Wired IEMs
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
84Outstanding
$1,150
Full review dataTHIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV vs Thieaudio Prestige: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV vs Thieaudio Prestige, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Wired IEMs
Thieaudio Prestige
Not yet scored
$1,300
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV leads on 4 of 4 measures.
- THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
- Thieaudio Prestige
HearWiki score
84
-
Sound
9.4
-
Value
7.6
-
Price (USD)
$1,150
$1,300
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
- Prestige2022
Specifications
Monarch MKIVPrestige
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,150
- $1,300
- HearWiki score
- 84
- Not scored
- Released
- 2025
- 2022
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
- 1DD + 4BA + 4EST tribrid
- Driver type
- tribrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
- 1DD + 4BA + 4EST
- Driver size
- 8 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 10
- 9
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 Prestige
This is a premium wired in-ear monitor featuring a nine-driver tribrid setup that blends one dynamic, four balanced-armature, and four electrostatic units. It's designed as a professional-grade reference tool for stage performance and studio monitoring, offering a detailed and accurate sound signature without any active noise cancellation.
- Pro:Detailed and precise sound reproduction from the hybrid driver array
- Pro:Suitable for critical listening and professional monitoring tasks
- Pro:High-quality build and premium materials expected at this price point
- Con:No active noise cancellation, which may limit use in noisy environments
- Con:Requires a good source and amplifier to fully realize its potential
- Con:High price tag may not appeal to 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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