Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 VS Unique Melody MEST mkII
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 and Unique Melody MEST mkII use 1DD+6BA+2EST and 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC driver setups respectively. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 costs $1,000 while Unique Melody MEST mkII costs $1,500. Unique Melody MEST mkII is $500 more expensive. Both score 8.1 from reviewers. User ratings place Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 at 8.5 and Unique Melody MEST mkII at 7.5. Unique Melody MEST mkII has significantly better bass with a 1.3-point edge, Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has better mids with a 0.9-point edge, Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has slightly better treble with a 0.4-point edge, Unique Melody MEST mkII has better dynamics with a 0.5-point edge and Unique Melody MEST mkII has better details with a 0.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 | Unique Melody MEST mkII |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 6.8 | 8.1 |
| Mids | 8.4 | 7.5 |
| Treble | 7.5 | 7.1 |
| Details | 7.6 | 8.2 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 8 |
| Imaging | 7.4 | 7.5 |
| Dynamics | 6.5 | 7 |
| Tonality | 8.1 | 7.5 |
| Technicalities | 7.8 | 8 |
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
Unique Melody MEST mkII Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very 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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Price: $999
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Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Super* Review
10*
* score rescaled + normalized
Buy Unique Melody MEST mkII on Linsoul
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Price: $1,499
Buy Unique Melody MEST mkII on Linsoul
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Jays Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Jays Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
UM MEST MKII delivers a distinctly sub-bass-oriented low end with excellent speed, separation, and texture. Mid-bass is punchy but avoids bloat, keeping the presentation clean and avoiding bleed. The unconventional decision to keep the 1–5 kHz region flatter and push energy into 5–15 kHz pays off: vocals stay open, natural, and clear—reminiscent of Variations but with a cleaner, leaner midrange and a more refined overall balance.
The stage is impressively wide and expansive—on the level of sets like Z1R and U12t—yet with notably better vocals. Treble is well-extended, slightly aggressive in a good way, and highly resolving, rendering micro-details with ease without tipping into artificial sharpness. As a result, technical ability—clarity, separation, and imaging—is top tier, making dense tracks feel effortless while still bringing energy and excitement to hip-hop and retaining emotional nuance for ballads.
In sum, MEST MKII stands out as a true all-rounder “endgame” that justifies its $1,500 tag more convincingly than most. Notable comparisons place it a step above sets like Meteor, Mahina, and Variations for the mix of enjoyment and technicalities, though value hunters may note EJ07M achieves roughly “90%” of the experience at a fraction of the price. The only caveat: treble can become too lively at very loud volumes (80 dB+), but at normal listening levels, MEST MKII remains a compelling benchmark for its category.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
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
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Crin
6.5
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Yifang
8
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Yifang
8.5
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Shuwa-T
7.9
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Shuwa-T
8
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Tim Tuned
7.5
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Tim Tuned
7
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Nymz
7.1
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Nymz
7.6
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Precogvision
7
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Precogvision
7.1
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Head-Fi.org
9
* score rescaled + normalized
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.9
* score rescaled + normalized
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 (more reviews)
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
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
8
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelThieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.6
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST mkII (more reviews)
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Audionotions
8.5
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by
Fresh Reviews
5.5*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming
Score
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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Unique Melody MEST mkII Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC
Tuning Type: Warm, V-Shaped
Brand: Unique Melody Top Unique Melody IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,500
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Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
8.5Excellent
Unique Melody MEST mkII User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
7.5Strongly Favorable
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+Unique Melody MEST mkII Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.8Gaming 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.
Unique Melody MEST mkII Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Expect an inviting tonal blend that adapts well to genres while staying largely composed. It strikes a nice blend of warmth and clarity.
Average Technical Grade
A+- Overall technical control is strong, presenting instruments with clarity and sensible staging. Textures are portrayed with satisfying clarity.
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 sharpnessUnique Melody MEST mkII User Reviews
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