Wired IEMs
Sennheiser IE 600
75Great
$700
Full review dataSennheiser IE 600 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.
- Sennheiser IE 600
- THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
75
84
Sound
9.3
9.4
Value
6.5
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 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- IE 6002022
- Monarch MKIV20253 yr newer
Specifications
IE 600Monarch MKIV
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $700
- $1,150
- HearWiki score
- 75
- 84
- Released
- 2022
- 2025
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 7 mm dynamic
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
- Driver type
- dynamic
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- -
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
- Driver size
- 7 mm
- 8 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 10
- Frequency response
- 4 Hz - 46.5 kHz
- -
- Sound signature
- neutral
- -
- Impedance
- 18 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
- 118
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Weight
- 6 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- MMCX
- -
- Model code
- 508948
- -
What reviewers said
Sennheiser IE 600
The Sennheiser IE 600 is a compact, wired in-ear monitor that delivers a neutral and highly detailed sound, thanks to its single 7 mm dynamic driver and dual resonance chambers. Its durable, 3D-printed metal shell and comfortable fit make it a refined choice for purists, while its high sensitivity and low impedance ensure easy driving from any source. The overall tuning is natural and well-balanced, with controlled bass and clear treble, though tip choice can affect treble smoothness.
- Pro:Detailed and precise sound with strong imaging
- Pro:Neutral, studio-like tuning that is engaging and current
- Pro:Compact and durable 3D-printed metal housing
- Con:Silicone tips can emphasize sibilance
- Con:No noise cancellation or wireless features
- Con:Pricey for a single-driver wired IEM
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.