Thieaudio Hype 10 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 3 of 4 measures.

Thieaudio Hype 10
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

8.8

9.4

Value

7.6

Price (USD)

$900

$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 2 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.

Hype 102023
Monarch MKIV20252 yr newer

Specifications

Hype 10Monarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $900; $1,150
HearWiki score: 72; 84
Released: 2023; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 2DD + 10BA hybrid; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: hybrid; tribrid
Driver configuration: 2DD + 10BA; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: 10 mm; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 12; 10
Impedance: 18 Ω; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -

Specification comparison of Thieaudio Hype 10 vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	Thieaudio Hype 10	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$900	$1,150
HearWiki score	72 / 100 Great	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2023	2025
Audio
Driver	2DD + 10BA hybrid	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	hybrid	tribrid
Driver configuration	2DD + 10BA	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	10 mm	8 mm
Drivers per side	12	10
Impedance	18 Ω	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-

What reviewers said

Thieaudio Hype 10

The Thieaudio Hype 10 is a premium hybrid IEM that delivers a well-balanced, technically capable sound with strong bass, clean mids, and energetic treble. While its bulky shell may pose fit challenges for some listeners, it stands out as a compelling choice under $1,000 for detail-oriented audiophiles.

Pro:Excellent technical performance and detail retrieval
Pro:Balanced tuning with impactful bass and clear mids
Pro:Energetic treble adds sparkle without harshness

Con:Large, bulky shells may not fit smaller ears comfortably
Con:Potential fit issues for extended listening sessions
Con:No included cable or accessories mentioned in specs

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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