I think your description of what you don't like about this IEM very likely sold it to many people. It is a good example of how lower enthusiasm or even a negative review for an IEM can be equally useful. From your description of your preferred sound there is s good chance I'll like what you don't. Its all good.
@@SuperReview .. Spot on. With most IEMs you can just drive them from an Apple 3.5mm DAC or USB amp. For headphones you really need a desktop amp/DAC which can often be as expensive as the headphones. IEMs are simply better value for money.
Iems have changed the game for me. They are the best closed back headphones one can buy. Custom iems changed the game for me again. I have the thieaudio v14 and the monarch both in ciem version and I think I'm set for a long long time
Hello, can I ask what you think about Moondrop S8. Also I havent unboxed S8 yet because do you think should I sell S8 to buy Sony IER-Z1R or not? Thank you
Got the blon bl03 over tgz t2 galaxy according to your suggestion and I'm loving it😍 I'm using blon upgrade(maybe) spc cable and Final E Series eartips
Good review. I think you should level down your perspective of bass quantity 1 notch. I think it is more accurate to say that the Monarch will satisfy bassheads but it is still not basshead territory. Its definitely not a silly amount of bass for MOST people. For some, its not quite enough bass (they use a 20ohm impedance adapter to bring out more sub and mid bass). It seems that your tastes are a neutral sounding bass (slightly under the harmon curve). But a slight bass emphasis is what is MANY prefer. The Monarch never goes above the harmon curve in the bass region. It actually is lacking in the mid bass (reason it sounds slightly thin in the midrange). In conclusion, if the Monarch has a silly amount of bass then that implies that the harmon curve does too and that many people have problems lol. The problem you have comes from brain burnin (i had it too). I use to listen to the airpod pro for a while and got use to the bass level (neutral). After trying the jbl live 300tws i felt the bass was too much. But after listening with jbl live for a few days i went back to airpods pro and found the bass lacking. Brain burn in.
Brain burn is real, for sure. Pretty sure Monarch sub-bass is well above Harman target, but I'm no scientist. And agreed on the lean mid-bass. There will always be people who want more bass -- my assumption is that their music just has bad bass :P
@@SuperReview Trust me its not above the harmon curve in the sub bass. You can go to crinacle.com and see (baseline). The ikko oh10 has the same amount of sub bass but more mid bass.
Right, it's all relative to the rest of the frequency spectrum. Curiously, graph Monarch next to Galaxy Buds+ and the bass on Buds+ graphs higher -- but in practice, I'd be surprised if anyone perceives Buds+ as bassier. FWIW, on my rig + earphones I used, the Monarch bass measures higher 🤷♀️ squig.link/?share=ThieAudio_Monarch,Samsung_Galaxy_Buds_Plus
@@SuperReview wow that’s interesting. That graph matches the clairvoyance more than the monarch. I seen threads where linsoul (and headphones.com) sent people the wrong iem. Because the iem doesn’t have the name on the package. Not saying that you have the wrong one but I wouldn’t be surprised
I have the Monarch and agree that it has a very forward punchy presentation and a lot of sub bass, but it doesn't force sub bass where it doesn't belong, it just presents it where it is. IMO, if you're looking for a neutral laid back presentation, this is not the iem for you. But if you're looking for the best bang for your buck for modern electronic music, you won't find better for less than double the price.
Good to see some critique of the Monarch. There's a lot of hype out there. Personally I love a good sub-bass, but not to the point of sounding out of place from the rest of the presentation.
I returned my S8 after I found it's BA bass to be so lacking that I actually preferred using the Blessing 2 over it despite the S8 having incredible treble. So it sounds like Monarch could be a better Blessing 2 except for that uncomfortable fit.
Based on the frequency responses, I think the bass would be more similar to the Blessing 2 dusk (which also has a bass shelf focused on the sub-bass region).
Watched a live chat with Crin. He thinks the Clairvoyance tuning is heavily inspired by the Dawn earphone he did with Fearless, which has many similarities to both the Monarch & BS2 Dusk
I managed to get a hold of a clairvoyance right before they sold out. It’s a great earphone. The fit isn’t as good as the S8, but after about 2 weeks my ears got used to it. The mid and low end have what to me the S8 was missing. My only nitpick is driver flex is still an issue
Hey! I really value your opinion, Can you please help me; What closed back headphone do you think I should choose between Meze 99's, beyerdynamic 770's, sennheiser 280 pros, akg 361 or Sivga 006 ? Feel free to recommend any other pair.. I need closed back headphones mainly for playing with a digital piano (Korg sv2 to be precise). I'm wondering if the Sennheisers and beyerdynamic might be "too flat" for my liking and meybe the Meze are more enjoyable than the akg 361 and about the sivga 006, I've heard great things about. What I think I need is good imaging and sound stage. I don't want any smudging of the sounds so high detail.. tho I want the headphones to have a pleasant sound so I can play for long without hurting.. is that contradicting? Idk. Please help. Thank you so much!
