Wired IEMs
Softears RSV (Reference Sound Five)
72Great
$730
Full review dataSoftears RSV (Reference Sound Five) 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.
- Softears RSV (Reference Sound Five)
- THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
72
84
Sound
8.1
9.4
Value
4.2
7.6
Price (USD)
$730
$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.
- RSV (Reference Sound Five)2021
- Monarch MKIV20254 yr newer
Specifications
RSV (Reference Sound Five)Monarch MKIV
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $730
- $1,150
- HearWiki score
- 72
- 84
- Released
- 2021
- 2025
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 5BA
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
- Driver type
- balanced-armature
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 5BA
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
- Driver size
- -
- 8 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 10
- Impedance
- 8 Ω
- -
What reviewers said
Softears RSV (Reference Sound Five)
The Softears RSV is a five-balanced-armature wired IEM that prioritizes a smooth, musical, and broadly appealing tonality over outright technical supremacy. Its tuning is described as natural, euphonic, and easy to enjoy, making it a safe choice for listeners who value comfort and emotional engagement. While it may not lead its price class in raw detail or imaging, its cohesive timbre and pleasant balance earn it strong praise.
- Pro:Very natural and pleasant tonal balance
- Pro:Smooth, euphonic character that is easy to listen to
- Pro:Good timbre and resolution for its class
- Con:Imaging performance is a weaker point
- Con:Technicalities trail some similarly priced competitors
- Con:Not a purely accurate reference tuning
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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