THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV vs Westone MACH 80: 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 80

HearWiki score

Sound

9.4

8.1

Value

7.6

5.2

Price (USD)

$1,150

$1,600

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 802022

Specifications

Monarch MKIVMACH 80

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $1,150; $1,600
HearWiki score: 84; 65
Released: 2025; 2022
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid; 8-driver hybrid
Driver type: tribrid; hybrid
Driver configuration: 2DD + 6BA + 2EST; -
Driver size: 8 mm; -
Drivers per side: 10; 8
Frequency response: -; 5 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance: -; 66 Ω
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Weight: -; 14.2 g
Detachable cable: -; Yes
USB-C: -; No
Connector: -; MMCX

Specification comparison of THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV vs Westone MACH 80
Spec	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV	Westone MACH 80
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$1,150	$1,600
HearWiki score	84 / 100 Outstanding	65 / 100 Good
Released	2025	2022
Audio
Driver	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid	8-driver hybrid
Driver type	tribrid	hybrid
Driver configuration	2DD + 6BA + 2EST	-
Driver size	8 mm	-
Drivers per side	10	8
Frequency response	-	5 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance	-	66 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Weight	-	14.2 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 80

The Westone MACH 80 is a flagship eight-driver hybrid IEM that delivers a neutral, highly resolving sound with a focus on accuracy and balance. Its 66-ohm impedance makes it sensitive to source quality, rewarding listeners with better amplification for optimal performance, while its lightweight design and comfortable fit support long listening sessions.

Pro:Highly resolving and technically capable sound
Pro:Neutral, balanced tuning with controlled treble
Pro:Very comfortable and lightweight design

Con:Requires quality source or amp to avoid flat sound
Con:Bass and treble extension not class-leading
Con:No wireless or ANC features at this price

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

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