Thieaudio has been exponentially growing in reputation because the success of overachieving heavy hitters, such because the Status and Divinity. Now, it has launched its third iteration of my private all time favorites, the Monarch. The Monarch III guarantees some main upgrades and enhancements to its sound profile. What are you able to anticipate by way of sound signature and efficiency?
What’s within the Field?
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Monarch MKIII In-Ear Displays
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22AWG 6N OCC Silver-Plated and Graphene Silver-Plated Cable With Modular System
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Foam and Silicone Ear-tips
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Carrying Case
Look and Really feel
For my tastes, the Monarch III might be probably the most aesthetically engaging iteration but. With smoky gray streaks bleeding over a pearly silver faceplate (different colours accessible), The Monarch III gives simply he proper steadiness between grown-up magnificence and eccentric glitter. Extra necessary, the match is among the most comfy I’ve tried in the marketplace. It is easy an ergonomic with a cosy seal and first rate sound isolation. No complaints.
Design
The MKIII sports activities a ten driver hybrid association with a 4-way crossover: 2 dynamic, 6 balanced armatures and a couple of electrostatic drivers. One of many 2 dynamic driver makes use of Thieaudio’s IMPACT 2 subwoofer, designed to boost bass energy and texture. The Sonion electrostatic drivers have additionally been integrated to ship a “extra complete higher frequency extension, leading to improved staging and backbone.” We’ll see if these guarantees maintain up. With an impedance of 18 Ohms and a sensitivity of 100dB, the Monarch III is simple to drive, although it does appear to learn from a bit of further driving energy. For this overview, I paired the Monarch III with the Astell & Kern SR 35.
Sound Impressions
Soundstage
The stainless imaging is maybe probably the most placing high quality of the Monarch III’s soundstage. On condition that the extent of separation is nothing wanting gorgeous, the MKIII creates palpable sense of area, making you’re feeling as if you happen to may attain out and seize the devices, all of that are generously unfold out into hovering heights and huge depth and stereo fields. Moreover, the extremely exact placement creates a vibrant and nuanced playfulness between numerous components on this combine. For positive, the stage is totally multidimensional and immersive, and it is clear that the Monarch III overdelivers for the value level right here.
Low-Finish
A thunderous sub-bass meets heat and highly effective bass frequencies to create a beneficiant and impactful low-end. However regardless of its substantialness, there’s a outstanding stage of transparency and management on this vary. Tracks reveal a good and textured bass that’s delivered with tons of velocity and agility. There’s additionally a darkish chocolaty colour to the tonal qualities that lends further character, substance and authenticity to the instrument. For positive, this can be a low-end that may appeal to bass-lovers and extra average audiophiles alike.
Mids
This is among the most original and fascinating midranges I’ve heard in ages just because it’s so rattling assured and clear. It boldly pops out with tons of presence and uncompromising element, shining the highlight on vocals and devices which might be usually extra reasonably positioned within the combine. However this forwardness by no means causes a second of harshness or thinness. In actual fact, the low-mid bumps give simply the correct quantity of heat and physique, whereas the higher mids aren’t so favored as to make the combination sound lopsided. It’s additionally not possible to repeat how rattling clear the layering is on this vary. And general, this is a extremely luminous, intimate and tight sounding midrange profile that turns into tougher to withstand the longer you pay attention.
Highs
The radiant high quality that mildly colours the mids comes out in full power within the excessive frequencies. The incredible decision additionally does wonders for vocals, shining a highlight on all of the quieter timbral qualities which might be usually misplaced in a smoother, much less detailed high-end. That stated, there’s nothing sharp or overly-edgy about this treble and the best peaks are at all times delivered comfortably with out compromising on element or resolve. And whereas you received’t hear a ton of sparkle, the Monarch III nonetheless delivers a ton of energetic crispness that lends ample funk to trendy tracks.
Abstract
The Monarch III is insanely good in each conceivable approach, from it is deep, nimble and extremely detailed bass, to its pristine midrange and vivid soundstage. And plenty of audiophiles could also be left questioning why Thieaudio didn’t set a better worth level. It is because, with out query, the Monarch III proves to be some of the proficient and most memorable IEMs in its class, firmly carving it’s place subsequent to the few different $1k greats, such because the Andromeda and Meze Rai Penta. Whether or not you’re a newcomer on the lookout for your first end-game IEM, or a seasoned audiophile hoping so as to add a well-rounded sound signature to your arsenal, it actually actually doesn’t get any higher than the Monarch III.
You should buy the Thieaudio Monarch III at Audio 46.
