Wired IEMs
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
84Outstanding
$1,150
Full review dataTHIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV vs Westone ES50: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV vs Westone ES50, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Wired IEMs
Westone ES50
Not yet scored
$1,000
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
- Westone ES50
HearWiki score
84
-
Sound
9.4
-
Value
7.6
-
Price (USD)
$1,150
$1,000
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
The THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV is 7 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 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Monarch MKIV20257 yr newer
- ES502018
Specifications
Monarch MKIVES50
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,150
- $1,000
- HearWiki score
- 84
- Not scored
- Released
- 2025
- 2018
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
- 5× balanced armature
- Driver type
- tribrid
- balanced-armature
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
- -
- Driver size
- 8 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 10
- 5
- Frequency response
- -
- 8 Hz - 20 kHz
- Sound signature
- -
- neutral
- Impedance
- -
- 20 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 120 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- ANC type
- -
- none
- Transparency mode
- -
- No
- Companion app
- -
- No
- Custom EQ
- -
- No
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- none
- USB-C
- -
- 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
Westone ES50
The Westone ES50 is a custom-fit in-ear monitor aimed at professional use, delivering high-fidelity audio through a five-driver balanced-armature setup. With a neutral sound signature and wide frequency response, it focuses on accurate reproduction rather than consumer-friendly features like wireless connectivity or noise cancellation. Its personalized shell ensures a secure, comfortable fit for long listening sessions.
- Pro:Custom-fit for superior comfort and isolation
- Pro:Five balanced-armature drivers for detailed, accurate sound
- Pro:Neutral sound signature ideal for monitoring and critical listening
- Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
- Con:No built-in controls or app support for adjustments
- Con:Requires a custom ear impression for purchase
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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