ThieAudio Monarch MK4 VS Thieaudio Monarch Mk2

Aggregated Scores from Top Experts & Community

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ThieAudio Monarch MK4 Aggregated Review Score

ThieAudio Monarch MK4 Average Reviewer Scores

Super* Review
Tim Tuned
Jays Audio Jaytiss Fresh Reviews IEMRanking AI

Average Reviewer Score:

8.6

Very Positive

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 Aggregated Review Score

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 Average Reviewer Scores

Precogvision Tim Tuned Smirk Audio Shuwa-T Nymz
Jays Audio Gizaudio Axel Crin
Jaytiss Super* Review

Average Reviewer Score:

8

Very Positive

ThieAudio Monarch MK4 User Review Score

ThieAudio Monarch MK4 Average User Scores

Average User Score:

Based on 1 user reviews

9

Overwhelmingly Positive

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 User Review Score

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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ThieAudio Monarch MK4 Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

9.3

Gaming Grade

S

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

7.1

Gaming Grade

A-

ThieAudio Monarch MK4 Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

S
  • Highly polished technical execution. Excellent frequency synergy creates an immersive experience. Enhances musical content.

Average Technical Grade

S
  • Excellent clarity and detail. Precise imaging and expansive soundstage. Manages complex passages with minimal smearing and good transient speed.
Bass A+
Excellent bass response - powerful yet controlled. Deep extension with authoritative slam while maintaining clarity.
Mids S
Reference-class midrange - perfectly balanced and hyper-detailed. Utterly natural reproduction with effortless texture and layering.
Treble S
Reference-class treble: flawless extension with zero fatigue. Hyper-detailed yet perfectly natural reproduction of highs.
Dynamics S
Reference-class dynamics: perfect micro/macro contrast with lightning transients. Utterly realistic reproduction of musical energy.
Soundstage S+
Reference-class soundstage: perfectly spherical presentation with infinite space. Utterly realistic instrument placement and venue reproduction.
Gaming S
Near-flawless environmental awareness with precise depth perception. Tracks multiple audio sources simultaneously while preserving critical gameplay details. Premium pricing warrants consideration of gaming-first alternatives for lower cost

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A+
  • Refined execution with coherent frequency integration. Natural timbre reproduction and engaging presentation. Strong versatility.

Average Technical Grade

A+
  • Very competent with articulate presentation. Well-defined layers and precise imaging. Soundstage is immersive and handles dynamics well. Minor smearing in very busy tracks.
Bass B+
Good bass foundation with decent impact. Maintains acceptable control while providing satisfying thump in most tracks.
Mids S-
Superb midrange that's rich and resolving. Exceptional transparency and micro-details with perfect vocal/instrument balance.
Treble A
Excellent treble: airy, extended and well-controlled. Great micro-detail retrieval without sibilance or harshness.
Dynamics B+
Good dynamic expression with solid impact. Handles volume contrasts well while maintaining good transient snap.
Soundstage S-
Exceptional soundstage with holographic imaging. Creates a truly three-dimensional space where instruments float naturally around you.
Details A
Excellent detail retrieval: highly resolving without being clinical. Effortlessly reveals micro-details and textural subtleties.
Imaging A-
Excellent imaging: precise and stable placement. Instruments occupy specific points in space with tangible positions.
Gaming A-
Good fundamental spatial awareness for most gaming scenarios. Handles basic positioning well but may lack nuance in complex situations. Bad value-to-cost for gaming purpose - not recommended

ThieAudio Monarch MK4 Reviews

ThieAudio Monarch MK4 reviewed by:

Jays Audio 9 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
S Tech
Smooth, clean, balanced, and slightly airy in the balance switch. Goes from a clean all-rounder to a warm/bassy all-rounder. Great tech. Basically a cheaper Prestige LTD with more tuning options. "Endgame" for most people, but the case is SHIT.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel
- Jays Audio

The Thieaudio Monarch MK IV presents two distinct tuning options, elevating its versatility. The balanced switch delivers a clean, smooth, and slightly airy presentation, offering a refined all-rounder sound that's very detailed, well-layered, and resolving – essentially a direct upgrade to predecessors like the Monarch MK3 and Top Pro, with slightly more treble detail and air. Conversely, the bass switch provides a significantly fuller, warmer low end with punchy, well-textured bass and a tamer upper midrange, addressing criticisms of thinness in earlier models and offering a specialized, engaging listen for bass-heavy genres.

Technically, the MK IV sits comfortably in the $1,000 tier, offering a slight bump in detail retrieval, refinement, and smoothness over the MK3 and MK2, comparable to the Dunu Glacier and Prestige LTD. While not a giant leap, the dual tuning options make it arguably a better all-rounder than single-tuning competitors; the balance switch excels with acoustic, classical, and cleaner genres, while the bass switch shines with rock, metal, R&B, and pop. Build quality is improved with an all-metal shell, though the flimsy cardboard case is a notable disappointment. Vocals are smooth, balanced, and enjoyable, though sets like the Monarch MK2, Mystic 8, RSV, or Arcanis offer more forwardness or unique character. Bass quality is excellent for most, though pure bass enthusiasts might prefer models like the Thieaudio Origin for its unique texture.

