HUM Dolores Aggregated Review Score
HUM Dolores Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
5Generally Unfavorable
Thieaudio Monarch MK IV Aggregated Review Score
Thieaudio Monarch MK IV Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.9Very Positive
HUM Dolores Details
Driver Configuration: 2BA
Tuning Type: Neutral
Price (Msrp): $1,700
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Thieaudio Monarch MK IV Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+6BA+2EST
Tuning Type: Switchable Neutral/Rumble
Price (Msrp): $1,149
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
HUM Dolores User Review Score
HUM Dolores Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Thieaudio Monarch MK IV User Review Score
Thieaudio Monarch MK IV Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
9Overwhelmingly Positive
HUM Dolores Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
3.8Gaming Grade
D+Thieaudio Monarch MK IV Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
8Gaming Grade
A+HUM Dolores Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B- Flawed execution of tonal character. Noticeable peaks/dips affect timbre and coherence. May suit specific genres but lacks refinement.
Average Technical Grade
C+- Competent but unremarkable. Decent detail retrieval in quieter tracks, though busy sections challenge cohesion. Imaging is average, lacking depth.
Thieaudio Monarch MK IV Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S- Highly polished technical execution. Excellent frequency synergy creates an immersive experience. Enhances musical content.
Average Technical Grade
S- Excellent clarity and detail. Precise imaging and expansive soundstage. Manages complex passages with minimal smearing and good transient speed.
HUM Dolores Reviews
HUM Dolores reviewed by: Crin
Slightly bright-tilted neutral, lacks upper treble extension. Crin Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Monarch MK IV Reviews
Thieaudio Monarch MK IV reviewed by: Jays Audio
Smooth, clean, balanced, and slightly airy in the balance switch. Goes from a clean all-rounder to a warm/bassy all-rounder. Great tech. Basically a cheaper Prestige LTD with more tuning options. "Endgame" for most people, but the case is SHIT. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
The Thieaudio Monarch MK IV presents two distinct tuning options, elevating its versatility. The balanced switch delivers a clean, smooth, and slightly airy presentation, offering a refined all-rounder sound that's very detailed, well-layered, and resolving – essentially a direct upgrade to predecessors like the Monarch MK3 and Top Pro, with slightly more treble detail and air. Conversely, the bass switch provides a significantly fuller, warmer low end with punchy, well-textured bass and a tamer upper midrange, addressing criticisms of thinness in earlier models and offering a specialized, engaging listen for bass-heavy genres.
Technically, the MK IV sits comfortably in the $1,000 tier, offering a slight bump in detail retrieval, refinement, and smoothness over the MK3 and MK2, comparable to the Dunu Glacier and Prestige LTD. While not a giant leap, the dual tuning options make it arguably a better all-rounder than single-tuning competitors; the balance switch excels with acoustic, classical, and cleaner genres, while the bass switch shines with rock, metal, R&B, and pop. Build quality is improved with an all-metal shell, though the flimsy cardboard case is a notable disappointment. Vocals are smooth, balanced, and enjoyable, though sets like the Monarch MK2, Mystic 8, RSV, or Arcanis offer more forwardness or unique character. Bass quality is excellent for most, though pure bass enthusiasts might prefer models like the Thieaudio Origin for its unique texture.
Ultimately, the Monarch MK IV is a highly compelling endgame option for the vast majority. It combines strong technical performance with exceptional versatility through its two excellent tunings, covering a wide genre spectrum effectively. While value-focused options like the Top Pro, Volare, or Mega5EST offer similar technicalities at lower prices, the MK IV's refinement, tuning flexibility, and slightly superior performance make it easy to recommend. It allows listeners to leave the hobby satisfied, provided they resonate with its sound – though chasing marginally better flagships involves steep diminishing returns. The king might be debatable, but the MK IV is undoubtedly a very solid $1,000 contender.
Thieaudio Monarch MK IV reviewed by: Jaytiss
Detailed fun, rich bass. It's hard to fault Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Priced between $1,150 and $1,300 depending on custom faceplate options like the butterfly design shown, the Thieaudio Monarch MK IV boasts exceptional build quality with a large but well-contoured titanium shell offering a secure and comfortable fit. Key features include the innovative rumble switch for adjustable bass levels on the fly, a durable two-pin connector, and a solid feel that inspires confidence in longevity. While the included accessories are considered fair but unexciting, the shell's customization potential and rugged construction are major highlights.
Sonically, the Monarch MK IV delivers a detailed, exciting, and clean sound signature that stands as the best in the Monarch lineage. The rumble switch provides two distinct profiles: the red switch (no rumble) offers a balanced, tactful bass presentation, while the gold switch (rumble) adds a satisfying sub-bass shelf ideal for genres like hip-hop. Treble performance is notably improved over the MK III, though a 10k peak requires careful ear tip selection for some listeners. It trades blows with flagships like the $3,000 Annihilator (better sub-bass focus) and the $1,800 Elysian Apostle (more vocal forward), often matching or exceeding their technicalities while offering its unique tuning flexibility.
Scoring a top-tier 9.8, the Monarch MK IV earns its place through a compelling combination of premium build, the highly functional rumble switch, and outstanding sound quality that feels both special and refined. While acknowledging the high price, it represents significant value against competitors like the $2,000 Thieaudio Valhalla or the fiddly Grand Maestro, offering a feature-rich, durable, and sonically excellent package that justifies its position as a current summit-fi favorite.
Thieaudio Monarch MK IV reviewed by: IEMRanking AI

The Thieaudio Monarch MK IV stands out with its innovative dual-tuning switch, allowing seamless transitions between a balanced, studio-like "Standard" mode and a bass-boosted "Rumble" mode that adds 3dB of sub-bass for electronic or hip-hop tracks. While the aluminum shell feels premium and ergonomic, the included "Chocolate" cable falls short in aesthetics and tactile quality despite its modular functionality. The Rumble mode thickens low-mids slightly, but the bass remains controlled with minimal bleed, preserving overall clarity.
Sonically, the IMPACT² dual dynamic drivers deliver textured, powerful bass in either mode, while redesigned electrostatic drivers enable treble that extends smoothly to 40kHz without harshness. Vocals are forward and detailed, though timbre can occasionally lean slightly artificial compared to elite competitors like the 64 Audio U12T. Soundstage width is expansive, but imaging prioritizes a diffuse, airy presentation over pinpoint precision, which suits orchestral or live recordings well but may lack density for intimate genres.
As a "one-and-done" IEM, the MK IV excels in genre versatility, handling everything from jazz to metal with authority, thanks largely to its tuning flexibility. The $150 price increase over the MKIII is justified by the switch feature, though accessories like the case feel inadequate for a flagship product.
HUM Dolores User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Be the first to share your experience!
Thieaudio Monarch MK IV User Reviews
Impressive sound experience and the built quality is finally worth the price (compared to Mk3). I "upgraded" my Mk3 and I am happy with it.