Empire Ears Triton vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Introduction
The Empire Ears Triton and THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV 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.
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Empire Ears Triton vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV Price Comparison
The Triton and Monarch MKIV sit at two different price points.
The Triton comes in at $1,799.00.
The Monarch MKIV comes in at $1,149.00.
The Triton is significantly more expensive 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 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 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 Triton and Monarch MKIV are premium IEMs with excellent 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 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.
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 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 $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.
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
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 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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