Wired IEMs
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
84Outstanding
$1,150
Full review dataTHIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV vs Thieaudio Valhalla: 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 Valhalla
81Outstanding
$2,000
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 Valhalla
HearWiki score
84
81
Sound
9.4
9.4
Value
7.6
6.5
Price (USD)
$1,150
$2,000
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
Both shipped in 2025. 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 MKIV2025
- Valhalla2025
Specifications
Monarch MKIVValhalla
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,150
- $2,000
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 81
- Released
- 2025
- 2025
- Availability
- Sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
- 19× balanced armature
- Driver type
- tribrid
- balanced-armature
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
- -
- Driver size
- 8 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 10
- 19
- Impedance
- -
- 9 Ω
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
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 Valhalla
The Thieaudio Valhalla is a premium all-balanced-armature in-ear monitor that prioritizes technical clarity and precise sound staging. Its design focuses on delivering crisp, well-defined bass, transparent mids, and extended treble without harshness, making it a strong choice for analytical listening rather than a relaxed, warm signature. The build quality and fit are top-tier, reflecting its flagship status.
- Pro:Exceptional detail retrieval and instrument separation
- Pro:Clean, well-controlled bass with solid punch
- Pro:Neutral yet engaging tuning across the frequency range
- Con:Very high price point limits accessibility
- Con:Low impedance may require a quality source to avoid hiss
- Con:Not suited for listeners seeking a warm or laid-back sound
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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