Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 VS Oriolus Szalayi

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 and Oriolus Szalayi are in-ear monitors. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 costs $1,000 while Oriolus Szalayi costs $890. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 is $110 more expensive. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 holds a clear 0.5-point edge in reviewer scores (8.1 vs 7.6). Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 carries a user score of 8.5. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has significantly better mids with a 3.4-point edge, Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has significantly better treble with a 1.5-point edge, Oriolus Szalayi has significantly better dynamics with a 1.5-point edge and Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge.

Insights

Metric Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 Oriolus Szalayi
Bass 6.8 7.6
Mids 8.4 5
Treble 7.5 6
Details 7.6 7.6
Soundstage 8 7.5
Imaging 7.4 7.6
Dynamics 6.5 8
Tonality 8.1 6.6
Technicalities 7.8 6
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough Oriolus Szalayi reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Shuwa-T Smirk Audio Tim Tuned Nymz Precogvision
Jays Audio Jaytiss Crin Yifang Gizaudio Axel
Super* Review Head-Fi.org

Average Reviewer Score:

8.1

Very Positive

Oriolus Szalayi Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Jaytiss

Average Reviewer Score:

7.6

Strongly Favorable

Reviews Comparison

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 8.5 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A+ Tech
YouTube video thumbnail
Too much unit variation to recommend to others highly.
Youtube Video Summary

Build & accessories: Compact shell with a slightly old-school shape and flat 2-pin connectors, secure fit, and a nozzle some may find a bit much. The package includes Thieaudio’s large, sturdy case, multiple tips, a cleaning brush, and a fabric-sheathed stock cable with a solid chin slider and a durable Y-split. The cable’s modular plug system (2.5/3.5/4.4) locks in confidently and feels well made.

Sound: a neutral foundation with a dash of fun—clean upper mids, tasteful sparkle, and tight, articulate bass. Unit variance shows on graphs (his sample reads a bit bassier with slightly more treble vs other measurements), but the core tuning stays intact: rich mids, smooth presence, and airy extension that present music as natural, wide, and open. Versus Monarch MKIII, this MKII feels less bright and less fatiguing, with fuller mids. Compared to Annihilator 2023, MKII is flatter and more even (Annihilator hits harder and has a 10k zing some hear as “fake”). Against Lime Ears Tera, MKII is a touch warmer and easier; versus the pricier Europa, it tracks similarly on paper but wins on comfort and value; and it offers more body than budget darlings like Hexa, which can come off lean.

Verdict: a high-tier all-rounder prized for midrange timbre, air/detail, note weight, and imaging. It reads neutral-natural with just enough excitement to stay engaging over long sessions. Personal taste and fit still matter—always demo if possible—but within this preference space, Monarch MKII remains a special, well-balanced choice that continues to earn its spot among top IEMs.

Mids: A+ Treble: A+ Dynamics: B Soundstage: A+

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel

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Oriolus Szalayi reviewed by Jaytiss

2025-10-17
Jaytiss 7.6 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
B Tech
BASS + BASS + BASS = fun? Maybe.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: C+ Treble: B Dynamics: A+ Soundstage: A

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 (more reviews)

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 9* * score rescaled + normalized
YouTube video thumbnail
Youtube Video Summary

Build & fit: Premium presentation with a handsome “lava” faceplate and a cloth-sheathed cable featuring swappable terminations—useful, but the connector is bulky enough to be unwieldy. The shell itself is very large and can be tricky for many ears, affecting seal and even bass response. Comfort and security are not strong suits. Tip rolling helps; AZLA AirFit Light tips improved seal and tamed occasional treble bite.

Sound: A neutral, mid-forward tuning with a tasteful sub-bass lift, clean lower treble, and excellent extension. Midrange detail pops with fine micro-contrast, while treble remains smooth—evoking that easy, HD600-like effortlessness. Stage is wide with standout imaging and layering. The trade-off is a lean lower-mid/mid-bass region (that “Harman dip”), which can make non-bass-heavy music feel a bit dry and clinical, reducing perceived depth and visceral impact.

Comparisons & verdict: Versus Moondrop’s stable, Blessing 2 still offers a fuller, more linear low end and remains the more all-round pick; S8 brings superb treble and mid detail with similarly lean bass; Campfire Aura dazzles with holographic imaging and surprisingly satisfying BA bass, though its tonality is quirkier. Monarch MKII earns a solid 4/5 for tonal balance, resolution, and imaging—but the size/fit caveat is serious, and the lean bass means it won’t dethrone Blessing 2 for those craving warmth or body. Demo first; if it fits and that crisp neutrality appeals, it’s a fantastic listen.

Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 8.5 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
S- Tech
Neutral tuning with one of the clearest mid-ranges. Natural and clean vocals. Great resolution, separation, and detail. Can be a little dry with its analytical presentation. Bass is well-seperated from other instruments, but nothing special especially at $1K. Would've liked more depth, and treble is also a bit unstable and dips, resulting in a lack of air/depth. Mid-bass is just enough for my library, but would've liked more for genres like hiphop and rock. Cable is heavy, and fit may be too big for many (need to shove in deep).

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Crin

Crin 8.5 Reviewer Score
S+ Tuning
A+ Tech
YouTube video thumbnail
Youtube Video Summary

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 stays a top-tier pick by balancing excellent tonality with solid, price-appropriate technicalities. The tuning sits close to the current meta, with a slight dip in the lower mids and a noticeable 6 kHz emphasis that adds sparkle and energy. It’s the “spice” to the Mega5-EST’s plain water—still coherent and controlled, but with extra fizz that makes music feel lively. While resolution doesn’t chase the extremes of Elysian Annihilator or Softears RS10, within the $999 bracket the performance remains compelling, making it an easy recommendation among kilobuck IEMs.

