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: 50; 84
Released: 2023; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; 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	50 / 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

This high-end wired in-ear features a sophisticated hybrid setup that pairs two 10mm dynamic drivers with eight balanced-armature drivers for a detailed, layered sound. Designed for critical listening, it delivers a rich and expansive presentation without any active noise cancellation. Its low 22-ohm impedance makes it easy to drive from a variety of sources.

Pro:Rich, detailed hybrid sound with good separation
Pro:Easy to drive thanks to low impedance
Pro:Premium build with standard 2-pin connector

Con:No noise cancellation for noisy environments
Con:High price point may not suit all budgets
Con:Requires a quality source to fully shine

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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