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Tanchjim PRISM vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Tanchjim PRISM vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score 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.

  • Tanchjim PRISM
  • THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
-
84
Sound
-
9.4
Value
-
7.6
Price (USD)
$600
$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 5 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 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • PRISM2020
  • Monarch MKIV20255 yr newer

Specifications

PRISMMonarch MKIV
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$600
$1,150
HearWiki score
Not scored
84
Released
2020
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
3-driver hybrid
2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type
hybrid
tribrid
Driver configuration
-
2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size
10 mm
8 mm
Drivers per side
3
10
Frequency response
7 Hz - 50 kHz
-
Impedance
16 Ω
-
Sensitivity
125 dB/mW
-
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
125
-
Active noise cancelling
No
-
Controls
none
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
No
-
Connector
3.5 mm
-

What reviewers said

Tanchjim PRISM

The Tanchjim PRISM is a wired hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with a carbon nanotube diaphragm and two balanced armature drivers for a detailed, extended sound. It employs a special cavity design to reduce unwanted vibrations and ships with a high-quality composite cable, making it a solid choice for critical listening.

  • Pro:Hybrid driver setup offers detailed and balanced sound
  • Pro:Wide frequency response from 7 Hz to 50 kHz
  • Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement or upgrades
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or controls
  • Con:Requires a separate amplifier for best performance
  • Con:Price point may be high for some listeners

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

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New comparisonTanchjim PRISMTHIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV