Wired IEMs
Meze Rai Penta
56Average
$1,100
Full review dataMeze Rai Penta 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
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
84Outstanding
$1,150
Full review dataScore 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 Rai Penta
- THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
56
84
Sound
7.6
9.4
Value
4.0
7.6
Price (USD)
$1,100
$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
The THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV is 7 years newer, but it is 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. For 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Rai Penta2018
- Monarch MKIV20257 yr newer
Specifications
Rai PentaMonarch MKIV
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,100
- $1,150
- HearWiki score
- 56
- 84
- Released
- 2018
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 1BA hybrid
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 1BA
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 8 mm
- Drivers per side
- 2
- 10
- Frequency response
- 4 Hz - 45 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 20 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 110 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Controls
- none
- -
- USB-C
- No
- -
- Connector
- MMCX
- -
What reviewers said
Meze Rai Penta
The Meze Rai Penta is a wired hybrid IEM combining a single 10mm dynamic driver with a balanced armature for a warm, smooth, and non-fatiguing listen. Its comfortable build and easy-to-drive nature make it a solid choice for analog sources, though its bass depth and treble sparkle are less pronounced than some rivals at this price. It delivers a natural, resolving midrange with wide staging, but isolation is limited and performance can vary with the source.
- Pro:Excellent build quality and comfort
- Pro:Natural, non-fatiguing midrange
- Pro:Easy to drive with high sensitivity
- Con:Bass impact and extension are modest
- Con:Treble may be too relaxed for some
- Con:Limited passive isolation
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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