Skip to content
HearWiki

Moondrop Armature Art 24 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.

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.

  • Moondrop Armature Art 24
  • THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
79
84
Sound
9.0
9.4
Value
5.9
7.6
Price (USD)
$1,420
$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

Moondrop Armature Art 24 (2026) against THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV (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.

  • Armature Art 2420261 yr newer
  • Monarch MKIV2025

Specifications

Armature Art 24Monarch MKIV
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$1,420
$1,150
HearWiki score
79
84
Released
2026
2025
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
24× balanced armature
2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type
balanced-armature
tribrid
Driver configuration
-
2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size
-
8 mm
Drivers per side
24
10
Frequency response
7 Hz - 35 kHz
-
Impedance
5.8 Ω
-
Sensitivity
119 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
-
Controls
none
-
USB-C
No
-
Connector
4.4 mm balanced
-
Model code
MD-IEM-087
-

What reviewers said

Moondrop Armature Art 24

The Moondrop Armature Art 24 is a flagship in-ear monitor built around a massive 24-driver balanced-armature array, engineered for exceptional technical detail and a layered, realistic low end. Its premium construction and meticulous tuning target audiophiles seeking a highly transparent and musical presentation, though it demands a powerful source and a dedicated 4.4mm balanced connection. With no built-in controls or wireless features, it is a pure, uncompromising wired listening instrument.

  • Pro:Layered, realistic bass from a dedicated multi-driver module
  • Pro:Exceptional technical resolution across the frequency range
  • Pro:Premium build and aesthetic befitting a flagship
  • Con:Very high price point for a specialized product
  • Con:Requires a high-quality source, given 5.8-ohm impedance
  • Con:No controls or wireless convenience; wired-only 4.4mm connection

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.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonMoondrop Armature Art 24THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV