Hisenior Mega5Est Bass+ 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.

Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.

Hisenior Mega5Est Bass+
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

8.6

9.4

Value

7.7

7.6

Price (USD)

$590

$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 Hisenior Mega5Est Bass+ (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.

Mega5Est Bass+2024
Monarch MKIV20251 yr newer

Specifications

Mega5Est Bass+Monarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $590; $1,150
HearWiki score: 80; 84
Released: 2024; 2025
Availability: Still sold new; Sold new
Driver: 1DD + 2BA + 2EST tribrid; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: tribrid; tribrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 2BA + 2EST; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: 10 mm; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 5; 10
Impedance: 24 Ω; -
Sensitivity: 101 dB/mW; -

Specification comparison of Hisenior Mega5Est Bass+ vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	Hisenior Mega5Est Bass+	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$590	$1,150
HearWiki score	80 / 100 Great	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2025
Audio
Driver	1DD + 2BA + 2EST tribrid	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	tribrid	tribrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 2BA + 2EST	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	10 mm	8 mm
Drivers per side	5	10
Impedance	24 Ω	-
Sensitivity	101 dB/mW	-

What reviewers said

Hisenior Mega5Est Bass+

The Hisenior Mega5Est Bass+ is a wired tribrid IEM that delivers a warm, bass-forward sound signature with a dynamic driver, dual balanced armatures, and dual electrostatic tweeters. It offers an engaging listen with solid overall tuning, though its technical performance in terms of separation and mid-bass control leaves some room for improvement. Priced around $589, it's a compelling choice for bass lovers seeking a unique hybrid experience.

Pro:Engaging bass-forward tuning
Pro:Unique tribrid driver configuration
Pro:Comfortable fit and build quality

Con:Mid-bass could be tighter
Con:Upper mids are slightly recessed
Con:Average soundstage separation

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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