Empire Ears Raven vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Introduction
The Empire Ears Raven 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.
Raven vs Monarch MKIV Price Comparison
The Raven and Monarch MKIV sit at two very different price points.
The Raven comes in at $3,599.00.
The Monarch MKIV comes in at $1,149.00.
The Raven costs significantly more than the Monarch MKIV. 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 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: Two 8mm dynamic drivers in an isobaric configuration deliver tight, powerful sub-bass with low distortion.
- Hybrid Driver Array: Six balanced armatures and two Sonion EST drivers extend 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: Crafted from aircraft-grade T6 aluminum for improved scratch resistance, durability, and comfort.
- Chocolate Modular Cable: Includes a high-quality cable with 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 Empire Ears Raven and THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV are unmistakably premium IEMs, 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 under $1,000 that blends technical precision with versatility, the Monarch MKIV is the in-ear monitor to get.
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