass boost
Pro:Layered, detailed treble from dual electrostats
Pro:Solid build and premium fit for long sessions

Con:No wireless or ANC options
Con:Large shell may not suit smaller ears
Con:Requires a quality source to shine fully

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparison DUNU x Z Reviews SA6 Ultra THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV