IT SHOOK ME! Thieaudio Created A MONSTER! - MONARCH MK3 Review

[@AudioLevels]

Whos going to name all the IEMs?

[@highgain6770]

Kinera skuld Kinera baldr 2 Campfire audio stolaris C a stolaris 2020 C a Vega 2020 C a Dorado 2020 C a mammoth Thieaudio prestige Ltd Monarch mk3 Monarch mk2 Mangird xenns up Tin hifi p1 plus Kiwi ears orchestra lite

[@AudioLevels]

@@highgain6770 thats it :)

[@princekittipon6510]

where is the link for blue cable sir ?@@AudioLevels

[@raynerstuelgalid]

Not "hypobaric" but "isobaric." Two drivers in a push-pull configuration in a single chamber. The two drivers in this configuration will lessen the needed cavity volume for an equivalent sound pressure level.

[@jaroslavfricek7772]

Thank you for the review, why do you prefere Prestige Ltd over Monarch mk3 … you spoke about it a little bit, just how can I decide get the one or the other Thank you❤✌️🔥

[@heloiamerk]

What are your thoughts between the V16 Divinity, Prestige LTD, and Monarch MK3? Also, how would you describe the general sound signature of each?

[@shentobento1079]

The new faceplate design uses dichrolam, specifically the "red burl" design for your pair. You can buy sheets of them and mod your own iem faceplates. They all look gorgeous!

[@AudioLevels]

Ahhhh ok thanks, i think I have seen that on knife handles (another hobby) i didnt recognize it as its in a smaller form here. Really looks incredible in person and almost always different depending on the light source.

[@AudioLevels]

Found it - William Henry - Red Flash Titanium *beautiful* This makes me want to go Dichrolam full EDC - wallet, iem, knife haha

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

yeah isnt it simpler to give me one instead lul

[@jacksens]

How does this compare with the mest mk 2?

[@ZootTM]

Great review! Good to hear they have worked on the bass and the fit - the only two weakpoints of the Monarch Mk2 imo. Also good to know you test your IEMs with jazz and vocal jazz like Porter.

[@ScottoGrotto]

Ditto on the jazz performance references in your videos! One of my all time favorite test tracks is Waters of March on a Twist of Jobim featuring Al Jarreau and Oleta Adams, Al’s voice has a complexity and is just deep enough for lower midrange tests, and Oleta’s voice dances and gives a nice test of upper mids low treble, and when they sing together the voices are panned just off center to see if imaging and voice timbre holds up. Really enjoying your reviews! Would love to hear these! Thieaudio needs to show up at CanJams 🙏🙏🙏

[@gcruishank9663]

Looking to purchase my first IEMS and trying to decide between the Monarch Mk3's and the Prestige Ltd's. I've heard the mids, highs and spaciousness of the LTD's are incredible but the bass is lacking, compared to the Monarch's. Is there a cable to add to the Prestige that would increase the bass at all? Would hate to pay that higher buck and not be happy with the bass.

[@kingofkings4778]

Hello sir. Have this more details then Sennheiser ie 600 ? Is it a upgrade? 😊 DUNU SA6 MK2 have much details. I maybe I go for this.

[@chrisbee9164]

You said in the review that you would put a link up for the Pelican case that you use but I cannot see it are you able to do this please as it would be very useful for me

[@MisterRhul]

I'm really struggling to choose between Monarch Mk3 and Pretige LTD. 😢

[@AudioLevels]

Sounds like a good choice to have to make haha

[@Mastermnd1]

Same. I don't like the looks (colors) of the prestige, so I think that will be the deciding factor.

[@SartajAnand]

Awesome review! Would you recommend the Prestige LTD over the Monarch MK3 as an endgame IEM? If so, what gives it the edge?

