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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.

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 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

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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