Got a chance to audition these again, and with all honesty, I still didn't like The Monarch MK2. IDK Monarch MK2 has got a following in my country, many friends appreciate the set nicely, and with all due respect I respect their opinion. But I have given the IEM a good two to three auditions(each about 1-2 hours) and I just couldn't connect with it.
First off the things that I like about the Monarch MK2:-
>Sub-bass, it's so clean and precise. Rumbles beautifully.
>Tonally it does many things nicely, feels natural and lively.
>Resolution, clarity.
>inoffensive treble.
>Soundstage is spacious, I mean really spacious. I can hear different instruments all placed around me.
Now on to the things that I don't like:-
>Mid-bass, okay I got good sub-bass but I want my mid-bass to be a little punchy.
>I find vocals to be on the leaner side. Mainly talking about female vocals here, Like Yao Si Ting, Gloria Gaynor, etc. I want that heaviness, that lushness in vocals that is missing here. TBH this is the sole deal breaker for me here. I have tried tip-rolling, and different sources, but nothing helped me.
Some pairs that I love(around this price point, below, and above too):-
>Senn IE600(Misses the stage of Monarch MK2).
>UM MEXT(Again I miss the stage of Monarch MK2, but its baassssssss is thrilling. I just love the boom boom here).
>Anole VX(Insane details, a little lean too but details make me crave for this).
>OG CA Solaris(a little sibilance is there but the stereo setup I prefer).
the list will be long but I guess these four are good to leave an impression hehe.
Again, no offenses meant for anyone, If you like these I appreciate that and respect your opinion, and if you don't I high-five you hehe. Let's end the short rant with another beautiful image.