Xenns Top Pro VS ThieAudio Monarch MK4
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Xenns Top Pro and ThieAudio Monarch MK4 use 2DD+8BA and 2DD+6BA+2EST driver setups respectively. Xenns Top Pro costs $499 while ThieAudio Monarch MK4 costs $1,149. ThieAudio Monarch MK4 is $650 more expensive. ThieAudio Monarch MK4 holds a clear 0.7-point edge in reviewer scores (8.8 vs 9.5). User ratings place Xenns Top Pro at 8.4 and ThieAudio Monarch MK4 at 9. ThieAudio Monarch MK4 has significantly better treble with a 1-point edge, ThieAudio Monarch MK4 has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and ThieAudio Monarch MK4 has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Xenns Top Pro | ThieAudio Monarch MK4 |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 8 | 8 |
| Treble | 8 | 9 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 9 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 8 |
| Tonality | 7.8 | 8.5 |
| Technicalities | 8 | 9 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Xenns Top Pro reviewed by
8.8
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Xenns Top Pro boasts an exceedingly comfortable, vented resin shell with a metal nozzle, praised as one of the better shells out there. It's light, isolates well, and features a flat two-pin connector. The included case feels extremely premium, matching cases found on more expensive IEMs. Accessories are generous, including a 4.4mm cable, 6.3mm adapter, three sets of tips, a pouch, and a shirt clip. The cable itself is appropriate for the price, described as plush and nice with a Dunu-style locking system, though the chin slider feels slightly loose.
Sonically, the Top Pro presents an interesting and effective mild V-shaped tuning that aligns perfectly with the reviewer's preferences. It features slightly elevated bass and mids with a hint of darkness, delivering clean, pristine mids and great treble extension and air without sibilance. Technical performance is strong across imaging, note weight, and detail. Graph comparisons show similarities to sets like the Dusk DSP and Annihilator, but the Top Pro distinguishes itself with better bass impact than its metallic-shelled sibling (the Tea Pro) and a more comfortable, all-day listen compared to the ultra-detailed but potentially fatiguing AFUL Cantor. It holds its own against flagships like the Monarch MkIII (offering potentially better bass) and the Astral (with minor tonal differences), proving highly competitive in the $400-$900 range.
Ultimately, the Xenns Top Pro emerges as a standout offering from the brand and a top contender at its $500 price point. It hits a sweet spot with very few faults, combining a world-class comfortable shell, generous premium accessories, and a cohesive, engaging sound signature. It delivers nice everything – impactful bass, clean mids, well-extended treble, and strong technicals – making it an easy all-day listen and a set that's hard to beat for this specific tuning philosophy. While responsible purchasing and demos are always advised, it earns a full recommendation as an excellent all-rounder.
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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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Xenns Top Pro Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+8BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: XENNS Top XENNS IEMs
Price (Msrp): $499
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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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Xenns Top Pro 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.
Xenns Top Pro User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA near-flagship experience at $500, offering superb detail retrieval and balanced tuning that competes with IEMs twice its price, though tip-rolling is recommended for optimal treble smoothness.
Pros
Exceptional technical performance with detailed, expansive soundstage; deep textured bass and crystal-clear mids suit diverse genres; premium accessories and comfortable fit for long sessions.Cons
Included ear tips are mediocre and may require aftermarket replacements; treble can occasionally feel peaky or harsh at higher volumes, especially with analytical sources.ThieAudio Monarch MK4 User Reviews
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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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