Empire Ears Legend Evo vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Introduction
The Empire Ears Legend Evo and THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV are flagship IEMs designed to deliver a clear, impactful, and detailed sound experience. We compare both models to help you find the best in-ear monitors for your listening preferences.
Not the right fit? Browse other In-Ear Monitors from Empire Ears and THIEAUDIO.
Legend Evo vs Monarch MKIV Price Comparison
The Legend Evo and Monarch MKIV sit at similar price points.
The Legend Evo comes in at $3,099.00.
The Monarch MKIV comes in at $1,149.00.
The Legend Evo costs almost 3x more than the Monarch MKIV. Let's dive 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 Legend Evo
The Legend Evo is the evolution of Empire Ears' Legend X IEM. It features an eight-driver tribrid design consisting of W9+ Subwoofers, Prioprietary Balanced Armature Drivers, and a Weapon X Bone Conduction Driver. The Legend Evo boasts A.R.C Resonance Mitigation Technology and a premium Empire x PWAudio GENESIS Cable.
Empire Ears Legend Evo Features:
- W9+ Subwoofers for deep and powerful bass
- Weapon X Bone Conduction Driver for a smooth and airy treble
- 9-way synX Crossover Network for a cohesive sound experience
- A.R.C Resonance Mitigation Technology for distortion-free sound
Empire Ears Legend Evo Specs:
Driver Configuration: 2x W9+ Subwoofers - 5x Balanced Armatures - 1x Weapon X Bone Conduction Driver
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 40kHz
Sensitivity: 108dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
Crossover: 9-Way synX Crossover Network
Impedance: 3 Ohms @ 1kHz
The THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
The THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV is a flagship tribrid IEM designed to deliver both precision and versatility. With dual dynamic drivers, multiple balanced armatures, and electrostatic drivers, it offers a balanced sound signature that can be enhanced through its adjustable tuning switch. Built with a CNC-machined aluminum shell and paired with THIEAUDIO's modular cable system, the Monarch MKIV blends durability, comfort, and high-end performance without the flagship price tag.
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV Features:
- IMPACT² Dual Dynamic Drivers: tight, powerful sub-bass with low distortion
- Hybrid Driver Array: clarity across mids and highs, with treble reaching up to 40kHz
- Adjustable Tuning Switch: Choose between STANDARD mode for reference tuning or RUMBLE mode for +3dB sub-bass emphasis and added warmth
- CNC Aluminum Shell: improved scratch resistance, durability, and comfort
- Chocolate Modular Cable: swappable 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations for flexible source pairing
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV Specs:
Driver Configuration: 2 dynamic (IMPACT²) + 6 balanced armatures + 2 Sonion EST
Frequency Response: 10Hz – 44kHz
Sensitivity: ~100 dB/mW @1kHz
Impedance: ~10Ω @1kHz
Crossover: 4-way passive network
Isolation: Passive noise isolation via ergonomic aluminum shell design
Design and Build Quality
The Legend Evo and Monarch MKIV are flagship IEMs with exceptional build quality, design, and ergonomics.
The Empire Ears Legend Evo is a simple looking IEM. Empire Ears used robust medical-grade resin shells in a stunning piano black semi-transparent paint for enhanced durability and looks. The shells are ergonomic and lightweight for enhanced fit and comfort. Subtle design details like the golden EVO logo and Empire Ears Wingspan insignia give the Legend Evo a luxurious aesthetic.
The Legend Evo's overall feel is great - offering a smooth and high-quality feel. The interior features Anti-Resonance Compound (ARC) for superior sound control and is coated in custom-spec cast polymer for reduced vibrations.
The THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV carries a refined yet modern design. It features a precision CNC-machined aluminum shell that balances durability with long-wearing comfort. Its ergonomic shape ensures a secure fit while maintaining a premium feel in hand and ear. The faceplates feature subtle yet distinctive detailing, giving the MKIV a sleek, understated look compared to flashier flagships. THIEAUDIO offers two default faceplate designs: Stellashot, Kaleidoglow, alongside 14 custom options.
