Thieaudio has constantly confirmed that it is aware of methods to ship standout IEMs; whether or not that is the Oracle MKII, the Status LTD — which continues to be an amazing all-round musical possibility — or the flagship Valhalla, which is simply on one other degree. However it’s the model’s Monarch sequence that will get probably the most quantity of consideration, and deservedly so; I used the Monarch MKIII final yr, and it did not take lengthy to comprehend that these IEMs are really particular.
That is why I used to be excited to get my fingers on the Monarch MKIV; on the outset, the IEMs have an analogous driver configuration that sees two dynamic driver, six Sonion balanced armature drivers, and two Sonion EST drivers in every shell, with a 4-way crossover and 4 sound tubes. The place issues begin to get attention-grabbing is the tuning swap, with Thieaudio including a toggle on the IEMs that allows you to simply swap between the reference impartial tuning and a way more participating bass-focused sound. This Rumble mode (because it’s known as), provides a 3dB enhance to the complete sub-bass vary, making the general sound that a lot hotter.
Due to the tweaks to the sound tube and the {custom} tuning, the Monarch MKIV retail for $1,149 at Linsoul, and that is for the usual mannequin with the Stellashot or Kaleidoglow colours. If you wish to go together with a custom-shell design — as has been the case with earlier Monarch IEMs — you may must shell out an extra $100 to $150, and wait an extra six to eight weeks to get your order. I used the Monarch MKIV for the higher a part of three months now, and this is why I believe these IEMs are among the many finest of their class, and endgame-worthy for those who’re seeking to improve.
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The sound high quality is elegant
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With even $100 IEMs producing nice sound, you’d need one thing that is really distinctive in a product that prices over a thousand {dollars}. Fortunately, Thieaudio is aware of what it is doing on this class, and the selection of drivers together with the tuning makes the Monarch MKIV the best-sounding IEMs within the sequence but. I examined the MKIV with my Fiio K19 DAC and M23 participant, and I used the usual mode more often than not, switching over to the Rumble mode largely whereas utilizing the M23. With simply 10Ω of energy, you should utilize nearly any supply to drive these IEMs, they usually’re not demanding on this regard.
Even within the default mode, the Monarch MKIV have a very good sub-bass presence with a noticeable vibrancy, nevertheless it’s managed nicely, and the mid-range has a clear presentation with vocals shining by means of and each small nuance simply noticeable. The treble is easy and detailed, and it by no means will get harsh however nonetheless offers a way of airiness. The usual mode is the best way to go if you would like a impartial sound with glorious technicality, however for those who desire a barely hotter tonality, the Rumble mode is immediately accessible.
Customized tuning makes all of the distinction
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Because the title signifies, the Rumble mode boosts the sub-bass and mid-bass frequencies, and also you get a particular rumble and vitality that brings out the perfect in recordings.
If something, the flexibility that this unlocks makes the Monarch MKIV a a lot better selection than their predecessors. Simply the flexibility to change to a hotter sound with higher musicality is nice, and for me, it is a huge differentiator.
That mentioned, each modes have a totally participating soundstage that is broad and detailed. The layering is beautiful, and that is instantly noticeable with ensemble items.
The design is healthier than earlier generations
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I’ve at all times loved the design of Thieaudio IEMs, and the Monarch MKIV isn’t any completely different. I bought the Stellashot colour variant, and it appears elegant whereas nonetheless making the IEMs stand out. Thieaudio switched out the same old resin designs and went with a metallic chassis this time round, and the distinction is instantly noticeable in opposition to the MKIII.
The Monarch MKIV have a lot better construct high quality in consequence, and I just like the heft that they supply; they don’t seem to be heavy or uncomfortable, however the shells are noticeably larger than the MKIII variant. That mentioned, the angled design of the sound nozzle means they’re nonetheless comfy, and I did not have points with the match or any fatigue with prolonged use. The design goes a good distance on this space, and regardless that the shells are fairly huge, the contoured match offers a very good isolation and does not trigger any undue strain on the interior ear.
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Like earlier fashions, the MKIV have an ordinary 2-pin connector, and the brand new tuning swap alongside the facet helps you to simply change the mode. The matte end of the shell feels nice to the touch, and it prevents smudging and provides an honest quantity of safety in opposition to scratches.
You get an honest set of equipment as nicely, together with a bundled suede case to take the IEMs anyplace. Whereas I just like the case itself, I’d’ve most well-liked a barely larger possibility; because it stands, the case barely accommodates the IEMs, with no room to place a second set of ear suggestions. Outdoors of that minor situation, I haven’t got any issues with the design or the equipment.
(Picture credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)
The cable additionally bought an improve, with the eight-stand braided design guaranteeing you get a clear transmission with none interference. The modular cable has 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs, permitting you to change between the connectors as wanted. The cable’s brown colour stands out slightly greater than I might like, and an ordinary black variant would have suited higher on this context.
On the entire, I just like the upgrades that Thieaudio launched with the Monarch MKIV. The swap to a metallic design makes these IEMs that rather more sturdy, and whereas they’re larger, they don’t seem to be cumbersome within the least. The tonality continues to be superb, and the {custom} tuning with Rumble mode offers these IEMs a particular benefit. Coming in at $1,149, they’re slightly costlier than the MKIII mannequin, they’re simply among the many finest on this class.
