THIEAUDIO MONARCH MKII

The reviewer bought the Monarch MKII after being impressed by a demo, and finds it a significant improvement over the original Monarch, with a more balanced, mid-range-focused sound and excellent technicalities. However, he warns that the earpieces are very large and may not fit many ears, which can affect bass response and comfort, so he recommends trying them before buying.

The reviewer finds the Monarch MKII a solid improvement over the original, with exceptional mid-range detail and layering that punch above its price, but notes a less impressive bass and treble, a forward upper-midrange that can get harsh, and a metallic treble timbre. Despite these criticisms, he recommends it, though he still prefers the Symphonium Helios at this price.

The reviewer compares the Monarch MKII to the original Monarch and finds the MKII a clear improvement, especially in male vocals, which now sound more natural and authentic. The bass guitar and kick drum also show better definition and authority, though the reviewer notes it still may not satisfy bassists seeking self-monitoring. Overall, the MKII is seen as a well-executed refinement that splits the difference between the original Monarch and the Clairvoyance.

The reviewer is extremely impressed with the ThieAudio Monarch MKII, calling it the best earphone they've heard all year. They praise its sound quality, particularly the tribrid driver setup, and the excellent cable, but criticize the packaging, accessories, and large size. Despite the high price, they believe it offers great value compared to more expensive competitors.

The reviewer finds the Monarch MKII to be a solid IEM with excellent tonality, particularly in the mids, and good technical performance, but he struggles to recommend it at its $999 price point. He notes that while it improves on the original Monarch's tuning, the upgrade in resolution is minimal, and he suggests passing on it unless the price drops closer to the original's $730.

The reviewer finds the Thieaudio Monarch MKII to be an excellent, warm-sounding IEM with strong bass, mids, and forward vocals, though the highs are slightly subdued and not very sparkly. It performs well for music across genres, but the reviewer did not enjoy it for gaming, finding the sound mucky in that context. Overall, it's a recommended purchase for those seeking a fun, easy-to-listen-to IEM, though the reviewer personally prefers their Mest MK I.