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
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 Valhalla
The Thieaudio Valhalla is a premium wired IEM equipped with 19 balanced armature drivers per side, delivering a highly detailed and precisely separated soundstage. Its clean, organized tuning offers strong bass definition with clear mids and non-fatiguing treble, making it a top-tier choice for critical listening. The build quality is exceptional, matching its flagship status and technical performance.
- Pro:Excellent build quality and premium presentation
- Pro:Highly resolved sound with careful separation
- Pro:Strong bass definition without muddying mids
- Con:Very high price point
- Con:Low 9-ohm impedance may require a capable source
- Con:No wireless or ANC features for portable convenience
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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