Thieaudio Hype 2

Literally Hype Train with 3 Coaches​

The ThieAudio Hype series is the newest and mid-budget-centric IEM series that is mainly focused on producing the fun signature. Their new Impact 2 technology is in the use with each contender of the hype line. Right now there are three IEMs in the line, Hype 2 which comes at $299, Hype 4 which comes at $399 and the top end variant Hype 10 which comes at $799.

History Class​

When it comes to ThieAudio, the first thing that comes to my mind is “Mature Tuning”. Be it Monarch MKII or Oracle, most of the ThieAudio IEMs are known to be very audiophile-pleasing rather than mass-appealing. The ThieAudio we knew was always about refinement in tuning and producing music as perfectly as it could. But it seems that ThieAudio is venturing into the fun side of the hobby. The Monarch MKII is the symbol of this change.

You might also like​

Thieaudio Hype 4 Review – Worth the Hype​

Simgot EA500LM Review: Pietro’s Take​

Penon Quattro Review – Magic of Vocals​

Technical Specifications​

Hype 2 follows the same philosophy while producing the sound. Hype means Hybrid+Performance. It consists of a subwoofer which produces the bass range, slams and attacks are the result of this inclusion. Impact 2 is made out of 2 10mm dynamic drivers in isobaric configuration. Other than that there are Sonion 2356 BA drivers for the rest of the extensions & Sonion E25ST for upper treble refinement.

Power Requirement​

ThieAudio Hype 2 is a very power-hungry set. It requires more than 120mw of current and 4Vrms of output to sound good. Underpowering them would result in gloomy and unrefined technical abilities. Make sure to power it with juicy amps. Dacs although doesn’t seem to make that big of a difference.

Disclaimer​

This unit is provided to me by TheAudioStore. They haven’t influenced or asked me to write anything good or bad about the review. Take a look at ThieAudio Hype 2 on their website.

I reviewd this IEM with Divinus Velvet Tips, and I don’t think it changes the sound drasticlly from sillicone tip rolling. Although lower bores might help treble sensitive people out there. But Divinus fits amazingly in my ears with this IEM.

THE WOW FACTOR​

The wow factor of this IEM is the soundstage. The soundstage is very expansive and covers almost 360 degree of your head with not much of a squeeze between left and right. There is space between you and the instruments, so much so that everything including vocals sound out of the head.

THE DESIRE​

The most desiring thing about this IEM was its midrange tonality. Not that is very overshadowed or lack in textural detail but it sure doesn’t have the thickness and fullness I search in all of my audio products. Although it is understandable if you focus on bass and treble the mids will likely take a backseat.

Graph Analysis (Reference IEF2023 Adjusted)​

20hz – 150hz​

This range is elevated very generously giving the whole bass region a huge boost. At the 20hz it is a >10db elevation whereas in the 40-50hz range, it is ever so slightly elevated even more. It contributes to the whole analogue nature of the bass region. The fall of the bass is very beautiful and gradual. It does actually feel like a separate subwoofer playing on your ears. After the 80Khz it normalizes and at 150hz it takes a slight dip in the lower mids.

Of course, ThieAudio is targeting Harman tuning here. And it is just up to you if you like this or not. Personally, I feel it is very generous and at the same time, it doesn’t overdo the bass making it a head-hurting machine.

150khz – 1khz​

There is a dip in the range of 150-500hz. This contributes to a lean vocal. Not that the vocals feel subdued but it lacks the lower end connection that I like. Male vocals suffer from this, especially those who have lean vocals, to begin with. Other than this range 500-1000khz is very adequate to fit my taste, and it contributes to constructing missing thickness in female vocals since they occupy a higher register.

This range could’ve been EQed and the problem would have been solved to a great extent but out of the box, this recession in the lower half is very noticeable and felt to be desired. And coming from that humongous bass elevation, it feels more so.

