Subtonic STORM VS ThieAudio Monarch MK4

Most IEMs inevitably introduce flaws that shatter musical immersion—be it harsh treble, shouty vocals, or unbalanced bass. These imperfections act as chains, binding the listener and preventing that elusive state of pure, uninterrupted freedom within the music. While the OG EJ07 came close, even it faltered on certain tracks, its forward vocals becoming a jarring distraction when pushed hard. The Subtonic Storm, however, shatters this pattern entirely.

Contrary to its name, the Storm represents the eye of the hurricane—a sanctuary of pure, effortless sound. It liberates the music from tuning flaws, presenting it naturally and tranquilly. There are zero distractions or attachments holding the listener back, enabling deep introspection and complete immersion, as if conversing directly with the singer or instrument. This profound, intangible quality—achieving that free state—is why it's considered the best IEM, offering unmatched resolution, separation, and imaging, albeit at an astronomical $5,000 price point.

Value-wise, the Storm is undeniably terrible; the KZ ASF ($250) gets you 80% there, and the Monarch MKII ($1,000) delivers 95%. It's a luxury item, justified only by its unique, unmeasurable ability to dissolve worldly distractions and forge total oneness with the music. Crucially, it's not for everyone: Bass heads, background listeners, or those enjoying J-pop/K-pop/EDM will find far better value elsewhere under $300. Only those deeply seeking musical transcendence, with ample disposable income, should even consider it. For everyone else, stay away—you simply don’t need it.

Jays Audio original ranking

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.

Jays Audio original ranking

The ThieAudio Monarch MK4 presents a well-extended, refined treble that measures cleanly and feels more polished than earlier iterations, though the overall tonality can read a touch thin. Against its sibling Valaha, the MK4 trades warmth for a clearer top end, keeping the presentation crisp without obvious harshness.

Between the pair, the MK4 takes the edge on technical performance—notably resolution—thanks to a bit more upper-treble energy and a more controlled bass shelf, while the Valaha offers extra mid-bass thump and a slightly warmer tilt. Net result: the Monarch MK4 remains a standout around $1,000, balancing precision and extension better than its stablemate.

Precogvision original ranking

Subtonic STORM closes the list as the ultra-high-end, “one-and-done” pick—the kind of most expensive flagship that needs no hype because the name says it all. Chosen for a “versatile” roundup, it’s framed as the endgame option for those who want a single IEM to cover everything and have the budget to match—cue the playful “rich boys” jab.

The verdict is equal parts praise and pragmatism: demo first. STORM isn’t a blind-buy, and the price is so stratospheric it gets the tongue-in-cheek advice to sell a car, a house, or a kidney. In short, a summit-fi statement piece with serious one-set potential—but only after making sure the tuning truly clicks.

Tim Tuned original ranking

ThieAudio Monarch MK4 arrives with the usual hype and a clear step-up in presentation: a thick, high-quality premium cable with interchangeable terminations, plenty of tips and tools, and a handsome case. The shells move to an all-metal build with a resin faceplate and a bass switch, while the internals stack up to 2DD + 6BA + 2EST in a four-way crossover. It is a big set—more long than wide—so smaller ears should test fit first, but the overall finish and hardware feel decidedly upscale.

In quick listens, the normal mode is the sweet spot: clean, powerful and immediately great without obvious quirks. Flipping the switch to bass mode turns things thunderous—fun for a moment—yet can nudge vocals out of balance on bass-heavy tracks, making the standard setting the better choice for everyday use. Early take: a confident, polished evolution of the Monarch line that favors balance and refinement in normal mode, with optional low-end excess on tap for those chasing extra rumble.

Tim Tuned original ranking

Subtonic STORM lands as a $5,200 flagship built around novel SLAM balanced-armature tech: the dual BA “subwoofer” and “woofer” are separated and crossed over independently, joined by a regular BA mid-woofer, additional BA mids, BA mid-tweeter and tweeter, plus two EST—nine drivers total with a seven-point crossover. The result isn’t just another spec sheet; it’s a system that behaves like a rethought low-end engine that sets up everything above it.

On music, the bass ranks an honest 8/10 because it doesn’t sound like typical BA bass—there’s real weight without mid bleed, so male/female vocals, strings, and guitars stay pristine. Complex tracks reveal studio fingerprints: the 38 Hz triple drop on Big Boi’s “Kill Jill” slams; the glockenspiel in Springsteen’s “Born to Run” is crystal; Pink Floyd’s “On the Run” left-right sweeps and the early gate announcement snap into focus; Hendrix’s uneven production becomes obvious; and the Led Zeppelin IV kick-drum intro hits with the produced, swirling authority it should. From Vivaldi to hip-hop, it just handles the library.

