Empire Ears ESR MKII vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKII
Introduction
The Empire Ears ESR MKII and THIEAUDIO Monarch MKII are premium IEMs designed to deliver studio-accurate, high-resolution sound. Let's compare both models so you can find the best in-ear monitors for your listening preferences.
Not the right fit? Browse other In-Ear Monitors from Empire Ears and THIEAUDIO.
ESR MKII vs Monarch MKII Price Comparison
The ESR MKII and Monarch MKII sit at similar price points.
The ESR MKII comes in at $1,099.00.
The Monarch MKII comes in at $999.00.
The ESR MKII costs slightly more than the Monarch MKII. Let's dive deep into the specs, design, sound signatures, and features of both so you can get a better idea of what each IEM brings to the table.
The Empire Ears ESR MKII
The ESR MKII is Empire Ears' studio-reference IEM. It features a five-driver hybrid setup with three BA and two Electrostatic drivers. In terms of features, the ESR MKII packs SynX, EIVEC, and A.R.C technology for enhanced sound and reliability.
Empire Ears ESR MKII Features:
- 5-driver hybrid system with 3 BA + 2 electrostatic drivers
- 4-way synX crossover with EIVEC for electrostatic integration
- A.R.C. technology to reduce resonance for cleaner sound
- Brushed Silver aluminum faceplate with ergonomic resin shell
- Includes Alpha IV UPOCC Copper Litz cable
Empire Ears ESR MKII Specs:
Driver Configuration: 3x Balanced Armature Drivers + 2x Electrostatic Drivers
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 100kHz
Sensitivity: 111dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
Crossover: 4-Way synX Crossover Network
Impedance: 3.9 Ohms @ 1kHz
The THIEAUDIO Monarch MKII
The THIEAUDIO Monarch MKII is a high-end tribrid in-ear monitor (IEM) designed for audiophiles and professional monitoring. It combines a dynamic driver, multiple balanced armature drivers, and electrostatic drivers to deliver a technically ambitious, coherent tuning across lows, mids, and highs.
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKII Features:
- 1 Dynamic, 6 Balanced Armature, and 2 Electrostatic (EST) driver hybrid system
- Upgraded 10mm composite diaphragm dynamic driver for deeper, cleaner bass
- Refined 4-way crossover tuning for balanced mids and extended treble response
- Modular “Smart-Switch” cable with 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm interchangeable plugs
- Ergonomic resin shell with improved acoustic chamber design for comfort and precision
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKII Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1x 10mm Dynamic Driver + 6x Balanced Armature + 2x Electrostatic Drivers
Impedance: 36Ω
Sensitivity: 108dB @ 1mW
Connector Type: 0.78mm 2-pin
Cable: 26AWG OCC Silver-Plated Litz with Modular Smart-Switch Plugs (2.5mm / 3.5mm / 4.4mm)
Design and Build Quality
The ESR MKII and Monarch MKII are premium IEMs inside and out, boasting exceptional build quality, design, and ergonomics.
The ESR MKII keeps things professional yet simple. Its medical-grade resin shell is ergonomic and lightweight, ensuring long-term comfort, while the brushed aluminum faceplate adds a subtle touch of refinement. With A.R.C. applied inside the housing, internal resonances are minimized, making the sound cleaner and more accurate.
The Monarch MKII combines premium design with solid craftsmanship. Its custom resin shells feature a striking, semi-transparent finish with unique faceplate patterns that make each unit one of a kind. The fit is ergonomic and secure, shaped for long listening sessions without fatigue. Build quality feels durable, with precise nozzle placement and smooth edges that make the IEM feel smooth and premium in the hand.
The included modular Smart-Switch cable adds flexibility and convenience, allowing you swap between 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm plugs with ease. Overall, the Monarch MKII looks and feels like a true flagship IEM without the high-end price tag.
Sound Signature
You're probably looking to see how these IEMs stack up on sound. We'll share our thoughts here, although keep in mind this information tends to be anecdotal and subjective.
ESR MKII Sound Signature
The ESR MKII is built around accuracy and balance, making it ideal for professionals or listeners who want to hear music exactly as it’s recorded.
Its bass is tight and controlled, never overpowering the mix. The midrange is clean and transparent, bringing out vocals and instruments with lifelike clarity - perfect for mixing or critical listening. The treble is extended yet smooth, revealing subtle details without harshness, ensuring long listening sessions stay fatigue-free. This combination gives you the confidence to make precise judgments on recordings while still enjoying natural musicality.
Monarch MKII Sound Signature
The THIEAUDIO Monarch MKII delivers a balanced yet musical sound that leans toward reference tuning with a touch of warmth and depth.
The low end hits with authority thanks to its 10mm dynamic driver, delivering tight, extended, and textured bass notes. Mids are clean and natural, offering a smooth tonality that gives vocals and instruments a lifelike presence without sounding too forward. Treble is airy and extended, courtesy of the dual EST drivers, offering crisp detail and micro-nuance without harshness.
Overall, the Monarch MKII presents a refined “studio-grade” sound that balances technical precision with musical engagement, making it a versatile IEM for listening to genres from acoustic to electronic.
Price and Value
At $1,099, the ESR MKII offers impressive value for professionals, studio engineers, or anyone who wants a reliable reference tool. Its neutral, accurate tuning gives you confidence in what you’re hearing, making it a cost-effective investment for critical work. The lightweight design and excellent isolation further enhance its practicality, delivering studio-grade performance without the premium price tag. For those who want precision sound and build, the ESR MKII delivers exactly that.
The Monarch MKII comes in at $999, offering a blend of sound quality and build that hits above its price point. You get deep, clean bass, clear mids, and smooth treble that make every track sound detailed and natural. Its strong build, comfortable fit, and modular cable add to the premium feel. The Monarch MKII performs like higher-end IEMs, giving you great value for both casual and critical listening.
Our Thoughts
Get the ESR MKII IEM if you're looking for a flat, accurate, and detailed sound for music production or mixing. The ESR MKII's reference-grade sound will help reveal subtle details in music making it a joy to use for mixing and mastering at home or in the studio.
The Monarch MKII is an excellent IEM for the price, combining reference-grade sound quality at a price that won't break the bank. It is great for audiophiles, studio users, and anyone who values accurate mids, deep controlled bass, and smooth treble. From acoustic sessions to electronic music, the Monarch MKII handles any genre with precision and ease.
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