Thieaudio Monarch MK3 VS Thieaudio Origin
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 and Thieaudio Origin use 2DD+6BA+2EST and 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC driver setups respectively. Thieaudio Monarch MK3 costs $1,000 while Thieaudio Origin costs $849. Thieaudio Monarch MK3 is $151 more expensive. Thieaudio Monarch MK3 holds a slight 0.3-point edge in reviewer scores (8.2 vs 7.9). Thieaudio Monarch MK3 carries a user score of 6.8. Thieaudio Origin has significantly better bass with a 1.5-point edge, Thieaudio Origin has slightly better mids with a 0.3-point edge, Thieaudio Monarch MK3 has significantly better treble with a 1.3-point edge and Thieaudio Origin has significantly better dynamics with a 1.7-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Thieaudio Monarch MK3 | Thieaudio Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.5 | 9 |
| Mids | 7.7 | 8 |
| Treble | 7.8 | 6.5 |
| Details | 7.8 | 7.9 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 8 |
| Imaging | 7.4 | 7.9 |
| Dynamics | 7.3 | 9 |
| Tonality | 7.8 | 8.1 |
| Technicalities | 7.9 | 7 |
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.2Very Positive
Thieaudio Origin Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.9Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 reviewed by Z-Reviews
10
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 takes the flagship slot with swagger: a 2DD + 6BA + 2EST array and a 4-way passive crossover, centered on the Impact² isobaric push-pull dual 10 mm subwoofer. The shells are huge and gorgeous (plain backs at ~$1000, fancy backs around ~$1100), vented on the underside, and paired with a supple, interchangeable-plug cable (2.5 / 3.5 / 4.4). Despite the driver count, coherence is the headline: this isn’t a parts parade—it’s a single, surgically precise instrument.
Sonically, bass behaves like a well-tuned subwoofer in a treated room: tight, fast, and slammy without bloat. The real party trick is imaging and spatial “distance”—sounds lock into place with eerie specificity, making familiar tracks feel new. Instrument separation is crystalline, treble air is effortless, and the set is easy to drive yet scales—more power refines rather than merely getting louder. Tip rolling matters: stock foams/silicones are okay, Dekoni helps, Dunu S&S can fit oddly on these large shells, while Render tips seal the room and boost performance ~15–20%, supercharging the imaging and engagement.
Against the Monarch MKII (good, kept around), the MK3 feels like a different tier—the sort of tuning that glues ears to music and makes skipping tracks impossible. Accessories are minimal because the message is clear: you’re buying the sound, and it arguably feels underpriced for this level. Currently on pre-order, this is peak IEM energy—an endgame-grade, king-making performance that invites hyperbole and earns it.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
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Thieaudio Origin reviewed by Z-Reviews
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Thieaudio Origin goes full mad-science: 1DD + 4BA + 2EST + bone conductor (eight drivers per side), big shells, hefty stock cable, and a tuning built around a ~12 dB sub-bass shelf. Fit can be a touch chunky, but foam tips (think Render) lock in seal and turn the low end from “more bass somewhere” into deep, anchored slam; silicone leaves it a bit loose. Accessories are barebones—swap plugs, tips, case—and that’s it. No fancy gifts, just a box of sound.
Sonically it’s a deconstructed presentation: instead of one smooth ribbon like a single DD, the Origin spreads the band across space—drivers carving out their lanes so instruments pop up here… then there… then over there. It’s not “mushy blend,” it’s forcible separation that can feel museum-exhibit surreal: treble details flit around (hello ESTs) while bass feels omnipresent and room-filling. It doesn’t really scale with amps; neutral DAC/amps to pricier rigs all keep roughly the same character. What can change the tonality is cable impedance—at 9 Ω and high sensitivity, cheap/high-resistance wires can skew things, so stick with a stout low-impedance lead.
