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: 75; 84
Released: 2024; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; 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	75 / 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 Volare is a tribrid IEM that combines a dynamic driver, four balanced armatures, and four electrostatic drivers to deliver a coherent, balanced sound with strong bass and smooth-bright treble. It offers excellent build quality, a comprehensive accessory package, and impressive technical performance for its price, making it a standout debut despite a few minor quirks.

Pro:Coherent and balanced tuning with good bass presence
Pro:Excellent build quality and large accessory set
Pro:Strong imaging and articulation for its class

Con:Upper-mids can be intense at times
Con:Bass texture is somewhat limited
Con:Vents may pick up noticeable wind noise

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 I/O Audio Volare THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV