Xenns Top Pro VS ThieAudio Monarch MK4

Positioned at $500, the Xenns Top Pro gets stacked against the Subtonic Storm at around $5,400—a full 10× price gap that shouldn’t be glossed over. Level-matched listening shows the two land surprisingly close in overall technical performance, with differences in DDs/ESTs and driver counts mattering less than expected. What stands out more is transparency: the Top Pro is upfront about its internals and branded components, while the Summit-Fi piece plays things closer to the vest—par for the course at that tier.

In back-to-back A/B, the Top Pro’s mid-forward balance proves the hook. Instead of leaning on a mid-bass lift for “note weight,” it nudges the mids, keeping vocals, guitars, and cymbals clean and engaging without tipping thin or brittle. Anchored at the same SPL, track after track, the choice often becomes a coin flip—and many listeners would likely pick the more affordable set on tuning alone, because it’s simply more immediately musical across genres while holding its own technically.

This is diminishing returns in the palm of a hand. Slotting the Top Pro into a ranking even risks crowding out pricier neighbors, because its value sits uncomfortably high for its bracket. If the shells were disguised and the price tags hidden, the pick rate would tell the story: a “top-of-the-line” listen without the Summit-Fi tax, driven by smart tuning rather than spec sheet theatrics.

The Xenns Top Pro boasts an exceedingly comfortable, vented resin shell with a metal nozzle, praised as one of the better shells out there. It's light, isolates well, and features a flat two-pin connector. The included case feels extremely premium, matching cases found on more expensive IEMs. Accessories are generous, including a 4.4mm cable, 6.3mm adapter, three sets of tips, a pouch, and a shirt clip. The cable itself is appropriate for the price, described as plush and nice with a Dunu-style locking system, though the chin slider feels slightly loose.

Sonically, the Top Pro presents an interesting and effective mild V-shaped tuning that aligns perfectly with the reviewer's preferences. It features slightly elevated bass and mids with a hint of darkness, delivering clean, pristine mids and great treble extension and air without sibilance. Technical performance is strong across imaging, note weight, and detail. Graph comparisons show similarities to sets like the Dusk DSP and Annihilator, but the Top Pro distinguishes itself with better bass impact than its metallic-shelled sibling (the Tea Pro) and a more comfortable, all-day listen compared to the ultra-detailed but potentially fatiguing AFUL Cantor. It holds its own against flagships like the Monarch MkIII (offering potentially better bass) and the Astral (with minor tonal differences), proving highly competitive in the $400-$900 range.

Ultimately, the Xenns Top Pro emerges as a standout offering from the brand and a top contender at its $500 price point. It hits a sweet spot with very few faults, combining a world-class comfortable shell, generous premium accessories, and a cohesive, engaging sound signature. It delivers nice everything – impactful bass, clean mids, well-extended treble, and strong technicals – making it an easy all-day listen and a set that's hard to beat for this specific tuning philosophy. While responsible purchasing and demos are always advised, it earns a full recommendation as an excellent all-rounder.

The Xenns Top Pro establishes itself as a formidable $500 benchmark, delivering a dynamic, balanced, and clear sound signature. Its standout feature is the crispy, clear, and highly resolving treble that avoids artificial sharpness or fatigue, contributing to a refined hi-fi presentation. This treble clarity particularly enhances female vocals, rendering them sweet and angelic without huskiness, perfectly distanced, and non-shouty at normal volumes due to intelligent tuning cuts and gains.

Technically, the Top Pro punches above its price, competing with models around the $1,000 mark and reaching near Monarch level performance. While a direct upgrade to the original Top, Astral, and Meta models—offering more detail, less sharpness, and increased sparkle—it isn't a massive leap. Its value-to-performance ratio is exceptional. Compared to the Monarch Mk III, it trades some bass impact and texture (making it mid-bass light for genres like rock or metal) for superior layering, separation, and a more dynamic, contrasty, and crispy treble presentation. The bass, while sufficient, can feel disengaged in bass-heavy genres, making sets like the Astral or Odyssey preferable there.

Scaling depends on volume and genre: energetic tracks with treble emphasis suit mid volumes (~65dB), while slower artists like Frank Ocean shine at higher volumes (~75-80dB). Balanced eartips are recommended to maintain its excellent treble balance. Against competitors, the Top Pro is more technical and resolving than the Arcanis (though the Arcanis offers more unique, intimate vocals), more energetic and dynamic than the Volare (which has smoother treble and better mid-bass), and cleaner with better layering than the Oracle Mk III (which boasts better bass texture). Ultimately, the Top Pro is a highly recommended all-rounder, delivering near Monarch-level performance at half the cost with great accessories, making it arguably the best $500 upgrade option for most.

Z-Reviews expresses immediate and strong enthusiasm for the Xenns Top Pro, a $500 IEM featuring a 10-driver configuration (8 balanced armatures + 2 dynamic drivers). He notes their exceptional build quality and stunning visual design, describing them as one of the "prettiest IEMs that has ever existed" with a "color explosion" on the back. The accessories impress him, particularly the thoughtful custom foam insert in the case to protect the zipper, a soft padded case, a high-quality "196-core copper silver cable", and uniquely presented tip sets housed in pre-numbered, multicolored boxes. He finds the large nozzle comfortable enough for extended listening sessions, even though his arms fell asleep during one.

The core of the review focuses on the outstanding sound quality. Z-Reviews describes the sound as "smooth magical things" to his ears, emphasizing its non-fatiguing nature despite excellent detail retrieval: "clear as a whistle but not painful". He highlights the exceptional bass performance, which creates a unique physical sensation, fooling his body into feeling sub-bass pressure like a subwoofer was nearby, without being overpowering or unnatural. The treble is detailed and sharp without causing discomfort. The overall presentation is cohesive, "substantial", and immersive, making him want to listen track after track. He compares the experience favorably to much more expensive IEMs like the $1,500 FIO FX17.

Z-Reviews concludes with a strong recommendation, declaring the Xenns Top Pro "100% worth their $500 price tag". He states they do "everything I want a $500 IEM to do" and outperform his own collaborations like the Defiant, attributing this to the superior driver count and implementation ("there's no replacement for displacement"). Minor critiques include the large nozzle size and the lack of a plastic stand, but these are insignificant compared to the overall performance. His final verdict is that they are a "great" IEM that justifies their price through exceptional sound, build, and accessories.

The Xenns Top Pro stands as a significant evolution from its predecessors, bearing little resemblance to the original Top despite sharing a similar driver configuration. Its tuning aligns much more closely with the Tea Pro, effectively acting as an upgrade to that model – perhaps better named the "Tea Pro Max". It delivers a slightly warmish mid-range with a boost in the upper mids, creating a natural yet contrasty and fun presentation. Vocals retain life and presence, avoiding sounding pushed back or dead neutral. Crucially, the Top Pro executes this mid-range cleaner than the T Pro, thanks to a cut in the mid-bass. This cut enhances bass definition, making it punchier and more dynamic, while also improving separation between the bass and mid-range.

Treble performance is generally lively and detailed, contributing significantly to the perception of strong technical ability. However, it can be slightly peaky, introducing a touch of BA timbre that detracts slightly from perfection – a minor nitpick considering the overall quality. Instrumental separation across the frequency range (bass, mids, treble) is a standout feature, resulting in very good technical performance that surpasses competitors like the Blessing 3. The signature manages to sound snappy and tactile despite a weighty low end. Compared directly to the original Top, the Top Pro offers a fuller, more realistic mid-range adhering to modern tuning philosophies, whereas the original Top remains brighter and leaner. Against the highly regarded HiSenior Mega 5 EST, the Top Pro provides a more engaging and contrasty alternative to the Mega 5 EST's exceptional but potentially "vanilla" neutrality and smoother timbre.

Ultimately, the Xenns Top Pro earns a strong recommendation and a deserved A-tier ranking. It represents a compelling value proposition at its price point, offering an engaging signature with excellent technicalities that many listeners will enjoy. The only significant caveat is for those extra sensitive to treble, who are strongly advised to demo it first due to its elevated and occasionally peaky nature.

Xenns Top Pro arrives with a tidy bundle: a sturdy carrying case, three tip sets (two silicone, one foam), and a lightweight modular cable (3.5/4.4) on a 2-pin connector. The translucent blue, 3D-printed shell is ergonomic and comfortable over long sessions; the nozzle size feels just right. On the graph it follows HBB’s curve with more sub-bass than mid-bass, yielding a fun, energetic sound that’s also notably resolving with strong driver performance; the balanced silicone tips proved best for gaming.

In Valorant, the presentation is intimate and action-packed: rumble from Vandal/Operator/Sheriff hits with tactile weight, and depth cues/verticality stay coherent. Still, the elevated low end adds a slight “husk” that softens imaging precision when team fights erupt, so separation and layering can blur as abilities and gunfire stack—landing around a B+ to A- experience, with sets like the Mango T Pro and Kiwi Ears Astral feeling a bit more breathable.

In Apex Legends, that extra low-end energy makes chaotic scenes less breathable—smokes, grenades, and third parties push separation/layering harder than ideal—while Call of Duty (Treyarch mix) fares surprisingly well, keeping doors, slides, and distant fire easy to track. Counter-Strike 2 doesn’t image as cleanly as Valorant because of the same low-end pull. Overall, the Top Pro is excellent for music (resolving, technical, and punchy—great with rap), but for competitive gaming the original Top remains the safer pick; placement sits around an AB tier, in line with sets like the Letshuoer EJ07M Kinda Lava.

The Xenns Top Pro enters the competitive $500 IEM arena with a hybrid driver configuration (two dynamic drivers, eight balanced armatures per side) and striking aesthetics, described as a "Jackson Pollock cross cyberpunk" design offering impressive visual depth within its lightweight, translucent resin shells. While the packaging is handsome and premium, including a large carry case, a soft pouch, a cleaning tool, a shirt clip, a termination adapter, and a generous selection of ear tips (foam and two silicone styles), the included thin, lightweight cable feels somewhat lackluster and uninspiring despite its swappable termination mechanism (3.5mm/4.4mm/6.35mm). Fit is stable but leans medium-large, potentially challenging for smaller ears, with a nozzle depth requiring tip experimentation for optimal comfort.

Sonically, the Top Pro follows the "new meta" tilted diffuse field sound signature, measuring close to a neutral target. However, its execution falls short of expectations. The boosted bass lacks definition and physicality, coming across as soft, unengaging, and lacking sharp attack or tactile impact, reminiscent of the HiSenior Mega5-EST's low-end. While the upper treble elevation adds brightness and air without harshness or sibilance, it combines with the bass presentation to create an overall tonality that feels clinical, thin, and surprisingly bodyless, lacking warmth and richness despite the bass quantity. Technical performance is decent but unremarkable; imaging and separation are competent due to the brighter tilt, but the presentation feels smoothed over and ultimately unengaging.

Comparisons highlight its shortcomings against key competitors: the Mega5-EST offers better mid-range body and natural tonality; the Oracle mk3 delivers superior bass tactility and a more exciting, stagey presentation; the Brain Dance provides a more impactful, bombastic sound with better-defined bass; and the cheaper Dusk excels with exceptional vocal texture, micro-contrast, and significantly superior bass physicality and engagement. Consequently, while not a bad IEM and confirming that $500 can buy top-tier sound, the Xenns Top Pro earns a modest 3-star rating for its lackluster bass, clinical tonality, and failure to stand out in a crowded field where alternatives simply offer more compelling and engaging listening experiences.

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.

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.

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.

Monarch MK IV lands as a top-three set, sitting just behind the PMG APXSE and CP622B, and it earns that spot with an evolutionary design: a single, tactile rumble switch that can be flipped while the IEM is in-ear—no fiddly pins, no tools. In stock (red) mode it’s a vocal-friendly tuning with restrained mid-bass; engage the switch and the low end lifts, adding note weight without smearing the mids. The shell is metal, build is tight, and all the BAs are Sonion, signaling premium parts and execution.

Low-end performance nails both 808 drops and classic rock kick drums (“When the Levee Breaks”) with satisfying slam—better with the switch on—while bass guitar texture (pulls, plucks, string ring) stays articulate into the lower treble. Vocals are clean in stock mode and gain a pleasing husk and density with rumble engaged, making artists like Neil Young and Mark Knopfler pop. Upper mids/treble avoid glare and long-term fatigue, turning this into a true “sofa set” for hours-long sessions.

At $1,400 it competes shockingly well against far pricier summit-fi gear—no veil, no masking, just balanced resolution and a flip-to-taste bass shelf. Compared to Valhalla, the MK IV’s instant two-flavor flexibility pushes it ahead on value; bone-conduction curios like Origin feel more niche by contrast. Net: the best ThieAudio to date, an easy recommendation, and likely the new #3 overall—thanks to that simple, game-changing rumble switch that future proofs the tuning.

ThieAudio Monarch MK4 comes in at $1,150 with a tribrid array—2 DD + 6 BA + 2 EST—a chunky stock cable with friction-fit swappable terminations, and a genuinely excellent, in-ear-operable “Rumble” bass switch. The new metal shells look tidy, but the fit is very large; on average ears it tends to sit a bit out of the concha and feel unstable (seal is doable, comfort is mediocre). Build details like the firm chin slider are nice, yet the cable bulk and loose termination retention detract from daily use.

Tonally, stock MK4 aims for a clean-neutral presentation with a meaty, sub-bass-focused lift, lively upper registers, and excellent extension. The flip side is a slightly dry / clinical character with a hint of treble hardness that can leave notes feeling a bit bodyless. Engaging Rumble mode thickens the curve from ~300 Hz down—more warmth and weight, bordering on “gigabass” territory—making the set fuller and more fun, though arguably too bassy for purists. Staging and imaging are solid, and resolution is high, but macro-dynamics land behind peers; compared side-by-side, sets like Dunu Glacier and 64 Audio U4S feel punchier, while Valhalla sounds warmer, smoother, and more effortlessly resolving.

Overall, MK4 is a technically capable tribrid with two distinct tunings on tap—clinical-clean stock and warmed-up Rumble—but it’s held back by fit size, cable quirks, and that slightly wooden bass texture. For listeners chasing a bright-leaning neutral with legit sub-bass reach (and who can accommodate a big shell), it’s a compelling try; in this lineup, though, it settles at a three-star recommendation next to more engaging or comfortable alternatives.