amazon
100Score and link only; this publisher does not allow quotes.
Read the full review
Image © AmazonTHIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
84/ 100
Outstanding
HearWiki score
Good value
$1,150
typical price, USD
Sold new
At a glance
- Brand
- Thieaudio
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Fit
- -
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Released
- 2025
Score breakdownoutstanding overall
Sound9.4
Value7.6
A flagship ten-driver tribrid IEM with two 8mm dynamic drivers, six Sonion balanced armatures and two electrostatic tweeters. It targets high-end listeners who want studio-neutral tuning plus an optional bassier RUMBLE mode.
The HearWiki takeAI-condensed
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.
What works
- Reference-grade neutral tuning with excellent clarity
- Versatile bass boost mode adds flexibility
- Detailed and extended treble from electrostatic tweeters
- High-quality build and premium driver configuration
What doesn't
- High price point limits accessibility
- Requires a capable source to perform at its best
- Large shell may not suit smaller ears
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
Specifications
| Driver | 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid |
|---|---|
| Driver type | tribrid |
| Driver configuration | 2DD + 6BA + 2EST |
| Drivers per side | 10 |
Audio
| Driver | 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid |
|---|---|
| Driver type | tribrid |
| Driver configuration | 2DD + 6BA + 2EST |
| Drivers per side | 10 |
What the reviews said
1 source(s) feeding this product's score.
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
Positiveacross 5 videosReviewers agree the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV is a top-tier IEM that improves on its predecessors with excellent detail, imaging, and a unique rumble switch for adjustable bass, making it a strong value at its price.
Reviewers liked
- Excellent tuning and technical detail
- Unique rumble switch for bass adjustment
- Wide soundstage and strong imaging for gaming and music
Reviewers flagged
- Bulky, heavy shell causing ear soreness after hours
- Potential treble fatigue from upper frequency peaks
- Rumble mode may be too bass-heavy for some listeners
18:52ThieAudio Monarch MKIV (MK4)
The reviewer considers the ThieAudio Monarch MKIV an evolutionary and top-tier IEM, ranking it third in their personal list behind much more expensive models. They praise its unique physical rumble switch that allows easy bass adjustment while wearing it, and find the sound quality exceptional, especially with the switch on, making it a strong value at $1,400. The reviewer highly recommends it, calling it the best kilobuck set currently available.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
16:57Monarch MKIV: For When Clean Just Ain't Enough
The reviewer compares the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV with its predecessors, the MK2 and MK3, and concludes that the MKIV is a significant upgrade. It retains the series' top-tier detail and clean tuning while adding a wider soundstage, richer ambience, and a new tuning switch that offers a standard and a more bass-heavy rumble mode. The reviewer finds the MKIV's price justified by its improved cable, packaging, and overall performance, and considers it the most versatile and engaging of the three.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
13:31Monarch MKIV Review (and placement on tier list)
The reviewer finds the Monarch MKIV to be an exceptional premium IEM for both competitive gaming and music, praising its technical performance, imaging, and dual tuning modes. It earns an S-tier rating for tactical shooters and is highly recommended overall, though comfort can become an issue after several hours of use.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
21:48Thieaudio Monarch MK IV
The reviewer finds the Monarch MKIV to be a well-built, comfortable, and unique IEM with a useful bass-adjusting rumble switch. They consider it the best Monarch model, praising its sound quality, build, and features, though they note it is expensive and has a potentially fatiguing treble peak. Overall, they highly recommend it for its combination of performance and durability.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
12:26Thieaudio Monarch MKIV IEM Review: Return of the King 4K
The reviewer praises the Thieaudio Monarch MKIV as a successful blend of the MK2's mids and MK3's bass, enhanced by a bass switch for versatility. They find it competes well with pricier IEMs, offering excellent tuning across genres, and consider it a worthy purchase at $1,149.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.
Own these? Rate them.
A minute of your experience with the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV helps the next person shopping for them.
Mentioned in articles
Where the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV comes up in our guides and explainers.
Alternatives in the $570–$2,300 range
Other wired iems models at a comparable price, ordered by HearWiki score.
More from Thieaudio
Other Thieaudio models in the database, same category first.
Where it sits in our rankings
The data-driven guides this model qualifies for.