Wired IEMs
Tangzu XuanWu Gate
Not yet scored
$650
Full review dataTangzu XuanWu Gate vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Tangzu XuanWu Gate 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.
- Tangzu XuanWu Gate
- THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
-
84
Sound
-
9.4
Value
-
7.6
Price (USD)
$650
$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
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV (2025) against Tangzu XuanWu Gate (2024). 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.
- XuanWu Gate2024
- Monarch MKIV20251 yr newer
Specifications
XuanWu GateMonarch MKIV
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $650
- $1,150
- HearWiki score
- Not scored
- 84
- Released
- 2024
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 4BA + 2EST tribrid
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
- Driver type
- tribrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 4BA + 2EST
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 8 mm
- Drivers per side
- 7
- 10
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- -
What reviewers said
Tangzu XuanWu Gate
This premium wired earphone combines a 10mm dynamic driver, four balanced armatures, and two Sonion electrostats in a seven-driver tribrid layout, targeting audiophiles who want a top-tier, multi-driver experience. It offers a detachable 2-pin cable and a rich, layered soundstage typical of flagship designs, though it skips active noise cancellation entirely.
- Pro:Detailed, multi-driver hybrid tuning for nuanced audio
- Pro:Detachable 2-pin cable for easy upgrades or replacement
- Pro:Flagship-tier build with a sophisticated driver array
- Con:No active noise cancellation for isolated listening
- Con:Pricey at $649, not for budget buyers
- Con:Requires a quality source/DAC to shine fully
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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