Of those, I've only heard the Meze 99 Classics. I think they're OK stock, but with a pad swap they become a lot of fun. Something like AKG K361 is probably a more neutral sound (still with some sub-bass emphasis). The Mezes are pretty bassy.
i hate long straight jacks because they keep ripping the audio output socket of my laptop. these stacking jacks are next level convenience of fast and easy audio port demolition.
please help me.....i'm so close to make my purchase between Moondrop Variations and Thieaudio Monarch......i have 2 issues......since im from Asia....India but not indian watever Asian.....i cant test them out my own 1.Bass.....is the original monarch $730 better than variation? like punch, thumpy and rumble like vibration likewise? and how deep it is comparing from the variation sub-bass.......i have stream so many video of those 2......but idk wats the best in both 2. soundstage how wide it is.....is it better than variations.......like back and front of head.....how tall.....is it better or.....please i hope i can get a specific end game full result and honest one please help me.....im bout to make my purchase soon btw! and is the monarch fast.....i hope the monarch is better....if the soundstage is more clustrophobic i sacrifice for variations i also wana know is it fast.......i know about the mid and treble both iems im fine with those....and where the store for monarch plz tel me💜🙏😢
Mark LINSOUL has just released Monarch Mk 2. Crinacle has rated it as his overall #1 ‘S’ category IEM. The bass has been toned down and the E-stats are different. There are no detailed reviews of it yet on RUclips. Would love to hear your take, maybe v S8.
Compared to the Blessing 2 non-Dusk, would you recommend upgrading to them? I told myself that I wouldn't sink anymore into the IEM rabbit hole after getting the B2 and owning IEMs like the Tin T4 and Etymotic ER2SE, but if I really had to have one more IEM, this seems like the one to get based on all the hype and Crinacle's ranking list. And I'm already completely satisfied with the B2.
@@SuperReview Not off the top of my head. I'm not as much of a fan of bass as I am a neutral presentation. I weighed the differences between the B2 and S8 as well before buying the B2 and still don't know if those are worth getting since I read that the B2 is 90% of the S8 for half the price.
I picked up the S8 recently, and very sadly don't love it. I miss the "crunchy" Blessing 2 treble, and find that the BA bass just doesn't do it for me. The fit is amazing and the positional cues are really interesting, but I'm afraid I'll have to get rid of it for something like the Monarch. I wish I could afford to keep both!
I believe you had the Tin Hifi T4. After the disappointment of the Moondrop Aria for my tastes, I'm nervous now but I was originally looking at these or the Clairvoyance when they were first released. I fear they probably wouldn't suit my tastes though :( I think I'm going to find issues finding a new iem as I didn't expect to like the T4 so much
@@SuperReview thank you for the recommendation. I am looking at chifi for value. For as much as the Etymotics present detail and I love them, I'm looking for something with a wider Soundstage and presence. Considered Blessing Dusks and these Monarchs to be a bit more engaging. But I'm kinda lost on a fun but detailed IEM.
I still have my questions with thieaudio, and the resolution. Not that it's the end all and only thing, but it matters a good amount to me. Not saying they haven't accomplished that at all, but not sure that price is the one I would spring for. Final B3 and moondrop S8 are on my list of potentials tho.
I haven't heard B3, but it looks very interesting. S8 resolution is indeed excellent. I think Monarch does midrange resolution well, treble maybe not as.
@@SuperReview I understand better than you. The iem is well balanced, your problem is your tunning preferences. Then, you can not explain well the tunning. A "rounded" treble is the principal feature that defined a "high end" sound. And is very important how a chinese product has matured the sound. Have you ever heard about chinese treble? Take that into account in your next review please. Regards.
@@SuperReview professional reviews are when you are paid to give a glowing review of a product. Your honesty of opinion shows your lack of professionalism.
I think your description of what you don't like about this IEM very likely sold it to many people. It is a good example of how lower enthusiasm or even a negative review for an IEM can be equally useful. From your description of your preferred sound there is s good chance I'll like what you don't. Its all good.
The problem is $700 And that's why I got Such aOK review You can get a kick ass pair of headphones for that kind of money
I think if I had a headphone and an IEM that sounded identical, I would pay more for the IEM.
@@SuperReview .. Spot on. With most IEMs you can just drive them from an Apple 3.5mm DAC or USB amp.