Ear-gain Region​

The most interesting part of this region is 1khz – 3khz. The sudden elevation and then rapid recession is the reason for making soundstages bigger than they actually are, more like an illusion. And I am glad to say they have done their job pretty good. Then the plateau at 3khz-5khz is pretty flat and this flatness gives it a rich tone that doesn’t feel honky. I am a fan of this plateau, and I have no complaints whatsoever with this region.

6khz-10Khz​

In this range, the only peak that I can see is in the 8K range. I would’ve ignored this peak due to the resonance frequency of the coupler but this test has been done on the 5128 Coupler so there is very little doubt to have. What it contributes is nothing much but you can get an elevated feeling in a few “S” Sounds.

Overall this range is very good, but to nitpick, I would’ve liked a more even graph here. There is an expected 9khz dip and the rest of the frequency range is very well extended. Keep in mind that this range is the most altered/varied from person to person.

>10khz​

This range is superbly extended and there is loads and loads of air to give the listener. The electrostatic driver made its presence noticeable very confidently.

There is a sudden peak at the 16khz area, companies are often likely to boost this range because of the psychoacoustics of the sound and it helps nonetheless. So if you know what ThieAudio is doing, you could feel that extra emphasis on the psychoacoustics of the resolution.

Overall the treble on this IEM is great and there is nothing to complain about at this price point and the dip in the 10khz-16khz is a great way to present an inoffensive sound.

Objective Tuning Analysis​

Bass​

The Bass of this IEM is very deep and authoritative. It feels like there is a separate subwoofer for this section only (which is true in a sense but so does Blessing 3). The Subbass region is elevated and it gives loads of power to offer to the sound. Subbass has physicality and authority if tracks are asking for it.

The transition from the sub-bass to mid-bass is flawless, there is a gradual roll of the bass into the mids. but there is a little bit of dip which doesn’t let any warmth enter the midrange.

The bass is very analogue-like, where the fall-off and attack is very organic doesn’t feel rushed. The decay is very organic too, which gives a lot of time to retain authority.

Mids​

The mids are as you can expect from a Harman-inspired tuning. They are not neutral so naturally, it take a backseat giving bass and treble priority. It starts thin in the male vocals but picks up the pace in the female counterparts.

Although the mids are recessed but they are well extended due to the treble region, Texture might not be up to the mark but resolution is good.

Treble​

Disclaimer – I love treble, so much so that I find treble smooth where others feel sibilant. For me, treble of this IEM is again good. The lower treble is not peaky anywhere and the upper treble is extended with a hint of resolution enhancement elevation in the 8khz range.

There are loads and loads of air to offer at the end of the spectrum. Making is superbly spacious and extended.

The treble didn’t feel a bit uneven or peaky. The tuning here is very well done and brings joy to listen to instruments that require higher registers.

Subjective Review​

Soundstage​

The soundstage of this IEM is very good. It is not very good at layering or pinpointing instruments at every depth of the stage but the expansion of the stage is very enormous.

It scratches 360 degrees in both axes giving a very equal soundstage around your head. You can feel a little bit of stretching left to right but that might be just the recording itself.

I can confidently say that this is one of the most spacious-sounding IEM I ever used. Along with Yanin Alladin. So much so, that it pushes intimate sounds further than the skull. It might not be optimal for emotional sessions but it sure is hell lot of fun.

Imaging​

The imaging capabilities of this IEM is above average. From panning to localization can be done effortlessly, although pin-point accuracy is still not possible.

The stereo imaging/separation is very well done too. The switching is fast and accurate.

Resolution​

The resolution of this IEM is satisfactory for this price point. It won’t blow you off with it’s resolution capabilities nor it will feel low res.

I noticed that this IEM produces resolution according to the frequency range. Mids are not as resolving as treble. And bass too is not as resolving.

Details are there in the audio, nuances can be heard but it is not effortless. Micro details and micro-contrasts won’t jump out to you to give you a hyper-detailed feeling.

Genre Compatibility ​

Few genres match with this IEM a lot

HipHop​

The sub-bass takes care of every track. The recessed mids are not a problem in this genre. The treble is extended enough to make every track exciting as well as detailed. Although, the main highlight is the bass itself. It’s so authoritative and huge that it makes my head bang. The proportion between sub-bass and midbass is so good that it takes tracks to a new level.

ALBUMS

Ek tha Raja – Baadsah

KARAM – KSHMR

Lunch Break – Seedhe Maut

Rock/Alternative​

The Guitar tonality especially in this genre shines. The bass region is grunty enough to give it the heft. You can always feel the presence of sub-bass if there is any in the track. Mids are not getting in the way of stealing any enjoyment. Treble is very good in extension to give tracks airiness which I always look for in an IEM. The resolution is on point. Imaging is again on point.

ALBUMS

Remember That You Will Die – Polyphia

Currents – Tame Impala

Prottasha – Miles

Pop​

This Genre matches with this set a lot. The bass is as always the main focus here. It steals the show and takes the limelight. The mids are adequate and the treble is resolving too. I find this genre a great fit with this IEM. And it makes me enjoy this genre which I don’t listen too much. I am confident to say that, all thanks go to the isobaric configuration of the dynamic drivers.

ALBUMS

Voice Notes – Charlie Puth

Sub Rock – John Mayer

The Mathematics – Ed Sheeran

Besides these few, artists like D Punk who create digital music sound excellent. (Yes I know D Punk does everything in analogue, I am referring to this genre in general and albums like “Random Access Memories”).

Conclusion​

This IEM is made for fun and you shouldn’t try to make it work like a tool. This sound is for pure enjoyment purposes, thus I haven’t discussed the timber characteristics of this IEM. I can only recommend this IEM to people who prefer Soundstage, Imaging, Bass and Treble in exchange for Neutrality, Timber and texture. This is also a great IEM for watching films.

Pros​

• Bass
• Soundstage
• Imaging
• Treble Extension

Cons​

• Midrange Tonality
• Textural Information

Comparison with AFUL Performer 8​

• Bass is leaps and bounds better in HYPE 2
• Midrange overall is a bit better on Performer 8
• The treble extension is similar
• The soundstage is way bigger than Performer 8
• Imaging Capabilities are equal if not better than Performer 8
• Resolution is better in Performer 8
• Hype 2 is a much more fun IEM
• Performer 8 is a very reference grade IEM

Cable​

The cable is very good both aesthetically and in hand. There is a bit of memory although it helps sometimes, but no microphonics whatsoever. The cable looks beautiful and it is well-made. Splitters and connectors feel premium to touch and handle.

NON AFFILIATED LINK​

Buy ThieAudio Hype 2 in India – TheAudioStore

Packaging

To me packaging...I don't really care for it, it comes in a basic brown box or some fancy box. To me I like accessories and of course the iem itself. Don't we all.

Unboxing experience overall is good lol


Here are some photos of the box, case and iem itself



The cable & faceplate of the iem is gorgeous, the craftsmanship here is extremely nice. I'm a sucker for eye popping IEMs and these will suit anyone who loves a gorgeous IEM



Sound
These imo are simply amazing sounding iems to my ears. Balanced, open sounding and fatigue Free

Bass
The bass here is very good, this iem has a proper bass shelf and you'll really feel and hear when the sun starts subbin. The texture here is fantastic and has that type of bass where it just spreads & blends with any music you listen to. Yeah it's that good and for 300 bucks It's great if you're a basshead

Mids
Mids are clear, transparent and vocals sound really good. Both male & female vocals have nice heft & weight to them, simply put they sound full. Timbre here is great, everything sounds correct.

Treble
Treble to my ears is tuned to sound like an EST. You're probably asking What does this even mean but lemme try & explain. EST drivers usually sound very clear, snappy extend well. This kind of has that slightly brightish clearly type of treble.

