
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV vs ThieAudio Oracle MKIII: 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.
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 MKIII
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?
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV (2025) against ThieAudio Oracle MKIII (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.
- Monarch MKIV20251 yr newer
- Oracle MKIII2024
Specifications
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,150
- $590
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 69
- Released
- 2025
- 2024
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
- tribrid
- Driver type
- tribrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
- -
- Driver size
- 8 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 10
- -
- Connector
- -
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
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 MKIII
The ThieAudio Oracle MKIII is a wired in-ear monitor that blends dynamic, balanced-armature, and electrostatic drivers for a hybrid sound. Its dual-dynamic subwoofer system aims to deliver deep, impactful bass, while the overall tuning leans toward a neutral, studio-monitor style that suits both critical listening and everyday enjoyment.
- Pro:Powerful, well-defined low-end from the dual-dynamic setup
- Pro:Detailed and airy treble from electrostatic drivers
- Pro:Neutral, balanced tuning ideal for monitoring
- Con:No noise cancellation, so isolation depends on ear tips
- Con:Requires a capable source or amplifier to drive electrostats
- Con:Higher price point may not suit 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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