Wired IEMs
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
84Outstanding
$1,150
Full review dataTHIEAUDIO 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.
Our pick: THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV - Outstanding overall at around $1149.
Wired IEMs
ThieAudio Oracle MKIII
69Good
$590
Full review dataScore 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
HearWiki score
84
69
Sound
9.4
7.8
Value
7.6
6.8
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
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
Monarch MKIVOracle MKIII
- 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
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 MKIII
The ThieAudio Oracle MKIII is a wired in-ear monitor featuring a tribrid driver setup that merges dynamic, balanced-armature, and electrostatic technologies, including a dual-dynamic subwoofer system for impactful low-end response. Its tuning targets both professional studio monitoring and high-fidelity audiophile enjoyment, making it a versatile choice for critical listening and production work. This model emphasizes a neutral, detailed sound signature without active noise cancellation, relying on its physical design for isolation.
- Pro:Tribrid driver array delivers rich, layered detail
- Pro:Dual-dynamic subwoofer system provides deep, controlled bass
- Pro:Studio-grade tuning suits both monitoring and casual listening
- Con:No active noise cancellation, isolation depends on fit
- Con:Higher price point may not suit budget-conscious buyers
- Con:Requires a capable source or amplifier for optimal performance
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.