Tangzu Li Zhi vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Tangzu Li Zhi 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

Tangzu Li Zhi

Not yet scored

$580

Full review data

Wired IEMs

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

84Outstanding

$1,150

Full review data

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.

Tangzu Li Zhi
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

9.4

Value

7.6

Price (USD)

$580

$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

Both shipped in 2025. These are 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.

Li Zhi2025
Monarch MKIV2025

Specifications

Li ZhiMonarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $580; $1,150
HearWiki score: Not scored; 84
Released: 2025; 2025
Availability: Sold new; Sold new
Driver: 10 mm dynamic; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: dynamic; tribrid
Driver configuration: -; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: 10 mm; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 10
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; -
Impedance: 180 Ω; -
Sensitivity: 107.5 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Controls: none; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
USB-C: No; -

Specification comparison of Tangzu Li Zhi vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	Tangzu Li Zhi	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$580	$1,150
HearWiki score	Not scored	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2025	2025
Audio
Driver	10 mm dynamic	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	dynamic	tribrid
Driver configuration	-	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	10 mm	8 mm
Drivers per side	1	10
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	-
Impedance	180 Ω	-
Sensitivity	107.5 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Controls	none	-
Design
Detachable cable	Yes	-
USB-C	No	-

What reviewers said

Tangzu Li Zhi

The Tangzu Li Zhi is a premium single-dynamic-driver in-ear monitor with a wired, cable-detachable design. It delivers a refined listening experience with a 10mm driver and high 180-ohm impedance, suited for audiophiles seeking clarity. The emphasis is on sound quality and a luxurious unboxing presentation rather than extra features.

Pro:Premium build and unboxing experience
Pro:Detailed and refined sound quality
Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement

Con:High impedance may require a powerful source
Con:No built-in controls or ANC
Con:Limited to wired use only

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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New comparison Tangzu Li Zhi THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV