A few of you have commented that the measurements of the Mk3 look wrong. This might explain why it's measuring almost identically to the Prestige LTD (which seemed a strange decision by Thieaudio). I'll see if I can get a replacement set and post an update... For the record, I always take multiple measurements,removing and reinserting the IEMs in between to ensure no seal or insertion issues.
Thank you. It's always important to identify errors, I think. I don't want people making buying decisions based on my content if it contains any inaccuracies. 🙂
That graph comparison of the MK2 vs MK3 does not look right. The MK3 is supposed to have MORE bass yet yours has ~4db less. Seems you got a defective unit.
Could also be his measurement methodology, he's measuring with MiniDSP EARS and very possibly has seal issues which will destroy bass. I have both, Mk3 definitely has more bass.
@@tdg176to be fair, even thieaudio's own page has a different driver count to the one on linsoul, and the product box has length spelled as "lenght" on the back. Maybe they sent the details wrong with the demo unit?
I said this before and I'll say it again, get an industry standard measurement rig, mini dsp hears is just... bad, not accurate, stupid fit and gigantic acoustic impudence
Yeah it’s not terrible but it seems there was definitely a fit issue considering how the MK3 on nearly every standardized rig has a higher bass shelf than the MK2 by a couple of DBs
I think the issue is with the IEM, not the rig. My measurements are not intended to be a scientific reference, just a comparison point for people. I have to budget where I invest money for the channel and a high end measurement rig is a little way off.
Thanks for covering the monarch mk3, there aren't a lot of reviews online. I just received mine yesterday and with the foam tips it sounded terrible. After trying the silicon stock ones, it was a lot better, I've only heard the ie 900 to compare in this price range. My personal favourite thing about the MK 3 is that it's not harsh to listen to for a long time, I see no point in iem's this expensive that you can only wear for a brief period. The major thing I would change about it is better included ear tips, people are going to want to try these out right away and start with a bad impression. It's a small price to pay for a good first impression Thieaudio!
I agree that quality tips make a BIG difference and should be prioritised by manufacturers. Can you tell me what your thoughts are when comparing the MM3 and the IE900? There's some talk that people think the MM3s I have are faulty so I'm looking for some data points to check and I have the IE900s too.
@@jasonblaise6786 tried xelastics and spin tips, the xelastics were a lot better because they grip and dont migrate further into the ear. They added some clarity but less bass
Linsoul list the Monarch Mk3 as 2DD+6BA+2EST, you have it as 2DD+3BA+1EST and say it's a reduction from 4 BAs Mk2 (which is 1DD+6BA+2EST) but it's not, it's the exact same plus 1DD in the isobaric config. I'm sure some of these BAs are paired but they would be in the Prestige LTD as well and you have that one right.
I wish companies would be consistent in how they list BA driver counts. Some BAs consist of two drivers that are contained within a single housing, but these are sometimes referred to as a single unit (just the BA manufacturer’s name and a model number). Some IEM companies are not even consistent within their own product lines, which further complicates the issue.
That's very true. At the same time though, driver count really doesn't mean much. It's a bit of a fake marketing trick to make something seem better, but I've regularly heard products with less drivers outperform those with more (and vice versa).
yes, I enjoy your reviews. I plan on buying a $1k IEM set, and Thieaudio seems to be the likely choice. Could you review the Pula PA02 and other sub $300.00 IEM's that will likely be fantastic bang for buck IEM's in 2024? thank-you for your work.
I'm glad you're enjoying my videos! I've got a bunch of sub $400 content coming (all the way down to the $100 range), but I don't yet have any contacts for the Pula IEMs. Hopefully some of the others will take your fancy.
I picked up the Monarch Mk3 because I always wanted the Mk2 but the fit was just not right for me, the Mk3 is still large but has a bit more of a contoured shape and it is much more comfortable in my ears. The cable is very nice and I really enjoy the sound. However, I just got my pre-ordered Dunu x Precog Mirai and in that last week I haven't put it down. A really great IEM. I hope you get a chance to test it out, I'd love to hear your take on it. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
This review is just totally off if you are telling people the Mk3 has less bass and the Mk2 is warmer, it's not. This is just categorically and objectively untrue. Either you have a faulty IEM or it's something up with your measurements, and they are fooling your ears if that's also your subjective impression. Usually with a fault though, you won't have the fault balanced both sides. Maybe you have a seal issue BOTH on your coupler and in your ears, and that's killing the bass. A cursory glance at other people's measurements or accounts of the Mk3 would make clear there must be something up here if you're getting less bass and particularly less mid-bass than the Mk2, it actually has more. 4dB less in the bass on the Mk3 is either an error, or a weirdly broken set. Could also be the source you used, if you didn't measure both on something with near to zero output impedance. High OI will boost the bass on the Mk2, so if you measured that one on a high OI source and then measured the Mk3 on a low OI source, that could explain the bass discrepancy. The shape of it, too, that looks a bit like it could be an impedance discrepancy, as if you did measure the Mk2 on high OI, you get a quite broad rise starting from ~500Hz down. OI variance will give you a consistent result both sides. Something's up, though, this is just not right.
I noticed this issue when Lachlan tested the Hidizs MP145, since they have alot more bass than he meaured them, judging by my testing of the earphones.
@@ReverendDr.Thomas MP145 are quite bassy as well. Part of the issue is the EARS, which can have bad seal and doesn't simulate the acoustic impedance of the human ear. The other issue is his non-standard compensation, the curve he is compensating to has a bass shelf built-in. So flat on his graph is actually a certain amount of bass shelf, it's not flat. It's all pretty confusing. It would be a lot easier to understand and compare if he used a 711 coupler and gave us raw measurements. Or 5128, as there is a standard around that that others use, but I don't expect him to go spend thousands on that. 711 coupler is under a hundred bucks.
@@blorg8206, when I mentioned this discrepency to Lachlan, he provided an answer that I didn't fully grasp, as I'm not technically-minded. Anyway, I am VERY happy with the sound of my Hidizs now that I found the right eartips for them (which I took from one of my three pairs of CCA earphones). I was about to give the other two pairs of the CCA as Christmas gifts, but now that I have found the perfect silicon tips for my Hidizs MP145, I'll keep them in case I require spares. :D
I have the Prestige LTD and think it sounds incredible. It has more thumping, textured bass than anything I've heard. Any more bass would be too much. The rest also sounds wonderful to me - tonality, staging and separation. I haven't heard other iems in the £1000+ price range. But based on my experience with much more expensive headphones I think the prestige LTD is very underrated.
Totally agree - these are bass monsters & they absolutely and they destroy the Monarch on this & every other level. Do the graphs say otherwise or something because all the keyboard critics who claim to have heard them say they are they are very neural, don't have much bass and the Monarchs have far more 😂😂 These have replaced my Mest MKII as my favourites in my collection. The Mest only beat them in one area - imaging. They're fucking holographic. So they're being used for gaming 😂
@@yarbles66 neither the MK3 nor the Prestige LTD are bass monsters. Do they have great bass yes but they are not monsters. The FatFreq Maestro SE? Now that’s a bass monster. Don’t conflate the two. The MK3 is a great IEM and so is the Prestige LTD but the reason bass sounds so good on the prestige is because the treble is much smoother therefore the bass notes come through more in terms of actual bass it has significantly less than the MK3 but the MK3 has a more energetic treble so the bass is more balanced with it. If that’s not your thing then that’s totally fine but you are spreading incorrect info
@@jasonblaise6786 'bass monsters' was probably a poor choice of terminology as I understand that most people will equate this to having hedonistic amounts of bass. I have the SE & it's a typical 'bass monster' (it's also in my top two IEMs alongside the PL). I do still think that the PL is bass monster in the way thst it handles bass - it *does* have significant bass, but it's what it does with it that makes it very special. I listen to a lot of music with very complex and multi layerd bass. Never have I heard an IEM pick apart each layer and deliver it with thr details/texture intact with authority. I used to make drum n bass, I had a couple of pretty big tracks & one smash (2nd biggest selling track of that year, beaten only by Pendulum who were making what was more rock music at that point) - I have not heard my own tracks like that since making them & mixing them down... so yes, a bass monster indeed... but a different kind of beast.
@@yarbles66 ok so not a bass monster in terms of the quantity / impact but instead the bass texture / handling is monstrous. Got it, thanks for the clarification. Interesting, I’ve never really heard much of the difference between texturing even on something like the LCD-5, maybe the Prestige will be the one but it’ll have to wait a long time as I’m very happy with the MK3 and after working an EQ for the vocals so it’s more in line with the MK2 it’s absolutely dreamy for me. My biggest problem with the LTD was the reporting smoother treble which usually means I don’t get that bite / emotion I look for in the higher registers of female vocals that could potentially be smoothed out. I’m not a huge lover of V shaped sound but the MK3 is actually significantly more of a mild U shape to my ears and after eqing the midrange a bit I feel it’s very balanced and is an amazing all rounder which is what I look for in my IEMs since I’m not a big fan of owning multiple IEMs. Wondering what your thoughts on the Prestige LtD are, keep in mind I listen to everything and I do mean everything. Jazz, Pop, Edm, Classical, Rock, Hard Rock, Metal, Blues, Folk, Country. You name it, if it exists it’s probably somewhere in my library that’s why it’s so difficult for me to find a perfect IEM without normally using a fair amount of EQ since most reviewers tend to lean to a genre region for their library, Ie. Precog likes weeb music primarily, FC is similair, Bad Guy / HBB leans towards Rock, Rap, etc. Super is more general but still has hard preferences. So it’s quite hard for me. I wish more reviewers listed what they actually listened to in each review and what they liked and didn’t like so we can better compare if we hear similair aspects. Anyways would appreciate any thoughts you have.
The MMk3 has definitely more bass than the Mk2. There is something wrong with your measurements or you received a faulty unit. Maybe its worth checking. Or.. there is another possibility- you are right and everyone else is wrong :) Which is also possible.
The fact that it's identical on both channels and across multiple removals and reinsertions would suggest that there might be a fault with the IEMs and that MAYBE they have a batch of Monarch Mk3s with the Prestige LTD drivers inside. I'm trying to get a hold of my contact at Linsoul to discuss.
GM ☕️ I was very interested in the LTD . Not as fine in the measurements ..but tuned to be more “fun” 😎 Best of the Christmas 🎄 season to you and yours.
As a long time owner of Shute SE846 ended up buying LTD which I much preferred over a lot of iems I’ve heard, including all top Fir Audio sets (most just sounded V-shaped so badly that the mids were basically “hidden behind the sub”, with certain genres sounded really bad to my ears. Electronic music was mostly fine, but again when there were voices -> I disliked Fir Audio sound. And I pretty much came to buy Fir Audio… Pretty much the only earphone which I liked the sound of were 18 drivers 64 Audio (did not hear the Fourte)… But than I came to hear a used Thieaudio Prestige LTD and imideately they were not only much more comfortable than both Fir Audio and 64 Audio sets, but just sounded like an improvement over SE846 on all fronts. I have happily purchased a pair in pristine condition for like 800 Euro. LTD do have a small emphasis on the low end, but they do not bloat everything else and this focus is just a great thing to have while traveling in noisy environments, like subway etc. If you have a chance - go listen to one.
very nice review. they are releasing hype 10and hype 4. I got hype 2 it sounds full very good bass with very nice headstage and isolation is good. very happy with the sound. but I'm looking to upgrade to 1 of these two.
Monarch Mk3 is a direct upgrade to Hype2, it's very similar tuning but just has a bit more clarity. Hype2 has slightly more bass. Some of which is more the increased upper mids on the Mk3, it makes the bass sound slightly less present. Sometimes the bass can get just a little too much on the Hype2 IMO, on the MMk3 it never does, it's very impactful but just right. It's very much a refined Hype2 (or the Hype2 is a mini-Monarch Mk3, if you prefer). Both are great. Lachlan's graph and review of the Mk3 is totally off, it's actually quite bassy. More than the Mk2, not less. It's not anything like he's describing it in this review.
@blorg8206 if you would choose which one sound bigger fuller natural and more enjoyable for normal use, like studying and watching TH-cam: ie900, xelento or mk3?
It's sounding like I might have had a defective Monarch MK3 so best to confirm with other reviews before you choose between the Monarch 3 and Prestige LTD
Every review I've seen of the MK2 and 3 shows SIGNIFICANTLY more bass in the MK3...something might be wrong with your unit? Also I think the MK3 is 2DD + 6BA + 2EST. :)
I also thought the Monarch MK3 had more drivers, too. I looked into it. The driver count is correct according to the ThieAudio website: 2 DD, 3 BA, 1 EST Edit: I see in another comment something I didn't take into account. The different driver counts can be attributed to how some driver units have 1 sound output, but have multiple drivers in the same package. So it depends on how you count it.
I've now had another comment that reflects my findings with these too so I wonder if there's a bad batch out there that actually have Prestige drivers in them? Trying to get a hold of Linsoul...
Two questions - Does Ie900 sound different with 3.5mm and balanced cable? Does Ie 900 need a amp or something to drive it in full potential as i own new macbook pros is that enough for driving these through 3.5mm port To be used in iPhones, is the Apple Type c to 3.5mm adapter enough ? Really loved your review ! You got a subscriber ❤
You'll definitely get enough volume from any device with these as they are easy to drive. However, the quality of the sound will be improved by adding a decent DAC and amp, so even a dongle like the Moondrop Dawn Pro (good) or Simgot DEW4X (better - review coming soon) will give you a nice boost compared to the Macbook direct output. As for 3.5mm is 4.4mm cable, both will sound the same if driven the same. I.e. the cable doesn't influence the sound, but the amp will. Both of those dongles I mentioned have both connector types and both outputs sound good. P.S. thank you for subscribing!
They're still an excellent IEM, depending on your preferences. Others to consider are the Sennheiser IE900, Oriveti OH700VB and Westone Mach 70 (review coming soon)
Actually, it seems the issue is that I didn't agree with certain people in the community. Given that both left and right IEMs perform the same and the new Hype range are showing similar tunings, I think the this is Thieaudio's new house sound.
I already have the IE900, and the Monarch MK2 was on my list for a long time until I tried it and couldn't get a good fit. Nozzle was massive. It made me appreciate Sennheiser more for their engineering, the sound quality that comes from the tiny IE900 is just amazing.
@@keithb5612 Yes there is a lot of treble, but very well controlled. I’m very sensitive to sharp and harsh treble, and the IE900 doesn’t have it. I wouldn’t say it’s well tuned in all frequencies, vocals are not excellent, but alright. Soundstage and imaging are not amazing, but good enough.If you like V shaped sounds, then the IE900 is amazing, the bass and treble quality carries it so well. This is coming from a Z1R owner, the IE900 can trade blows with it in bass and treble. Its great.
I agree that the IE900 comfort and performance combo is outstanding. What helps with their treble is that it's up very high in the frequency range so it's out of the harshness zone for a lot of people.
So many reviews this month, Lachlan! Keep up the good work! Incidentally, I suggest you post ALL your affiliate links on your website, so that whenever I purhase a new piece of gear, I can use your link.
Great video and interesting take here. Every other review so far about these has been utterly gushing about them, especially the prestige ltd, saying they are next gen, or next level, makes everything that came before sound crap by comparison, so it was interesting to hear you very calmly and carefully discuss their properties. Do you feel Lachlan, that they are a leap forward in performance from most everything else? Or you not under their spell as much?
I don't often feel like anything is the leap forward that others seem to suggest. I DO feel like they're better than the OG Prestige, but it's not some kind of generational leap so much as an incremental improvement.
Something is wrong with your IEM man, that aint the Monarch Mk3. That being said, at least we know you went in blind and unbiased from other reviews :) Should probably get it rectified or see if you can find someone else's unit to listen to
Wait I have the monarch mk3 and it definitely has more bass than the mk2 (which I sold). Plus the graph seems wrong Your unit is definitely defective. This review is null and void until you get a proper mk3.
The Monarch has actually been around longer than the Prestige so they're not going downward in price. They have had different options at different levels for ages AFAIK
My pleasure. Keep in mind that it seems my Monarch Mk3s may have an issue because many people are saying that they shouldn't sound or measure as I've described.
Prestige is meant to be more relaxed tuned and mk3 fun tuned. I believe they are experimenting with prices and tunings to see if people prefer either, and then raise the prices of the one that sells more. Probably will then continue to offer the current prices in the hype line. The hype 10 and the current mmk3 are veeery close in price
@@PassionforSound This does say something about QC issues, and I think that's important. There were some QC issues with the MK 2 as well. Personally the one I got seems to be working as intended. I have the batch number if you would like to compare for review purposes
I've got another pair inbound to double check so let's see how that goes. I'll post a video once they arrive. What batch number is your pair? Mine are B-1013
You should take this video down. You got this all wrong. I understand it is not your fault the product might be fault but you didn't even get the IEMs driver configuration correct here. This is a disservice to the community.
I have another set on the way and will provide a correction if required. I won't take this video down though because it might not be warranted and would take away the comments people have shared.
This is not the first time this guy gets things wrong, i wouldn't trust his reviews and look elsewhere for more accurate data, ppl in the comments pointed to the mistakes but his reply to them is always not his fault, own up to your mistakes man
Your measurements are seemingly way off. I have the Mark 3. It has remarkable bass. You review doesn’t touch the idea and no way your measuring comports to reality. I also have a hard time believing the Sennheiser 900 is in the same league. I was unimpressed with the 600, especially because of non-standard connectors to the cable. The Mk 3 is bright, powerful loud but controlled bass. And it seems well accepted by nearly everyone that it graphs an is V-shaped. Just not helpful. BTW, I love the Mk 3, esp with mild judicious EQ. Comparisons: way more bass and clarity compared to 64Audio Nio. And similar midrange and slightly less brightness than Dunu Mirai. and WAY more bass. It’s like you are not reviewing a different IEM
Basing your opinion of the IE900 on the IE600 isn't a very reliable way to judge an IEM you've not heard. As for the measurements, I use a completely different compensation curve than most and it's because I like to represent visually what our brains perceive so on my graphs, a flat line is pretty much a neutral tuning with no significant colouration. Unless my Monarchs are faulty (which is unlikely given that both channels matched) then it's more likely that my reference points are different from yours and others. Most IEMs on the market at the moment are adopting similar tunings to the Monarch and Prestige. As you said yourself, it's a brighter tuning. That doesn't mean that it has poor bass, but there IS more treble and midrange energy than bass energy. I agree that the bass quality and control is excellent, but I'm talking quantities when I describe tonality.
