Seeking recommendation for next upgrade from Monarch MKIII for <$1k used

[Shrapnel7247]

Hi, I'm currently using a Thieaudio Monarch MKIII as my daily (with an iBasso DX340).
I'm in the US, have $1k in my pocket that I'm itching to use for an upgrade.
What would you recommend as an all rounder that might be an upgrade to the Monarch MKIII? I'm especially interest in any high end that can be head for less then $1k (or not too much more) on the used market.
I like soundstage, a good bass (but am not a basshead), and am a little sensitive to high pitch noises.
What can you recommend?

Here are a few on my list to research:
64 Audio U12t
Unique Melody MEST mkII
DUNU Glacier
Symphonium Crimson
Thieaudio Prestige LTD

 

[dunring]

First stop is comparing frequency response charts for those to yours to see whether you want more or less of. I've had lots of high end stuff and above $400 it's really down to out of the box tuning. You could narrow down the list easy based on peaks you don't want like a sharp treble climb or jumbo bass boost. Dunu S&S tips can enhance the soundstage easily, but the shell design really determines that at a glance (how big or small it is, and if it's vented).

 

[aranhap]

Hi, I'm currently using a Thieaudio Monarch MKIII as my daily (with an iBasso DX340).
I'm in the US, have $1k in my pocket that I'm itching to use for an upgrade.
What would you recommend as an all rounder that might be an upgrade to the Monarch MKIII? I'm especially interest in any high end that can be head for less then $1k (or not too much more) on the used market.
I like soundstage, a good bass (but am not a basshead), and am a little sensitive to high pitch noises.
What can you recommend?

Here are a few on my list to research:
64 Audio U12t
Unique Melody MEST mkII
DUNU Glacier
Symphonium Crimson
Thieaudio Prestige LTD

I only tried the u12t from the list
And I did like it ( significantly ) more than the Mmk3, mostly the treble seemed way more tamed

Crimson does appear to have some peaks in the treble region, also I believe Resolve mentions this in his review, so might not be the best idea

but tbh I’d recommend trying the dusk dsp
It sounds really good for 1/3 of the mmk3

 

[Mofankri]

Although I'm not fond of monarch mk3, but I think there will be no huge upgrade in the price range. But for the criteria you mentioned, I think several IEM in mind

Supernova have more musical and calming sound reproduction
Origin have better detail and dynamic sound retrieval
Softears turiiti more musical and detail of twilight, but personally I prefer the twilight. The sound in twilight is more balanced overall while maintaining the awesome 3d imaging and calming yet fun sound. Turii ti won in more natural sound representation, in twilight I think the vocal reproduction sometimes a tad bit unnatural that you can feel something in your weird sinus nassal cavity

 

[Shrapnel7247]

Although I'm not fond of monarch mk3, but I think there will be no huge upgrade in the price range. But for the criteria you mentioned, I think several IEM in mind

Supernova have more musical and calming sound reproduction
Origin have better detail and dynamic sound retrieval
Softears turiiti more musical and detail of twilight, but personally I prefer the twilight. The sound in twilight is more balanced overall while maintaining the awesome 3d imaging and calming yet fun sound. Turii ti won in more natural sound representation, in twilight I think the vocal reproduction sometimes a tad bit unnatural that you can feel something in your weird sinus nassal cavity

Related to: "but I think there will be no huge upgrade in the price range."
What if I were to go up to 2K, anything you would recommend that would be an upgrade?
Thank you for all the recommendations. I will look into them.

 

[aranhap]

Related to: "but I think there will be no huge upgrade in the price range."
What if I were to go up to 2K, anything you would recommend that would be an upgrade?
Thank you for all the recommendations. I will look into them.

I replaced my mmk3 for the Diva ( hard to find now )

But I guess the Elysian apostle would be a good iem under 2k
Haven’t tried but the comments I heard were super positive

But more money doesn’t mean better sound
Heavily depends on what tuning ( features ) you like…