THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII
2DD+6BA+2EST Flagship IEM
ForStudio monitoring/Critical listening
- 2-4 working weeks for UIEM (default batches).
- 6-8 working weeks for UIEM with custom faceplate design
- No cancellation of UIEM (custom design) orders once ordered
Images are for reference only. Actual product and packaging may differ from the images. Final product is based on what is actually received.
Shipping time estimate. Pre-order items are non-cancellable and non-refundable.
Pre-order detailsRecommended products
Complete your setup. Choose your options and add without leaving this page.
Optional pairings. A cable and ear tips are already in the box.
Overview
The details behind THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII.
The IMPACT2 (“Impact Squared”) is THIEAUDIO’s latest technological innovation to change the personalized audio industry.
IMPACT2 is a new subwoofer solution consisting of two 10mm composite diaphragm drivers arranged in an isobaric design. The addition of another 10mm subwoofer significantly enhances the power and texture of the bass, while our in-house isobaric chamber design keeps the frequency and pressure constant. This means you can enjoy better quality bass without sacrificing tonal integrity.
Highlights
IMPACT2
THIEAUDIO's latest innovation in personalized audio with a powerful subwoofer solution using isobaric design and composite diaphragm drivers.
Enhanced Ultra-Treble Output
The Monarch MKIII now features Sonion's electrostatic drivers and increased frequencies for a more comprehensive upper frequency extension, resulting in improved staging and resolution.
Balanced Tonal Signature
The Monarch MKIII maintains a studio-monitor-like tonal excellence with clean, natural, and detailed sound, while offering a focused sub-bass impact.
Improved Bass Quality
The addition of another 10mm subwoofer in IMPACT2 enhances the power and texture of the bass without compromising tonal integrity, providing better bass quality for an immersive audio experience.
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII - Default option
Monarch, Pushing beyond the Pinnacle
At their times, the original Monarch and the Monarch MKII set new standards for best-in-class performance in the global IEM industry. Not only did it redefine the price-to-performance bracket, but it forever changed how IEM manufacturers engineer and tune IEM’s. Keeping with the times, the Monarch has undergone another revision to revamp its technical and tonal performance.
Monarch MKIII - Custom with Black Bat shell and Disco Faceplate option
Enhanced Ultra-Treble Output
The Monarch MKIII has been updated with Sonion’s latest electrostatic (EST) drivers and re-tuned to better exhibit these drivers’ full potentials. Thanks to our new tuning strategy, the ultra-treble frequencies at +15kHz to 20kHz have been increased for a more comprehensive upper frequency extension. Compared to its predecessor, the Monarch MKIII will have a greater sense of staging, atmosphere, and an overall enhancement in perceived resolution thanks to the treble extension.
Balanced Tonal Signature
At the core of the Monarch MKIII is THIEAUDIO’s commitment to tonal excellence. The Monarch MKIII retains a studio-monitor like tonal signature with a focused sub-bass impact for a clean, natural, and detailed sound. Engineered with a true 4-way crossover with 9 separate passive components, the Monarch MKIII stays true to its tonal legacy. Thanks to IMPACT2 , the subbass is punchier, but the mids from 200Hz to 800Hz retain their ruler-flat neutrality. This tonality of the mids mimics the true sound of studio monitors used in recording studios to deliver accurate audio reproduction.
Furthermore, compared to its predecessors, the Monarch MKIII mids have been revamped with a new tuning strategy, which better separates respective driver ranges to maximize output while minimizing the total harmonic distortion. This means the mids on the MKIII will sound higher in resolution while retaining the same monitor-esque tonality. The treble has also been slightly re-tuned to offer more coherency throughout the region, as well as little more clarity and definition. This slight tonal modification better mixes with the renewed ultra-treble response, providing a more crisp sound signature.