For headphones you really need a desktop amp/DAC which can often be as expensive as the headphones.
IEMs are simply better value for money.
Iems have changed the game for me. They are the best closed back headphones one can buy. Custom iems changed the game for me again. I have the thieaudio v14 and the monarch both in ciem version and I think I'm set for a long long time
That's a very beautiful IEM. Agree the pair has a punchy presentation, great work like always!!
s8 is amazing. such a nice fit and such a smooth, detailed sound.
Have you tried the Variations?
@@Wingedmagician no. I'd love to but moondrop isn't currently loaning any review samples.
Hello, can I ask what you think about Moondrop S8. Also I havent unboxed S8 yet because do you think should I sell S8 to buy Sony IER-Z1R or not? Thank you
I know monarch has better imaging and separation, but clairvoyance vs Blessing 2, which is better in those aspects?
Got the blon bl03 over tgz t2 galaxy according to your suggestion and I'm loving it😍
I'm using blon upgrade(maybe) spc cable and Final E Series eartips
Seriously, the Blon are just such a good deal... They are amazing considering their price
Good review. I think you should level down your perspective of bass quantity 1 notch. I think it is more accurate to say that the Monarch will satisfy bassheads but it is still not basshead territory.
Its definitely not a silly amount of bass for MOST people. For some, its not quite enough bass (they use a 20ohm impedance adapter to bring out more sub and mid bass).
It seems that your tastes are a neutral sounding bass (slightly under the harmon curve). But a slight bass emphasis is what is MANY prefer. The Monarch never goes above the harmon curve in the bass region. It actually is lacking in the mid bass (reason it sounds slightly thin in the midrange).
In conclusion, if the Monarch has a silly amount of bass then that implies that the harmon curve does too and that many people have problems lol. The problem you have comes from brain burnin (i had it too). I use to listen to the airpod pro for a while and got use to the bass level (neutral). After trying the jbl live 300tws i felt the bass was too much. But after listening with jbl live for a few days i went back to airpods pro and found the bass lacking. Brain burn in.
Brain burn is real, for sure.
Pretty sure Monarch sub-bass is well above Harman target, but I'm no scientist. And agreed on the lean mid-bass. There will always be people who want more bass -- my assumption is that their music just has bad bass :P
@@SuperReview Trust me its not above the harmon curve in the sub bass. You can go to crinacle.com and see (baseline). The ikko oh10 has the same amount of sub bass but more mid bass.
Right, it's all relative to the rest of the frequency spectrum. Curiously, graph Monarch next to Galaxy Buds+ and the bass on Buds+ graphs higher -- but in practice, I'd be surprised if anyone perceives Buds+ as bassier.
FWIW, on my rig + earphones I used, the Monarch bass measures higher 🤷♀️ squig.link/?share=ThieAudio_Monarch,Samsung_Galaxy_Buds_Plus
@@SuperReview wow that’s interesting. That graph matches the clairvoyance more than the monarch. I seen threads where linsoul (and headphones.com) sent people the wrong iem. Because the iem doesn’t have the name on the package. Not saying that you have the wrong one but I wouldn’t be surprised
Well there's video of the IEM I have in this video, does that look like a Monarch or a Clairvoyance to you?
I have the Monarch and agree that it has a very forward punchy presentation and a lot of sub bass, but it doesn't force sub bass where it doesn't belong, it just presents it where it is. IMO, if you're looking for a neutral laid back presentation, this is not the iem for you. But if you're looking for the best bang for your buck for modern electronic music, you won't find better for less than double the price.
I did quite like it with Erasure and Roosevelt 🤙
Better then UM Mest mk1?
So is the Monarch better than the Z1R ?
Good to see some critique of the Monarch. There's a lot of hype out there. Personally I love a good sub-bass, but not to the point of sounding out of place from the rest of the presentation.
Different strokes, I definitely see why people like it.
I returned my S8 after I found it's BA bass to be so lacking that I actually preferred using the Blessing 2 over it despite the S8 having incredible treble.
So it sounds like Monarch could be a better Blessing 2 except for that uncomfortable fit.
I prefer the balance of B2's bass tuning to the Monarch, but Monarch doesn't have some treble issues that B2 does.
Based on the frequency responses, I think the bass would be more similar to the Blessing 2 dusk (which also has a bass shelf focused on the sub-bass region).
It's like Dusk on steroids, IMO.
Watched a live chat with Crin. He thinks the Clairvoyance tuning is heavily inspired by the Dawn earphone he did with Fearless, which has many similarities to both the Monarch & BS2 Dusk
Hello Can I ask, should I sell my Moondrop S8 to get Sony IER-Z1R? (I havent unboxed S8 yet) Thank you
Can you do also Clairvoyance please...😄✌️
If I can get my hands on it.
Iam sure you manage...👍☀️
I managed to get a hold of a clairvoyance right before they sold out. It’s a great earphone. The fit isn’t as good as the S8, but after about 2 weeks my ears got used to it. The mid and low end have what to me the S8 was missing. My only nitpick is driver flex is still an issue
Those iems are straight ass. I returned those overpriced piles of garbage 🗑️. I'll stick to my s8
@super* Review
You have to test out the Thieaudio Oracle... u will still love it! 🙂
Good job - hold on!
Greetings vom Germany.
I would love to.
Nice review! I have a doubt about and this iem cause fatigue on extended listening?
Bass can be a bit overwhelming.
Thank you for the review . Did you happen to hear Clairvoyance in comparison to Monarch ?
I have not.
Ok ,thanx .
One day.
Hey! I really value your opinion, Can you please help me; What closed back headphone do you think I should choose between Meze 99's, beyerdynamic 770's, sennheiser 280 pros, akg 361 or Sivga 006 ? Feel free to recommend any other pair.. I need closed back headphones mainly for playing with a digital piano (Korg sv2 to be precise). I'm wondering if the Sennheisers and beyerdynamic might be "too flat" for my liking and meybe the Meze are more enjoyable than the akg 361 and about the sivga 006, I've heard great things about. What I think I need is good imaging and sound stage. I don't want any smudging of the sounds so high detail.. tho I want the headphones to have a pleasant sound so I can play for long without hurting.. is that contradicting? Idk. Please help. Thank you so much!
Of those, I've only heard the Meze 99 Classics. I think they're OK stock, but with a pad swap they become a lot of fun. Something like AKG K361 is probably a more neutral sound (still with some sub-bass emphasis). The Mezes are pretty bassy.
How does this compare to the Oracle, have you reviewed that one?
I like Oracle better. Oracle is brighter, with better balanced bass (and it fits my ear).
i hate long straight jacks because they keep ripping the audio output socket of my laptop. these stacking jacks are next level convenience of fast and easy audio port demolition.
hey quick question , what is the best mp3 player for under 50$ ? For music only .
I haven't used anything under $50 since the Sansa Clip I bought like 10 years ago. It's still good.
Sir, is this iem suitable for Basshead?
How to compare with Thieaudio L9 in terms of Basa.
9:55
@@SuperReview
Basshead Neutral Iem 😍
This is the first time I hear you without hesitation mention 'Basshead Iem' Sir
Sooo... the Monarch MKII came out recently. Plan on looking at that as well?
We'll see, I'm very interested but it's pricey to buy.
please help me.....i'm so close to make my purchase between Moondrop Variations and Thieaudio Monarch......i have 2 issues......since im from Asia....India but not indian watever Asian.....i cant test them out my own
1.Bass.....is the original monarch $730 better than variation? like punch, thumpy and rumble like vibration likewise? and how deep it is comparing from the variation sub-bass.......i have stream so many video of those 2......but idk wats the best in both
2. soundstage how wide it is.....is it better than variations.......like back and front of head.....how tall.....is it better or.....please
i hope i can get a specific end game full result and honest one please help me.....im bout to make my purchase soon btw! and is the monarch fast.....i hope the monarch is better....if the soundstage is more clustrophobic i sacrifice for variations
i also wana know is it fast.......i know about the mid and treble both iems im fine with those....and where the store for monarch plz tel me💜🙏😢
plz reply bro....and idk where to buy monarch from....which store.....i know moondrop doe.....shek something.....online store......please help
Mark
LINSOUL has just released Monarch Mk 2. Crinacle has rated it as his overall #1 ‘S’ category IEM. The bass has been toned down and the E-stats are different. There are no detailed reviews of it yet on RUclips. Would love to hear your take, maybe v S8.
Yeah, I am very interested to hear it. We'll see.
Compared to the Blessing 2 non-Dusk, would you recommend upgrading to them? I told myself that I wouldn't sink anymore into the IEM rabbit hole after getting the B2 and owning IEMs like the Tin T4 and Etymotic ER2SE, but if I really had to have one more IEM, this seems like the one to get based on all the hype and Crinacle's ranking list.
And I'm already completely satisfied with the B2.
I personally prefer B2 to the Monarch. Anything with the B2 you're not satisfied with?
@@SuperReview Not off the top of my head. I'm not as much of a fan of bass as I am a neutral presentation. I weighed the differences between the B2 and S8 as well before buying the B2 and still don't know if those are worth getting since I read that the B2 is 90% of the S8 for half the price.
