Letshuoer Mystic8 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.

Letshuoer Mystic8
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

8.6

9.4

Value

6.1

7.6

Price (USD)

$990

$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

Both shipped in 2025. 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.

Mystic82025
Monarch MKIV2025

Specifications

Mystic8Monarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $990; $1,150
HearWiki score: 77; 84
Released: 2025; 2025
Availability: Sold new; Sold new
Driver: 8BA; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: balanced-armature; tribrid
Driver configuration: 8BA; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: -; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 8; 10
Impedance: 18 Ω; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; -

Specification comparison of Letshuoer Mystic8 vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	Letshuoer Mystic8	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$990	$1,150
HearWiki score	77 / 100 Great	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2025	2025
Audio
Driver	8BA	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	balanced-armature	tribrid
Driver configuration	8BA	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	-	8 mm
Drivers per side	8	10
Impedance	18 Ω	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	-

What reviewers said

Letshuoer Mystic8

The Letshuoer Mystic8 is a wired, 8-driver balanced-armature IEM with a neutral, musical tuning that prioritizes natural timbre and clarity. It delivers refined, coherent sound with strong technical performance, making it a well-executed premium choice for those seeking an engaging yet accurate listening experience.

Pro:Neutral yet musical tuning
Pro:Natural timbre and strong clarity
Pro:Coherent, refined sound signature

Con:Premium price point
Con:No noise cancellation or wireless options
Con:Requires a good source due to 18-ohm impedance

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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New comparison Letshuoer Mystic8 THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV