THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV vs Westone MACH 60: 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 Monarch MKIV

84Outstanding

$1,150

Full review data

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV leads on 4 of 4 measures.

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Westone MACH 60

HearWiki score

Sound

9.4

6.6

Value

7.6

3.8

Price (USD)

$1,150

$1,210

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 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

Monarch MKIV20253 yr newer
MACH 602022

Specifications

Monarch MKIVMACH 60

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $1,150; $1,210
HearWiki score: 84; 50
Released: 2025; 2022
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid; 6× balanced armature
Driver type: tribrid; balanced-armature
Driver configuration: 2DD + 6BA + 2EST; -
Driver size: 8 mm; -
Drivers per side: 10; 6
Frequency response: -; 8 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance: -; 35 Ω
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Controls: -; none
Weight: -; 3 g
Detachable cable: -; Yes
USB-C: -; No
Connector: -; MMCX

Specification comparison of THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV vs Westone MACH 60
Spec	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV	Westone MACH 60
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$1,150	$1,210
HearWiki score	84 / 100 Outstanding	50 / 100 Weak
Released	2025	2022
Audio
Driver	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid	6× balanced armature
Driver type	tribrid	balanced-armature
Driver configuration	2DD + 6BA + 2EST	-
Driver size	8 mm	-
Drivers per side	10	6
Frequency response	-	8 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance	-	35 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Controls	-	none
Design
Weight	-	3 g
Detachable cable	-	Yes
USB-C	-	No
Connector	-	MMCX

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 MACH 60

The Westone MACH 60 delivers a balanced, natural sound signature with impressive vocal clarity and smooth treble, wrapped in an exceptionally comfortable, lightweight shell. Its six balanced armature drivers provide strong detail and realistic staging, though it benefits from a quality source to avoid sounding flat. Overall, it's a versatile, technically capable IEM for critical listening sessions.

Pro:Balanced and natural tuning
Pro:Excellent comfort for long wear
Pro:Strong detail retrieval and vocal imaging

Con:Pricey for the feature set
Con:Can sound flat with weaker sources
Con:No included controls or wireless options

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparison THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV Westone MACH 60