Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 VS Moondrop Illustrious
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 and Moondrop Illustrious use 1DD+6BA+2EST and 1DD driver setups respectively. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 costs $1,000 while Moondrop Illustrious costs $899. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 is $101 more expensive. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 holds a decisive 1.8-point edge in reviewer scores (8.1 vs 6.3). Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 carries a user score of 8.5. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has significantly better bass with a 1.8-point edge, Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has significantly better mids with a 2.9-point edge, Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has significantly better treble with a 1.5-point edge, Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has significantly better dynamics with a 2-point edge, Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge, Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has significantly better details with a 2.6-point edge and Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has significantly better imaging with a 2.4-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 | Moondrop Illustrious |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 6.8 | 5 |
| Mids | 8.4 | 5.5 |
| Treble | 7.5 | 6 |
| Details | 7.6 | 5 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 7 |
| Imaging | 7.4 | 5 |
| Dynamics | 6.5 | 4.5 |
| Tonality | 8.1 | 6.1 |
| Technicalities | 7.8 | 6.8 |
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
Moondrop Illustrious Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.3Mixed to Positive
Reviews Comparison
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 ChannelBuy Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 on Linsoul
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Moondrop Illustrious reviewed by Super* Review
6*
* score rescaled + normalized
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
Buy Moondrop Illustrious on Linsoul
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Price: $899
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Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Jays Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Moondrop Illustrious reviewed by Jays Audio
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Thieaudio Valhalla lands as an “endgame” all-rounder with standout resolution, micro-detail, and imaging. Layering and separation are locked in, with vocals that aren’t scooped—mids stay present and natural. Sub-bass hits rumblier than the U12t and the treble avoids that sudden, sharp peak, making the overall presentation smoother yet still airy. Versus the Cadenza 12, Valhalla is less treble-heavy, a touch bassier, and not as bright-leaning; the Cadenza 12 may edge it on micro-detail by only a few percentage points, so it’s a straight tuning preference: go Cadenza 12 for leaner/brighter sparkle, go Valhalla for the better-balanced bassy all-rounder.
On value, this isn’t twice the performance of a Monarch Mk II/Mk III—think ~10% better with clear diminishing returns. For the “chase the very best” crowd, it’s absolutely worth a listen; for most, Monarchs/LTD/Crimson are already more than enough for a so-called endgame. Final call: Top Tier for tuning and sound refinement—not a value pick, but a legit endgame-grade set.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
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
Moondrop Illustrious reviewed by Jaytiss
7.5
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
8
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelMoondrop Illustrious reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
2025-07-31
6
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Precogvision
7
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Moondrop Illustrious reviewed by Precogvision
4.3
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 (more reviews)
Thieaudio 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 Shuwa-T
7.9
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.6
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 Head-Fi.org
9
* score rescaled + normalized
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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Moondrop Illustrious Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $899
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Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
8.5Excellent
Moondrop Illustrious User Review Score
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 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+Moondrop Illustrious Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.6Gaming Grade
B-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.
Moondrop Illustrious Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B- Tonality is generally agreeable, though a few bumps remind you of its limits. Certain tracks spotlight its tonal quirks.
Average Technical Grade
B+- It offers a competent showing, maintaining cohesion on straightforward arrangements. Complex passages start to challenge it, but never derail the show.
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
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 sharpnessMoondrop Illustrious User Reviews
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Cons
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