Wired IEMs
Hisenior Mega5EST
80Outstanding
$650
Full review dataHisenior Mega5EST 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
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.
Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.
- Hisenior Mega5EST
- THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
80
84
Sound
9.1
9.4
Value
8.3
7.6
Price (USD)
$650
$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 2 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.
- Mega5EST2023
- Monarch MKIV20252 yr newer
Specifications
Mega5ESTMonarch MKIV
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $650
- $1,150
- HearWiki score
- 80
- 84
- Released
- 2023
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- 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
- 25 Ω
- -
- Weight
- 6 g
- -
- Connector
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- -
What reviewers said
Hisenior Mega5EST
The Hisenior Mega5EST is a tribrid in-ear monitor that blends a dynamic driver, dual balanced armatures, and dual electrostatic drivers into a smooth, enjoyable tuning. It prioritizes a cohesive and musical listen over clinical precision, wrapped in a premium build with a generous accessory kit. The main letdown is cosmetic, with the shell color not quite matching the faceplates, though performance-wise it's a strong all-rounder for its price.
- Pro:Enjoyable, well-balanced tuning with broad appeal
- Pro:High-quality construction and included accessories
- Pro:Cohesive sound across drivers without harshness
- Con:Shell color doesn't match the faceplates aesthetically
- Con:Not aimed at listeners wanting extreme technical detail
- Con:Lacks noise cancellation features
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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