After finally finding a pair of eartips to fit my Hidizs MP145 and ear combination, I can't imagine a pair of earphones sounding massively better, even at the prices discussed in this video. So, yes, they may be somewhat overpriced, but surely not one percent of USD$1,300.
I went to a store today to buy myself a pair of Thieaudio for my Xmas present. I already have Mest MKII & Xenns Up so wanted something very different. Subjectively, I really didn't care for either Monarch 2 or 3. I found the Prestige so much better & more fun; the EST's were so prominent & sounded fantastic... surprisingly the sub bass was so much thicker than it was with either Monarch - this is in contrast to every review I've read/heard. Frustratingly, they didn't have a demo unit for the Prestige Ltd... fortunately I've found a pair of Prestige Ltd for 30% less $ than new in good as new condition with 9 months warranty. They arrive on Saturday night & I am allowed to return if I don't like them... I'm just concerned about that bass.
That's really interesting to read. This aligns somewhat with what I heard and measured which is strange when considering all the comments saying my review and measurements are wrong.
@@PassionforSound I don't do or care for measurements or graphs at all. I've promoted & produced over 1200 music shows & produced my own music... I was even a one hit wonder! I do everything by ear and am super hands on with sound at my own events... I stopped a lot of this due to a disability and got into personal audio very seriously... I am only interested in how things sound. I like all kinds of sounds and I understand what different drivers do... but sound as squiggles & numbers is something that has absolutely zero appeal to me. I believe I can absolutely articulate how anything sounds without it all... but I'd rather be listening! I've been enjoying your channel. I don't agree with everything you say but you make a good case & it would be boring if we all had the same opinions. Unfortunately so many armchair experts think they are the absolute oracle & their contribution is extremely low effort in any case. Thanks! Also grabbed the IE600 today & am absolutely loving them.
Thanks for the extra context. I'm a lot like you and wouldn't bother with any measusurements for my own sake either. (Although I do find it helpful to illustrate things for others). Sadly, you're 100% right about the armchair oracles!
@@PassionforSound I got my Prestige Ltd about 12th ago and they are indeed as I think you said a better version of the already excellent Prestige. I can say with confidence that I have zero recency bias with any audio product... I have done this for almost 30 years and as much as I love getting a new piece of great gear... it's only the greatness that matters. I have trashed & sold so many new bits without a second thought. The Prestige Ltd is EASILY my favourite IEM of all time & it absolutely trounces the Monarch series by a very long way. People have told me two things about these IEMS - (i) they have significantly less bass than the Monarch series & (ii) they are 'neutral'. After many hours of listening to all manner of genres (and everything sounding absolutely phenomenal) I think both of these statements are total nonsense & these are the freshest and most fun IEMs I've ever experienced. The life, immersion & sparkle that those EIGHT est drivers bring is absolute magic. And I got these for $900!!!
A few of you have commented that the measurements of the Mk3 look wrong. This might explain why it's measuring almost identically to the Prestige LTD (which seemed a strange decision by Thieaudio). I'll see if I can get a replacement set and post an update...
For the record, I always take multiple measurements,removing and reinserting the IEMs in between to ensure no seal or insertion issues.
I like this response from you, kudos!
Thank you. It's always important to identify errors, I think. I don't want people making buying decisions based on my content if it contains any inaccuracies. 🙂
I saw a review of the MKIII and he had the jack wrong in the Cable. Its easy to do this wrong. and u get a totaly wrong sound out of it.
This wasn't an issue with the plug because I've tried them with other cables too and they sound the same.
That graph comparison of the MK2 vs MK3 does not look right. The MK3 is supposed to have MORE bass yet yours has ~4db less. Seems you got a defective unit.
I Agree with this comment I have owned Monarch MK1, MK2,, MK3 and the MK3 has definetely more bass and is a much better sense of punch.
I also think so. graphs on squig link by other people also agree. I also own the mk3 and it has very present bass
Could also be his measurement methodology, he's measuring with MiniDSP EARS and very possibly has seal issues which will destroy bass.
I have both, Mk3 definitely has more bass.
@@blorg8206 could be bad seal
@@tdg176to be fair, even thieaudio's own page has a different driver count to the one on linsoul, and the product box has length spelled as "lenght" on the back. Maybe they sent the details wrong with the demo unit?
I said this before and I'll say it again, get an industry standard measurement rig, mini dsp hears is just... bad, not accurate, stupid fit and gigantic acoustic impudence
Yeah it’s not terrible but it seems there was definitely a fit issue considering how the MK3 on nearly every standardized rig has a higher bass shelf than the MK2 by a couple of DBs
I think the issue is with the IEM, not the rig. My measurements are not intended to be a scientific reference, just a comparison point for people. I have to budget where I invest money for the channel and a high end measurement rig is a little way off.
Thanks for covering the monarch mk3, there aren't a lot of reviews online. I just received mine yesterday and with the foam tips it sounded terrible. After trying the silicon stock ones, it was a lot better, I've only heard the ie 900 to compare in this price range.
My personal favourite thing about the MK 3 is that it's not harsh to listen to for a long time, I see no point in iem's this expensive that you can only wear for a brief period. The major thing I would change about it is better included ear tips, people are going to want to try these out right away and start with a bad impression.
It's a small price to pay for a good first impression Thieaudio!
I agree that quality tips make a BIG difference and should be prioritised by manufacturers.
Can you tell me what your thoughts are when comparing the MM3 and the IE900? There's some talk that people think the MM3s I have are faulty so I'm looking for some data points to check and I have the IE900s too.
