Meze ADVAR 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.

Meze ADVAR
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

7.1

9.4

Value

7.6

Price (USD)

$580

$1,150

Specifications

ADVARMonarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $580; $1,150
HearWiki score: 57; 84
Released: 2022; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 10.2 mm dynamic; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: dynamic; tribrid
Driver configuration: -; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: 10.2 mm; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 10
Frequency response: 10 Hz - 30 kHz; -
Impedance: 31 Ω; -
Sensitivity: 111 dB/mW; -
Weight: 21 g; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
USB-C: No; -
Connector: 3.5 mm; -

Specification comparison of Meze ADVAR vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	Meze ADVAR	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$580	$1,150
HearWiki score	57 / 100 Average	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2022	2025
Audio
Driver	10.2 mm dynamic	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	dynamic	tribrid
Driver configuration	-	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	10.2 mm	8 mm
Drivers per side	1	10
Frequency response	10 Hz - 30 kHz	-
Impedance	31 Ω	-
Sensitivity	111 dB/mW	-
Design
Weight	21 g	-
Detachable cable	Yes	-
USB-C	No	-
Connector	3.5 mm	-

What reviewers said

Meze ADVAR

The Meze ADVAR is a single 10.2mm dynamic-driver IEM that delivers a warm, musical, and full-bodied sound with textured bass and natural timbre. It combines a well-crafted, comfortable design with an engaging, spacious presentation, making it a versatile all-rounder for various genres. While its technicalities like soundstage and imaging are solid, they are not the absolute best in its price class, and bass control can be slightly limited at times.

Pro:Rich, musical and engaging tonal balance
Pro:Excellent build quality and comfortable fit
Pro:Textured, impactful bass with organic timbre

Con:Bass control could be tighter in complex tracks
Con:Passive isolation is only moderate
Con:Soundstage and imaging are not class-leading

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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