Moondrop S8 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 S8
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

8.6

9.4

Value

5.8

7.6

Price (USD)

$700

$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.

S82021
Monarch MKIV20254 yr newer

Specifications

S8Monarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $700; $1,150
HearWiki score: 69; 84
Released: 2021; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 8× balanced armature; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: balanced-armature; tribrid
Driver configuration: -; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: -; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 8; 10
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz; -
Sound signature: harman; -
Impedance: 16 Ω; -
Sensitivity: 122 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
USB-C: No; -
Connector: 3.5 mm; -

Specification comparison of Moondrop S8 vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	Moondrop S8	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$700	$1,150
HearWiki score	69 / 100 Good	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2021	2025
Audio
Driver	8× balanced armature	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	balanced-armature	tribrid
Driver configuration	-	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	-	8 mm
Drivers per side	8	10
Frequency response	20 Hz - 40 kHz	-
Sound signature	harman	-
Impedance	16 Ω	-
Sensitivity	122 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
USB-C	No	-
Connector	3.5 mm	-

What reviewers said

Moondrop S8

The Moondrop S8 is a premium eight-driver balanced-armature in-ear monitor that delivers exceptional detail retrieval and a refined, balanced sound signature. Its high sensitivity makes it easy to drive from most sources, though it may reveal hiss from noisy gear. With a solid build, comfortable fit, and technical maturity that rivals pricier models, it's a strong choice for critical listening.

Pro:Excellent detail and resolution
Pro:Balanced, engaging tuning
Pro:Easy to drive with high sensitivity

Con:Can expose source hiss
Con:No noise cancellation
Con:Wired only, no USB-C option

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 S8 THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV