Wired IEMs
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
84Outstanding
$1,150
Full review dataTHIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV vs Thieaudio Prestige LTD: 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 Prestige LTD
75Great
$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 LTD
HearWiki score
84
75
Sound
9.4
8.7
Value
7.6
6.3
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 2 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.
- Monarch MKIV20252 yr newer
- Prestige LTD2023
Specifications
Monarch MKIVPrestige LTD
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,150
- $1,300
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 75
- Released
- 2025
- 2023
- 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
- Impedance
- -
- 22 Ω
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- 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 Prestige LTD
The Thieaudio Prestige LTD is a premium tribrid IEM that prioritizes refinement, control, and technical excellence over aggressive tuning. It delivers a polished, easygoing yet highly resolving sound with improved low-end energy, making it a strong high-end choice for everyday listening. Its build quality is standout, though it may not suit those seeking heavy bass or treble sensitivity.
- Pro:Exceptional technical performance and resolution
- Pro:Refined, controlled tuning with polished sound
- Pro:Improved low-end energy for a tribrid
- Con:Bass quantity may be insufficient for some
- Con:Upper treble can be intense for sensitive listeners
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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