What tips did you end up using?
@@jasonblaise6786 tried xelastics and spin tips, the xelastics were a lot better because they grip and dont migrate further into the ear. They added some clarity but less bass
@@PassionforSoundI really want a comparison between the 2.
Linsoul list the Monarch Mk3 as 2DD+6BA+2EST, you have it as 2DD+3BA+1EST and say it's a reduction from 4 BAs Mk2 (which is 1DD+6BA+2EST) but it's not, it's the exact same plus 1DD in the isobaric config. I'm sure some of these BAs are paired but they would be in the Prestige LTD as well and you have that one right.
I wrote my notes based on the online information. Based on another comment elsewhere, the information has varied depending on where you look.
I wish companies would be consistent in how they list BA driver counts. Some BAs consist of two drivers that are contained within a single housing, but these are sometimes referred to as a single unit (just the BA manufacturer’s name and a model number). Some IEM companies are not even consistent within their own product lines, which further complicates the issue.
That's very true. At the same time though, driver count really doesn't mean much. It's a bit of a fake marketing trick to make something seem better, but I've regularly heard products with less drivers outperform those with more (and vice versa).
yes, I enjoy your reviews. I plan on buying a $1k IEM set, and Thieaudio seems to be the likely choice. Could you review the Pula PA02 and other sub $300.00 IEM's that will likely be fantastic bang for buck IEM's in 2024? thank-you for your work.
I'm glad you're enjoying my videos! I've got a bunch of sub $400 content coming (all the way down to the $100 range), but I don't yet have any contacts for the Pula IEMs. Hopefully some of the others will take your fancy.
@@PassionforSound I'll keep abreast of your stuff. Thanks.
Most reviewers seem to say the Monarch MK3 has significantly more prominent bass than the prestige ltd. I was surprised this review had them so close.
Yes, I've actually got a second pair coming to see if the first set was faulty somehow.
@@PassionforSound So you got another set? If yes, noted some difference?
I was meant to be receiving a pair, but it hasn't arrived and my Linsoul contact has been unresponsive for over a month 😞
I picked up the Monarch Mk3 because I always wanted the Mk2 but the fit was just not right for me, the Mk3 is still large but has a bit more of a contoured shape and it is much more comfortable in my ears. The cable is very nice and I really enjoy the sound. However, I just got my pre-ordered Dunu x Precog Mirai and in that last week I haven't put it down. A really great IEM. I hope you get a chance to test it out, I'd love to hear your take on it. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
I don't get offered Dunu IEMs for reviews at the moment. I'll need to find a contact. I'm glad you're enjoying them.
Hi!
I would love to hear the differences between Monarch MK3 and Mirai as I'm really keen to get Mirai as well (currently using Monarch MK3)
Thanks!
This review is just totally off if you are telling people the Mk3 has less bass and the Mk2 is warmer, it's not. This is just categorically and objectively untrue. Either you have a faulty IEM or it's something up with your measurements, and they are fooling your ears if that's also your subjective impression. Usually with a fault though, you won't have the fault balanced both sides.
Maybe you have a seal issue BOTH on your coupler and in your ears, and that's killing the bass. A cursory glance at other people's measurements or accounts of the Mk3 would make clear there must be something up here if you're getting less bass and particularly less mid-bass than the Mk2, it actually has more. 4dB less in the bass on the Mk3 is either an error, or a weirdly broken set.
Could also be the source you used, if you didn't measure both on something with near to zero output impedance. High OI will boost the bass on the Mk2, so if you measured that one on a high OI source and then measured the Mk3 on a low OI source, that could explain the bass discrepancy. The shape of it, too, that looks a bit like it could be an impedance discrepancy, as if you did measure the Mk2 on high OI, you get a quite broad rise starting from ~500Hz down. OI variance will give you a consistent result both sides.
Something's up, though, this is just not right.
I noticed this issue when Lachlan tested the Hidizs MP145, since they have alot more bass than he meaured them, judging by my testing of the earphones.
@@ReverendDr.Thomas MP145 are quite bassy as well. Part of the issue is the EARS, which can have bad seal and doesn't simulate the acoustic impedance of the human ear. The other issue is his non-standard compensation, the curve he is compensating to has a bass shelf built-in. So flat on his graph is actually a certain amount of bass shelf, it's not flat. It's all pretty confusing. It would be a lot easier to understand and compare if he used a 711 coupler and gave us raw measurements. Or 5128, as there is a standard around that that others use, but I don't expect him to go spend thousands on that. 711 coupler is under a hundred bucks.
@@blorg8206, when I mentioned this discrepency to Lachlan, he provided an answer that I didn't fully grasp, as I'm not technically-minded. Anyway, I am VERY happy with the sound of my Hidizs now that I found the right eartips for them (which I took from one of my three pairs of CCA earphones).
I was about to give the other two pairs of the CCA as Christmas gifts, but now that I have found the perfect silicon tips for my Hidizs MP145, I'll keep them in case I require spares. :D
I've explained previously my choice of measurement compensation and it's specifically not intended for comparison with other people's graphs.
I have the Prestige LTD and think it sounds incredible.
It has more thumping, textured bass than anything I've heard. Any more bass would be too much.
The rest also sounds wonderful to me - tonality, staging and separation.
I haven't heard other iems in the £1000+ price range. But based on my experience with much more expensive headphones I think the prestige LTD is very underrated.
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying them so much! They're definitely an excellent IEM.
Totally agree - these are bass monsters & they absolutely and they destroy the Monarch on this & every other level. Do the graphs say otherwise or something because all the keyboard critics who claim to have heard them say they are they are very neural, don't have much bass and the Monarchs have far more 😂😂
These have replaced my Mest MKII as my favourites in my collection. The Mest only beat them in one area - imaging. They're fucking holographic. So they're being used for gaming 😂
@@yarbles66 neither the MK3 nor the Prestige LTD are bass monsters. Do they have great bass yes but they are not monsters. The FatFreq Maestro SE? Now that’s a bass monster. Don’t conflate the two. The MK3 is a great IEM and so is the Prestige LTD but the reason bass sounds so good on the prestige is because the treble is much smoother therefore the bass notes come through more in terms of actual bass it has significantly less than the MK3 but the MK3 has a more energetic treble so the bass is more balanced with it. If that’s not your thing then that’s totally fine but you are spreading incorrect info
@@jasonblaise6786 'bass monsters' was probably a poor choice of terminology as I understand that most people will equate this to having hedonistic amounts of bass. I have the SE & it's a typical 'bass monster' (it's also in my top two IEMs alongside the PL). I do still think that the PL is bass monster in the way thst it handles bass - it *does* have significant bass, but it's what it does with it that makes it very special. I listen to a lot of music with very complex and multi layerd bass. Never have I heard an IEM pick apart each layer and deliver it with thr details/texture intact with authority. I used to make drum n bass, I had a couple of pretty big tracks & one smash (2nd biggest selling track of that year, beaten only by Pendulum who were making what was more rock music at that point) - I have not heard my own tracks like that since making them & mixing them down... so yes, a bass monster indeed... but a different kind of beast.
@@yarbles66 ok so not a bass monster in terms of the quantity / impact but instead the bass texture / handling is monstrous. Got it, thanks for the clarification.
Interesting, I’ve never really heard much of the difference between texturing even on something like the LCD-5, maybe the Prestige will be the one but it’ll have to wait a long time as I’m very happy with the MK3 and after working an EQ for the vocals so it’s more in line with the MK2 it’s absolutely dreamy for me.
My biggest problem with the LTD was the reporting smoother treble which usually means I don’t get that bite / emotion I look for in the higher registers of female vocals that could potentially be smoothed out. I’m not a huge lover of V shaped sound but the MK3 is actually significantly more of a mild U shape to my ears and after eqing the midrange a bit I feel it’s very balanced and is an amazing all rounder which is what I look for in my IEMs since I’m not a big fan of owning multiple IEMs.
Wondering what your thoughts on the Prestige LtD are, keep in mind I listen to everything and I do mean everything. Jazz, Pop, Edm, Classical, Rock, Hard Rock, Metal, Blues, Folk, Country. You name it, if it exists it’s probably somewhere in my library that’s why it’s so difficult for me to find a perfect IEM without normally using a fair amount of EQ since most reviewers tend to lean to a genre region for their library, Ie.
Precog likes weeb music primarily, FC is similair, Bad Guy / HBB leans towards Rock, Rap, etc. Super is more general but still has hard preferences. So it’s quite hard for me. I wish more reviewers listed what they actually listened to in each review and what they liked and didn’t like so we can better compare if we hear similair aspects. Anyways would appreciate any thoughts you have.
So true.
Oracle 3
Monarch 2
Prestige
Sounds very close.
Oracle 2 and Monarch 3 are not good.
The MMk3 has definitely more bass than the Mk2. There is something wrong with your measurements or you received a faulty unit. Maybe its worth checking.
Or.. there is another possibility- you are right and everyone else is wrong :) Which is also possible.
The fact that it's identical on both channels and across multiple removals and reinsertions would suggest that there might be a fault with the IEMs and that MAYBE they have a batch of Monarch Mk3s with the Prestige LTD drivers inside. I'm trying to get a hold of my contact at Linsoul to discuss.
GM ☕️
I was very interested in the LTD .
Not as fine in the measurements ..but tuned to be more “fun” 😎
Best of the Christmas 🎄 season to you and yours.
Merry Christmas, Carmine! 🎄🎁
As a long time owner of Shute SE846 ended up buying LTD which I much preferred over a lot of iems I’ve heard, including all top Fir Audio sets (most just sounded V-shaped so badly that the mids were basically “hidden behind the sub”, with certain genres sounded really bad to my ears. Electronic music was mostly fine, but again when there were voices -> I disliked Fir Audio sound.
And I pretty much came to buy Fir Audio…
Pretty much the only earphone which I liked the sound of were 18 drivers 64 Audio (did not hear the Fourte)…
But than I came to hear a used Thieaudio Prestige LTD and imideately they were not only much more comfortable than both Fir Audio and 64 Audio sets, but just sounded like an improvement over SE846 on all fronts. I have happily purchased a pair in pristine condition for like 800 Euro.
LTD do have a small emphasis on the low end, but they do not bloat everything else and this focus is just a great thing to have while traveling in noisy environments, like subway etc.
If you have a chance - go listen to one.
Thanks for sharing your experiences! I'm glad you found the right upgrade from your 846s!
very nice review. they are releasing hype 10and hype 4.
I got hype 2 it sounds full very good bass with very nice headstage and isolation is good. very happy with the sound.
but I'm looking to upgrade to 1 of these two.
Monarch Mk3 is a direct upgrade to Hype2, it's very similar tuning but just has a bit more clarity. Hype2 has slightly more bass. Some of which is more the increased upper mids on the Mk3, it makes the bass sound slightly less present. Sometimes the bass can get just a little too much on the Hype2 IMO, on the MMk3 it never does, it's very impactful but just right. It's very much a refined Hype2 (or the Hype2 is a mini-Monarch Mk3, if you prefer). Both are great.
Lachlan's graph and review of the Mk3 is totally off, it's actually quite bassy. More than the Mk2, not less. It's not anything like he's describing it in this review.
@blorg8206 if you would choose which one sound bigger fuller natural and more enjoyable for normal use, like studying and watching TH-cam: ie900, xelento or mk3?
It's sounding like I might have had a defective Monarch MK3 so best to confirm with other reviews before you choose between the Monarch 3 and Prestige LTD
Every review I've seen of the MK2 and 3 shows SIGNIFICANTLY more bass in the MK3...something might be wrong with your unit? Also I think the MK3 is 2DD + 6BA + 2EST. :)
I've contacted Linsoul for a fresh pair of Monarch Mk3 so we'll see!
I also thought the Monarch MK3 had more drivers, too. I looked into it.
The driver count is correct according to the ThieAudio website: 2 DD, 3 BA, 1 EST
Edit: I see in another comment something I didn't take into account. The different driver counts can be attributed to how some driver units have 1 sound output, but have multiple drivers in the same package. So it depends on how you count it.
