Skip to content
HearWiki

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV vs THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKII: 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.

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 Monarch MKIV
  • THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKII
HearWiki score
84
62
Sound
9.4
7.4
Value
7.6
6.1
Price (USD)
$1,150
$590

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 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Monarch MKIV20253 yr newer
  • ORACLE MKII2022

Specifications

Monarch MKIVORACLE MKII
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$1,150
$590
HearWiki score
84
62
Released
2025
2022
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
1DD + 2BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type
tribrid
tribrid
Driver configuration
2DD + 6BA + 2EST
1DD + 2BA + 2EST
Driver size
8 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
10
5

What reviewers said

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

This flagship in-ear monitor packs a ten-driver hybrid setup—pairing dual 8mm dynamics with six balanced armatures and two electrostatic tweeters—to deliver a reference-grade, studio-neutral signature. It also offers a switchable RUMBLE mode for those who prefer a more pronounced low-end, catering to both purists and bass enthusiasts. The wired-only design focuses on audiophile-grade sound without active noise cancellation.

  • Pro:Reference-neutral tuning with optional bass boost
  • Pro:Layered, detailed treble from dual electrostats
  • Pro:Solid build and premium fit for long sessions
  • Con:No wireless or ANC options
  • Con:Large shell may not suit smaller ears
  • Con:Requires a quality source to shine fully

THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKII

This wired in-ear monitor combines a 10mm dynamic driver, two balanced-armature units, and two electrostatic tweeters for a five-driver hybrid setup. Its tuning focuses on analytical clarity, making it a solid choice for musicians, engineers, and listeners who want precise, revealing sound across stage and studio use.

  • Pro:Detailed and transparent treble from electrostatic tweeters
  • Pro:Balanced, monitor-style tuning for critical listening
  • Pro:Layered and accurate midrange for vocals and instruments
  • Con:No noise cancellation, so isolation depends on tips
  • Con:Requires a quality source to fully shine
  • Con:May sound too analytical for casual or warm-leaning listeners

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonTHIEAUDIO Monarch MKIVTHIEAUDIO ORACLE MKII