Ultimately, the Monarch MK IV is a highly compelling endgame option for the vast majority. It combines strong technical performance with exceptional versatility through its two excellent tunings, covering a wide genre spectrum effectively. While value-focused options like the Top Pro, Volare, or Mega5EST offer similar technicalities at lower prices, the MK IV's refinement, tuning flexibility, and slightly superior performance make it easy to recommend. It allows listeners to leave the hobby satisfied, provided they resonate with its sound – though chasing marginally better flagships involves steep diminishing returns. The king might be debatable, but the MK IV is undoubtedly a very solid $1,000 contender.

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Price: $1,149

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ThieAudio Monarch MK4 reviewed by:

Jaytiss 9.8 Reviewer Score
S+ Tuning
S+ Tech
Detailed fun, rich bass. It's hard to fault

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
- Jaytiss
Mids: S+ Treble: S+ Dynamics: S Soundstage: S+

Priced between $1,150 and $1,300 depending on custom faceplate options like the butterfly design shown, the Thieaudio Monarch MK IV boasts exceptional build quality with a large but well-contoured titanium shell offering a secure and comfortable fit. Key features include the innovative rumble switch for adjustable bass levels on the fly, a durable two-pin connector, and a solid feel that inspires confidence in longevity. While the included accessories are considered fair but unexciting, the shell's customization potential and rugged construction are major highlights.

Sonically, the Monarch MK IV delivers a detailed, exciting, and clean sound signature that stands as the best in the Monarch lineage. The rumble switch provides two distinct profiles: the red switch (no rumble) offers a balanced, tactful bass presentation, while the gold switch (rumble) adds a satisfying sub-bass shelf ideal for genres like hip-hop. Treble performance is notably improved over the MK III, though a 10k peak requires careful ear tip selection for some listeners. It trades blows with flagships like the $3,000 Annihilator (better sub-bass focus) and the $1,800 Elysian Apostle (more vocal forward), often matching or exceeding their technicalities while offering its unique tuning flexibility.

Scoring a top-tier 9.8, the Monarch MK IV earns its place through a compelling combination of premium build, the highly functional rumble switch, and outstanding sound quality that feels both special and refined. While acknowledging the high price, it represents significant value against competitors like the $2,000 Thieaudio Valhalla or the fiddly Grand Maestro, offering a feature-rich, durable, and sonically excellent package that justifies its position as a current summit-fi favorite.

ThieAudio Monarch MK4 reviewed by:

Tim Tuned 8 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A+ Tech
check links for more info:

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
- Tim Tuned
Bass: A+ Mids: S Treble: S

ThieAudio Monarch MK4 reviewed by:

Super* Review 7* * score normalized
Kind of an impressive sound signature. A little bit dry in its bass presentation. Sounds a little bit clinical with its stock tuning. Maybe a bit too much bass in rumble mode. But it's kind of nice to have both tonalities in one IEM.

Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel
- Super* Review

The ThieAudio Monarch MK4 presents a technically impressive but ultimately dry and clinical sound signature. Its stock tuning is described as clean and neutral with a meaty sub-bass boost, but it can come across as a bit thin and bodyless, leading to a preference for engaging its "rumble mode" tuning switch, which significantly thickens the low-end. However, its most significant drawback is its problematic fit for average-sized ears; the large, cumbersome shell tends to hang outside the ear, resulting in an unstable and annoying wearing experience that greatly detracts from its performance.

In stark contrast, the more expensive ThieAudio Valhalla is hailed as a genuinely impressive and wow-inducing flagship. Its all-balanced armature design delivers a warmer, more pleasant tonal balance compared to the Monarch MK4, with a bass presentation that is far more dynamic and satisfying despite the driver type. It excels in technical performance, offering superb imaging, separation, and a smooth yet lively treble that combines to create one of the most compelling listens in its class. While still a large IEM, its fit is markedly better than the Monarch's, though not perfect.

In direct comparisons, the Valhalla consistently ranked higher than the Monarch MK4 and competitors like the 64 Audio U4S and Dunu Glacier in categories like technicalities and overall personal preference. The Monarch MK4's combination of a sometimes clinical, sometimes overly thick sound and its poor fit results in a three-star rating. The Valhalla, despite its high cost, is so compelling it earns a four-star rating and is deemed a special IEM that actually justifies its flagship price for its exemplary sound, even if its physical ergonomics are not ideal.

ThieAudio Monarch MK4 reviewed by:

Fresh Reviews 9* * The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score

The ThieAudio Monarch MK4 is a premium IEM that earns a spot in the S-tier for competitive gaming, offering a significant upgrade over its predecessor and A-tier competitors. It features a unique rumble mode switch that adds a satisfying low-end punch and weight without muddying the detailed, reference-grade tuning of the standard mode. While the CNC aluminum build feels exceptional, the design is a bit bulky and heavy, which can lead to some comfort issues during very long, multi-hour sessions.

For gaming, the technical performance is nothing short of phenomenal. The imaging is holographic and the depth perception is absolutely exceptional, providing a critical advantage in tactical shooters like VALORANT where tracking footsteps through walls becomes incredibly precise. The wide and deep soundstage pushes sounds off the player, creating an immersive experience. While rumble mode is preferred for titles like Call of Duty, the standard mode's clean and detailed signature shines in battle royales like Apex Legends, though the 2-4k range can make gunfire a bit shouty at higher volumes.

This is also an absolutely amazing set for music, delivering an elevated level of technicality and resolution. The standard mode offers a fast, clean, and neutral listen with great detail retrieval, while the rumble mode provides a weightier, more engaging bass profile for tracks that benefit from the extra warmth and punch. Ultimately, it's a very high-end IEM that delivers a top-tier experience for both competitive gaming and critical music listening.

ThieAudio Monarch MK4 reviewed by:

IEMRanking AI 9 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
S- Tech

The Thieaudio Monarch MK4 introduces a practical tuning switch, letting users flip between Standard for a neutral, detailed profile and Rumble for a pronounced 3dB sub-bass boost. This flexibility handles diverse genres well, though the thick-shelled aluminum build—while durable—may challenge those with smaller ears. While the modular cable works reliably, its brown "Chocolate" design clashes aesthetically with the IEMs, and the included case feels disappointingly flimsy for the price .

Sound-wise, Standard mode delivers clean mids and airy treble suited for acoustic or jazz, while Rumble mode adds visceral depth to electronic or hip-hop without overwhelming vocals. Technical performance impresses with a wide stage and sharp layering, though the diffuse imaging occasionally lacks density. While not the absolute pinnacle in resolution for its tier, the MK4’s tuning versatility makes it a compelling all-rounder—just don’t expect specialist-level vocal intimacy .

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- IEMRanking AI
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Price: $1,149

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Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 Reviews

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by:

Jays Audio 8.5 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
S- Tech
Neutral tuning with one of the clearest mid-ranges. Natural and clean vocals. Great resolution, separation, and detail. Can be a little dry with its analytical presentation. Bass is well-seperated from other instruments, but nothing special especially at $1K. Would've liked more depth, and treble is also a bit unstable and dips, resulting in a lack of air/depth. Mid-bass is just enough for my library, but would've liked more for genres like hiphop and rock. Cable is heavy, and fit may be too big for many (need to shove in deep).

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel
- Jays Audio
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Price: $999

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Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by:

Gizaudio Axel 8 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
A+ Tech
Outstanding tuning. Smooth, balanced tuning with natural vocals, beautiful timbre, and excellent tonality. Detail and could use more bass. Treble depends on ear tips.

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
- Gizaudio Axel

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by:

Crin 8.5 Reviewer Score
S+ Tuning
A+ Tech
check links for more info:

Crin original ranking

Crin Youtube Channel
- Crin

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by:

Jaytiss 9.1 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
S+ Tech
Still a king, more neutral to my ears, than MK 3. Just wow.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
- Jaytiss
Mids: S+ Treble: S+ Dynamics: A- Soundstage: S

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by:

Precogvision 7 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A- Tech
A solid improvement in imaging with slightly more palatable tonality than its predecessor.

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel
- Precogvision
Bass: B Mids: A+ Treble: A- Dynamics: B Details: A+ Imaging: A-

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by:

Tim Tuned 7.5 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A+ Tech
Cohesive, smooth, balanced, technical slight treble wispiness

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
- Tim Tuned
Bass: A+ Mids: S Treble: A+

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by:

Super* Review 9* * score normalized

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by:

Smirk Audio 7.6 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A Tech
Good treble with tons of air. Forward, ethereal mids. Good detail retrieval with tons of microdetails. Lackluster mid-bass.

Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

- Smirk Audio
Bass: B+ Mids: A+ Treble: A Dynamics: A Details: A+ Imaging: A+

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by:

Shuwa-T 7.9 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A+ Tech
Strengths: Organic midrange. Weaknesses: Wooly bass response and less prominent treble may not work best for certain genres.

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

- Shuwa-T
Bass: A Mids: S- Treble: A Soundstage: A+ Details: A Imaging: S-

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by:

Nymz 7.1 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
B+ Tech
11/10 mid-range. Mid-bass could use more texture and stage depth could be better. Yap, that's all. Oh and the fit - I'm blessed, but you may not be.

Nymz original ranking

Nymz Website

- Nymz
Bass: B Mids: S Treble: A- Details: A- Imaging: B
Using this affiliate link for ordering your Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 or any other IEM helps fund our free service at no extra cost to you.

Price: $999

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ThieAudio Monarch MK4 User Reviews

Cyantix 2025-08-04 13:10:47
9

Impressive sound experience and the built quality is finally worth the price (compared to Mk3). I "upgraded" my Mk3 and I am happy with it.

Tuning: S Tech: S Bass: A+ Mids: S- Treble: S- Dynamics: S Soundstage: S- Details: S Imaging: S-
Pros
I don't regret buying those. I would not describe them as a huge upgrade to the Mk3 in terms of sound, but it is noticeable. Built quality and overall experience much more premium than MK3.
Cons
The designs of the shells are a matter of taste.

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