The third iteration of the Monarch tribrid IEMs continues offering a stellar mix of technicalities and tone.
- A safe yet exciting U-curve tuning
- Great technicalities
- Nice-looking faceplates
- Decent accessories
- Easy to drive
- Need quality gear to blossom
- Stock ear tips are just okay
- Bass resolution could be better
- Not easy to upgrade from
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to claim that Thieaudio has been on a roll with their Monarch series of tribrid IEMs. First introduced in 2020, the original Monarch quickly became the go-to recommendation in the ~ USD $1000 range. Trav loved them, and I bought mine after reading his review.
While we didn’t review the Monarch MK2, it also made quite a splash in the IEM community and garnered many glowing reviews. The latest, third iteration of the Thieaudio Monarch is also a tribrid, but this time, a two-dynamic driver module handles the low end.
Will the third time be a charm, or is the MKIII just a derivative? Read on to find out!
One Minute Review Video
Design and Build
In a way, I am a bit disappointed that the Monarch MKIII don’t wow me with their looks. Thieaudio has spoiled me with its faceplate designs; this time, it’s simply business as usual – pearlescent particles suspended in translucent resin flanked with swirls of black.
Are there any Thieaudio IEMs that look less than gorgeous?
As expected, the earshells are properly flagship-sized. Small ears will have trouble stuffing these dumplings in, so try before buying. The MKIII has gained around an extra 10% in volume compared to the OG Monarch. It’s mostly in thickness, so the Monarch MKIII will stick out of one’s ears more.
Cable
The Monarch MKIII come with a 1.2m long silver and graphene silver-plated composite cable. The input side is terminated with a 4-pin miniature connector mated with either a 2.5mm TRRS, 3.5 TRS, or 4.4mm TRRRS connector. Whatever your source puts out, the Monarch MKIII has it covered.
Ergonomically, the cable is very sound and doesn’t transmit microphonic noise. The twist-braid is quite resistant to tangling. Sound? I recently got a pure silver cable from a buddy, and neither sounds bad. Maybe I like the DIY silver one more because it’s ergonomically horrid, so it must sound better!
Comfort
Thieaudio has very good acrylic molds, and I’ve never had any Thieaudio IEMs that don’t fit my conchae like a glove. My ears aren’t cavernous, but they aren’t small, and I imagine people with smaller ears will have trouble with the Monarch MKIII.
Under the Hood
Just like thier predecessors, the Monarch MKIII are tribrid IEMs. Three different driver technologies are used – dynamic, balanced armature, and electret. The driver ensemble consists of Sonion EST, Knowles DWFK 31785 (x2), Sonion 28UAP, and the IMPACT2 double DD module, which uses two composite diaphragm drivers.
How Do the Monarch MKIII Sound?
At 99dB/mW and 116dB/V the Monarch MKIII are of average driving difficulty as IEMs come. They aren’t particularly sensitive to noise and many desktop sources will do just fine. I usually have to reach the upper volume range with portable sources if low gain is selected.
After going through my current gauntlet of dongles, portables, and desktop devices, I was pleasantly surprised that the Monarch MKIII showed clear differences between them. There were no bad combinations but these IEMs appreciate it if you feed them the good stuff.
Bass
Together with the Hype 10, the Monarch MKIII are the only Thieaudio flagship IEMs that employ the IMPACT2 bass module. A specialized balanced armature module assists the upper bass.
Tonality-wise, the Monarch MKIII retain a similar low-end boost to that found in both predecessors. There’s plenty of extension for just about anything. Where the Monarch MKIII fall a bit short is bass texture and resolution.
Midrange
With the previous Monarch versions, the only critique often was with the midrange. Sure, there’s plenty of resolution, but the MKI midrange was a bit thin-sounding and the MKII midrange was a tad recessed.
I’m happy to announce that the midrange is fixed with the Monarch MKIII!
Guitars soar, male vocals have appropriate body, and woodwinds have superb texture. I know it’s easy to get wowed by extension in the frequency extremes, but in my opinion, midrange magic makes or breaks audio devices.
Treble
Oh, electret treble, how I’ve missed you! Try as they might, nothing in my experience can replicate the ethereal qualities of Sonion EST high-frequency drivers. Well, maybe apart from actual Stax electrostats!
I will note that the Monarch MKIII have some emphasis on treble, but it’s very slight. The extra zing never hurt my ears and doesn’t cause the dreaded ear fatigue. Cymbals shimmer and decay into black nothing, overtones imbue sounds with supreme detail and ambiance.
This is what high-end IEMs are all about!
Comparisons
How much has Linsoul improved since the Monarch MKI? The main difference is the mids, which finally have proper emphasis and volume. I say the Monarch MKIII is a clear upgrade from the MKI, as it should be.
(From: Rudolfs Putnins)
Going up in price, we have the rather obscure Linsoul x HBB Jupiter. They use a single composite 10mm DD for bass, 6 BA armatures for midbass and mids, and a modified electret tweeter. The Jupiter has an edge in bass texture and resolution, even with a single bass driver.
Where to Buy
Who Should Buy This?
I recommend the Thieaudio Monarch MKIII to just about everyone in the market for IEMs, which cost around USD$1000. The tuning is safe, exciting, and universal regarding musical genres. Just be sure to bring a suitably high-quality source to appreciate what the Monarch MK3 offer.
Final Thoughts
Thieaudio has hit out of the park again with the latest Monarch. And judging by the preorder times, it’s also a crowd favorite. What works most in the favor of the Monarch MKIII is that they are mostly devoid of any idiosyncrasies, often present in high-end audio gear.
I recommend the Monarch MKIII without any caveats or “buts.”
Of course, this also raises the question – what is the cherry on top of the cake? Are the Monarch MKIII devoid of soul and character? Not during my time with them. If they are too gray for you, just find more exciting music – it’s not the IEMs!
So, if you want to upgrade from a mid-fi set, the Monarch MKIII are a superb option. I consider them the price-performance sweet spot and easily the endgame for many enthusiasts.
What’s in the Box?
- Monarch MKIII IEMs
- Carrying case
- 1.2m cable
- 3.5mm, 2.5mm, 4.4mm jacks
- 6 pairs of silicone tips
- 6 pairs of foam tips
- Microfibre cloth
- Manual
Technical Specifications
- Form: IEM
- Driver: Sonion EST, Knowles DWFK 31785 (x2), Sonion 28UAP (x1), IMPACT2 (2x 10mm Composite DD)
- Crossover: 4-way passive
- Shell Material: Medical-grade acrylic
- Impedance (Ohm): 20 Ohm
- Sensitivity (dB/mW): 99 dB/mW
- Frequency Response (Hz): 20 Hz – 20 KHz
- Removable Cable: Y
- Cable Type: 1.2m silver-plated and graphene silver-plated
- Cup/Shell Jack: 2-pin, 0.78mm
- Source Jack: 3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm and 2.5mm Balanced
- Weight (g): 5g