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
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
Unique Melody MEST MKII
The Unique Melody MEST MKII is a premium tribrid earphone that combines a dynamic driver, four balanced armatures, and two electrostatic drivers with a dual-sided bone-conduction system for an immersive, layered sound. It delivers powerful bass, detailed mids, and expansive staging, though its specialized tuning and high price point may not suit everyone. The fit and build quality are refined, making it a strong but niche flagship option.
- Pro:Impactful low-end with good depth
- Pro:Detailed and well-layered soundstage
- Pro:Improved comfort over the original
- Con:Specialized tuning may not appeal to all
- Con:Requires a capable source to shine
- Con:Pricey for the features offered
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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