TAS Commitment
Description
The king is back and is new and improved! Introducing the ThieAudio Monarch MKII. Using feedback from the audiophile community, this in-ear monitor takes what it does best and improves on it to give you an IEM that’s fit for royalty!
The King is Back!
The ThieAudio Monarch is back and it’s better than it ever was. The Monarch MKII’s tuning has been redefined with driver overhauls. To design this IEM, experts from the R&D team took the reviews and comments from the audiophile community to improve on one of the most revered monitors of its class. The Monarch MKII includes a more balanced sound signature with all the drivers being updated & rearranged for a power-packed performance.
Let the Bass Drop
The original Monarch had a super defined and emphasized sub-bass. While some enjoyed the clean separation between the sub-bass and the low-mid frequencies, others were concerned about its quantity. To improve the resolution, ThieAudio added a 10mm composite diaphragm to the dynamic driver. This created a high membrane tension and magnet strength for extreme responsiveness.
Sub-Bass that Creates an Impact
When engineered to reproduce only sub-bass frequencies, the dynamic driver becomes a subwoofer, producing even tighter and more impactful kick drums and basslines. This ensures a clean and punchy subwoofer-like sound that doesn’t muddy the mids but adds a slightly warm texture to low-frequency instruments like the bass guitar. In addition, this IEM also features two dedicated subwoofer balanced armature drivers. The low-pass crossover was pushed from 150Hz to 200Hz for better coherency between the lows and the rest of the frequency spectrum.
Natural & Well-Balanced Mids
The heart of the Monarch i.e. the precise and neutral mids has been retained, making it perfect for studio monitoring. To reinforce this, the mid-frequency drivers were doubled to four balanced armatures for low distortion and high clarity and resolution. This keeps the frequencies between 200Hz and 1kHz ruler flat while the mid-treble transition between 1 and 2kHz has been pushed back to 3kHz for lower nasal and harsh vocal textures, while still emphasizing the bite and crispness of instruments.
EST Drivers, Now Even Better!
The Monarch is one of the few IEMs to incorporate EST drivers successfully. The new version rearranges the new drivers to minimise unwanted tubing resonance and extends the treble roll-off. This gives you even and detailed high-frequencies with improved sparkly, airy, and high-resolution atmosphere in your music. Each aspect of this IEM has been meticulously tested by ear and measurement equipment to bring ThieAudio’s vision to life.
About ThieAudio
What do you get when you bring together the best & most innovative engineers in the industry? That’s what ThieAudio set out to find out as a creative platform by Linsoul Audio. Each person in the team is carefully selected to inspire revolutionary IEMs for audiophiles, professional musicians and audio enthusiasts alike.
About the Signature Series
After the runaway success of the Phantom, Voyager and Legacy series, ThieAudio decided to once more raise the bar with the Signature Series. This series features the latest driver technology from the Danish manufacturer, Sonion — the Electrostatic (EST) tweeter. This driver utilises an ultralight membrane in a small tweeter chamber that’s powered by an independent transformer that extends the treble range up to 80kHz.
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Customers praised the IEMs for exceptional sound quality with "remarkably well-balanced" bass, mids, and treble. "Natural timbre" and "stunning imaging" deliver immersive listening across all genres. Build quality is superb with premium materials. Some noted initial fit discomfort with smaller ears and average soundstage, though comfort improves with use.
Just the right amount of treble...extra clear mids(u can hear each n every instrument...it is a detail expert)...and right amount of boosted bass to make it enjoyable !!! Does justice to all fenres of music. Using it with fiio KA5 which just gives it a wider soundstage and textured bass...makes it better than with ibasso dc06 which is more clearer...but very close n intimate which i dont prefer. Using it with spinfit w1 which gives better fit and comfort... as the stock tip are quite stiff causing discomfort. Love the monarch mk 2 :D
Wow, thank you for your great review of the Thie Audio Monarch MKII IEM! We're glad to hear that you're happy with the sound quality of the IEMS and that they tune perfectly to your personal preferences. We think that they're great for all types of music - from classical to metal - and would be happy to hear your thoughts on other genres too!
I have been using these daily (5+ hours) for more than a week now. It took me a few days to truly realize what a marvel these Monarch MKIIs are! Read on.
My setup includes using these on my laptop via my iFi Audio - ZEN DAC V2 and iFi Audio - ZEN CAN Signature HFM (Amp) via the 4.4 balanced output as well as on the Quedlix 5k DAC-Amp via the 2.5 balanced output. Source: Apple Music, Youtube Music (Premium).
You can run through these excellent test tracks to examine various aspects of your headphones/IEMs and trust me, you will see your equipment’s capabilities in a new (and hopefully good) light after that. https://www.whathifi.com/features/10-best-tracks-to-test-your-headphones OR https://hifigo.com/blogs/guide/7-best-tracks-to-test-your-headphones-and-in-ear-monitors-i. Btw, I think the Monarch MKIIs slayed all these tracks and it was difficult for me to fault it anywhere. You can of course find faults if you search hard enough but then as a consumer, you listen to music for enjoyment and not to look so hard for faults (with a microscope).
An important observation- for me, the Monarch MKII’s sound quality improved a lot after 2-4 days of usage (daily 5+ hours). Everything became more pronounced, tighter, clearer, separated, and airier. The in-ear fit also improved for me as the days passed. I am using the ‘S’ foam tips. I also note that if you’re using these IEMs over Bluetooth, LDAC is your best bet for exploiting the full potential. The iPhone's AAC is just not good enough over Bluetooth.
Physical aspects: As my first flagship IEM, I initially found the size to be a little bigger than usual. I was not used to this category and type of IEMs before. However, after use, I see that it sits fine in my medium-sized ears offering long (3+) hours of listening sessions with comfort. The passive sound isolation is also very good with low (20-25%) volume music being enough to mask any sounds that still trickle in, including human voices. The build quality is superb, and the cable is something you must see and touch to understand! Basically, one can carry around and use this with confidence. No flimsy or delicate parts, wires, jacks, or joints on this one. The case is also spacious, well-built, and on the larger side. Do note that the IEMs themselves are very delicate and handle them with care when picking them off or placing them on tables and other hard surfaces.
Sound Quality: The sound quality is very impressive! Many times, it's as if it has almost entered open-back headphone territory (I own the Hifiman Ananda too). All this coming in such a small, pocket-friendly, and portable package is mind-blowing! You cannot carry a full-sized open-back headphone during travel. But carrying this IEM is surely an option and it helps to get sound quality so much closer to open backs.
The sound is not overly analytical/critical or flat. It has the right tuning to give a fun but natural sound. It’s the kind I can listen to for hours. The bass is hefty and good, but never overpowering. Mids. are well-presented and very visible when they must be (vocally intense songs). Treble and clarity too are very nicely presented, but never harsh or sibilant. Layering and separation are also very good - complex tracks with busy passages having excessive multiple instruments playing simultaneously are delivered well. The soundstage is average though – it is more of a ‘most sounds coming from the left & right at shoulder width’ case. In some tracks, you will feel the base at the jaw while the treble is a little higher. But it’s never the kind of soundstage that will make you look at the door when you hear a knock in the music/movie. The sounds keep around (mostly left-right) and close to your head.
Additional observations- the Monarch pairs exceptionally well with the Quedelix 5k DAC-Amp. The sound is at another level! This works so good for a portable setup in the house as well as while traveling.
One more thing- make sure you talk to Pritam from TAS once before you finalize your purchase. Explain your music preferences, likes, and dislikes to him. He is knowledgeable and hence guides the purchases very well.
From Blon 03 in Feb' 2021 to Monarch mk 2 in Feb' 2022, my journey of iems has been full of thrill, excitement and surprises. Coming from series of iems like Blon 3, ZSX, Starfield, Fiio FD5, Fiio FH5, Fiio FD3, Summer, Legacy 5, Oh10, TFZ live 3, Kato, Blessing 2, Timeless, Hana and Audio Lokahi, I was truly mesmerized and intoxicated by what Monarch mk 2 brought to my table and highly highly appreciate this for the sound and music reproduction, which I could never experience before.