Gripes? The cable is thick, custom faceplates up the bill, and the package isn’t exactly a Santa sack. But for $850, the payoff is a unique, spacious, “pulled-apart” soundstage that turns playlists into set pieces. Not for purists chasing one-driver cohesion; absolutely for listeners who crave clarity, staging theatrics, and tactile bass. Final word: a solid 9/10 on sound and swagger—price keeps it off the throne, excitement keeps it in the cart.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
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Thieaudio Monarch MK3 reviewed by Jays Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Bass is where the Monarch MK3 steals the show: tight, textured, and rumbly with real slam and no bleed, giving male vocals a more natural heft while staying clean. The Prestige LTD pushes the low end back for a lighter hit but trades that for a more open, airy stage and superior layering—great for busy mixes like rock, metal, and classical. The Hype 2 mirrors the LTD’s bass balance and rumble conceptually, but lacks the same overall technical resolve, making the MK3 the better pick for pop, EDM, R&B, and hip-hop that benefit from weighty sub-bass.
Through the midrange, the LTD steps ahead on separation, detail, and note definition, presenting vocals slightly set back yet more airy and sparkly; female vocals especially shine. The MK3 counters with more weight and engagement on male vocals and a forward presence, though its stage isn’t as deep or spacious as the LTD (a modest vertical lift over Hype 2, but not a “$1k soundstage”). Up top, the LTD has the smoothest, best-extended treble with the most air and microdetail of the trio. All three excel at moderate volume, but none invites cranking like certain high-volume specialists.
As an all-rounder, the MK3 checks nearly every box yet misses that distinctive “special sauce” expected at its price; think ~15–20% uplift over Hype 2. The LTD delivers the bigger technical jump at roughly 25–30%, with staging, extension, and air taking the crown, making a strong case paired with a cheaper daily driver. The Monarch MK2 still earns a nod for its midrange/vocal magic if that’s the priority. Final word: both LTD and MK3 score an S; for those willing to spend, they’re easy to recommend—just match the tuning to the library and the qualities valued most.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Origin reviewed by Jays Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Thieaudio Origin takes the “Meta” idea and dials it toward a fuller, bass-forward presentation without losing control. The bone conduction driver is not a gimmick—low notes carry palpable vibration and reverb while staying tight with clean layering and no mid bleed. Vocals sit naturally—neither shouty nor buried—though this isn’t a vocal-focused set (reach for RS5 if that’s the priority). Versus Oracle Mk II, the Origin trades some cleanliness for deeper tactility and weight, making bass textures feel more alive.
The top end is airy and extended on smooth Sonion ESTs, cutting through the warmth to balance the tuning. Most tracks are fine, but snare- and cymbal-heavy songs at higher volumes can push the treble into fatiguing territory (e.g., around 3:30 in Hikaru Utada’s “Time”). It’s generally controlled at moderate levels; just note that treble energy scales and can turn sharp when cranked.
In A/Bs, the Origin’s bass texture outclasses sets like Mega 5 EST, offering more detail, impact, and less boom. Against TITAN, Origin’s reverb and low-end “shake” edge it out while avoiding the Titan’s 5 kHz peak—though Titan still feels more exciting with livelier vocals. Versus all-rounders Monarch Mk II and Hype 10, those remain cleaner with better mids/layering but can’t match Origin’s sheer bass depth. The wildcard is BAJIE: stock, Origin wins; with EQ, BAJIE’s bigger 14.2 mm driver slams harder, while Origin stays the more balanced, tactile choice. Net: for a premium, fun, bass-centric daily driver under a grand, Origin sets a new reference—unless maximum slam with EQ is the goal.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 reviewed by Jaytiss
8.5
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Origin reviewed by Jaytiss
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Thieaudio Origin brings a wild driver stack—1 DD + 4 BA + 2 EST + 1 bone conductor—inside a massive yet surprisingly comfortable shell. Build feels premium: striking faceplate, visible bone-conductor puck, proper nozzle lip, and a thicker cable than usual from the brand. The hockey-puck case is a nice touch, and for about $100 more there’s custom artwork available, making the unboxing and ownership experience feel a bit more special.
Sonically, this one swings for impact. Bass hits clean, strong, and fun, with upper mids that come across pristine. The trade-off: a hotter mid/treble band (around the 4–10 kHz region, with a notable 6 kHz glare) that can push cymbals and strings into an unnatural territory. Resolution and imaging don’t always keep pace for the price; stage is big and enveloping, but fine detail and separation can blur, making it a specialist that thrills on bass-centric tracks yet feels less convincing on metal or complex orchestral pieces.
Against its siblings, Origin sits like a more fun, bass-forward take compared with HYPE 4/10, but with a treble execution that’s less refined. Versus Oracle MK3, the latter’s ESTs sound crisper and cleaner; versus Monarch MKIII, that model’s tasteful 5–8 kHz dip lends better resolution. If pure detail is the target, sets like HiSenior Mega5 Bass or the Subtonic Annihilator may prove more satisfying. As a whole, Origin is a unique, bass-thrilled experience with excellent fit, huge space, and customization perks—great for those chasing visceral low-end and a cinematic stage, less ideal for listeners prioritizing treble finesse and microdetail at this tier.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 reviewed by Tim Tuned
2025-08-14
7.5
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Origin reviewed by Tim Tuned
7
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 reviewed by
Fresh Reviews
7*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming
Score
Youtube Video Summary
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 steps up as a true flagship: a 2DD + 6BA + 2EST hybrid with high-grade Knowles/Sonion drivers, a gorgeous marbled faceplate, and—crucially—a vastly improved shell over MK2. Comfort moves from a 2-hour limit to all-session wear, and the stock package (solid cable with swappable terminations, foam and silicone tips) is well thought out. Tip choice meaningfully shapes performance; options like SednaEarfit Short or Comply foam push it toward its best.
Tuning follows a balanced, studio-leaning tonality with extra sub-bass warmth, delivering both clinical insight and genuine fun. Micro-detail is standout, bass is clean, textured, and physical (from Nirvana’s “Lithium” to modern hip-hop drops), and male vocals are among the most convincing heard on an IEM in this tier. Stage is wider and a bit taller than MK2, with excellent imaging, layering, and separation, keeping drums, bass guitar, and synth lines neatly organized without blunting impact.
For competitive gaming, the MK3 brings a tight soundstage, strong depth perception, and clear audio cue emphasis, offering precise 360° placement and adequate verticality. Versus Prestige Limited, it trades some sterile clinical edge for a more engaging, atmospheric presentation that reads distance and urgency better; compared to Yanyin Moonlight Ultra, it’s the more coherent pick for both games and music. While great mid-fi options like Zens Top, Orchestra Lite, or Yanyin Canon 2 remain strong, Monarch MK3 feels like the elevated, “dreamy” flagship experience—a new top choice for music enjoyment that also dominates in game when properly tipped.
Fresh Reviews original ranking
Fresh Reviews Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Origin reviewed by
Fresh Reviews
7*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming
Score
Youtube Video Summary
Thieaudio Origin steps into the high end with a hybrid array—1DD + 4BA + 2EST + bone conduction—that pushes a richly textured, holographic presentation. The soundstage is wide and deep, imaging snaps into place, and the resolution clears the bar set by mid-tier sets. Most striking is the low-end: sub-bass digs deep with palpable rumble and impact yet avoids flooding the mix, leaving mids clean, detailed, and lifelike, and the treble airy with convincing cymbal sheen. At $850, the overall technical polish and bass quality feel appropriately premium—better than some kilobuck options.
For competitive gaming, the tuning translates across titles with ease. In Valorant, staging, separation, and distance cues deliver an A experience; occasional low-end bloom can introduce slight over/under flicks on sudden off-screen shots, but not often enough to dent performance. In Apex Legends, verticality and imaging impress (A-): during chaotic third/fourth-party fights, some lighter movement cues (slides, climbs) could cut through a bit more. In Warzone, depth and impact enhance immersion without masking key information, keeping imaging and separation strong. Tip rolling helps: foam trims bass and brightens; silicone restores slam.
Build and ergonomics match the sonic ambition: a galactic faceplate, sturdy 2-pin cable with swappable terminations, and a chassis that’s larger than average yet comfortable for long sessions (minor fatigue around the 6-hour mark). The nozzle is wide but short with a solid lip for secure tips. Overall, this is a fun yet precise set that excels in music and earns a high mark on a “wall-hack certified” style tier list for shooters—driven by standout bass, convincing staging, and top-tier separation.
