Wired IEMs
Sennheiser IE 800 S
52Average
$1,080
Full review dataSennheiser IE 800 S 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 800 S
- THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
52
84
Sound
7.5
9.4
Value
4.1
7.6
Price (USD)
$1,080
$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 8 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 8 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- IE 800 S2017
- Monarch MKIV20258 yr newer
Specifications
IE 800 SMonarch MKIV
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,080
- $1,150
- HearWiki score
- 52
- 84
- Released
- 2017
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- 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
- 5 Hz - 46.5 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Weight
- 8 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- No
- -
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- -
- Model code
- 507360
- -
What reviewers said
Sennheiser IE 800 S
The Sennheiser IE 800 S is a compact, wired single-dynamic-driver in-ear with a strong low-end and wide frequency response, delivering detailed and spacious sound. While its build and comfort are praised, the high price, cable noise, and finicky fit with certain tips are notable trade-offs.
- Pro:Excellent sub-bass extension and detail
- Pro:Spacious and natural soundstage
- Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Con:Cable is prone to microphonics (noise from movement)
- Con:Carrying case is frustrating to use
- Con:High price may not fully justify performance
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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