I picked up the S8 recently, and very sadly don't love it. I miss the "crunchy" Blessing 2 treble, and find that the BA bass just doesn't do it for me. The fit is amazing and the positional cues are really interesting, but I'm afraid I'll have to get rid of it for something like the Monarch. I wish I could afford to keep both!
Hope the Monarch fits!
Hello, can I ask should I sell my Moondrop S8 to get Sony IER-Z1R? I havent unboxed my Moondrop S8 yet. Thank you
I believe you had the Tin Hifi T4. After the disappointment of the Moondrop Aria for my tastes, I'm nervous now but I was originally looking at these or the Clairvoyance when they were first released.
I fear they probably wouldn't suit my tastes though :(
I think I'm going to find issues finding a new iem as I didn't expect to like the T4 so much
You might like Tanchjim Hana.
Which cable are you using with the s8?
Stock Moondrop cable ✌️
@@SuperReview 😲
Pretty sure that's the cable it comes with.
I have been searching for a pair of iems to be the exact opposite of my ER4 and ER3XRs. They already are wonderful for mids and treble.
Maybe Sennheiser IE 300 / 900.
@@SuperReview thank you for the recommendation. I am looking at chifi for value. For as much as the Etymotics present detail and I love them, I'm looking for something with a wider Soundstage and presence. Considered Blessing Dusks and these Monarchs to be a bit more engaging. But I'm kinda lost on a fun but detailed IEM.
@@John.Christopher any success in your iem journey?
@@MrTurbo87lx ironically enough. I went ahead and got the Etymotic EVO.
@@John.Christopher oh wow coincidentally this was on my prospective list as well. Would you be willing to share your impressions?
Typically I usually end up buying what people deem as silly bass. I tend to find those guys silly.
You've said that the S8 had a soundstage of 180* and the Blessing 2 of 90* ¿How is the Monarch in this respect?
About on par w/ S8 I think, though I didn't compare too close on that.
I still have my questions with thieaudio, and the resolution. Not that it's the end all and only thing, but it matters a good amount to me. Not saying they haven't accomplished that at all, but not sure that price is the one I would spring for. Final B3 and moondrop S8 are on my list of potentials tho.
I haven't heard B3, but it looks very interesting. S8 resolution is indeed excellent. I think Monarch does midrange resolution well, treble maybe not as.
@@SuperReview thanks for the info, yeah I think b3 might be up your alley too, maybe, thanks again!
@@bigjt37 Hello, you tried s8?
The Monarch is Dead. Long Live The MEST IS BEST CROWD :(
I really wanna try MEST 👀 But what do those letters mean 👀
@@SuperReview Mest = Masterful. Electric. Superb. Testament to mankind’s ability go beyond tribred to an evolved 4-bred
WOW
The MEST is the BEST iem!
@@SuperReview M.akes E.verthing S.ound T.errible ?? 😂 jk haven’t heard it....yet.
Do you plan to review the Clairvoyance?
No current plans, but if I get hold of one I will.
Can u do review about maze rai solo
No current plans, sorry.
@@SuperReview thx
I have heard the rai solo. Its not that great at all... It sounds weird tone wise
Awesome review, man.
Thanks Andrew.
You say too much: i don't know.
My final conclusion is: I don't know.
Do you really not understand, or just policing language? Serious question.
@@SuperReview I understand better than you.
The iem is well balanced, your problem is your tunning preferences. Then, you can not explain well the tunning. A "rounded" treble is the principal feature that defined a "high end" sound. And is very important how a chinese product has matured the sound. Have you ever heard about chinese treble?
Take that into account in your next review please.
Regards.
@@dynamic-audio "chinese treble" here we go boys
@@SuperReview This guy cracks me up :)
🤷♀️
There is no such thing as too much subbass.
Famous last words 👀
finally an iem with a look you don't like
LOL.
Wears "Giga Bass" T-shirt cries "too much bass"... I hope you see what you did there
The phrase "Giga Bass" is a Rorschach test.
@@SuperReview Rorschach's tests are based on images, not phrases. Nice try :D
... Maybe some of us like the school project look
It's cool, I like the Porta Pro Robocop look.
Monarch vs blessing 2 dusk
You're basically describing the tuning.. so you don't like the tuning of the monarch. most people will find the tuning amazing
OK.
slap on a nice fat 100ohm resistor and enjoy some real bass....
The people 👏 want 👏 more 👏 bass 👏
Non-professional review!
Elaborate.
@@SuperReview professional reviews are when you are paid to give a glowing review of a product. Your honesty of opinion shows your lack of professionalism.