Technics EAH-TZ700 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

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV leads on 4 of 4 measures.

Technics EAH-TZ700
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

8.4

9.4

Value

4.7

7.6

Price (USD)

$1,200

$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 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

EAH-TZ7002019
Monarch MKIV20256 yr newer

Specifications

EAH-TZ700Monarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $1,200; $1,150
HearWiki score: 70; 84
Released: 2019; 2025
Availability: Still 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
Impedance: 37 Ω; -
Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Controls: buttons; -
Weight: 7 g; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
USB-C: No; -
Connector: 3.5 mm; -

Specification comparison of Technics EAH-TZ700 vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	Technics EAH-TZ700	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$1,200	$1,150
HearWiki score	70 / 100 Good	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2019	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
Impedance	37 Ω	-
Sensitivity	102 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Controls	buttons	-
Design
Weight	7 g	-
Detachable cable	Yes	-
USB-C	No	-
Connector	3.5 mm	-

What reviewers said

Technics EAH-TZ700

The Technics EAH-TZ700 is a premium wired in-ear monitor that pairs a polished, comfortable build with a smooth, refined sound signature. Its efficient 10mm dynamic driver is easy to drive from portable gear, and the included balanced and unbalanced cables add versatility for audiophile use. While not class-leading in every aspect, it delivers a detailed, spacious, and dynamic performance that suits critical listening.

Pro:Excellent build quality and comfortable fit
Pro:Easy to drive from smartphones or DAPs
Pro:Detailed, spacious, and dynamic sound

Con:Sound is smooth rather than class-leading
Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Wide frequency spec should be taken with caution

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 Technics EAH-TZ700 THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV