This is my first ThieAudio IEM. This is a 9 driver tribrid IEM in 6BA, 2EST, 1DD configuration costing $1000 USD. My source was Hiby RS6.
Decent packaging with a nice carrying case, copper cable and decent selection of tips.
The shell looks kind of like a piece of raw steak but it’s ok at least it’s distinctive enough.
Bass:
It has a good amount of midbass and subbass. I think for the $1k price point there is decent texture and rumble here, though of course it’s not really a basshead IEM it should satisfy most people.
Mids:
Mids are recessed in the lower and pushed up in the upper mids as you will find for other u shaped IEMs, this gives Monarch MKII a smooth transition in terms of vocals and overall the mids sound detailed enough and slightly forward, it will satisfy most people who are looking for decent vocals from a $1k IEM
Treble:
There is also a decent amount of treble although it can sound a bit recessed or rolled off to some people because the mids are slightly forward. But it also prevents this IEM from sounding harsh or fatiguing and giving it a ‘smoother’ feel.
Technicalities:
I think this IEM performs well enough at the $1k price point but people coming from higher end IEMs will definitely feel a decrease in stage, resolution and detail. That said, for the price it’s totally fine and it has the technicalities one might expect at this price point.
Overall the Monarch MKII is a very well tuned and well balanced IEM that should work for most genres. The overwhelming feel is that it’s smooth and balanced sounding without any harshness and great for long listening sessions. It is one of my biggest recommendations at $1k price point.
Decent packaging with a nice carrying case, copper cable and decent selection of tips.
The shell looks kind of like a piece of raw steak but it’s ok at least it’s distinctive enough.
Bass:
It has a good amount of midbass and subbass. I think for the $1k price point there is decent texture and rumble here, though of course it’s not really a basshead IEM it should satisfy most people.
Mids:
Mids are recessed in the lower and pushed up in the upper mids as you will find for other u shaped IEMs, this gives Monarch MKII a smooth transition in terms of vocals and overall the mids sound detailed enough and slightly forward, it will satisfy most people who are looking for decent vocals from a $1k IEM
Treble:
There is also a decent amount of treble although it can sound a bit recessed or rolled off to some people because the mids are slightly forward. But it also prevents this IEM from sounding harsh or fatiguing and giving it a ‘smoother’ feel.
Technicalities:
I think this IEM performs well enough at the $1k price point but people coming from higher end IEMs will definitely feel a decrease in stage, resolution and detail. That said, for the price it’s totally fine and it has the technicalities one might expect at this price point.
Overall the Monarch MKII is a very well tuned and well balanced IEM that should work for most genres. The overwhelming feel is that it’s smooth and balanced sounding without any harshness and great for long listening sessions. It is one of my biggest recommendations at $1k price point.
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