Thieaudio wants no introduction; Linsoul’s in-house model debuted on the six a half-decade in the past, and it launched a number of hits in that point. The Oracle MKII showcased what it might ship within the mid-range, and it constructed on that with the Status LTD, a high-end providing with a singular tuning.
However it’s the Monarch sequence that defines the model; the Monarch MKIII was launched on the finish of 2023, and it retails for $999 on Linsoul Audio. Just like the Fiio FX15, the Monarch MKIII makes use of a tribrid configuration of drivers that features twin dynamic drivers, six Knowles balanced armature drivers, and two Sonion EST drivers inside every shell. Mix that with Thieaudio’s sound signature, and the Monarch MKIII proceed to be an outstanding selection in 2025.
It is clear that Thieaudio wished to distinguish nearly each side of the Monarch MKIII, beginning with the design. The IEMs are bought in a regular resin shell, for a further $100, you’ll be able to closely customise the design. There are six shell colours out there, and 14 completely different faceplate choices, supplying you with in depth customizability that you simply simply do not see with different IEMs on this class.
The one draw back to going with a custom-made design is that it takes anyplace between two weeks to a month to get the product, however that is not too dangerous contemplating you get a singular model. I acquired the usual variant, and whereas it does not stand out fairly as a lot because the customized colours, it nonetheless seems to be fairly good.
The shell is made out of a resin materials, and also you get the standard stainless-steel sound tube. Construct high quality is great, and I did not see any points within the month I used the Monarch MKIII. Match is kind of good too, however the IEM is on the larger aspect as this stuff go, so you may even see points with the match should you’re acquired smaller ears. That stated, it has a contoured design that ensures it stays in place when you put on it.
You get a collection of foam and silicone ear suggestions with the Monarch MKIII, and it is not any completely different to what’s included with different Thieaudio IEMs, which is a disgrace. Fiio does a significantly better job on this regard, with its high-end FX15 coming with double the variety of equipment.
It’s best to nonetheless get a good match from the choices included within the package deal, and Thieaudio’s bundled cable is of high quality. It connects to the buds through the usual 2-pin connector, and there is an interchangeable plug on the different finish that allows you to change between 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm with relative ease.
I just like the case Thieaudio offers with its merchandise; it has a sturdy design and does job safeguarding the IEMs and the cable. The packaging itself is suitably high-end, and Thieaudio did job on this regard.
The standout with the Monarch MKIII is the sound; Thieaudio deserves credit score for making a dynamic sound that shines throughout varied genres. Having used the Status LTD for the higher a part of a yr, I used to be instantly excited with the low-end extension on the Monarch MKIII; it does a significantly better job on this space, and also you get a particular rumble.
There’s good vibrancy and power with each sub-bass and mid-bass frequencies, and it permits larger definition to return by way of. The mid-range has clear articulation, and vocals shine specifically. Instrument separation is sweet as properly, and ensemble music — like orchestral items — sounds nice on the IEMs.
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Treble has good extension, and at no level did I discover any sibilance. Thieaudio did an awesome job with the dynamics and soundstage, and the Monarch MKIII has a way of airiness and heat that makes listening to music that rather more pleasant. Not like most IEMs on this class, it’s significantly well-suited to metallic and thrashcore.
It does not take a lot to drive the IEMs both, and I used it with the Fiio K19 and the M15S audio participant. On the entire, the Monarch MKIII totally deserves its standing on this class, and I did not suppose I might get pleasure from utilizing the IEMs as a lot as I did. Should you want high-end IEMs with a customizable design and groundbreaking sound, the Monarch MKIII are a no brainer suggestion.
With a singular design and fabulous sound characterised by significant bass, the Monarch MKIII is qualifying of its endgame standing.