Monarch MKIII - Custom with Black Bat shell and Sunset Horizon Faceplate option
About THIEAUDIO
From a nameless group of DIY enthusiasts to one of the best acclaimed IEM brands in the world, THIEAUDIO has made an incredible journey in the pursuit of high-fidelity audio. THIEAUDIO has become a staple brand in audiophile communities around the world, beloved for its best-in-class tunings, superb technical performances, and budget-friendly pricing. From the start, the THIEAUDIO team has put audio quality at the forefront of each project, aiming to be the Robin Hood of the audio world by bringing the best sounding audio solutions at the most affordable prices. Since its launch in 2019, THIEAUDIO’s legacy of in-ear monitors has forever changed the world of IEM’s, influencing how global manufacturers of earphones engineer their products. THIEAUDIO’s international team of few, but dedicated engineers from China and South Korea are committed to continuing this legacy by creating innovative, yet affordable, audio solutions that will leave you in awe.
Monarch MKIII - Custom with Black Bat shell and Butterfly Faceplate option
Technical details
- Driver configuration
- Tribrid
- Driver technology
- Dynamic Driver, Balanced Armature, Electrostatic
- Suggested genres
- Pop, Rock & Metal, Jazz
- Type
- In-Ear Monitors
- Drivers
- Sonion EST, Knowles DWFK 31785 (x2), Sonio 28UAP (x1), IMPACT2 (2 x 10mm Composite DD)
- Crossover
- 4-Way Passive Crossover with 4 Sound Bores.
- Sensitivity
- 99dB @ 1kHz (+/- 1dB)
- Impedance
- 18 ohms
- Frequency Response
- 20Hz-80kHz
- Cable Details
- 1.2 meter 22AWG 6N OCC Silver-Plated and Graphene Silver-Plated Cable
- Cable Connectors
- 2-pin 0.78mm
- Cable Termination
- Modular Termination with 2.5mm,3.5mm,4.4mm Interchangeable plugs
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Expert reviews
Watch the review. Read the full story.
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Video review: THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII
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Video review: THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII
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Video review: THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII
Customer reviews
What listeners say about sound, fit and everyday use.
I was lucky to receive it earlier than expected and I have just spent the first day listening to it.
So far this meets and even exceeds my expectations and for me it is definitely a worthy successor to the Monarch MK2.
The two new dynamic drivers really bring back the midbass. The midbass was the one thing I found lacking in the MK2.
Even though the low-end has been turned up and the bass is more visceral it still keeps the tonality and technicality I have come to expect from the Monarch series.
The MK3 has better tonality and tuning for my music library and I think Thieaudio is going to have a great success with their new Impact2 driver setup. I'm really looking forward to it in the Hype 2 as well.
This IEM is going into my all-time top favourites together with 64 Audio U12t and U4s. I hope the MK2 is still going to stick around for those that want a leaner tonality without having to EQ, though I don't think you could EQ to give MK3's feeling of slam into a MK2.
It's slightly on the larger size, but I found it very comfortable for long listening sessions and the weight is a non-issue. I find it as comfortable to wear as my 64 Audio's. I also prefer the cable over the MK2 cable, as the MK2 was a bit cumbersome.
The default faceplate looks awesome.
I have not watched or read any reviews prior to this. As a former owner of the MKII, I was definitely swayed by the announcement of the MKIII.
Blessed by DHL Express for its speedy delivery, blessed by THIEAUDIO for its superb team of audio engineers.
The MKIII is slightly smaller than the MKII but it is not as small as the 1st generation Prestige. The slightly smaller shell size of the MKIII does make a difference in comfort. However, after long hours of listening, your ears may still go numb if they are small. Mine felt numb around the 2nd hour.
Thankful that THIEAUDIO also decided to change MKIII's cable to Prestige's. The MKII has a chunky and heavy cable which affected my overall listening experience.
I no longer have the MKII to compare its sound with the MKIII. However, balanced detailed beast remains a balanced detailed beast. Everything sounds so clean, especially its subbass. As a former drummer, I really love how the kick drum punches for every song with drums. So tight and punchy. It just sounds so right. Treble sounds detailed with sparkle without piercing.