I shall definitely be updating my experience after a week or two of thorough listening, as of now I can say that it really wows me with its ability to produce full body engaging sound with stunning imaging, absorbing vocals and hypnotic instrument clarity and separation. Despite being so complicated hardware inside, i find sound to be extremely natural and soothing to ears without being sibilant or unnatural tlmbre.
Thank you so much Pritam Halpawat ji for your grand suggestion.
Thanks
I happen to be one the few people who owned the Monarch MK3. But recently I came across Crinacle’s review of the MK3 where he mentioned that he’d still prefer the MK2 over the MK3.
So it got me thinking about what did I miss and so I ordered the MK2 as well. And ever since it has reached my hands, I’ve been unable to put it down. The timbre of the MK2 is better that the MK3 and because of the lower bass, subjectively at least to me, it sounds more natural. Tonality is definitely superior to the MK3 but it’s not a day at night difference. I still do enjoy my
MK3 for R&B, Hip-hop kind of music, but every time I have to listen to something classic, I’d rather pick up the MK2 because the timbre is so correct and beautiful.
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you're enjoying the ThieAudio Monarch MKII IEM. We also appreciate your insights on the comparison between the MK3 and MK2. We're glad to know that the MK2's timbre and tonality have exceeded your expectations. We hope you continue to enjoy your listening experience with us.
Build Quality and Design
The Monarch MK2 stands as a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. Its resin construction feels both substantial and refined. My piece features textured gold on the faceplate, emphasizing functionality over flashiness. In an era where aesthetics often overshadow true merit, the Monarch MK2’s practical design is a welcome change.
Comfort and Fit
The fit of the Monarch MK2 can be challenging for those with smaller ears. Initially, my left ear struggled with discomfort. However, I am of a generation accustomed to enduring initial pain for lasting comfort, much like old shoe bites. Within a month, my ear adapted, bruised, and healed, allowing me to wear them comfortably for hours on end. This willingness to endure discomfort speaks to my affection for these IEMs.
Sound Quality
Overall Sound Signature:
The Monarch MK2 is remarkably well-balanced, providing a perfect blend of bass, mids, and treble. They accurately represent the mix, making stellar recordings shine while rendering even poor mixes more listenable.
My signal chain is straightforward: Audirvana Studio (Tidal and local lossless and hi-res FLAC) -> RME Babyface Pro -> Optical input of a Mojo2 -> Monarch MK2.
Bass:
The bass is adequately textured with a fantastic presence. Sub-bass is full and satisfying, while mid-bass delivers tight, fast punches with remarkable clarity. The Mojo2 enhances the bass, making it well-layered and distinct. Contrary to some reviews, I found the bass separation excellent, reflecting the mix accurately without spilling into the lower mids. The bass has superb natural timbre, with fast transients and articulate heft.
Mids:
The mids are the highlight of the Monarch MK2. Vocals and instruments sound stunningly realistic, each note resolving with breathtaking accuracy. The timbre is the most lifelike I have encountered. Using my Moon Audio Dawn Pro, Nat King Cole’s “L.O.V.E” revealed an abundance of vocal detail and fullness with the Mojo2, showcasing the Monarch MK2’s scalability. These IEMs, hailed as the king of mids at any price, make Diana Krall’s voice feel present and thrilling. Whether it’s Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Stratocaster or Steve Vai’s tender “Surrender,” the Monarch MK2 captures the essence of each instrument with fidelity.
Treble:
The treble was a deciding factor in choosing the Monarch MK2 over the MK3. As a drummer, I crave the authentic timbre of cymbals and snares, and the Monarch MK2 delivers. Each ride and splash carries a heft that feels accurate, making Keith Carlock’s performances a learning experience. Despite their detailed treble, these IEMs avoid harshness or sibilance, even in poorly recorded tracks.
