Lime Ears Terra 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 4 of 4 measures.

Lime Ears Terra
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

8.6

9.4

Value

6.2

7.6

Price (USD)

$1,200

$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 Lime Ears Terra (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.

Terra2024
Monarch MKIV20251 yr newer

Specifications

TerraMonarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $1,200; $1,150
HearWiki score: 73; 84
Released: 2024; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 1DD + 5BA hybrid; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: hybrid; tribrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 5BA; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: 7 mm; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 6; 10

Specification comparison of Lime Ears Terra vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	Lime Ears Terra	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$1,200	$1,150
HearWiki score	73 / 100 Great	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2025
Audio
Driver	1DD + 5BA hybrid	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	hybrid	tribrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 5BA	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	7 mm	8 mm
Drivers per side	6	10

What reviewers said

Lime Ears Terra

The Lime Ears Terra is a hybrid in-ear monitor that delivers a versatile, well-rounded sound with a warm, bass-forward character and controlled treble. It pairs solid build quality with broad musical compatibility, though its bass texture and ultimate technical finesse are not exceptional for the price. Overall, it's a dependable all-rounder that performs strongly against similarly priced rivals rather than leading its class.

Pro:Lush, bass-present tuning that remains controlled in the highs
Pro:Versatile and balanced across many music genres
Pro:Sturdy construction and premium build quality

Con:Bass texture is only average for the price point
Con:Nozzle is long or thick, which may affect fit for some users
Con:Not class-leading in outright technical refinement

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 Lime Ears Terra THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV