Wired IEMs
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
84Outstanding
$1,150
Full review dataTHIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV vs Westone W80: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV vs Westone W80, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Wired IEMs
Westone W80
Not yet scored
$1,500
Full review dataScore 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 W80
HearWiki score
84
-
Sound
9.4
-
Value
7.6
-
Price (USD)
$1,150
$1,500
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
- W802018
Specifications
Monarch MKIVW80
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,150
- $1,500
- HearWiki score
- 84
- Not scored
- Released
- 2025
- 2018
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
- 8× balanced armature
- Driver type
- tribrid
- balanced-armature
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
- -
- Driver size
- 8 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 10
- 8
- Frequency response
- -
- 5 Hz - 22 kHz
- Impedance
- -
- 5 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 111 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Weight
- -
- 20 g
- Detachable cable
- -
- Yes
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 W80
The Westone W80 is a premium universal-fit in-ear monitor built around an eight-driver balanced-armature array, targeting audiophiles and stage professionals who value detailed, reference-style sound. Its low 5-ohm impedance and high 111 dB sensitivity make it highly efficient, though it demands a quality source to avoid hiss. With a detachable cable and lightweight 20-gram build, it prioritizes comfort and customization over built-in noise cancellation.
- Pro:Reference-grade clarity from eight balanced-armature drivers
- Pro:Very high sensitivity (111 dB) for easy driving from most devices
- Pro:Lightweight (20 g) and comfortable for long listening sessions
- Con:Low 5-ohm impedance can reveal noise from weaker sources
- Con:No active noise cancellation, limiting isolation to passive fit only
- Con:High price point may not suit budget-conscious buyers
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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