Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 VS Softears Twilight
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 and Softears Twilight use 1DD+6BA+2EST and 1DD driver setups respectively. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 costs $1,000 while Softears Twilight costs $930. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 is $70 more expensive. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 holds a slight 0.2-point edge in reviewer scores (8.5 vs 8.3). Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 carries a user score of 8.5. Softears Twilight has significantly better mids with a 1-point edge, Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has significantly better treble with a 1-point edge and Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 | Softears Twilight |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 8 | 9 |
| Treble | 8 | 7 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 8 |
| Dynamics | 6 | 5 |
| Tonality | 7.5 | 7.3 |
| Technicalities | 8 | 7 |
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.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Buy Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 on Linsoul
Ad
Price: $999
Buy Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 on Linsoul
Softears Twilight reviewed by
8.3
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Softears Twilight presents as a compact, metal, cube-like single-DD with a surprisingly comfortable fit, small nozzle, and recessed 2-pin sockets; build feels solid and understated. The stock cable is tasteful and practical, featuring a 4.4 termination with a matching 4.4-to-3.5 adapter that fits the aesthetic. Overall execution gives premium vibes without flash, and the in-ear ergonomics are notably good despite the chunky silhouette.
Tonally, Twilight carries modest bass presence with a gentle rise through the lower mids, then blossoms into crispy upper-mids and airy treble. The result is world-class imaging and stage, vivid separation, and some of the most engaging vocals in its bracket; however, cymbals can skew a touch sharp and strings may sound glassy if a track leans hot. Listeners craving slam or extra bite may notice a lack of “snap,” but a light EQ shelf can wake up the low end nicely.
Against peers, RSV offers a bit more bass weight and a smoother mid transition, Noir is the more balanced all-rounder, and Monarch trades blows on technicalities while feeling more polite. Twilight’s charm is its engagement: punchy, airy, and uniquely “fantastical,” with sweeter upper registers and less shout than sets like Aurora. Priced around $930, it’s best viewed as a must-demo for vocal lovers and those tolerant of leaner bass—an A-class experience for the right tuning preference, and a tempting buy if found closer to mid-fi pricing.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Buy Softears Twilight on HiFiGO
Ad
Price: $930
Buy Softears Twilight on HiFiGO
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+6BA+2EST
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,000
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Softears Twilight Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: Warm
Brand: Softears Top Softears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $930
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
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.
Softears Twilight Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Expect an inviting tonal blend that adapts well to genres while staying largely composed. It strikes a nice blend of warmth and clarity.
Average Technical Grade
A-- It manages detail and layering well enough, even if the stage feels only moderately sized. You get a clear sense of left and right, if not depth.
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
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 sharpnessSoftears Twilight User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewFind your next IEM:
IEM Finder Quiz
newIEM Comparison Tool
newVS