Wired IEMs
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
84Outstanding
$1,150
Full review dataTHIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV vs Thieaudio Origin: 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 Origin
71Good
$850
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 Origin
HearWiki score
84
71
Sound
9.4
8.2
Value
7.6
6.9
Price (USD)
$1,150
$850
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 Origin (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
- Origin2024
Specifications
Monarch MKIVOrigin
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,150
- $850
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 71
- Released
- 2025
- 2024
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
- 1DD + 4BA + 2EST tribrid
- Driver type
- tribrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
- 1DD + 4BA + 2EST
- Driver size
- 8 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 10
- 7
- Impedance
- -
- 9 Ω
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 Origin
The Thieaudio Origin is a premium tribrid IEM that delivers a powerful, subwoofer-like bass response while keeping mids clean and natural. Its spacious soundstage and engaging character make it a solid pick for bass-focused listeners, though the large shell may not suit everyone. The build is attractive and the overall tuning leans toward fun, impactful sound rather than strict neutrality. Its low 9-ohm impedance means it's easy to drive but may benefit from a quality source to avoid hiss. The wired-only design and lack of ANC keep it firmly in the audiophile camp, where its physical low-end presence truly shines.
- Pro:Deep, forceful bass with subwoofer-like impact
- Pro:Clean and natural midrange
- Pro:Spacious, wide soundstage
- Con:Large shell may be uncomfortable for smaller ears
- Con:Bass-heavy tuning not for neutral purists
- Con:No noise isolation or wireless features
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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