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.
Model: Monarch MKII
Drivers: (1DD + 6BA + 2EST) 10mm Dynamic Driver
Sonion / Knowless Balanced Armatures Driver
Sonion Electrostatic Driver
Connector: 0.78mm 2PIN
Cable: 26AWG OCC silver-plated cable with fabric-coated
Cable Length: 1.2 meters
Plug Type: Smart-switch (2.5mm,3.5mm,4.4mm)
Impedance: 36ohm
Sensitivity: 108db
Nozzle Size: 5.4mm
Warranty Period: 1 Year
Warranty Period: 1 Year from the date of Invoice
Covered: Manufacturing Defects Only
Warranty Form: https://www.theaudiostore.in/pages/warranty-claim-form
ThieAudio is a popular brand among audiophiles, known for its high-quality wired headphones and in-ear monitors (IEMs). They offer a wide range of models with varying sound signatures to suit different preferences. ThieAudio is also known for their premium cables and accessories for audio enthusiasts.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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from 6841 reviews
Very quick and satisfying deliveries along with a wide range of products
Absolutely loved the soundstage and neutral bright tuning of this iem.
Best IEM for beginners. It helps to know what music taste matches to you.
These are great, every element of a song is well balanced. However, that balance is a double-edged sword, as it lacks bass. So, if you're looking for a strong base signature, you might want to choose something else or use an equalizer, which is what i'm doing.
This is a solid cable, which delivers stunning sound. I use this cable to connect my Hifiman EF400 to Fiio K15. This is a major upgrade to the sound (as compared to the two standalone).
I bought Cadenza as my first IEMs, before buying these I researched a lot about every kind in this budget I could go for, I streched and bought these as something which sounds, harmonious, smooth and comfortable for long sessions, even then the details and the sound still puts me in awe beating any earbuds and in ear sound system I have ever tried.
One of the best IEM.
EarAcoustic STA-Hi End Series IEM is too warmform me which is my sound signature. Beryllium driver tuned so fantastic. When was received this never go off from my ears to 4 hrs. I have so many brands and so many chifi IEMs used but this EarAcoustic STA-Hi End Series IEM is totally blowned me away. That's why this EarAcoustic STA-Hi End Series IEM is highly recommended. Thanks once againMr Pritam Ji for suggesting me so wonderful IEM in audio library collection.
The product came with all the accessories it should have, the box wasn't damaged at all and delivery was quick. It only took 2 days to be delivered and came with good enough packaging.
Overall, Very satisfied by theaudiostore. While this was my first time buying from them, It definitely won't be the last.
When I was a kid, somewhere around 2005–2007, I was gifted a Sony cassette Walkman. I was too young to care about model numbers or sound signatures. I just knew that pressing play felt important. That Walkman is gone now. Probably sacrificed to the great black hole where old chargers, socks, and childhood joy go to die. But the want never left.
So years later, I did what any emotionally stable adult does. I bought a Walkman again. This time, the Sony NW-A306. And no, this is not nostalgia cosplay. This is something else.
-> A Small Device With Strong Opinions:
The NW-A306 looks like a cute mini smartphone that went on a digital detox retreat. No camera. No speaker. No SIM. No “bro just one notification”. It exists only for music and has zero interest in your productivity apps or reels.
Physically, it feels solid and intentional. Buttons still exist. Sony clearly assumes you might listen to music without staring at a screen like it owes you money.
-> Android, But With Discipline:
It runs Android 14 and yes, streaming apps work. YouTube, YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, ... etc all fine. But here’s the thing, you can choose how modern you want it to be.
With Google services running, I casually listened for about 6 to 7 hours and still stayed under 60 percent battery usage. That’s respectable. Disable Google services and background nonsense, and suddenly the battery life becomes “arre yeh toh chale hi ja raha hai” level good.
Sony didn’t brute-force anything. This device feels tuned, not overpowered.
-> Sound - Sony Being Sony:
Let’s clear this upfront. Walkman is the legacy on which the iPod later thrived. Apple polished the idea. Sony invented the feeling.
And yes, it is Sony, so bass exists. No question about that.
The bass here is not the shaadi DJ type that enters before the song does. It is controlled, confident, and supportive. With KZ ZAS and Sony XM4s, the sound is clean, warm when needed, detailed when it matters, and never tiring.
As a USB DAC, this thing is frankly ridiculous for its size. Plug it into a PC and it behaves like a serious audio device pretending to be small for fun. Stable, clean, no tantrums.
This is not five-minute wow sound. This is “ab bas ek album aur” sound.
-> Local Music and the Joy of Making Things Difficult:
Now comes the part streaming apps will not like.
Yes, we have everything. Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon, Qobuz, YouTube. Music is everywhere. And somehow, nothing sticks.
Algorithms keep suggesting. You keep skipping. Half the time you don’t even remember what you listened to two hours ago. Music becomes vibe. Background. White noise with feelings.
Owning music changes behaviour.
Ripping CDs into FLAC, fixing metadata, web scraping album art, organizing albums. This is effort. And effort creates attention. You listen to albums. You read lyrics. You notice production. You sit still.
Sony Music Center on Windows actually helps instead of testing your patience. Metadata, album art, even 12-tone analysis. Organizing music feels intentional, not like punishment for liking files.
The NW-A306 makes music feel yours. Not rented. Not borrowed. Yours.
Ironically, it uses modern tech to make things slightly complicated on purpose, so listening becomes simple again.
-> So Why Does This Exist?
The NW-A306 is not trying to replace your phone. It is reminding you why music once deserved its own device.
It is focused. It is disciplined. It does not beg for attention. And that is rare now.
If you treat music as something to truly listen to and not just something playing while you scroll, this Walkman makes complete sense. Emotionally. Practically. Logically.
Also, it feels really good to own your music again. Like, irrationally good.
Some loops are worth closing.
i was scared what if i will get scammed, or will the put stone in the box ,
but nothing happened like that, best unboxing experience, do take video, as its mentioned in the package either,
product 10/10
the only issue the extra included case has no guide how to put earbuds in it and as i am an idiot i inserted it wrong took 45 minutes reinserted, fites to tight,
if you are stuck just like me - [****] email me i will help,
best audio , ANC is decent, call good, battery decent, overall excellent package, didnt find in ear detection, or find my earbuds only thing which arnt deal breakers
Amazing product and quick delivery.
There is no hissing sound with Kefine Klean iem
It's really a good beginner iem who qre comes into the iem first time
From perspective the wide bore tips were very flat in term of eq, normal bore and silicon tips performanced the best


















