Empire Ears Triton vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKII
Introduction
The Empire Ears Triton and THIEAUDIO Monarch MKII are premium IEMs designed to deliver an engaging 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.
Empire Ears Triton vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKII Price Comparison
The Triton and Monarch MKII sit at two different price points.
The Triton comes in at $1,799.00.
The Monarch MKII comes in at $999.00.
The Triton is significantly more expensive 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 Triton
The Triton is a hybrid IEM crafted for musical engagement, combining dynamic and balanced armature drivers to deliver a lively, full-bodied sound with enhanced bass response and immersive staging.
Empire Ears Triton Features:
- Tribrid driver setup with Dynamic + BA + Bone Conduction Drivers
- Dynamic driver W9+ subwoofers delivers impactful low-end punch
- Balanced Armatures add clarity and layering
- Bone Conduction Drivers for rich and detailed vocals
- Tuned for engaging, musical listening
- Premium design with ergonomic fit
Empire Ears Triton Specs:
Driver Configuration: Tribrid (W9+ Dynamic / EMP75 Balanced Armatures / Bone Conduction Drivers)
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 40kHz
Impedance: 2.8 ohms @ 1kHz
Sensitivity: 99dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
Connector: 2-pin, 0.78mm
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 Triton and Monarch MKII are premium IEMs with exceptional build quality, design, and ergonomics.
The Triton takes a more striking approach, blending luxury and performance with its stunning ergonomic design. Its shell is made from high-density resin reinforced with premium materials for enhanced rigidity and durability.
The faceplate design is eye-catching, showcasing Empire Ears’ attention to craftsmanship with a premium finish that feels and looks premium. While the housing is slightly larger to accommodate its hybrid driver system, the ergonomic shaping ensures it remains comfortable, with a secure seal that enhances both isolation and bass impact.
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.
Triton Sound Signature
The Triton, with its tribrid driver system with a powerful W9+ subwoofer, BA drivers, and Bone Conduction, deliver a fun and smooth sound signature.
The W9+ subwoofer brings impressive bass power for deeper, more textured bass with natural decay. The balanced armatures layered on top bring clarity and definition to the mids and treble, giving instruments and vocals weight while still preserving detail.
The slightly larger housing allows for better driver placement and airflow, which helps create a wider, more holographic soundstage. The result is a sound that feels immersive and full-bodied, perfect for listeners who want to feel like they're part of the performance.
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 $1,799, the Triton features cutting-edge driver technology, reinforced resin housing, and premium aesthetics. Its dynamic driver subwoofer adds physical bass impact, while the multi-driver crossover system creates a layered, immersive presentation. The build is also really solid, featuring an expressive faceplate design and built-in resonance control features for a blend of aesthetics and performance.
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 Empire Ears Triton if you're looking for a bassy in-ear monitor with excellent vocals and a non-fatiguing yet detailed treble. With a dynamic driver under the hood, the Triton delivers slam and impact only a dynamic driver can. Vocal performance is top-notch as well, allowing you to experience your favorite vocal-centric tracks with life-like clarity and detail.
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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