Symphonium x Elise Audio Europa VS ThieAudio Monarch MK4
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Symphonium x Elise Audio Europa and ThieAudio Monarch MK4 use 4BA and 2DD+6BA+2EST driver setups respectively. Symphonium x Elise Audio Europa costs $1,550 while ThieAudio Monarch MK4 costs $1,149. Symphonium x Elise Audio Europa is $401 more expensive. ThieAudio Monarch MK4 holds a slight 0.1-point edge in reviewer scores (9.4 vs 9.5). ThieAudio Monarch MK4 carries a user score of 9. ThieAudio Monarch MK4 has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Symphonium x Elise Audio Europa | ThieAudio Monarch MK4 |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 8 | 8 |
| Treble | 9 | 9 |
| Soundstage | 8.5 | 9 |
| Dynamics | 8 | 8 |
| Tonality | 8.4 | 8.5 |
| Technicalities | 9 | 9 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Symphonium x Elise Audio Europa reviewed by
9.4
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Europa comes as a 4-BA flagship at around $1,600, dressed in a beautifully machined metallic shell with a flat 2-pin, swappable-plug cable that feels supple and well-made. The faceplate is gorgeous and the nozzle is tidy, but the shell is slippery and hard to handle, with no lip or tactile anchors, making fit the biggest wild card here. Packaging on this loaner wasn’t complete, but the cable’s chin slider holds position nicely. Small note for U.S. buyers: there’s an import tax to account for.
Tuning is the draw. Europa tracks J’s target closely with smooth bass, clean mids, and a smart 4–5 kHz dip to keep shout in check, followed by tasteful energy around 5–6 kHz for detail. Versus Symphonium’s Crimson, the retune trims a touch of bass and dials back upper-air brightness for a more refined top end; it reads less fatiguing while staying lively. Compared with other Symphonium sets, Titan pushes too much low-end and can feel muffled, and Meteor skews boomy with not enough treble sparkle—Europa simply measures and sounds more balanced. On the broader field, it trades blows with Monarch (that set comes off a hair cleaner/pristiner, while Europa carries a bit more thump). Even beside the Annihilator—a pricier favorite—there’s a case for Europa’s tonality, which some will find easier and less fatiguing.
Technical chops are strong: plenty of detail, a spacious stage, and bass that feels authoritative without bloat. Imaging is generally good, if occasionally a touch blunted, and the mids, while very solid, don’t pull unique imaging tricks. Overall score sits at about 95/100—a special listen for the right ears. The caveats are the fit and the price; if the shell geometry works for you, Europa can be a top-tier all-rounder. As always, demo if possible—comfort can swing this from “great” to “endgame-adjacent.”
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
ThieAudio Monarch MK4 reviewed by
2025-07-25
9.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Priced between $1,150 and $1,300 depending on custom faceplate options like the butterfly design shown, the Thieaudio Monarch MK IV boasts exceptional build quality with a large but well-contoured titanium shell offering a secure and comfortable fit. Key features include the innovative rumble switch for adjustable bass levels on the fly, a durable two-pin connector, and a solid feel that inspires confidence in longevity. While the included accessories are considered fair but unexciting, the shell's customization potential and rugged construction are major highlights.
Sonically, the Monarch MK IV delivers a detailed, exciting, and clean sound signature that stands as the best in the Monarch lineage. The rumble switch provides two distinct profiles: the red switch (no rumble) offers a balanced, tactful bass presentation, while the gold switch (rumble) adds a satisfying sub-bass shelf ideal for genres like hip-hop. Treble performance is notably improved over the MK III, though a 10k peak requires careful ear tip selection for some listeners. It trades blows with flagships like the $3,000 Annihilator (better sub-bass focus) and the $1,800 Elysian Apostle (more vocal forward), often matching or exceeding their technicalities while offering its unique tuning flexibility.
Scoring a top-tier 9.8, the Monarch MK IV earns its place through a compelling combination of premium build, the highly functional rumble switch, and outstanding sound quality that feels both special and refined. While acknowledging the high price, it represents significant value against competitors like the $2,000 Thieaudio Valhalla or the fiddly Grand Maestro, offering a feature-rich, durable, and sonically excellent package that justifies its position as a current summit-fi favorite.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Symphonium x Elise Audio Europa Details
Driver Configuration: 4BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: Symphonium Top Symphonium IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,550
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ThieAudio Monarch MK4 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+6BA+2EST
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost, U-Shaped
Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,149
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Symphonium x Elise Audio Europa Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- It delivers a coherent, natural timbre that remains captivating across genres. Acoustic instruments sound lifelike and textured.
Average Technical Grade
S- Expect an effortlessly clean presentation that keeps complex mixes perfectly organized. There is zero sense of congestion even at high volume.
ThieAudio Monarch MK4 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S-- The response feels meticulously dialed in, combining neutrality with inviting warmth. Dynamic swings remain tonally accurate.
Average Technical Grade
S- The technical ceiling is high here, revealing fine gradations without breaking composure. Every instrument carves out its own pocket in the mix.
Symphonium x Elise Audio Europa User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewThieAudio Monarch MK4 User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewImpressive sound experience and the built quality is finally worth the price (compared to Mk3). I "upgraded" my Mk3 and I am happy with it.
Pros
I don't regret buying those. I would not describe them as a huge upgrade to the Mk3 in terms of sound, but it is noticeable. Built quality and overall experience much more premium than MK3.Cons
The designs of the shells are a matter of taste.Find your next IEM:
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