Stage is spacious and speaker-like off good sources, with positional cues that outclass sets like Elysian Annihilator and even edge the Fatfreq Grand Maestro for resolution, stage, and tonality—though Grand Maestro’s multi-tuning keeps it competitive. Ignore treble “hacksaw” graph takes and target-chasing; the performance argues against strict adherence to Harman-style curves. Diminishing returns are real, but for those chasing something genuinely different, the STORM’s reworked BA low end and refined EST top end deliver a uniquely authoritative, all-genre presentation that’s hard to unhear.

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Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking

Monarch MK IV lands as a top-three set, sitting just behind the PMG APXSE and CP622B, and it earns that spot with an evolutionary design: a single, tactile rumble switch that can be flipped while the IEM is in-ear—no fiddly pins, no tools. In stock (red) mode it’s a vocal-friendly tuning with restrained mid-bass; engage the switch and the low end lifts, adding note weight without smearing the mids. The shell is metal, build is tight, and all the BAs are Sonion, signaling premium parts and execution.

Low-end performance nails both 808 drops and classic rock kick drums (“When the Levee Breaks”) with satisfying slam—better with the switch on—while bass guitar texture (pulls, plucks, string ring) stays articulate into the lower treble. Vocals are clean in stock mode and gain a pleasing husk and density with rumble engaged, making artists like Neil Young and Mark Knopfler pop. Upper mids/treble avoid glare and long-term fatigue, turning this into a true “sofa set” for hours-long sessions.

At $1,400 it competes shockingly well against far pricier summit-fi gear—no veil, no masking, just balanced resolution and a flip-to-taste bass shelf. Compared to Valhalla, the MK IV’s instant two-flavor flexibility pushes it ahead on value; bone-conduction curios like Origin feel more niche by contrast. Net: the best ThieAudio to date, an easy recommendation, and likely the new #3 overall—thanks to that simple, game-changing rumble switch that future proofs the tuning.

Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking

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.

Jaytiss original ranking

The ThieAudio Monarch MK4 is a premium IEM that earns a spot in the S-tier for competitive gaming, offering a significant upgrade over its predecessor and A-tier competitors. It features a unique rumble mode switch that adds a satisfying low-end punch and weight without muddying the detailed, reference-grade tuning of the standard mode. While the CNC aluminum build feels exceptional, the design is a bit bulky and heavy, which can lead to some comfort issues during very long, multi-hour sessions.

For gaming, the technical performance is nothing short of phenomenal. The imaging is holographic and the depth perception is absolutely exceptional, providing a critical advantage in tactical shooters like VALORANT where tracking footsteps through walls becomes incredibly precise. The wide and deep soundstage pushes sounds off the player, creating an immersive experience. While rumble mode is preferred for titles like Call of Duty, the standard mode's clean and detailed signature shines in battle royales like Apex Legends, though the 2-4k range can make gunfire a bit shouty at higher volumes.

This is also an absolutely amazing set for music, delivering an elevated level of technicality and resolution. The standard mode offers a fast, clean, and neutral listen with great detail retrieval, while the rumble mode provides a weightier, more engaging bass profile for tracks that benefit from the extra warmth and punch. Ultimately, it's a very high-end IEM that delivers a top-tier experience for both competitive gaming and critical music listening.

Fresh Reviews original ranking

ThieAudio Monarch MK4 comes in at $1,150 with a tribrid array—2 DD + 6 BA + 2 EST—a chunky stock cable with friction-fit swappable terminations, and a genuinely excellent, in-ear-operable “Rumble” bass switch. The new metal shells look tidy, but the fit is very large; on average ears it tends to sit a bit out of the concha and feel unstable (seal is doable, comfort is mediocre). Build details like the firm chin slider are nice, yet the cable bulk and loose termination retention detract from daily use.

Tonally, stock MK4 aims for a clean-neutral presentation with a meaty, sub-bass-focused lift, lively upper registers, and excellent extension. The flip side is a slightly dry / clinical character with a hint of treble hardness that can leave notes feeling a bit bodyless. Engaging Rumble mode thickens the curve from ~300 Hz down—more warmth and weight, bordering on “gigabass” territory—making the set fuller and more fun, though arguably too bassy for purists. Staging and imaging are solid, and resolution is high, but macro-dynamics land behind peers; compared side-by-side, sets like Dunu Glacier and 64 Audio U4S feel punchier, while Valhalla sounds warmer, smoother, and more effortlessly resolving.

Overall, MK4 is a technically capable tribrid with two distinct tunings on tap—clinical-clean stock and warmed-up Rumble—but it’s held back by fit size, cable quirks, and that slightly wooden bass texture. For listeners chasing a bright-leaning neutral with legit sub-bass reach (and who can accommodate a big shell), it’s a compelling try; in this lineup, though, it settles at a three-star recommendation next to more engaging or comfortable alternatives.

Super* Review original ranking