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Noble Audio Wizard Katana 1.3 vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Noble Audio Wizard Katana 1.3 vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

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.

  • Noble Audio Wizard Katana 1.3
  • THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
-
84
Sound
-
9.4
Value
-
7.6
Price (USD)
$1,950
$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 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Wizard Katana 1.32019
  • Monarch MKIV20256 yr newer

Specifications

Wizard Katana 1.3Monarch MKIV
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$1,950
$1,150
HearWiki score
Not scored
84
Released
2019
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
-
2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type
-
tribrid
Driver configuration
-
2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size
-
8 mm
Drivers per side
-
10
Active noise cancelling
No
-

What reviewers said

Noble Audio Wizard Katana 1.3

The Noble Audio Wizard Katana is a premium wired in-ear monitor with a striking, artisan-crafted faceplate design. It focuses on delivering a high-fidelity listening experience without any active noise cancellation, catering to audiophiles who prioritize pure sound reproduction. Its upper-tier pricing reflects the brand's reputation for meticulous tuning and exclusive aesthetics.

  • Pro:Award-winning pedigree and reputation
  • Pro:Unique, handcrafted Wizard design faceplate
  • Pro:High-end audio performance for critical listening
  • Con:Very expensive for most buyers
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Wired-only connection limits portability

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 comparisonNoble Audio Wizard Katana 1.3THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV