Thieaudio Origin VS ThieAudio Monarch MK4
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Thieaudio Origin and ThieAudio Monarch MK4 use 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC and 2DD+6BA+2EST driver setups respectively. Thieaudio Origin costs $849 while ThieAudio Monarch MK4 costs $1,149. ThieAudio Monarch MK4 is $300 more expensive. ThieAudio Monarch MK4 holds a decisive 1-point edge in reviewer scores (8.5 vs 9.5). ThieAudio Monarch MK4 carries a user score of 9. ThieAudio Monarch MK4 has significantly better treble with a 4-point edge, Thieaudio Origin has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and ThieAudio Monarch MK4 has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Thieaudio Origin | ThieAudio Monarch MK4 |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 8 | 8 |
| Treble | 5 | 9 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 9 |
| Dynamics | 9 | 8 |
| Tonality | 7.5 | 8.5 |
| Technicalities | 5 | 9 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Thieaudio Origin reviewed by
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Thieaudio Origin brings a wild driver stack—1 DD + 4 BA + 2 EST + 1 bone conductor—inside a massive yet surprisingly comfortable shell. Build feels premium: striking faceplate, visible bone-conductor puck, proper nozzle lip, and a thicker cable than usual from the brand. The hockey-puck case is a nice touch, and for about $100 more there’s custom artwork available, making the unboxing and ownership experience feel a bit more special.
Sonically, this one swings for impact. Bass hits clean, strong, and fun, with upper mids that come across pristine. The trade-off: a hotter mid/treble band (around the 4–10 kHz region, with a notable 6 kHz glare) that can push cymbals and strings into an unnatural territory. Resolution and imaging don’t always keep pace for the price; stage is big and enveloping, but fine detail and separation can blur, making it a specialist that thrills on bass-centric tracks yet feels less convincing on metal or complex orchestral pieces.
Against its siblings, Origin sits like a more fun, bass-forward take compared with HYPE 4/10, but with a treble execution that’s less refined. Versus Oracle MK3, the latter’s ESTs sound crisper and cleaner; versus Monarch MKIII, that model’s tasteful 5–8 kHz dip lends better resolution. If pure detail is the target, sets like HiSenior Mega5 Bass or the Subtonic Annihilator may prove more satisfying. As a whole, Origin is a unique, bass-thrilled experience with excellent fit, huge space, and customization perks—great for those chasing visceral low-end and a cinematic stage, less ideal for listeners prioritizing treble finesse and microdetail at this tier.
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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.
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Thieaudio Origin Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost, Basshead
Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $849
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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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Thieaudio Origin Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- You get a polished tonal profile that stays natural from bass through treble. Subtle tuning choices keep things engaging.
Average Technical Grade
C+- The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
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.
Thieaudio Origin 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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