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.

Wired IEMs

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

84Outstanding

$1,150

Full review data

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 Monarch MKIV
THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKII

HearWiki score

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

Specification comparison of THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV vs THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKII
Spec	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV	THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKII
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$1,150	$590
HearWiki score	84 / 100 Outstanding	62 / 100 Good
Released	2025	2022
Audio
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

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

THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKII

This wired tribrid IEM combines a 10mm LCP dynamic driver, two balanced-armature drivers, and two electrostatic tweeters for a detailed, monitor-style sound. Its tuning is geared toward critical listening, making it a solid choice for music production, stage work, or studio use. The five-driver setup delivers precise treble and rich texture across the frequency range.

Pro:Clear and detailed treble from dual EST tweeters
Pro:Balanced, monitor-like tuning for accurate playback
Pro:Strong layering and instrument separation

Con:Requires a quality source to shine
Con:No wireless or ANC features
Con:May sound too neutral for casual listeners

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 THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKII