Unquestionably outstanding - Thieaudio's Monarch MKIII stands as the superior in-ear monitor I've encountered thus far.
The Thieaudio Monarch MKIII, released at the end of 2023, has quickly become a strong contender in the high-end In-Ear Monitor (IEM) category. This triband multi-driver IEM offers a balanced sound signature and innovative technologies that set it apart from its competitors.
One of the standout features of the Monarch MKIII is its driver configuration. It combines dynamic drivers, balanced armature drivers, and electrostatic drivers, a setup known as a tribrid configuration. The earphone shells are crafted from high-quality 3D-printed medical-grade resin material, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.
The Monarch MKIII offers a studio-monitor-like sound with clean, natural, and detailed audio. The inclusion of Sonion's electrostatic drivers provides improved upper frequency extension, enhancing staging and resolution. The low-end extension is notable, providing a definite rumble, while the treble has good extension without any sibilance. Vocals are particularly clear in the mid-range, and the IEM delivers a dynamic sound that shines across various genres, particularly metal and thrashcore.
Thieaudio's packaging for the Monarch MKIII is suitably high-end, and the IEM comes with a selection of foam and silicone ear tips. The case provided with Thieaudio's products has a durable design and safeguards the IEMs and cable.
The Monarch MKIII is on the bigger side as IEMs go, but it delivers a phenomenal listening experience for its price of $999 on Linsoul Audio. It doesn't require much power to drive and can be used with devices like the Fiio K19 and M15S audio player. The Monarch MKIII offers good vibrancy and energy with both sub-bass and mid-bass frequencies, providing a sense of airiness and warmth that enhances the listening experience.
When compared to other high-end IEMs, the Monarch MKIII stands out for its technical proficiency and immersive listening experience. It offers a balanced and detailed sound with enhanced bass, making it a compelling choice within its price bracket of approximately $1,000 USD.
As the successor to the MKIII, the Monarch MKIV features an adjustable tuning switch for versatile sound, a T6 Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy shell, and an updated IMPACT2 solution with two 8mm composite diaphragm drivers. It also enhances the treble range by efficiently targeting the EST drivers for a smoother treble transition.
In conclusion, the Thieaudio Monarch MKIII is a phenomenal choice for audiophiles looking for a high-end IEM in 2025. Its unique design, fabulous sound, and technical prowess make it an endgame option for many music enthusiasts.
In contrast to other high-end In-Ear Monitors (IEMs), the Thieaudio Monarch MKIII showcases its technical proficiency, offering a balance between smartphones' technology and advanced gadgets' sound quality. The inclusion of Sonion's electrostatic drivers, a feature seldom found in mainstream smartphones, extends the upper frequency, allowing for improved staging and resolution.