The only concern I have so far is that a few songs sound so detailed that it can be fatiguing e.g. Michael Jackson's Beat It and Billie Jean.
Two hours into listening and I am really enjoying it. I only stopped because my audio player ran out of battery and my ears started feeling numb.
The faceplate looks freaking cool, much nicer when you see it in person.
Worth every penny.
The classical music genre is a very difficult one to design and make an earphone for. It demands a large dynamic range, a high level of resolution and a wide soundstage in order to accurately reproduce the complex sound structures produced by an orchestral assembly.
I want to hear those trumpets blaring from the heavens and those violins soaring into the sky and the earth moving with the rumble of those bass drums.
The Monarch MkIII performs all of these functions superbly.
Thieaudio tuning engineers knew what they were doing and they did a fine job.
I have discovered a fantastic pairing for the Monarch MkIII. I use the iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon DAC/AMP with the Bass AND Presence filters switched on which greatly enhances listening to classical orchestral music. It is as if you are in the middle of the Orchestra and the instruments are playing around you. And you can precisely locate every single instrument. It is truly a transformative experience when listening to Mahler's 5th Symphony to something quite ethereal. I know the Monarch MkIIIs are performing way above their price point.
The MkIII Monarchs fill a special and unique place in my collection. I doubt if they will be matched by another iem any time soon. I am totally overwhelmed by them.
Thank you ThieAudio!
The iems arrived way sooner than I expected, and this is a direct upgrade from my old pair (simgot ea1000). Sounds a lot more natural compared to simgot's V shape, which was hard to get used to but once I did these sounded amazing. Although there are diminishing returns, these are definitely worth 999USD.
I had originally shortlisted the Mk IIs and right as I was planning to buy those, the Mk IIIs were announced and made available. The fact that these were being sold at the same price intrigued me and so I took a risk and bought it. The MK IIs were tried and true and got rave reviews but the fact that their sound signature was extremely neutral gave me pause. I wasn't sure if I would take to if immediately and accepted that it would need to grow on me. So when I saw that the tuning for the MK IIIs would be to boost certain aspects of the soundscape I really thought I might.prefer it over the MK IIs.
With all that, I couldn't be happier with the results. This was my first IEM and well worth the price for the sound quality and clarity. It has warmth, vibrance, brightness, and just...character. All things I wasn't sure the MK IIs were going to have despite its audiophilic excellence. Keep in mind, I AM NOT recommending a blind buy, of this or any product. Especially not when the price is this high. Please do your own research and be sure that this is what you want, especially over the MK II, as what I listed as positives may be negatives for someone else. This particular purchase just happened to work out for me. The fact that I had no proper experience or expectations for how an IEM should sound definitely helped as well, I think.
TLDR: I personally loved this product and would wholeheartedly recommend it to someone who doesn't want a "pure" audiophilic sound. If you do, go for the Mk II instead.
Hi, is the default option in stock? If so, what is the estimate to ship it to the U.S.? (near Chicago specifically)
Hi there,
Yes, the default option is currently in stock. We offer free shipping to the U.S., including Chicago.
What ear tips are included in the box? I really like the standard silicone ones included and I wanted to buy another pair.
Sorry, the ear tips for the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII are not sold separately.
Can I custom order them with MMCX connectors instead of 2pin?
Hi there,
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII does not support custom cables at this time.
If you need a cable for the MMCX, we sincerely recommend you to purchase a replacement cable.
Hello, what happened to the Green Urchin (D4) faceplate? i want them for my order.
Hi there,
We regret to inform you that this option is no longer available. Thank you for your understanding.
Will these be offered as a CIEM in the future?
Hello there,
Thank you for your inquiry.
They are currently only available as a custom design service,please keep following us for the latest news.
Are they plug and play? or do you need something else to get all they can give out of them?
Hello there,
Thank you for your inquiry.
The connector end connects to the IEMs and the plug end connects to your device (mobile phone, computer, player, etc.).
The THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII is ready to use when you make sure that both ends of the cable are properly connected.
