I/O Audio Volare 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.

I/O Audio Volare
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

8.5

9.4

Value

7.2

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

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV (2025) against I/O Audio Volare (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.

Volare2024
Monarch MKIV20251 yr newer

Specifications

VolareMonarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $600; $1,150
HearWiki score: 78; 84
Released: 2024; 2025
Availability: Still sold new; Sold new
Driver: 1DD + 4BA + 4EST tribrid; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: tribrid; tribrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 4BA + 4EST; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: 8 mm; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 9; 10
Impedance: 4.8 Ω; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Weight: 5 g; -

Specification comparison of I/O Audio Volare vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	I/O Audio Volare	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$600	$1,150
HearWiki score	78 / 100 Great	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2025
Audio
Driver	1DD + 4BA + 4EST tribrid	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	tribrid	tribrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 4BA + 4EST	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	8 mm	8 mm
Drivers per side	9	10
Impedance	4.8 Ω	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Weight	5 g	-

What reviewers said

I/O Audio Volare

The I/O Audio Volare is a well-regarded tribrid IEM that combines a dynamic driver, four balanced armatures, and four electrostatic drivers for a coherent, balanced sound with strong bass and smooth-bright treble. It offers solid imaging, excellent build quality, and a generous accessory package, making it a compelling debut at its price point. While praised for its overall performance, some listeners may find the upper-midrange emphasis intense, and the vented design can pick up wind noise.

Pro:Powerful, well-defined bass response
Pro:Coherent and balanced tribrid tuning
Pro:Excellent imaging and articulation

Con:Upper-midrange can be intense for some listeners
Con:Limited bass texture detail
Con:Vents may allow audible wind noise

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 comparison I/O Audio Volare THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV