Thieaudio Monarch MK3 - Reviews & Ratings
12 Reviews (A Tier | 8.2/10)
Summary
Across published reviews, the Thieaudio Monarch MK3 is celebrated for its quality by reviewers, who describe it as a confident, high-level performer.
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.2Very Positive
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
6.8Cautiously Favorable
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 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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Reviews
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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Reviewed by: Yifang
8.5
Reviewer Score
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
Reviewed by: Jaytiss
8.5
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Shuwa-T
8.2
Reviewer Score
Reviewed by: Gizaudio Axel
8
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelReviewed by: Smirk Audio
7.9
Reviewer Score
Reviewed by: Tim Tuned
2025-08-14
7.5
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Precogvision
7.3
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Nymz
7.1
Reviewer Score
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 ChannelReviewed by: Head-Fi.org
9
* score rescaled + normalized
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Compare Thieaudio Monarch MK3 to popular alternatives
VS
| IEM | alt. Score |
|---|---|
|
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 vs. ThieAudio Monarch MK4
ThieAudio Monarch MK4 offers better soundstage, bass and treble.
|
8.5 |
|
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 vs. Letshuoer Mystic 8
Letshuoer Mystic 8 offers better imaging, treble and soundstage.
|
8.4 |
|
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 vs. Campfire Audio Alien Brain
Campfire Audio Alien Brain offers better dynamics and bass.
|
8.3 |
|
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 vs. 64 Audio U4S
64 Audio U4S offers better bass, dynamics and mids.
|
8.1 |
|
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 vs. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 offers better mids.
|
8.1 |
|
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 vs. Thieaudio Hype 10
Thieaudio Hype 10 offers better imaging, bass and treble.
|
8 |
|
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 vs. Symphonium Helios SE
Symphonium Helios SE offers better mids, treble and details.
|
8 |
|
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 vs. Symphonium Helios
Symphonium Helios offers better treble, details and imaging.
|
8 |
|
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 vs. Thieaudio Origin
Thieaudio Origin offers better dynamics, bass and mids.
|
7.9 |
|
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 vs. Dunu Mirai
Dunu Mirai offers better bass, details and imaging.
|
7.9 |
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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.
User Reviews
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