Fresh Reviews original ranking
Fresh Reviews Youtube ChannelThieaudio Monarch MK3 reviewed by Head-Fi.org
9
* score rescaled + normalized
Thieaudio Origin reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 (more reviews)
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 reviewed by Yifang
8.5
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 reviewed by Shuwa-T
8.2
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
8
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelThieaudio Monarch MK3 reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.9
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 reviewed by Precogvision
7.3
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 reviewed by Nymz
7.1
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Origin (more reviews)
Thieaudio Origin reviewed by Super* Review
6*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
At $850, Thieaudio Origin positions itself as an unapologetic bass icon with a complex driver stack (1DD/4BA/2EST plus bone conduction). Build and accessories are a mixed bag: the large, chunky shells will be too big for many ears, and the semi-transparent, pattern-heavy faceplates feel a bit generic. The thick stock cable suits the heft but the swappable plug mechanism is long, doesn’t lock, and often detaches at the adapter rather than the jack—an unnecessary annoyance. Fit is the major caveat; for smaller ears, contact is mostly at the tip, which compromises comfort and seal consistency.
Sonically, Origin is unmistakably bass-forward—well beyond Harman—with a warm, thick low end that initially reads as overbearing and soft on definition. With time, that bass takes on a distinctive, “ooey-gooey” atmospheric quality that sits under the mix rather than congesting it, enabling a surprisingly grand, spacious presentation. Above the lows, the tuning is “new-meta” adjacent: neutral-ish mids, balanced upper-treble, and a touch of mid-treble bite that sharpens transients and adds contrast. The trade-off is occasional edginess/sibilance on certain vocals, but guitars and percussion benefit from extra snap. Live recordings in particular gain scale and drama.
Against the Mega 5 EST Bass+ (cheaper, similarly boosted), Origin offers better separation and more engaging transients, while the Mega feels sludgier and less distinct—though also less edgy. Overall, Origin is a unique bass experience that prioritizes mood and scale over textbook bass tightness. The combination of fit challenges, polarizing low-end quality, and treble bite tempers enthusiasm, settling at a three-star (out of five) verdict—compelling for bass lovers seeking something different, but not a universal recommendation.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelThieaudio Origin reviewed by Web Search
8.5
Reviewer Score
The Thieaudio Origin delivers a bass-forward signature with a substantial 12dB sub-bass boost that provides visceral rumble and slam, particularly effective for electronic or hip-hop genres. Despite this emphasis, the neutral midrange avoids bloat, preserving vocal clarity and instrument separation, while the electrostatic drivers contribute a smooth, airy treble free from harshness or sibilance. Its technical performance is strong, offering a wide, holographic stage and precise imaging, though micro-detail retrieval falls slightly short of some competitors in its price tier.
Comfort is divisive due to the large shells, which may cause fatigue or fit issues for those with smaller ears, necessitating careful tip selection for optimal seal. The package includes a high-quality modular cable with swappable terminations (3.5mm/4.4mm) and a distinctive round Alcantara case, though the included ear tips may not suit all users.
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+6BA+2EST
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,000
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Thieaudio Origin Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost, Basshead
Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $849
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Thieaudio Monarch MK3 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
6.8Cautiously Favorable
Thieaudio Origin User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Thieaudio Monarch MK3 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.6Gaming Grade
AThieaudio Origin Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7Gaming Grade
A-Thieaudio Monarch MK3 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Overall balance feels confident and refined, rewarding long listening sessions. A reliable all-rounder for everyday listening.
Average Technical Grade
A- It delivers a confident technical showing with defined layers and satisfying clarity. You can follow backing vocals with relative ease.
Thieaudio Origin Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Tuning feels refined, blending frequencies with convincing realism and engagement. Transitions between registers feel effortless.
Average Technical Grade
A-- The presentation feels orderly, balancing workable detail retrieval with acceptable imaging cues. It keeps momentum without smearing transients.
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 User Reviews
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Pros
Detail retrievalCons
Recessed mids and odd timbre.Thieaudio Origin User Reviews
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