Wired IEMs
Moondrop ILLUMINATION
40Weak
$800
Full review dataMoondrop ILLUMINATION 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.
- Moondrop ILLUMINATION
- THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
40
84
Sound
6.1
9.4
Value
2.6
7.6
Price (USD)
$800
$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 4 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 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- ILLUMINATION2021
- Monarch MKIV20254 yr newer
Specifications
ILLUMINATIONMonarch MKIV
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $800
- $1,150
- HearWiki score
- 40
- 84
- Released
- 2021
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 11 mm dynamic
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
- Driver type
- dynamic
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- -
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
- Driver size
- 11 mm
- 8 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 10
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- -
- Sound signature
- neutral-warm
- -
- Impedance
- 25 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 124 dB/mW
- -
- Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
- 124
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- ANC type
- none
- -
- Transparency mode
- No
- -
- Companion app
- No
- -
- Custom EQ
- No
- -
- Wear detection
- No
- -
- Controls
- buttons
- -
- Water resistance
- none
- -
- Foldable
- No
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- No
- -
- Connector
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- -
What reviewers said
Moondrop ILLUMINATION
The Moondrop ILLUMINATION is a single 11mm dynamic-driver wired IEM from 2021, priced around $800. It offers a tuned, musical sound with comfortable fit and solid build, but its technical performance and value are debated, with some finding it bright at high volumes and expensive for what it delivers. It lacks ANC, app support, and wireless features, relying on a simple 2-pin connection and button controls.
- Pro:Comfortable fit and good soundstage
- Pro:Above-average build quality and timbre
- Pro:Musical midrange with punchy bass
- Con:Expensive relative to sonic performance
- Con:Can sound bright or aggressive at higher volumes
- Con:Weak accessory package and no tuning filters
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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