I was 100% going to buy the Monarch Mark 3 but seeing a reviewer getting a bad unit kinda turned me off. At 999$ ... 😐
I've now had another comment that reflects my findings with these too so I wonder if there's a bad batch out there that actually have Prestige drivers in them? Trying to get a hold of Linsoul...
Two questions - Does Ie900 sound different with 3.5mm and balanced cable?
Does Ie 900 need a amp or something to drive it in full potential as i own
new macbook pros is that enough for driving these through 3.5mm port
To be used in iPhones, is the Apple Type c to 3.5mm adapter enough ?
Really loved your review ! You got a subscriber ❤
You'll definitely get enough volume from any device with these as they are easy to drive. However, the quality of the sound will be improved by adding a decent DAC and amp, so even a dongle like the Moondrop Dawn Pro (good) or Simgot DEW4X (better - review coming soon) will give you a nice boost compared to the Macbook direct output.
As for 3.5mm is 4.4mm cable, both will sound the same if driven the same. I.e. the cable doesn't influence the sound, but the amp will. Both of those dongles I mentioned have both connector types and both outputs sound good.
P.S. thank you for subscribing!
@@PassionforSound Oh God thank you ! Wonder why i didnt get a notification on your reply. Thanks a bunch
Will look to buy Simgot DEW4X
I will never understand why IEM manufacturers cut out 10k drastically.
It causes a terrible veil in the treble.
It all depends on the person. For some people, a 10kHz spike is quite unenjoyable. It's great that you know what you enjoy though!
@@PassionforSoundI don’t want a spike of any kind. But a nice smooth treble with no cuts and dips is preferable. So very few iem’s do this properly.
@@PassionforSoundOracle MK2 is my preference.
Absolutely! Very few IEMs manage to keep the treble smooth, but there are a few, thankfully
The Prestige LTDs
Are they still worth it in 2024?
What other IEM do these contend with OUTSIDE of their own company offerings?
They're still an excellent IEM, depending on your preferences. Others to consider are the Sennheiser IE900, Oriveti OH700VB and Westone Mach 70 (review coming soon)
Thanks for the review I think I’ll pass on the thie options for a bit.
The Prestige LTD are lovely, but I still prefer the single driver options like IE900
Thanks for the review of these IEMs Lachlan. Interesting take.
It seems there could be an issue with the Monarchs I was sent. I think I have another pair on the way to double check.
shouldve rma'd it immediately, bought the corsair instead lul
Actually, it seems the issue is that I didn't agree with certain people in the community. Given that both left and right IEMs perform the same and the new Hype range are showing similar tunings, I think the this is Thieaudio's new house sound.
I already have the IE900, and the Monarch MK2 was on my list for a long time until I tried it and couldn't get a good fit. Nozzle was massive. It made me appreciate Sennheiser more for their engineering, the sound quality that comes from the tiny IE900 is just amazing.
Do you find the Sennheíser ie 900 to have too much treble focus at all or just well tuned in all frequencies? Cheers
@@keithb5612 Yes there is a lot of treble, but very well controlled. I’m very sensitive to sharp and harsh treble, and the IE900 doesn’t have it. I wouldn’t say it’s well tuned in all frequencies, vocals are not excellent, but alright. Soundstage and imaging are not amazing, but good enough.If you like V shaped sounds, then the IE900 is amazing, the bass and treble quality carries it so well. This is coming from a Z1R owner, the IE900 can trade blows with it in bass and treble. Its great.
@@ROCKSTAR3291 Many thanks for that. Happy holidays.
I agree that the IE900 comfort and performance combo is outstanding. What helps with their treble is that it's up very high in the frequency range so it's out of the harshness zone for a lot of people.
So many reviews this month, Lachlan! Keep up the good work!
Incidentally, I suggest you post ALL your affiliate links on your website, so that whenever I purhase a new piece of gear, I can use your link.
Thank you Rev! All of my affiliate links are listed in the description for each video. Thank you for using them, I really appreciate it!!
Great video and interesting take here. Every other review so far about these has been utterly gushing about them, especially the prestige ltd, saying they are next gen, or next level, makes everything that came before sound crap by comparison, so it was interesting to hear you very calmly and carefully discuss their properties. Do you feel Lachlan, that they are a leap forward in performance from most everything else? Or you not under their spell as much?
I don't often feel like anything is the leap forward that others seem to suggest. I DO feel like they're better than the OG Prestige, but it's not some kind of generational leap so much as an incremental improvement.
When you mention those sounds, do you only compare the iems on that 1 song?
No, I always use multiple tracks, but stop on a single track that I think will provide me a good opportunity to describe what I'm hearing.
Alright thank you@@PassionforSound
I replaced the IE900 with IE600 which has better bass.
Yes, the IE600 has a mid bass bump that's very enjoyable. I love both, but definitely get what you mean.
Something is wrong with your IEM man, that aint the Monarch Mk3. That being said, at least we know you went in blind and unbiased from other reviews :)
Should probably get it rectified or see if you can find someone else's unit to listen to
It's definitely seeming that way. I'll reach out to Linsoul today and see if I can get a replacement pair.
@@PassionforSound Good luck man 👍
Second set inbound. Stay tuned.
Wait I have the monarch mk3 and it definitely has more bass than the mk2 (which I sold). Plus the graph seems wrong
Your unit is definitely defective. This review is null and void until you get a proper mk3.
Did you use EXACTLY the same eartips on both models?
@@ReverendDr.Thomas yes
So have you gotten an update from ThieAudio?
I'm still working on getting a second pair. There's either been a delay or a miscommunication somewhere...
I have a feeling that Thieaudio going down that Moondrop route of offering a cheaper version of IEM for slightly cheaper. In the high end market ofc.
The Monarch has actually been around longer than the Prestige so they're not going downward in price. They have had different options at different levels for ages AFAIK
Thanks man.
My pleasure. Keep in mind that it seems my Monarch Mk3s may have an issue because many people are saying that they shouldn't sound or measure as I've described.
have you or will you listen to the crimson?