Build and accessories are straightforward: a full-resin shell with metal nozzle, a cloth-sheathed cable featuring interchangeable 3.5 / 2.5 / 4.4 terminations, and a proper case with silicone and foam tips. The fiery orange faceplate is the sole colorway. The catch is fit—the shell is large, and for smaller ears that can be a deal-breaker; no sound quality matters if it won’t seal comfortably. For those wanting a near-perfect meta hit with less treble spice, Hisenior Mega5-EST is noted as the safer tonal bullseye.

Choose Monarch Mk2 if a slightly V-leaning, meta-aligned tuning with engaging upper-presence appeals, and if the ear geometry can handle the chunky shell. Skip it if chasing max detail retrieval above all else, craving a more pronounced V-shape (consider Monarch Mk3 instead), or if fit is uncertain. The overall verdict: impeccable tuning paired with good—if not summit—technical chops keeps Monarch Mk2 at the top of the ranking conversation without needing boutique pricing.

Crin original ranking

Crin Youtube Channel

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Yifang

Yifang 8 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
A+ Tech
check links for more info:

Yifang original ranking

Yifang Youtube Channel

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 8 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
A+ Tech
Outstanding tuning. Smooth, balanced tuning with natural vocals, beautiful timbre, and excellent tonality. Detail and could use more bass. Treble depends on ear tips.

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 7.9 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A+ Tech
Organic midrange Wooly bass response and less prominent treble may not work best for certain genres

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: A Mids: S- Treble: A Soundstage: A+ Details: A Imaging: S-

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Smirk Audio

Smirk Audio 7.6 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A Tech
Good treble with tons of air. Forward, ethereal mids. Good detail retrieval with tons of microdetails. Lackluster mid-bass.

Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

Bass: B+ Mids: A+ Treble: A Dynamics: A Details: A+ Imaging: A+

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 7.5 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A+ Tech
Cohesive, smooth, balanced, technical slight treble wispiness

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Bass: A+ Mids: S Treble: A+

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Nymz

Nymz 7.1 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
B+ Tech
11/10 mid-range. Mid-bass could use more texture and stage depth could be better. Yap, that's all. Oh and the fit - I'm blessed, but you may not be.

Nymz original ranking

Nymz Website

Bass: B Mids: S Treble: A- Details: A- Imaging: B

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Precogvision

Precogvision 7 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A- Tech
A solid improvement in imaging with slightly more palatable tonality than its predecessor.

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel
Bass: B Mids: A+ Treble: A- Dynamics: B Details: A+ Imaging: A-

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 9 * score rescaled + normalized
One community member has rated the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKII at an average of 5.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Masterpiece.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

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Price: $999

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Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score:

Based on 1 user reviews

8.5

Excellent

Oriolus Szalayi User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6.9

Gaming Grade

B+

Oriolus Szalayi Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

5.2

Gaming Grade

C+

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A+
  • It delivers a coherent, natural timbre that remains captivating across genres. Acoustic instruments sound lifelike and textured.

Average Technical Grade

A
  • Overall technical control is strong, presenting instruments with clarity and sensible staging. Textures are portrayed with satisfying clarity.
Bass B+
Expect a solid thump that keeps the rhythm engaging yet controlled. Sub-bass presence is supportive, not overwhelming.
Mids A+
You get reference-worthy mids that combine transparency, texture, and depth. It brings out emotional nuance beautifully.
Treble A
Treble performance is excellent—airy, extended, and beautifully controlled. It reveals subtle studio ambiance.
Dynamics B+
It handles shifts in volume well, keeping transients lively and controlled. Quiet-to-loud transitions feel natural.
Soundstage A+
Three-dimensional layering becomes effortless, placing performers on a lifelike virtual stage. Venue ambience wraps around convincingly.
Details A
Micro-details glide to the forefront effortlessly while timbre remains natural. Ambient cues are vivid and lifelike.
Imaging A-
Depth mapping feels natural and accurate, supporting convincing immersion. Depth mapping feels precise and natural.
Gaming B+
Respectable environmental presentation favors atmosphere over precision. Detects obvious directional cues while conveying game world ambiance. Bad value-to-cost for gaming purpose - not recommended

Oriolus Szalayi Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B+
  • It sounds pleasant overall, with some uneven spots that hint at room for refinement. Vocals remain pleasant despite the imperfections.

Average Technical Grade

B
  • Overall technicalities are acceptable, delivering enough clarity for casual sessions. Imaging is serviceable though not immersive.
Mids C+
The region sounds agreeable overall, delivering clarity without flashiness. Slight warmth keeps things easy-going.
Treble B
Expect crisp, well-balanced treble that keeps shimmer intact. You hear reverbs decay naturally.
Dynamics A+
The presentation feels expansive, letting micro and macro dynamics breathe. There's a sense of limitless headroom.
Soundstage A
Excellent spatial presentation that is wide, deep, and tall with precise instrument placement. Width, depth, and height all feel expanded.
Gaming C+
Fundamental left/right positioning with limited depth perception. Works for non-competitive gaming but lacks precision. Bad value-to-cost for gaming purpose - not recommended

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 User Reviews

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wpzdm
8.5

My vocal magic

Pros
Vocals that make you smile. THE most musical set for me.
Cons
Bass is okay for the price. Very occasional upper-mid sharpness

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