Performance with Different Genres:
The Monarch MK2 excels across genres, a rare feat due to its balanced nature. Thie Audio has truly struck gold with this creation. I revel in natural music—electric guitars, organs, and other mic’d instruments sound superb. While I don’t listen to EDM or similar genres, the Monarch MK2 performs exceptionally well with classical, rock, metal, and jazz. The soundstage, while not expansive, is deep and rich with detail. Each silence brims with resolving information, the details astonishing with the Mojo2. Imaging is precise, offering sharp clarity and depth.
Accessories and Packaging
The provided accessories are more than adequate. The silicone ear tips included are of good quality, though I found the AZLA SednaEarfit Crystal Standard tips to offer a better fit and build. The cable, with its vintage aesthetic and cloth texture, is functional and covers all plugs save for a 6.5mm one. The case, though pedestrian, reflects Thie Audio’s focus on investing in the IEMs themselves rather than extras—a philosophy I appreciate.
Value for Money
The Monarch MK2 offers exceptional value for its price. After extensive research on head-fi.org, I concluded that no IEM above this price point matches the Monarch MK2’s balance of bass, mids, and treble, combined with perfect tuning and timbre. Though some may find this balance mundane, it is precisely this equilibrium that sets the Monarch MK2 apart, making it an exceptional value at any price.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
The Thie Audio Monarch MK2 IEMs exceeded my expectations. Their remarkable balance, timbre, and tonality make them a must-have for audiophiles. Should fate befall them, I would replace them without hesitation. For anyone considering IEMs in this price range, the Monarch MK2 is an obvious choice over the MK3 and other competitors. These IEMs deliver an unparalleled music experience that doesn’t require any additional enhancements ;)
In the end, the Monarch MK2 offers a journey through sound so profound that it leaves one in awe, craving for nothing more than to bask in its pure, unadulterated musical beauty.
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed and helpful review of the ThieAudio Monarch MKII IEM. We truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to hear that you are enjoying the product. We take great pride in the craftsmanship and design of our IEMs, and we are glad to hear that it has met your expectations.
We apologize for the initial discomfort you experienced with the fit, but we are happy to hear that it has improved over time. As you mentioned, sometimes it takes a little time to adjust to new earbuds, but we are glad that you found them comfortable after some time.
It's wonderful to hear that the Monarch MK2 provides a well-balanced sound signature and accurately represents the mix. We are thrilled that you are enjoying the bass, mids, and treble, and that you find the mids to be the highlight of the product. Thank you again for your review, and we hope you continue to enjoy your Monarch MK2 IEMs.
Any song will play effortlessly. Mids are clear and treble is also good, Bass is good.
I connected it with questyle m15 bang on.
Thank you for your review! We're glad to hear that you are enjoying the ThieAudio Monarch MKII IEM's all-around performance, with clear mids, good treble, and strong bass. It's great to know that you have also found a perfect match with the Questyle M15. Happy listening!
This is probably the best iem I’ve ever heard
20 hours of burn in will open up the drivers,
The sound is neutral, feels airy, I’m totally happy with the purchase .
Thanks to Pritham for suggesting me this gem🙏
Thank you for your kind words! We're so glad you're happy with your purchase of the ThieAudio Monarch MKII IEM.
This IEM will stay with me for a very long time. Superb for daily listening and also an excellent refrence point for premium IEM's.
This is really good IEM. Very sturdy IEM. Little more bass for my taste. Clean mids. God spacious sound stage. However I find Fiio FD7 much more dynamic, with right amount of bass, more cleaner, holographic imaging and good soundstage. This could be just personal choice.
Fabulous IEM and might be the last one I need to buy. I own the Shure SE846, UE Live and UE 18+ Pro. The Monarch MKII outshines them all. It makes the Shures sound like something from the last century. The tuning on this IEM is fabulous and there is a nice sub bass emphasis. Spacial imaging, instrument separation are all top class. I highly recommend this IEM if you are shopping for an end game IEM. Lives up to the hype.