No plans as yet. I'll see what opportunities arise in 2024.
Prestige is meant to be more relaxed tuned and mk3 fun tuned. I believe they are experimenting with prices and tunings to see if people prefer either, and then raise the prices of the one that sells more. Probably will then continue to offer the current prices in the hype line. The hype 10 and the current mmk3 are veeery close in price
Yes, it seems there might have actually been a problem with the Monarch Mk3 I received.
@@PassionforSound This does say something about QC issues, and I think that's important. There were some QC issues with the MK 2 as well. Personally the one I got seems to be working as intended. I have the batch number if you would like to compare for review purposes
I've got another pair inbound to double check so let's see how that goes. I'll post a video once they arrive.
What batch number is your pair? Mine are B-1013
@@PassionforSound A-2051 works beautifully
I'll see what the new pair sound like and measure like
You should take this video down. You got this all wrong. I understand it is not your fault the product might be fault but you didn't even get the IEMs driver configuration correct here. This is a disservice to the community.
I have another set on the way and will provide a correction if required. I won't take this video down though because it might not be warranted and would take away the comments people have shared.
This is not the first time this guy gets things wrong, i wouldn't trust his reviews and look elsewhere for more accurate data, ppl in the comments pointed to the mistakes but his reply to them is always not his fault, own up to your mistakes man
I always do when I have clear evidence of an error. Please see my DCA Stealth and WiiM follow-up videos as evidence.
That graph doesn't look right...
Please see the pinned comment
Your measurements are seemingly way off. I have the Mark 3. It has remarkable bass. You review doesn’t touch the idea and no way your measuring comports to reality. I also have a hard time believing the Sennheiser 900 is in the same league. I was unimpressed with the 600, especially because of non-standard connectors to the cable. The Mk 3 is bright, powerful loud but controlled bass. And it seems well accepted by nearly everyone that it graphs an is V-shaped. Just not helpful. BTW, I love the Mk 3, esp with mild judicious EQ. Comparisons: way more bass and clarity compared to 64Audio Nio. And similar midrange and slightly less brightness than Dunu Mirai. and WAY more bass. It’s like you are not reviewing a different IEM
Basing your opinion of the IE900 on the IE600 isn't a very reliable way to judge an IEM you've not heard.
As for the measurements, I use a completely different compensation curve than most and it's because I like to represent visually what our brains perceive so on my graphs, a flat line is pretty much a neutral tuning with no significant colouration.
Unless my Monarchs are faulty (which is unlikely given that both channels matched) then it's more likely that my reference points are different from yours and others. Most IEMs on the market at the moment are adopting similar tunings to the Monarch and Prestige. As you said yourself, it's a brighter tuning. That doesn't mean that it has poor bass, but there IS more treble and midrange energy than bass energy. I agree that the bass quality and control is excellent, but I'm talking quantities when I describe tonality.
hi, what eq do you use with mmk3? thanks a lot
S8 much better than MK3
The information provided in this video is inaccurate and you should feel bad.
Have you heard and measured the pair of Monarchs I have here? That's the only way you could say if my review is accurate.
Not even worth 1% of the asking price
After finally finding a pair of eartips to fit my Hidizs MP145 and ear combination, I can't imagine a pair of earphones sounding massively better, even at the prices discussed in this video.
So, yes, they may be somewhat overpriced, but surely not one percent of USD$1,300.
I think they perform at the same level as other similarly price IEMs so that's the only measure I can really go by.
I went to a store today to buy myself a pair of Thieaudio for my Xmas present.
I already have Mest MKII & Xenns Up so wanted something very different.
Subjectively, I really didn't care for either Monarch 2 or 3.
I found the Prestige so much better & more fun; the EST's were so prominent & sounded fantastic... surprisingly the sub bass was so much thicker than it was with either Monarch - this is in contrast to every review I've read/heard.
Frustratingly, they didn't have a demo unit for the Prestige Ltd... fortunately I've found a pair of Prestige Ltd for 30% less $ than new in good as new condition with 9 months warranty.
They arrive on Saturday night & I am allowed to return if I don't like them... I'm just concerned about that bass.
That's really interesting to read. This aligns somewhat with what I heard and measured which is strange when considering all the comments saying my review and measurements are wrong.
@@PassionforSound I don't do or care for measurements or graphs at all. I've promoted & produced over 1200 music shows & produced my own music... I was even a one hit wonder! I do everything by ear and am super hands on with sound at my own events... I stopped a lot of this due to a disability and got into personal audio very seriously... I am only interested in how things sound. I like all kinds of sounds and I understand what different drivers do... but sound as squiggles & numbers is something that has absolutely zero appeal to me. I believe I can absolutely articulate how anything sounds without it all... but I'd rather be listening! I've been enjoying your channel. I don't agree with everything you say but you make a good case & it would be boring if we all had the same opinions.
Unfortunately so many armchair experts think they are the absolute oracle & their contribution is extremely low effort in any case.
Thanks!
Also grabbed the IE600 today & am absolutely loving them.
Thanks for the extra context. I'm a lot like you and wouldn't bother with any measusurements for my own sake either. (Although I do find it helpful to illustrate things for others).
Sadly, you're 100% right about the armchair oracles!
@@PassionforSound they bore me to tears. I have nothing to prove & nor do you. Let them stew in their own bs.
@@PassionforSound I got my Prestige Ltd about 12th ago and they are indeed as I think you said a better version of the already excellent Prestige. I can say with confidence that I have zero recency bias with any audio product... I have done this for almost 30 years and as much as I love getting a new piece of great gear... it's only the greatness that matters. I have trashed & sold so many new bits without a second thought. The Prestige Ltd is EASILY my favourite IEM of all time & it absolutely trounces the Monarch series by a very long way. People have told me two things about these IEMS - (i) they have significantly less bass than the Monarch series & (ii) they are 'neutral'. After many hours of listening to all manner of genres (and everything sounding absolutely phenomenal) I think both of these statements are total nonsense & these are the freshest and most fun IEMs I've ever experienced. The life, immersion & sparkle that those EIGHT est drivers bring is absolute magic. And I got these for $900!!!