Wired IEMs
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
84Outstanding
$1,150
Full review dataTHIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV vs Unique Melody MEST MKII: 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
Unique Melody MEST MKII
70Good
$950
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.
- THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
- Unique Melody MEST MKII
HearWiki score
84
70
Sound
9.4
8.6
Value
7.6
8.3
Price (USD)
$1,150
$950
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 4 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 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Monarch MKIV20254 yr newer
- MEST MKII2021
Specifications
Monarch MKIVMEST MKII
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,150
- $950
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 70
- Released
- 2025
- 2021
- 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
- -
- 12.3 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
Unique Melody MEST MKII
The Unique Melody MEST MKII is a tribrid in-ear monitor that combines a dynamic driver, balanced armatures, and electrostatic drivers with a bone-conduction system for a layered, immersive soundstage. It delivers powerful bass, detailed mids, and crisp highs, though its specialized tuning may not appeal to everyone. The build is premium and comfortable, making it a strong choice for enthusiasts seeking a high-end, engaging listening experience.
- Pro:Powerful and impactful bass response
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and layering
- Pro:Immersive bone-conduction presentation
- Con:Specialized tuning may not suit all tastes
- Con:High price point for the performance
- Con:Requires a capable source to shine
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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