Wired IEMs
Shanling ME800
Not yet scored
$780
Full review dataShanling ME800 vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Shanling ME800 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 ME800
- THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
-
84
Sound
-
9.4
Value
-
7.6
Price (USD)
$780
$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.
- ME8002021
- Monarch MKIV20254 yr newer
Specifications
ME800Monarch MKIV
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $780
- $1,150
- HearWiki score
- Not scored
- 84
- Released
- 2021
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 6-driver hybrid
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- -
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
- Driver size
- 6 mm
- 8 mm
- Drivers per side
- 6
- 10
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 112 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- ANC type
- none
- -
- Transparency mode
- No
- -
- Companion app
- No
- -
- Custom EQ
- No
- -
- Wear detection
- No
- -
- Controls
- none
- -
- Water resistance
- IPX0
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- No
- -
- Connector
- MMCX
- -
What reviewers said
Shanling ME800
The Shanling ME800 is a wired in-ear monitor designed for audiophiles, featuring a six-driver hybrid configuration that combines multiple driver types for detailed sound reproduction. It has a detachable MMCX cable for easy replacement or upgrades, but lacks wireless connectivity, active noise cancellation, and any onboard controls or app support.
- Pro:Hybrid 6-driver setup offers rich, layered sound
- Pro:Detachable MMCX cable allows for custom aftermarket upgrades
- Pro:Low 16-ohm impedance makes it easy to drive with most sources
- Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
- Con:No onboard controls or app support for adjustments
- Con:No USB-C or wireless connectivity, limiting modern convenience
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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