MOONDROP DARK SABER 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.

MOONDROP DARK SABER
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

6.5

9.4

Value

3.4

7.6

Price (USD)

$900

$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 2 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.

DARK SABER2023
Monarch MKIV20252 yr newer

Specifications

DARK SABERMonarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $900; $1,150
HearWiki score: 53; 84
Released: 2023; 2025
Availability: Still sold new; Sold new
Driver: 2DD + 8BA hybrid; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: hybrid; tribrid
Driver configuration: 2DD + 8BA; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: 10 mm; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 10; 10
Impedance: 22 Ω; -
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; -

Specification comparison of MOONDROP DARK SABER vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	MOONDROP DARK SABER	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$900	$1,150
HearWiki score	53 / 100 Average	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2023	2025
Audio
Driver	2DD + 8BA hybrid	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	hybrid	tribrid
Driver configuration	2DD + 8BA	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	10 mm	8 mm
Drivers per side	10	10
Impedance	22 Ω	-
Design
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	-

What reviewers said

MOONDROP DARK SABER

The DARK SABER is a premium wired in-ear monitor that combines two 10mm dynamic drivers with eight balanced-armature drivers in a hybrid configuration. It is designed for critical music listening, offering a detailed and layered soundstage without active noise cancellation. With a 22-ohm impedance and a standard 2-pin 0.78mm connector, it is built for audiophiles seeking a high-end, versatile listening experience.

Pro:Hybrid 2DD + 8BA driver setup delivers rich, detailed sound
Pro:Wired design ensures zero latency and pure audio signal
Pro:Standard 2-pin connector allows easy cable swapping

Con:No active noise cancellation, so external noise may intrude
Con:Premium price point may not suit casual listeners
Con:Hybrid tuning may require a good source to shine

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 MOONDROP DARK SABER THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV