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✒️ Author: Leong | 📷 Photo: Willy

The Thieaudio Monarch is one of the first few models that successfully launches the brand (alongside the Clairvoyance and the later Monarch Mk2) into the stardom and received favourable receptions from the fans and audiophile.

Spotting the similar setup as the Monarch Mk2, consists of 1 dynamic driver, 6 balanced armatures and 2 EST drivers, a 9 drivers Tri-brid per side IEM in a relatively compact size. As you may have seen the measurements a lot of time on the internet, it can be classified as a "Neutral Sounding with Bass Boost" tuning. In reality, it does present itself in this similar manner, although leaning a more clean, and monitoring kind of sound signature.

The bass itself is very well controlled, it does not "boom" in any sense at all, rather well composed. But the minor drawback might be the bass texture is not as defined as the Monarch Mk2, it is still articulating and decisive. The deeper bass is impactful, giving a lingering sense of rumble when it is called for.

Midrange on Monarch could be considered as an opposite of the Monarch Mk2, the original Monarch is a "lean and mean" machine, devoid of any colouration possible, but still has enough body to hold the vocals in check. The Mk2 has a more laid back vocals and atmosphere while the Monarch has more presence and more intimate presentation. Imaging is still good and instruments hit every note with a natural and neutral tone. The soundstage might not be as wide as the Monarch Mk2, and it has a more intimate feel, lacking a little headroom and the width, making it a more 2D presentation. Vocals are still grounded, having a so-called "In-head" feeling, opposed to a more distance feeling that you would get in the Mk2.

The treble extension is quite smooth overall, avoiding any dips nor peaks with each of the strikes. The transient and speed of the higher frequency instruments are spot-on, the attack is defined and no sign of sloppiness throughout every tempo and rhythm. The instrument positioning is accurate, each instrument has a well defined spot and quite distinguishable from each other.

Overall the original Monarch still holds its place and keeps the Mk2 in check, while complementing each other in terms of the overall listening experience. The Monarch is a clean, technical and monitoring type of IEM which has a fun and lingering sub-/bass experience in one package.

As they say: “Le roi est mort, vive le roi!”

Monarch will hold its crown proudly above all.

 

◆ Drivers: 1 Dynamic Driver, 6 Knowles & Sonion Balanced Armature, 2 Sonion EST Driver
◆ Impedance: 26ohm
◆ Sensitivity: 112dB
◆ Cable: 4Core Litz 5N OCC Silver-plated Copper Cable(with 100wire per core)
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◇ Retail : RM3599 | Promo : PM for best price

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