Completing the package is THIEAUDIO's upgraded Chocolate modular cable, a robust and flexible hybrid conductor that comes with interchangeable terminations for both 3.5mm and 4.4mm sources. This premium cable offers enhanced durability while complementing the Monarch MKIV's modern aesthetic.
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.
Legend Evo Sound Signature
The Legend Evo sports a W-Shaped tuning, with powerful bass, clear vocals, and extended treble.
For daily listening, the Legend Evo delivers a life-like rendition of vocals and instrumentals with excellent clarity and detail. With that said, the Legend Evo's real weapon is its incredible bass.
The bass in the Legend Evo is easily some of the most powerful you'll ever experience in an IEM. Low frequencies come through with a visceral, subwoofer-like feel, without sounding muddy or overwhelming. Despite the powerful bass, vocals and other instruments sound clear and well-defined.
Monarch MKIV Sound Signature
The Monarch MKIV is tuned for balance, refinement, and versatility. Compared to the MKIII, it brings tighter bass control, a smoother treble, and a more natural midrange presentation.
The bass is delivered through its IMPACT² dual dynamic drivers, offering deep extension with clean, textured sub-bass and a punchy mid-bass that avoids bloat. In RUMBLE mode, the low-end gains extra weight and warmth, while STANDARD mode keeps the presentation accurate and controlled. The midrange is neutral and accurate, giving vocals a lifelike tone and instruments a clear, well-layered presence. Treble is airy and extended, with the EST drivers adding crisp detail and shimmer without sounding harsh.
The soundstage is wide and spacious, offering excellent separation and imaging that makes the presentation immersive and life-like.
Legend Evo vs Monarch MKIV Sound Comparison
The Empire Ears Legend EVO and THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV sit on opposite ends of the tuning spectrum.
The Legend EVO is built for impact with its visceral, hard-hitting sub-bass you can feel in your chest. Its sound is bold, physical, and fun, giving every track that stadium-scale energy.
The Monarch MKIV, on the other hand, takes a more balanced and reference-leaning approach. It focuses on midrange clarity, treble refinement, and a cleaner, more spacious presentation that feels effortlessly detailed.
Price and Value
The $3,099 Legend Evo features a total of eight drivers in a tribrid configuration. Under the hood are 2 Next Generation W9+ Subwoofers, 5 Proprietary Balanced Armature Drivers, and a Weapon X Bone Conduction Driver. All eight drivers are synced through a 9-Way synX Crossover Network. All this is packed inside a high-quality piano black resin shell with ARC treatment.
In the box you get a premium Empire x PWAudio GENESIS Ultra Pure OCC Copper Cable, a hand-crafted leather case, and a wide selection of premium ear tips from Final Audio.
At $1,149, the Monarch MKIV delivers flagship-level performance without the flagship price tag. At that price, you’re getting a tribrid driver setup with dual dynamic subwoofers, Sonion EST treble drivers, and six precision balanced armatures - all tuned for versatility with STANDARD and RUMBLE modes.
Add in the CNC-machined aluminum shell, modular Chocolate cable, and THIEAUDIO's crossover design, and the MKIV stands out as one of the best value IEMs in its class, offering near top-of-the-line sound at an accessible price.
Our Thoughts
The Legend Evo offers an exciting combination of bass power and accuracy, making it a great option for listening to genres like Pop or Electronic. There are very few IEMs that can match the Legend Evo's bass power and quality, yet it doesn't fall flat when reproducing vocals and other instruments.
The overall sound here is big and impactful, but smooth - the IEM to get if you want to experience energy and excitement from your music.
The Monarch MKIV is designed for audiophiles who want reference-grade performance with the flexibility to dial in more bass when desired. It’s ideal for listeners who value balance, detail, and spacious presentation, but also enjoy the option of added low-end impact for modern genres.
If you’re looking for a flagship-level tribrid IEM at around $1,000 that blends technical precision with versatility, the Monarch MKIV is the in-ear monitor to get.
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