Can I order the Monarch MKIII WITHOUT the "THIEAUDIO" Name Brand on the Face Plate?
Hello there,
Thank you for your inquiry.
When customising the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII, it is possible to remove the "THIEAUDIO" logo from the faceplate.
For customisation please contact us via email support@linsoul.com.
Would it be possible at any point in time to have different custom faceplate for left and right earpieces? Currently, I only see the same design for both under custom options.
Hello there,
Thank you for your inquiry and feedback.
THIEAUDIO does not offer that service for now.
However, we will consider it once the manufacturing time is fixed or more consistent.
Have a nice day.
[Updated: 27/07/2023]
Your order
Which countries do you ship to?
We are generally able to ship to most countries via Express Shipping, and many countries via Standard Shipping. You may clarify this with our team to check whether Standard Shipping is available to your country.
We cannot ship to addresses that are "PO boxes or APO/FPO".
*Note: Generally, we can only do Selected Shipping to India and Russia. We can only do Express Shipping to Africa, Argentina, Hawaii, Kuwait, Mauritius, Montenegro and Sri Lanka, to name a few.
This may be subjected to changes due to unpredictable issues such as Covid, war, and etc.
How much does shipping cost?
We have two shipping methods - Standard Shipping and Express Shipping.
Standard Shipping is free for most countries, while Express Shipping is 15-35USD depending on your country. If your order is over 270USD, Express Shipping is free*.
*This applies for most countries. However, large items such as headphones and desktop DAC/AMPs (e.g. HarmonicDyne G200, MUSICIAN MDP-2, and etc.) are excluded.
Shipping fees exclude import taxes or processing fees that may be applicable for your country. Linsoul is not responsible for such fees. Should you refuse to pay the tax/customs fees, shipping fees will still be deducted from the amount paid for thetwo-way freightcharges. The cost of the freight charges may be more than the amount reflected on your order due to tax and other miscellaneous fees.
Some parcels claimed to be “returned to the seller” may be destroyed by the post office or customs officers when buyers refuse to accept their parcels or fail to pay for their taxes.No refundwill be processed for such cases.Standard Shipping via YunExpress is a tax-inclusive option for some countries. However, Linsoul will not be responsible for additional administrative or handling fees charged by your local courier company or customs. Please kindly check this with your local customs.For certain remote areas, there may be additional charges via Express Shipping. We will contact you if there is a need to make additional payments. Please contact us before placing an order, should you have any queries regarding shipping.
How long does it take to receive the order after it is placed?
For in-stock products, your order will be shipped within 3 working days. You may check with our staff regarding the in-stock status of any products.
Customized items will take a longer time. Please contact our staff for more information.
On normal non-sale days, once your parcel has been shipped out:
- For Standard Shipping, it takes about 2-4 weeks for items to be delivered after shipping out. For some countries, it might take up to 2-3 months, depending on your country, its customs and other factors.* The duration for transit is something beyond our control. Linsoul will not be making refunds for such cases. Please consider an upgrade to Express Shipping or keep the waiting time in mind.
- For Express Shipping, it takes about 3-7 days for items to be delivered after shipping out.
*Note: Timings might be affected due to festive seasons or other unforeseen circumstances
What happens if the parcel has been shipped but not delivered?
First, kindly contact your local courier using the local tracking number.
If your parcel were to be in transit for at least 3 months, it may have been lost in transit.
For orders below $50USD, you may either opt for a one-time reshipment of parcel OR a full refund of the amount paid in cash via PayPal/Credit/Debit card.
For orders above $50USD, we will only process a 50% refund of your order paid in cash via PayPal/Credit/Debit card. Should there be any concern about Standard Shipping, you are encouraged to opt for DHL Express Shipping instead.
Customers are to bear the consequences and fees incurred, if the parcel was undelivered due to any of the following situation:
- Wrong address or phone number provided by recipient
- Recipient was uncontactable when courier company contacted
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Who will pay for the import tax/custom fees
Customers have to bear any form of custom/import/processing fees that are applicable for your parcel.