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for me this is a game changer it helped me a lot .
value for money
it supports in all devices including macbook and ios devices .i am really satified with purchase . thank you
The Audiocular Beam Portable DAC is definitely worth it. The metal build along with the braided cable feels reassuring and sturdy, and the DAC never felt considerably warm even during longer listening sessions. It also maintains a somewhat neutral sound signature as far as I can tell, and noticeably increases the perceived volume of my KZ Castor Pros. Furthermore, I personally haven't heard any hissing noises on my IEMs, if that is something you're worried about. Finally, the red LED ring light is a cool touch, if a bit gimmicky and distracting during late-night listening sessions, but the bonus Audiocular carrying pouch along with the Type-A converter included in the package is what makes this a great deal. If you're looking for a DAC around ₹1,000, you should certainly consider the Audiocular Beam.
Such a good product is it and the quality of is top notch.
Really happy with the GK Kunten. The build quality feels premium for the price - sturdy metal-look faceplates and a nice detachable braided cable that doesn't tangle easily. Fit is comfortable even for longer listening sessions thanks to the ergonomic shell shape.
Sound-wise, the dynamic driver delivers a full, balanced signature — punchy bass without being overdone, clear mids, and decent treble extension without harshness. The inline mic is a nice bonus for calls.
For the price after the discount, this is excellent value. Packaging was neat and delivery was quick. Would recommend to anyone looking for 'id entry-level IEM upgrade
Cristal clear sound quality.
"Unbeatable planar clarity, smooth treble, and deeply immersive soundstage at this price point!"
I recently purchased the Letshuoer S12 Ultra from The Audio Store, and pairing it with my Samsung S24 Ultra, FIIO BTR17 (via 4.4mm Balanced), and Apple Music Hi-Res Lossless has been nothing short of extraordinary. It delivers a truly world-class listening experience!
Key Highlights:
Planar Technicalities & Imaging: The 14.8mm Planar driver offers lightning-fast transients, laser-sharp instrument separation, and a surprisingly wide, holographic soundstage.
Smooth & Energetic Tuning: Compared to earlier S12 iterations, the Ultra brings a much smoother upper-mid/treble presentation with zero sibilance, while retaining authoritative, deep sub-bass rumble.
Synergy with BTR17: The dual ES9069Q DAC and clean THX amplification from the FIIO BTR17 give the S12 Ultra all the juice it needs to shine.
Build & Accessories: Excellent CNC aluminum shells, ultra-comfortable ergonomics, and a modular 3.5mm/4.4mm silver-plated cable right out of the box.
Verdict:
If you want an endgame-level portable audio setup without breaking the bank, look no further. Kudos to The Audio Store for the lightning-fast delivery and top-notch packaging! 🎧 absolute recommended!
The DAC works like a charm. Works with various devices. Recommended even if it does not come with PEQ. Try Equalizers of your choice to tune the sound as per your taste. I have paired it Duonic (improved bass version)
Just received my order and these little thing is fabulous. Like it just increased my iems potential. Solid quality and looks premium. Easy to carry comes with a fabulous quality case which you can use to store your iems too. Moreover there was really a difference without it and with it in sound and overall. So go for it without any hesitation ✌️
The audio quality is amazing. The noise barely escapes to outside. Overall a great purchase worth the price
I was impressed by fast and well managed delivery 📦 . Coming to moondrop space travel 2 ultra..one word awesome..I was searching for tws loud enough and quality sound and I am fully amazed by sound.
Very best audio quality each and every vocal was crisp and clear in future I will buy more Iem from audio store❤️
After using the Roseselsa Aurora, I can confidently say it's one of the best budget IEMs I've tried. The tuning is fun, vocals are detailed, the bass has good impact, and instrument separation is impressive. It's comfortable, well-built, and makes every song enjoyable. Definitely worth buying if you're looking for a quality IEM. 🎧⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nice dac
I've purchased this kz edx pro 2 with mic and type c I've received in just 2 days and the product is absolute perfect and build quality and audio experience is so good I've loved it and the look also is so good, the quality of mic is good though compare to other mics audio is perfect and smooth for me.
I opened it fastly then at the end i saw take a video while opening sorry audio store. But tbh the wire quality is so good and delivery also came before expected date. If someone reading this comment the 1 reason to buy from audio store is they keep affrodable prices when compared to headphonezone and concept kart and offcourse amazon and the quality is also on top notch