[@AudioLevels]

Yes i prefer the Prestige - Even more comprehensive IEM, Tonaly beautiful and lots of clarity and detail. Plus it has a beatiful top end. But this is more personal preferance. Somone whos ears like the mk3 tuning more will swear its the better one. Nobody is wrong :)

[@SartajAnand]

@@AudioLevels Thanks for the nuance! Everyone's ears are different indeed :)

[@jasonblaise6786]

@@AudioLevelswhich one is the better all rounder for music?

[@S.G54321]

​@@jasonblaise6786 Prestige LTD is the better all rounder. The Monarch MK3 will have that fun factor and more low end. But if you listen to a wide variety of music. The Prestige LTD does not lack in the low end, it still has plenty. Treble is also smoother and more refined. Staging is larger and imaging is more precise. And overall detail and clarity is a notch better compared to the Monarch MK3. With bass heavy music, the MK3 can be a bit much in the low end that sometimes I have to eq it down. The Prestige LTD is just right as long you have a good fit and seal

[@highgain6770]

Great review and comparison, if I have that much of money I will go for the prestige Ltd for the tuning and tech. Tho mk3 look so gorgeous

[@ineffable9777]

How have the connectors for the 2 pin and the 4 pin connectors held up on your thieaudio iems?Have they gotten looser over time? I’ve seen some people complain that their thieaudio iem cable connectors were loose at first or got loose with time. I wanna get the prestige ltd but I’m a bit concerned about qc

[@jdyeetyaww]

I just bought this in the Disco face plate. I have a red aesthetic for my setup. Any recommendations on a red cable to go with this? 4.4mm if it matters. Cheers!

[@kingofkings4778]

Nice video. But in 1000$ range best buy ? Thieaudio mk3? End game ? Love my sennheiser ie 600, and testet DUNU SA6 MK2 love the details.

[@ralphaelmathews2851]

Great Video, as always. Thanks for the "Gregory Porter" mention. I haven't heard of him.

[@AudioLevels]

Anyone starting go with "Concorde" its such a fun track. The other song mentioned was Ayo "down on my knees" good for testing male and female vocals.

[@TLemur]

Lovely video! I like that they gave faceplate and shell options, but what I don't like is the price tag and the shell/faceplate combos don't really match well. I have a custom Sound Rhyme SR8, which cost 50 dollars extra and they gave me probably 50 different faceplates and 30 shells, and said I could mix, match and combine, even go beyond the options given. Meanwhile on the MK3 we get some shells that won't go well with most of the faceplates and two of the faceplates come exclusively with the black shell..? Luckily the standard model looks very good, but it would have been nice if they made more of an effort cause it's a great feature

[@AudioLevels]

The faceplate in the video with a transparent red shell would be stunning im sure. But a cream/Ivory with it would be what id go for.

[@joshuvaantonio]

According to you, which is the a better Iem than Sennheiser IE900? Is it Thieaudio Prestige or something even better?

[@codebuster3132]

hi, thanks for the review ... what is the link to Saraf cable please?

[@MrDomq22]

That’s insane how quickly you’ve got them in! Man, they sure do look tempting compared to the MKII. I’m still on the fence about it if I’m honest. Anyways, great review!

[@riagnol]

Enjoyed the video and particularly your tips for tracks to test sound quality. One that I often use is "Happiness is Easy" by Talk Talk, has acoustic double bass and guitar so great for treble and sub bass comparison.

[@AudioLevels]

Thanks ill be checking that out, always good to build up the playlist.

[@markus301]

Have you tried the sony ier z1r? If so, what's your opinion between both?

[@johnnylch18]

Did they really increase the lower limit of the freq response to 20hz though? And why? Or was it the same in the mkII?

[@digitalnation2876]

Technical performance vs Mest Mk2?

[@JtwasLuck]

Azla Xelastecs and Max are insanely good, by far the best comfort out of all the tips I've tried. Literally makes my LCD-i4s disappear in the ears!

[@assal_jakob]

Thanks for the review,do you think it's worth buying it if I have the MKII ? Or shall I go for something else if I care mostly about the accuracy of the details and the resolution?

