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Thieaudio Monarch MkIIIImage © Thieaudio

Thieaudio Monarch MkIII

77/ 100
Great
HearWiki score

Good value

$1,000
typical price, USD
Discontinued
Manufacturer pageBuy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Thieaudio
Type
Wired IEMs
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2023

Score breakdowngreat overall

Sound9.2
Value7.8

A flagship tribrid IEM combining dual 10mm dynamic drivers, balanced-armature drivers and Sonion electrostatic drivers. THIEAUDIO tunes it around a studio-monitor-like tonal signature for high-end audiophile listening.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Thieaudio Monarch MkIII is a wired tribrid in-ear monitor that delivers a refined, balanced sound with impressive imaging and a spacious stage. Its technical prowess and engaging tuning make it a strong contender in the premium price bracket, though its larger shells and plain aesthetic may not suit everyone.

What works

  • Excellent imaging and soundstage
  • Rich, textured bass with good balance
  • Clear and resolving vocal reproduction
  • Strong overall tuning for the price

What doesn't

  • Bulky shells may fit poorly for some
  • Plain stock design lacks flair
  • Not ideal for office or sport use

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - Thieaudio Monarch MkIII
Drivertribrid
Driver typetribrid
Impedance20 Ω

What the reviews said

3 source(s) feeding this product's score.

headfonics.com

89

Headfonics calls the Monarch MKIII an excellent tribrid IEM with strong imaging, clear vocals, and a resolving soundstage. The review is favorable overall, while noting the shell is fairly large and the stock design is somewhat plain.

Read the full review

headphonesty.com

The reviewer describes the Monarch MKIII as a highly accomplished IEM that blends strong technical performance with a pleasing tuning. The conclusion is strongly positive, recommending it broadly and positioning it as a compelling choice around the $1,000 class.

Read the full review

majorhifi.com

MajorHiFi presents the Monarch MKIII as one of the best thousand-dollar IEMs available, praising its soundstage, bass quality, texture, and overall balance. The review is clearly enthusiastic and frames the tuning and build as major strengths.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

The consensus

Mixedacross 3 videos

Reviewers are divided on the Thieaudio Monarch MkIII, with most praising its powerful bass, strong imaging, and immersive sound, while one critic strongly condemns its tonality as harsh and unnatural.

Reviewers liked

  • Exceptional bass quality and control
  • Outstanding imaging and instrument separation
  • Comfortable fit with improved contours

Reviewers flagged

  • Very large and bulky fit
  • Stock tips fit poorly, requiring aftermarket options
  • Treble tuning is divisive—either subdued or excessively bright
  • Can sound congested on busy tracks
  • Expensive at $1000-$1100
18:38

in-Ear Fetish Review \\ Thieaudio Monarch MkIII IEM

in-Ear Fetish27.8K viewsAug 2023

The reviewer is highly impressed with the Thieaudio Monarch MkIII, calling it possibly the best IEM they've ever heard. They praise its exceptional bass, imaging, and instrument separation, noting that it made them want to listen to music they normally wouldn't. They recommend using specific aftermarket tips (Render tips) to achieve the best sound, as the stock tips didn't fit well.

10:39

The King Has Evolved | Thieaudio Monarch MkIII | My Honest Experience | Welcome to Summit-Fi IEMs

RNARexperience11.4K viewsAug 2023

The reviewer finds the Monarch MkIII to be a well-rounded, smooth-sounding IEM that offers a taste of higher-tier performance at a more accessible price. They praise its comfortable fit, engaging bass, and balanced vocal presentation, though they note the treble is subdued and the overall sound can feel slightly congested on busy tracks. They recommend it for those seeking a detailed yet non-fatiguing listen.

12:04

The ThieAudio Monarch MKIII Is TRASH (Real Audiophile Review)

Sharur8.3K viewsJul 2023

The reviewer compares the Thieaudio Monarch MkIII to a reference speaker setup and the Moondrop Variations, finding the Monarch MkIII significantly flawed in tonality. It is described as excessively bright in the treble, with a recessed and muddy midrange, making it sound unnatural and harsh. The reviewer strongly advises against purchasing it, suggesting the Moondrop Variations or other alternatives instead.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

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Where it sits in our rankings

The data-driven guides this model qualifies for.