Empire Ears Raven vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII
Introduction
The Empire Ears Raven and THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII 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.
Raven vs Monarch MKIII Price Comparison
The Raven and Monarch MKIII sit at two very different price points.
The Raven comes in at $3,599.00.
The Monarch MKIII comes in at $999.00.
The Raven costs significantly more than the Monarch MKIII. 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 Raven
The Raven is Empire Ears’ ultra-flagship in-ear monitor, blending cutting-edge tech with a bold, musical tuning. It’s designed for those who want visceral bass impact, immersive soundstage, and life-like clarity in their listening experience.
Empire Ears Raven Features:
- Quadbrid driver system with Dynamic + BA + Electrostatic + Bone Conduction
- Weapon IX+ dynamic subwoofers for thunderous bass
- W10 Bone Conduction for rich tones and crisp detail
- synX Crossover Network for a cohesive sound
- Premium materials and a sleek, blacked-out design
Empire Ears Raven Specs:
Driver Configuration: 12 Drivers (2 Dynamic, 5 Balanced Armatures, 4 Electrostatic, 1 Bone Conductor)
Frequency Response: 5Hz–100kHz
Impedance: 2 Ohms @ 1kHz
Sensitivity: 99dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
Connector: 2-pin, 0.78mm
The THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII
The THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII is a tribrid studio monitor that combines dynamic, balanced armature, and electrostatic drivers to deliver top-tier resolution, balance, and detail. It features THIEAUDIO's IMPACT2 technology for powerful and accurate bass reproduction.
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII Features:
- 10-driver tribrid setup: 2 dynamic, 6 balanced armature, 2 electrostatic
- IMPACT² isobaric subwoofer design for enhanced bass
- Medical-grade resin shell with customizable faceplates
- Upgraded modular cable with interchangeable plugs
- Balanced tonal signature with studio-monitor-like accuracy
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII Specs:
Driver Configuration: 2DD (10mm composite), 6 BA, 2 EST
Impedance: 20Ω
Sensitivity: 99 dB @ 1kHz
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40kHz
Cable: 1.2m 22AWG 6N OCC silver-plated and graphene silver-plated
Connectors: 2-pin 0.78mm
Terminations: Modular with 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm plugs
Design and Build Quality
The Raven and Monarch MKIII are premium IEMs inside and out, boasting exceptional build quality, design, and ergonomics.
The Empire Ears Raven features build quality and aesthetics befitting its flagship status. It uses premium materials with a bold, futuristic aesthetic that instantly stands out anywhere. Its multi-driver housing is larger but surprisingly ergonomic, distributing weight comfortably across the ear for a fatigue-free feel.
The striking faceplate design is more than just a pretty face - it features Empire Ears' Harmonic Resonance Core, which enhances the W10 Bone Conductor's performance for a more tactile sound. Finally, the reinforced construction and matching black cable give it the premium durability and aesthetics you would expect from an in-ear monitor costing over $3,000.
The THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII features handcrafted medical-grade resin shells for a robust and lightweight feel. The Monarch MKIII's shells are similar to that of the EE Odin, but feature more aggressive ergonomic bumps for a more secure fit. Its faceplates feature a unique galaxy-inspired aesthetic with the option to customize for a unique look.
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.
Raven Sound Signature
The Empire Ears Raven is tuned to deliver a crisp, immersive sound for a more exciting listening experience in a wide variety of genres.
Its Weapon IX+ dynamic drivers deliver thunderous, physical bass, giving music a visceral impact you can feel, ideal for genres like rock, electronic, or cinematic soundtracks. The midrange is lush and engaging, adding body and warmth to vocals and instruments, making them sound rich and emotional. Treble is impressive - the dual electrostatic drivers provide sparkling highs with incredible air and separation, creating a massive soundstage that feels holographic and immersive. This makes the Raven a perfect choice for listeners who want their music to feel exciting and fun.
Monarch MKIII Sound Signature
The Monarch MKIII features an accurate, detailed, and balanced sound signature with impactful bass.
The bass is the highlight here, offering a deep and textured sub-bass rumble with tight and controlled punch, courtesy of IMPACT2 isobaric subwoofer design. The midrange is clear, clean, and accurate with a slightly warm presentation; vocals sit closer in the mix for a more intimate listening experience. The treble is well-extended on the Monarch MKIII, offering a clear and lively sound without harshness.
The Monarch MKIII's soundstage is spacious and accurate. Instruments and vocals are easy to pinpoint and are well-defined.
Price and Value
At $3,599, the Raven represents Empire Ears’ pursuit of no-compromise performance. Its 12-driver hybrid system delivers a sound experience that feels cinematic and emotionally engaging, offering a kind of immersion few IEMs can match. The luxury build and bold aesthetics add to its flagship aura, making it an incredible-sounding IEM that looks the part as well. The Raven is for audiophiles who want to experience emotion and soul from their music and don't mind paying for the uncompromising experience.
The $999 Monarch MKIII costs 1/3 the sticker price of the Raven. At this price point, the Monarch features premium medical-grade resin shells with a customizable faceplate design, a 10-driver tribid configuration with dual dynamic drivers, balanced armatures, and electrostatic drivers, and a premium cable with swappable terminations, alongside a generous selection of ear tips and accessories.
Our Thoughts
The Empire Ears Raven is built for listeners who want energy and excitement above all else. Its quadbrid 12-driver system, with dual dynamic drivers and bone-conduction, delivers sound you hear and feel, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tracks with life-like clarity and impact. With its sleek and robust build and premium PWAudio R7 cable, the Raven blends flagship performance with bold design for audiophiles who want to hear their favorite music with next-level impact and excitement.
For much, much less than the Raven, the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII delivers flagship-tier sound performance that rivals the Raven. The IMPACT2 dual dynamic drivers deliver equally impressive bass, while the balanced armatures and electrostatic drivers offer exceptional resolution and detail with incredible accuracy. The premium resin shells offer an ergonomic fit, and with the right ear tips, lets you enjoy great sound for hours without discomfort - all at a much more accessible price point.
Elevate Your Listening Experience With These Related Articles
Enjoyed this article? Check out our other product comparisons!