[@AudioLevels]

If you can step up to the Prestige i think thats worth it. In regards to the Mkii its more whether you would really want more mid bass. In the other areas i would say its to similar sounding. But the overall is that yes the Mkiii is definitely better but coming from a mkii its not going to be a massive change in flavor, more a set of nice refinements over what you already have.

[@assal_jakob]

@@AudioLevels thanks for the advice, actually I was considering the prestige limited and compare it with other options like MEST MK II or the U12t ,I'm listening mostly to instrumental music ,sometimes to vocals but instrumental more important,what I feel about the MKII that it's soft ,not pushing the details strongly but at the same time it's detailed ,it's like you could hear all the details but without highlighting it ,I don't know how to describe it on musical terms ,but comparing the same track with a speaker ,you know in that specific second the percussion stroke or high hats symbols must be more pronounced ,I tried changing DAPs and amps ,and yes there is improvement with desktop amps but still feel it soft

[@AndrewUKLondon]

Very informative and detailed review thanks. I'm toying with the idea of some new IEMS and this keeps coming up. The most I've spent on iems have been the shure ae846, now ten years old which bowled me over at the time. Some r then some Sennheiser ie600 (great with classical), some 7hz Timeless (great fun), some TruthEar Hexas (which only came alive for me with the chord mojo 2). This is a step up in price. Hmmm

[@dbji88]

I’m happy they have a smaller shell Is the treble smooth as mk2?

[@justin-239]

They look great! Out of my price range, but maybe one day for an endgame!

[@Viewer13128]

15:50 does the Kinera Skuld sound like the ier-z1r, but better, or completely different tuning?

[@AudioLevels]

Totally different.

[@Hijynx87]

I finally got my quintet, and man oh man it really sounds like it should be priced at $500. I really really like it. It’s what I hoped the orchestra lite would have been.

[@INEARMODERATOR]

Hay @AudioLevels , been a big fan for a few years now, find you incredibly accurate with your analysis as we have similar tastes. I am just about to pick up a pair of these...question is, would you recommend any other within the 900 - 1300 price range? I am looking at the BGVP Phantom as well, have you experienced these? Will genuinely take your suggestion. Thanks in advance.

[@beyondtheuniverse999]

Hey, I've two questions, is btr5 good enough to drive it? And is it worth getting if I'm only using with stock tips? Third party tips are very difficult to get where I live.

[@AudioLevels]

Hi there :) Yes the Btr5 will be enough to power this headphone and its a good little amp :) The eartips i recommend are just really good for fit etc they arent necessary for the sound which is still wonderful with the stock tips.

[@reflection1119]

just to clarify, is the Monarch Mk3 the same size as the Prestige LTD physically or is it smaller than both the Mk2 and the Presetige LTD?

[@AudioLevels]

Same sizes width and hieght give or take. Slightly different on depth but both far improved from the Mk2.

[@h1a8]

Great review! In terms of detail retrieval, imaging, and soundstage can you compare UM mest mk2 vs the Prestige ltd?

[@attafwrd]

Coming from Variations, does MKIII worth as a step up?

[@attafwrd]

It does indeed. Paired with Eros S 1AE, good God. MKIII definitely the Kilobuck Gatekeeper!

[@MadlyNathan]

That FujiFilm camera on the side looks like a beauty

[@AudioLevels]

Can't let it go haha, even though i have full frames its still my travel camera :)

[@PL4Y3R_0n3-]

The IEMs listed: Kinera Baldur, Campfire Solaris Campfire vega 2020, Campfire Solaris 2020 Kinera Skuld, Campfire Dorado 2020 Thieaudio Prestige ltd, Thieaudio Monarch MkII Tinhifi P1+, 7th Acoustic Supernova? Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite, Campfire Audio Mammoth Also, curious how the bass on the Prestige Ltd and MkIII compares to the bass monster that is the Vega in terms of layering and texture. I know that the MkI doesn’t come close to the Vega 2016 imo,

[@AudioLevels]

So close...... not the Supernova Sure I have some video comparissons planned this week as a follow up. Ill talk in more depth then but the Vega is still my favorite in terms or raw bass. The quantity more impactful but the Mkiii takes mid bass resolution.

[@PL4Y3R_0n3-]

@@AudioLevels Xenns Up! I didn't even think about them. Wanted to try without looking them up but I didn't recognize them from the faceplate.

[@AudioLevels]

@@PL4Y3R_0n3- Haha yup thats the one : ) Good Eyes

[@danrdey]

@@PL4Y3R_0n3- Hi . If strictly for tech death metal which one you would recommend Xenns Up or Monarch mk3 ?

[@maegnificant]

What a coincidence that all these brands like moondrop and linsoul now have their "own new" dual dynamic bass technology built in ^^

[@maegnificant]

Also you might want to read up on isobaric bass design. These are not two individual dds where you can specify one each for different tasks, like sub-bass and mid-bass.

[@MykWazowski]

I've haven't demoed heard the ThieAudio Monarch MK2 or MK3, but own and enjoy both the 64 Audio A12t (custom) and Unique Melodyy MEST MKII (custom) Both of which I really enjoy. For those who have heard these models, how would you compare the tonal balance, soundstage and imaging? And lastly, do you think it's worth demoing the MK3, what (if any) would I benefit over the MEST and A12ts. Cheers!

[@yogiwp_]

These vs CA Supermoon? Looking for proper chest-thumping bass impact with kick drums, clear non-recessed mids, and smooth treble.

[@xlee7104]

Still not sure how to choose between MK2 and MK3😢i cant afford both

[@IM-nt6ql]

How does the midrange compare to the MKII because for me that was the star of the show? I'm just waiting to here that they have kept it the same or improved it and it is a buy for me. Thanks for the lovely review btw. I've watched a couple of your vids and I'm now subscribed

[@AudioLevels]

Thanks :) Midrange is fairly similar but because the transition to the midrange from sub bass appears a bit elevent it adds slightly more prominance to the lower midrange than the mk2. Thats not to say that the lower mids take control just that they are more linear. I really like it and the mids are still the star for me here.

[@IM-nt6ql]

@@AudioLevelsThanks its looking more and more likely I'll be going with the mk3 funds allowing

[@Xenogears]

Do you prefer the Prestige LTD over the MK3?

[@S.G54321]

He says in one of the comments that he prefers the Prestige LTD over the Monarch MK3. I personally to prefer the LTD over the MK3.

[@KaossFail]

something I having been meaning to ask is I have the the thieaudio oracle is it worth upgrading to the original monarch?

[@AudioLevels]

Coming from the original Monarch or choosing one or the other? If I had the Monarch already I would stick with it but if i was choosing between I would get the oracle because I prefer it.

[@velisk8074]

I prefer close "in the face" vocals. Which set is best for me? MK3 or Prestige Ltd?

[@TRIPTA7]

Go for all BA IEMs for in the face Vocals.

[@sheerkhanful]

I own both the Dorado 2020 and The Solaris 2020. I was hoping you might offer a comparison in the video but you only very briefly touched on the original Solaris.

[@shahkhan110]

nice review....is it better than SA6 mkii and monarch mkii by a wide margin?

[@AudioLevels]

I have the SA6 Mkii and have been testing for the past few weeks, review should be soom.

[@Hijynx87]

I’ve heard xelastec tips dull the bass, but in my experience it doesn’t. Along with spinfit w1, azla crystal and jvc fx10 spiral dots. Those are my go to tips for $100 plus iems. Kbear 07 aren’t bad either, as well as the other spinfits and azla light/vivid. Actually I’d put the lights and vivids up there with the best.

[@AudioLevels]

Dulls the bass.... those forums bring out some characters lol. Very good list of tips you have there and i agree about $100 is where i start to add them as they are a bit exprensive, i do get great longevity from them and they stay tacky forever., i need to try those spiral dots.

[@jimbennett2795]

@@AudioLevels I'm not a character and they do dull/kill the bass. U12T owner here.

