Campfire Audio Alien Brain VS ThieAudio Monarch MK4
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Campfire Audio Alien Brain and ThieAudio Monarch MK4 use 1DD+4BA and 2DD+6BA+2EST driver setups respectively. Campfire Audio Alien Brain costs $1,000 while ThieAudio Monarch MK4 costs $1,149. ThieAudio Monarch MK4 is $149 more expensive. ThieAudio Monarch MK4 holds a clear 0.7-point edge in reviewer scores (8.8 vs 9.5). ThieAudio Monarch MK4 carries a user score of 9. ThieAudio Monarch MK4 has significantly better mids with a 1-point edge, ThieAudio Monarch MK4 has significantly better treble with a 1-point edge and ThieAudio Monarch MK4 has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Campfire Audio Alien Brain | ThieAudio Monarch MK4 |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 7 | 8 |
| Treble | 8 | 9 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 9 |
| Dynamics | 8 | 8 |
| Tonality | 7.8 | 8.5 |
| Technicalities | 8 | 9 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Campfire Audio Alien Brain reviewed by
8.8
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Alien Brain arrives as a single-DD + 4BA hybrid around $1,000 with a truly peculiar shell: the rounded, “alien cortex” faceplate is magnetic, uses MMCX, and can be tricky to seat. The unboxing is lavish—two cables (including 4.4 mm), a compact magnetic leather case, a USB-C DAC/amp, foams plus “sticky” tips, cleaning tools, and extras. Fit is the hurdle; tip-rolling is essential, but once positioned correctly, comfort and seal fall into place.
Tonally, this set pursues a balanced, all-rounder tuning with a near-ideal bass shelf, lively but controlled upper mids, and sparkly yet composed treble. There’s punch and detail without drifting into fatigue; extension is strong, but staging isn’t the most expansive and note weight isn’t “thumpy”—this isn’t a bass-head cannon, more a clean, grounded presentation. The FR shows a touch of 1 kHz energy and smooth ripples through presence/air that favor natural timbre over hyper-etched brilliance, making it a long-session, non-fatiguing listen.
Versus Campfire’s own lineup, it’s far more normalized than the colorful Trifecta, better extended than the warm Axion, and closer in poise to Moon Rover but with a bit more bass and refinement. Compared to peers like Dunu Glacier or DA Mecca, Alien Brain trades V-shaped excitement for cohesive neutrality, and avoids the upper-mid glare that can scare off listeners. Net result: a strong recommendation for those who can manage the fit and want a high-end Campfire that does something new—not the classic house warmth, not sterile flatness, but a realistic, well-rounded signature with broad appeal.
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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Campfire Audio Alien Brain Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: Campfire Top Campfire IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,000
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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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Campfire Audio Alien Brain Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- The response is even and composed, lending itself to effortless genre hopping. Voices sit comfortably in the mix.
Average Technical Grade
A+- The tuning feels expertly organized, marrying agile dynamics with well-defined spatial cues. Technical listeners will appreciate the poise.
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.
Campfire Audio Alien Brain 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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