Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 VS Symphonium Helios

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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.

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Symphonium Helios hits the kilobuck arena with a 4-BA flagship co-developed with Subtonic, priced around $1,100. The unboxing is minimal: a waterproof, aluminum “hockey-puck” case (cool but gritty threading), assorted tips, and a standard 0.78 mm cable without ear guides. The shell is surprisingly large—reportedly to house bigger capacitors and wider tubing for the desired treble extension—and the wide nozzle plus stick-out fit will be the biggest hurdle for many ears. Comfort varies; demoing first is wise.

Sonically, Helios tracks Harman-ish through the lower mids, then diverges for a more relaxed ear-gain and a showpiece treble. Bass is sub-bass focused with near-zero mid-bass, staying impeccably clean of the mids; for BA, it slams impressively—competitive with U12t—though a touch light on texture. Mids read lean/clean (200 Hz dip), while the top end is remarkably linear with huge air; with AZLA SednaEarfit tips it can verge on abrasive, but the included silicone tips smooth things out to a class-leading treble at this price. Technicals are excellent: incisive imaging (even occasional “backwards” cues), strong macro & micro-dynamics, and lively transients; ultimate resolving edges still nod to sets like Annihilator and U12t. Taken as a whole, Helios stands as a top-tier kilobuck pick on sound quality—its fit is the make-or-break.

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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.

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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.

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Positioned as a $1,100 4BA set with a proprietary “sub-woofer” armature, Helios promises consistency via FLAT (Filtered Linear Attenuation Tuning). In practice, the claimed impedance immunity proves fickle: desktop gear can skew the treble and dynamics, and tube amps are a no-go. Performance clicks on the right solid-state portable (e.g., a Violectric unit), where the presentation opens up with striking clarity, tactile microdetail, and pinpoint imaging. The stage doesn’t just spread left–right; there’s convincing presence—sounds pop in and around the head with tidy placement. Low end is tight and clean rather than head-rattling; it accommodates bass, it doesn’t chase it.

Ergonomics dampen the honeymoon. The shell is big and oddly shaped, the stock cable has poor ear retention, and the included tips feel thick and overdamp the voicing. Tip rolling (e.g., Xelastec, foam-hybrids, or Dunu SS) helps restore balance and bass grip, but fit remains fussy. Once settled, Helios delivers a smooth, near-tame signature that’s detailed without harshness—more refinement than fireworks. Verdict: a highly capable, clear and composed monitor for source- and tip-savvy listeners; brilliant when the chain is right, but the overall package—from fit to amp matching—can be annoying enough to test patience.