Should you be unwilling to pay for the fees and reject the delivery of the parcel, you will still have to pay for the shipping cost. Linsoul will only refund the amount of your order after deducting the two-way shipping fees incurred.
What shipping companies do you use?
We collaborate with these courier companies:
- Standard Shipping: 4PX, UBI, NinjaVan, and Yun Express
- Express Shipping: DHL Express, FedEx and SF Express
How do I get help for my order?
Cancellation or/and modification of orders can only be done manually via our staff, provided that our Warehouse Team has not processed your order.
As our Support Team might not be available during non-working days and weekends, please place your order wisely.
Should you really need to cancel or/and modify your order after purchase, please contact us via our support email (Support@Linsoul.com) or website chat. We will help you with the changes if that could be done.
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- Send an email to support@Linsoul.com with an appropriate Subject Title
- Provide your order number and state the issue clearly
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If the photos/videos provided are insufficient to prove the stated issue, we will enquire more. Once the issue has been confirmed, we will arrange for a replacement, partial refund or a full refund (where applicable). For incorrect products, Linsoul reserves all rights in deciding whether you need to return the incorrect item or not. Please kindly contact us via email first. Our team aims to review your email within 3 working days.
For other queries, the fastest way to contact us is via our website or Discord
Linsoul Audio will not be responsible for parcels that have been damaged during the transit process.
Do I get tracking details for my order?
After placing an order, you will receive the order confirmation email. After your order has been shipped out, you will also receive a tracking email. You can track your order via the tracking number online. Should you not have received the emails or face any difficulties tracking your order, please kindly contact us for support.
For more than 1 orders placed under the same account and shipping address, Linsoul will automatically combine the orders and ship them out via one tracking number. Should you have special requests to have the orders shipped separately, please kindly contact us via Discord or our website's chat. We will do our best to help.
How do I cancel my order?
Cancellation or/and modification of orders can only be done manually via our staff, provided that our Warehouse Team has not processed your order. Orders that have been shipped cannot be cancelled and modified.
As our Support Team may not be available during non-working days and weekends, please place your order wisely as support cannot be guaranteed for such requests.
Should you really need to cancel or/and modify your order after purchase, please contact us via our support email (support@Linsoul.com) or website chat. We will help you with the changes if that could be done.
Can I return an opened item?
Request a return within 30 days of delivery while the product is factory-sealed. Contact support for instructions before returning anything.
Where should I send the product for the return process?
To initiate the return shipment, kindly send an email to support@Linsoul.com within 30 days upon receiving the sealed product(s). The RMA form and details will be provided to you via email.
When must the product be returned after receiving the RMA form and details?
After receiving the return instructions from us via email, kindly arrange the return shipment of the parcel within 5 working days, and update us with the tracking link via email again. Failure to do so will result in a cancellation of the return process.
When will I receive my refund after returning the product?
In most cases, after receiving and inspecting the returned product, your refund will be processed within 5 business days. Refunds may incur a currency exchange loss or transaction fee, depending on your source of payment (e.g. Bank or PayPal). Linsoul will not be responsible for such fees.
What warranty applies?
Most products come with a 1-year warranty; cables and accessories have shorter or separate terms.
Processing Time
This product is currently in its pre‑order period. Pre‑orders apply to items not yet in stock, and shipping will begin once they arrive. Processing times are estimates only.
Pre-order Period:
- 2-4 working weeks for UIEM (default batches).
- 6-8 working weeks for UIEM with custom faceplate design
- No cancellation of UIEM (custom design) orders once ordered
Images are for reference only. Actual product and packaging may differ from the images. Final product is based on what is actually received.
Note:
- No cancellation of orders once ordered.
- All orders to be shipped out sequentially.
Processing Time
This product is in Pre-order period. Pre-orders are provided for items that have not reached us and will take some time to be shipped out.
Processing time: Depends on design
Note:
- No cancellation of orders once ordered.
- All orders to be shipped out sequentially.
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