Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 VS FlipEars Legion
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 and FlipEars Legion use 1DD+6BA+2EST and 1DD+1EST+1BC driver setups respectively. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 costs $1,000 while FlipEars Legion costs $849. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 is $151 more expensive. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 holds a slight 0.3-point edge in reviewer scores (8.1 vs 7.7). Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 carries a user score of 8.5. FlipEars Legion has better bass with a 0.7-point edge, Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has significantly better mids with a 1.4-point edge, Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has better treble with a 0.8-point edge, FlipEars Legion has better dynamics with a 0.5-point edge and Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 | FlipEars Legion |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 6.8 | 7.5 |
| Mids | 8.4 | 7 |
| Treble | 7.5 | 6.8 |
| Details | 7.6 | 7.5 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 7 |
| Imaging | 7.4 | 7.5 |
| Dynamics | 6.5 | 7 |
| Tonality | 8.1 | 7.7 |
| Technicalities | 7.8 | 7.3 |
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
FlipEars Legion Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.7Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Jays Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
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FlipEars Legion reviewed by Jays Audio
7
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
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Price: $869
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Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Jaytiss
8.5
Reviewer Score
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.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
FlipEars Legion reviewed by Jaytiss
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
FlipEars Legion stakes its identity on a bold, mid-bass–driven fun signature with a bone-conduction twist. The shell is huge and may challenge small ears, the 2-pin sockets are deeply recessed, and the stock 4.4 mm cable and premium case feel thoughtful and upscale. On the graph, there’s a notable dip through the mids that can sound a touch hollow, plus energy around 4 kHz and 8 kHz that adds bite and sparkle; in practice the set delivers big slam, airy extension, and surprisingly solid imaging for a BC-assisted tuning. A light EQ nudge to the upper-mids/lower-mids tightens tonality and pushes technicals up a tier.
Positionally, Legion reads as a “fun daily driver” rather than a sterile studio tool. Compared with similar BC-flavored sets, it feels more controlled than the Z Empire “party” tuning, and markedly more coherent than cheap experiments like KB Ear KBO2. Against safer picks, Monarch Mk I remains the clean, glassy option, while ThieAudio Origin is a safer all-rounder; Legion, however, brings deeper sub-bass and livelier presence with more character. Versus Triton, Legion’s upper-air/presence has better flow; versus the high-ticket Muse, Legion trades a bit of refinement for long-session comfort, dodging fatiguing 6 kHz glare.
Overall, this is an engaging, charismatic tribid that rewards listeners seeking bass heft, contrast, and BC texture without descending into chaos. It’s not the safest first $800 pick given the mid dip and fit quirks, but as a statement piece from FlipEars it feels well priced, well built, and easy to recommend to those prioritizing musical thrill over strict neutrality—especially with a touch of EQ to tidy the mids.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.6
Reviewer Score
FlipEars Legion reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.5
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Head-Fi.org
9
* score rescaled + normalized
FlipEars Legion reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.3
* score rescaled + normalized
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 (more reviews)
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Super* Review
9*
* score rescaled + normalized
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 ChannelThieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Crin
8.5
Reviewer Score
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 Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Yifang
8
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
8
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelThieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Shuwa-T
7.9
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Tim Tuned
7.5
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Nymz
7.1
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Precogvision
7
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
FlipEars Legion (more reviews)
FlipEars Legion reviewed by Audio Amigo
8
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
FlipEars Legion brings serious boutique flair: a wax-sealed letter, a plush leather case, and a premium 4.4 mm cable set the tone, while the hand-finished brass faceplates (rose-gold plated, enamelled by a jeweler) scream showpiece. The resin shells feel rock-solid and quite hefty (~12 g each), yet the earhooks distribute weight well for multi-hour sessions. Fit skews large—small ears will struggle, and shallow seals blunt the bone conduction effect. Accessories are minimal but tasteful (L-size Baroque tips, cable tie), fitting the boutique vibe. Build, finish, and the whole Spartan aesthetic? Sub-Zero cool.
Under the hood, Legion is a tribrid: custom dynamic for lows, a bone-conduction driver active through bass/mids, and a custom electret tweeter up top. The signature is unapologetically V-shaped. Bass is the star—tactile, rumbly, and subwoofer-like without boom or weird BC artifacts; kick drums and EDM drops thump with grinning authority. Lower mids gain pleasing warmth and body, while center-mids can sit a touch pushed back on acoustic and vocal-centric tracks. Treble is crisp and airy, smooth yet detailed, avoiding fatigue while keeping cymbals and harmonic sheen lively. Staging benefits from BC with a wider, more separated image and engaging depth when the recording allows.
Put simply, this is the polished, modern take on that classic fun V-tune: all the excitement, far fewer compromises. For EDM, hip-hop, pop, rock and anything bass-forward, Legion is a party in the ears and a compelling endgame choice at its $850 pre-order tier. Those chasing neutral mids, analytical focus, or small-ear ergonomics should look elsewhere; everyone else gets glorious low-end slam, smooth sparkly highs, and boutique craftsmanship that feels special. On the Audio Amigo scale: “This is brilliant.”
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
FlipEars Legion reviewed by Web Search
8
Reviewer Score
The FlipEars Legion makes a commanding entrance with its striking Roman legionnaire-inspired design, featuring jewelry-cast rose-plated brass faceplates hand-painted by master artisans in Bulacan, Philippines, ensuring each unit is a unique masterpiece. While the substantial resin housings may challenge smaller ears, the included Eletech Baroque tips and pliable cable contribute to a surprisingly secure and comfortable fit over time. Unboxing feels luxurious, with a premium leather case and meticulous packaging underscoring FlipEars' commitment to craftsmanship.
Sonically, the Legion leverages its innovative tribrid driver system to deliver thunderous, tactile bass via a custom dynamic driver and EarQuake bone conduction unit, creating visceral sub-bass rumble without muddying the midrange. The midrange remains lush and articulate, presenting vocals with natural warmth and instruments with rich texturing, while the SPARK electret tweeter adds refined, fatigue-free sparkle to the highs. This synergy results in a cohesive, immersive sound signature that prioritizes musical engagement over analytical sharpness, making complex tracks feel both powerful and nuanced.
Technically, the Legion punches above its price point, boasting a holographic soundstage with precise instrument placement and exceptional layering that rivals models costing twice as much. Its imaging is pinpoint accurate, rendering subtle ambient cues and dynamic shifts with effortless clarity, while the bone conduction driver enhances physicality and depth without sacrificing control. Though its bass-forward tuning might not suit treble purists, the Legion excels as a reference-grade all-rounder for those seeking technical prowess paired with relentless musicality.
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+6BA+2EST
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,000
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FlipEars Legion Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+1EST+1BC
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost, Basshead
Brand: Flipears Top Flipears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $849
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Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
8.5Excellent
FlipEars Legion 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
6.9Gaming Grade
B+FlipEars Legion Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.4Gaming Grade
BThieaudio 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.
FlipEars Legion Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Tuning feels well executed, keeping a natural flow across the spectrum. Switching genres feels seamless.
Average Technical Grade
A-- Technical chops are reliable, pairing tidy separation with a soundstage that stays conservative. Micro-detail is decent, though never spotlighted.
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 User Reviews
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewMy 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 sharpnessFlipEars Legion User Reviews
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