Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 VS FlipEars Legion
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 and FlipEars Legion use 1DD+6BA+2EST and 1DD+1EST+1BC driver setups respectively. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 costs $1,000 while FlipEars Legion costs $849. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 is $151 more expensive. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 holds a decisive 1-point edge in reviewer scores (8.5 vs 7.5). Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 carries a user score of 8.5. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has significantly better mids with a 2-point edge, Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has significantly better treble with a 2-point edge, FlipEars Legion has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 | FlipEars Legion |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 8 | 6 |
| Treble | 8 | 6 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 7 |
| Dynamics | 6 | 7 |
| Tonality | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| Technicalities | 8 | 6 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Build & accessories: Compact shell with a slightly old-school shape and flat 2-pin connectors, secure fit, and a nozzle some may find a bit much. The package includes Thieaudio’s large, sturdy case, multiple tips, a cleaning brush, and a fabric-sheathed stock cable with a solid chin slider and a durable Y-split. The cable’s modular plug system (2.5/3.5/4.4) locks in confidently and feels well made.
Sound: a neutral foundation with a dash of fun—clean upper mids, tasteful sparkle, and tight, articulate bass. Unit variance shows on graphs (his sample reads a bit bassier with slightly more treble vs other measurements), but the core tuning stays intact: rich mids, smooth presence, and airy extension that present music as natural, wide, and open. Versus Monarch MKIII, this MKII feels less bright and less fatiguing, with fuller mids. Compared to Annihilator 2023, MKII is flatter and more even (Annihilator hits harder and has a 10k zing some hear as “fake”). Against Lime Ears Tera, MKII is a touch warmer and easier; versus the pricier Europa, it tracks similarly on paper but wins on comfort and value; and it offers more body than budget darlings like Hexa, which can come off lean.
Verdict: a high-tier all-rounder prized for midrange timbre, air/detail, note weight, and imaging. It reads neutral-natural with just enough excitement to stay engaging over long sessions. Personal taste and fit still matter—always demo if possible—but within this preference space, Monarch MKII remains a special, well-balanced choice that continues to earn its spot among top IEMs.
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FlipEars Legion reviewed by
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
FlipEars Legion stakes its identity on a bold, mid-bass–driven fun signature with a bone-conduction twist. The shell is huge and may challenge small ears, the 2-pin sockets are deeply recessed, and the stock 4.4 mm cable and premium case feel thoughtful and upscale. On the graph, there’s a notable dip through the mids that can sound a touch hollow, plus energy around 4 kHz and 8 kHz that adds bite and sparkle; in practice the set delivers big slam, airy extension, and surprisingly solid imaging for a BC-assisted tuning. A light EQ nudge to the upper-mids/lower-mids tightens tonality and pushes technicals up a tier.
Positionally, Legion reads as a “fun daily driver” rather than a sterile studio tool. Compared with similar BC-flavored sets, it feels more controlled than the Z Empire “party” tuning, and markedly more coherent than cheap experiments like KB Ear KBO2. Against safer picks, Monarch Mk I remains the clean, glassy option, while ThieAudio Origin is a safer all-rounder; Legion, however, brings deeper sub-bass and livelier presence with more character. Versus Triton, Legion’s upper-air/presence has better flow; versus the high-ticket Muse, Legion trades a bit of refinement for long-session comfort, dodging fatiguing 6 kHz glare.
Overall, this is an engaging, charismatic tribid that rewards listeners seeking bass heft, contrast, and BC texture without descending into chaos. It’s not the safest first $800 pick given the mid dip and fit quirks, but as a statement piece from FlipEars it feels well priced, well built, and easy to recommend to those prioritizing musical thrill over strict neutrality—especially with a touch of EQ to tidy the mids.
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Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+6BA+2EST
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,000
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FlipEars Legion Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+1EST+1BC
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost, Basshead
Brand: Flipears Top Flipears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $849
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Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Overall balance feels confident and refined, rewarding long listening sessions. A reliable all-rounder for everyday listening.
Average Technical Grade
A+- You get an articulate, polished performance with immersive stage depth and great control. There's a sense of polish across the whole spectrum.
FlipEars Legion Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B+- Tonality is generally agreeable, though a few bumps remind you of its limits. Certain tracks spotlight its tonal quirks.
Average Technical Grade
B- Overall technicalities are acceptable, delivering enough clarity for casual sessions. Imaging is serviceable though not immersive.
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 User Reviews
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewMy vocal magic
Pros
Vocals that make you smile. THE most musical set for me.Cons
Bass is okay for the price. Very occasional upper-mid sharpnessFlipEars Legion User Reviews
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Cons
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