[@aceofspades6667]

They are 🔥 looking and sounding but I am worried about the fit

[@AudioLevels]

Fit on this and the prestige lt are good to go for medium-large ears. smaller than the mk2 where it counts

[@fuyu848]

amazing review! appreciate the shoutouts at the questionable packaging & cables

[@Rob-ey9hp]

Great review, could you briefly let me know your thoughts on the Fokus Mystiques please?

[@AudioLevels]

Unfortunatley i havent heard them :)

[@myboysanji]

Do you recommend this over the Shure SE846?

[@AudioLevels]

Yes definitely.

[@seth1455]

If the manufacturer makes a $1000 IEM would they not go the whole way and supply a cable and ear tips that they recommend to display their product in the best possible way?

[@AudioLevels]

Thieaudio I believe may have thought the cable was an improvement. The eartips is an additional cost i reckon but i see it well worth them bulk buying and including these tips. The Sedna are now a key staple in my setup and i recommend them to pretty much everyone at this point. I definetly would love to see them default included in higher end IEM's.

[@GinkaBESTWW]

Did you order these preorder or is this a review pair? If you ordered, what was the shipping time like? Thinking about pulling the trigger and just getting the preorder now

[@AudioLevels]

Review pair. However i order from Linsoul a lot and the delivery times are pretty decent. I usually recieve via DHL so depending on your location for actual travel time will vary. As for how fast they get it out the door the past 3 orders I made each shipped within 2-3 days which i was happy with.

[@GinkaBESTWW]

​@@AudioLevelsah nice I see. Just wondering since it's still in preorder phase whether it's even in stock or if it will be ~1month wait time like the mk2s were when they released

[@jdk_360]

I’ve been out of the audio game for over a year. Trying less expensive offerings an then getting the MKII. That was my endgame. I’m not sure I really care about this new one. I got really burned out after watching 1,000,000 reviews of all the chifi market. It just gets fatiguing after a while chasing the “best” thing.

[@AudioLevels]

Truth is theres usually no best thing. And believe me its just as fatiguing to review a bunch of stuff that is essentially the same. The perception that has been created via nonsense reviewers and online forums leads the belief x is better than y because its new. Its just nonsense. Some new techs and drivers and configurations do have better properties etc but not necessarily making them better. I could name 10s of headphones/IEM's that have long been discontinued that are still relevant in todays scape but people don't want to hear it unfortunatley. Take the Koss Porta Pro for example. I have a video coming within the next 2 weeks about how its very existance and popularity completley runs a mockery over the new is somehow better crowd. As for the Mkiii for the mkii, technically i think its better, but they could have just released it as a new named IEM instead of overhauling something that is already incredible. After all this Mk3 is a new tuning and new driver and housing. We are now seeing a lot of this, blessing 3, tin hifi P1 Plus, Oracle II. So I agree 100% the market is well and truly saturated at this point. Good to have lots of options but bad that it devalues some great IEM's based on release dates.

[@jdk_360]

@@AudioLevels I give away Koss porta pros to friends that that are interested in headphones for whatever various reasons. They are amazing little things.

[@masterkent1]

Hidition Viento has been out for ages and is still amongst the best.

[@donth826]

Can you do I review of the Hype 2? Plz

[@AudioLevels]

Yes, im testing them right now, review should be up next week

[@cletcadano4462]

what is this cable? the blue one u didnot put link..

[@AudioLevels]

Seraph - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZjamZ2nhdSkaLM

[@LorenzoFrausto]

I picked one up, it's fantastic.

[@cletcadano4462]

@@LorenzoFrausto which one? the cable or the iem?

[@Ben-ic1ve]

What’s the link for the azla tips?

[@AudioLevels]

in the description under recommended eartips.

[@Ben-ic1ve]

@@AudioLevelsthank you!!

[@joshuakarp2586]

Comparison to Campfire Andromeda Emerald Sea?

[@AudioLevels]

Dont have the @campfireaudio unfortunatley

[@Gambit166]

Linsoul/Thie cheaped out on the packaging, presentation, and accessories. Looks like people will need to budget out $100-$300 on an aftermarket cable for the Monarch Mk 3, along with aftermarket eartips. Good to see they've improved and upgraded the ergonomics, faceplates, drivers, and tuning, while keeping the price the same (unless you choose custom faceplates and/or shells). Companies like Unique Melody keep jacking up the price of their popular IEM revisions, without substantial improvements. This is going be my next and hopefully final IEM purchase. I have way too many IEMs lol.

[@AudioLevels]

UM, Campfire and far more are ripping the p*** at this point IMHO. A real cash grab, I understand economies of scale but I can all but guarantee at this range people would choose the according to personal tuning preferences in a bling test. Thing is at about $1000+ this sound earily similar in cababilities and most of the differentiation comes from the tuning, shells, cables etc. In the end the community me myself included is responsible for this sad situation. To me the Monarch Mkiii prestige punch with any of the big boys and thus represent value in the segment.

[@Gambit166]

@@AudioLevels Yeah too many companies are ripping people off. They're free to charge whatever amount they feel they can get away with, but smart consumers know that the audiophile industry is full of predatory companies looking to make a killing on lovers of music. Good news is, there has been companies offering incredible IEMs at a fraction of the price of TotL / flagship products. Penon, Sound Rhyme, AÜR Audio just to name a few.

[@FrankyFeedler]

Nice review! But if you're rocking 1K+ earphones, better to at least learn the one universal cable wrapping technique that any pro audio engineer will recommend: over-under. Wrapping a cable around your hand is what causes the twist to become non-uniform, cause kinks, and ultimately kill your cable prematurely.

[@Usernotknown21]

How it compare to mk3 mest?

[@AudioLevels]

Only have the Mk2

[@rahulbanerjee6652]

THE HYPE STARTS HERE.

[@AudioLevels]

The hype2 is releasing too :p

[@EricJorgensen1]

Thanks

[@ifteykharulislam]

Can u suggest a basshead iem

[@AudioLevels]

Sure Ikko OH10 - 7Hz Legato Would be good starting points.

[@Mastermnd1]

Fatfreq maestro se

[@darrellross8609]

AL, "ONLY" Forza AWs [pure copper] for me. Best, D. p.s. Zeos when crazy for thezzz.

[@traktorpro10]

Azla Crystals for me.

[@LWLW44]

Link to cable ?

[@AudioLevels]

Review video on the channel i think 2/3 days ago. Its got links for different cables and more in depth coverage.

[@Usernotknown21]

Quad est is the new dual est.

[@AudioLevels]

It is the wey

[@EIJIHS]

what if they give you the package you want f or $500 more? What matters is the quality of what matters.... FFS...

[@seth1455]

Packaging in bulk quantities costs the retailer only a few dollars per unit. (speaking from experience) When I see a $50 IEM with upmarket packaging, I'm suspicious. When spending $1,000+ I want to be impressed with the whole experience, of course sound comes first, but how the product is presented is important.

[@EIJIHS]

dont disagree with you there but honestly, there arent much "honest" retailers. They'd take a chance for a price hike.@@seth1455

[@lololololololol444]

The eartips you recommended put my ears on fire :( they're super hot

[@AudioLevels]

Have no idea how that is possible haha

[@donth826]

Watching him wrap up the cable stressed me out

[@robertwojciechowski5439]

I don't care about the looks, I want to know what they sound like! Same goes for the packaging...who cares! I certainly don't. The manufacturers should spend their time and money on producing the best sound, not the best box!

[@iMacAverage]

cable is terrible

[@arrowzen7433]

Twistes cable on an iem like this is rediculous.

[@TheFragranceNiche]

Replace it with one you like… If you are spending $1,200 on an endgame set,,, is $40 for a cable really going to bother you?

[@samlee2562]

It's sad that as a fellow audiophile northerner, the better the gear gets, the worse the production on Oasis sounds.. 🥲

[@AudioLevels]

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