Wired IEMs
Shanling AE10
Not yet scored
$1,000
Full review dataShanling AE10 vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Shanling AE10 vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
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.
- Shanling AE10
- THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
-
84
Sound
-
9.4
Value
-
7.6
Price (USD)
$1,000
$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.
- AE102021
- Monarch MKIV20254 yr newer
Specifications
AE10Monarch MKIV
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,000
- $1,150
- HearWiki score
- Not scored
- 84
- Released
- 2021
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 10× balanced armature
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
- Driver type
- balanced-armature
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- -
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
- Driver size
- -
- 8 mm
- Drivers per side
- 10
- 10
- Frequency response
- 12 Hz - 40 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 12 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 113 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Controls
- buttons
- -
- Weight
- 5.3 g
- -
What reviewers said
Shanling AE10
The Shanling AE10 is a premium wired in-ear monitor built around a ten-driver balanced-armature array with a five-way crossover, aiming for detailed, high-fidelity sound. Its lightweight shell and detachable cable make it a portable option for critical listening, though it lacks wireless or noise-canceling features. The tuning leans toward a balanced, analytical presentation that suits a wide range of genres.
- Pro:Detailed and accurate sound reproduction
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
- Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement or upgrades
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Wired-only design limits wireless convenience
- Con:High driver count may require a quality source to perform at its best
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.