Empire Ears Triton vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII
Introduction
The Empire Ears Triton and THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII 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 MKIII Price Comparison
The Triton and Monarch MKIII sit at two different price points.
The Triton comes in at $1,799.00.
The Monarch MKIII comes in at $999.00.
The Triton is significantly more expensive 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 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 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 Triton and Monarch MKIII are premium IEMs, boasting 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 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.
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 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 $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 $999 Monarch MKIII comes in at close to half the price of the Triton. At that price, you're getting 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
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.
At close to half the price, the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII delivers top-tier sound performance that rivals the Triton. 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 a more ergonomic fit, and with the right ear tips, you can enjoy the great sound for hours without discomfort.
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