Hard to explain Ik lol but overall the treble is tuned quite nice although I don't think it's as good compared the bass & mids.

Isolation
Isolation is top notch. Although keep in mind it'll pick up the wind pretty easily if we'll it's windy and you have shallow tips

𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒆𝑨𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒐 𝑯𝒚𝒑𝒆 2 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: 𝑷𝒐𝒔𝒕-𝒉𝒚𝒑𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔


|| 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 ||

ThieAudio is one of the most recognizable brands in the Chi-Fi market. With well-received products such as their Monarch and Legend series of IEMs. They are now starting a new series of IEMs with the focus on the amount of drivers packed inside with their first iteration being the Hype 2.



The Hype 2 is priced at around $300 dollars which is the cheapest of the Hype series. It competes with the likes of big names such as the Blessing 3 , AFUL Performer 8, and my personal favorite, the Yanyin Canon II. Packed with 2DD+2BA, the

Hype 2 is definitely no slouch in the quantity department but will that help it win over this price range?


|| 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 ||

I am in no way, shape, or form affiliated with the brands I review and do not give out preview privileges.

This set is sent in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for me to do this review and I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.

My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.

I don’t do rankings or tier lists as they can get outdated immediately as a reviewer can change their thoughts of a product to a certain extent. If you do want a recommendation then feel free to reach out so I can help out


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𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 THIEAUDIO 𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆.
𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 Linsoul Audio 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝘀. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁. 𝗜 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀.

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| 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗨𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 |

It comes with a huge box that I honestly feel is quite redundant. It is a bit too large for an IEM really but it does give off a nice unboxing experience. The front of the packaging has the image of IEM with all the information one needs about the device and some of the manufacturer’s information.




Sliding off the cover and opening the flap reveals the IEMs in full glory with the cable attached along with the included case holding all of the accessories. All of which are encased in foam to protect it during shipping.

𝗜𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻:
Paperwork
Hype 2 Drivers
4-core Litz 5N OCC Silver Plated Cable(3.5mm)
Hard-shell case
White normal-bore eartips(S/M/L)
Foam eartips (S/M/L)
Microfiber cloth

A decent set of accessories for the Hype 2. The case certainly isn’t pocketable but it sure can fit all of the included accessories, the IEM with the cable attached and even a dongle or two if you so desire. Adding to that is the inclusion of a microfiber cloth is very nice considering the Hype 2 is made out of resin that is quite a fingerprint magnet. It seems like the cable included is the one they sell as their EST cable mark I priced at around $69 which is added value I guess.


| 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 & 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 |

The Hype 2 as a whole is made out of resin that feels nice and sturdy in the hand. It comes in 2 color variants that have differing faceplates that being the Indigo and Zicao which is the one we have in for a review. I actually like the Zicao more than the Indigo as it looks more unique and stands out more.



It adopts a pseudo-custom fit with grooves and fins to help sit in your ear better. A rather big vent is located on the front side of the IEM. It has a metal nozzle with a lip to make ear tips stay in place but the nozzle itself seems to be quite chunky compared to others I’ve tried. It has the 2-pin connection on the top area of the IEM and is flush with the whole body.



The faceplate is where both of the color variants differ. The Zicao one has this striking pink and violet glitter pattern that reminds of flowers with a ThieAudio branding on the bottom part of the faceplate.

ThieAudio is packed with a 2DD+2BA setup. They are boasting that they are utilizing the latest Sonion Drivers which are
very well regarded in the industry.


| 𝗜𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 |

Because of the pseudo-custom fit, it isolates very nicely. It drowns out noise very well and can pass off as your passive noise-canceling set in a pinch.


| 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 |

Occlusion effect seems to be average on this one but the main issue pertaining to comfort is the thick nozzle. After some time using it, it does feel tiring in the ear and made me want to remove them to take a breather on several occasions.

** 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗭𝘂 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗮𝗶 𝗪𝗶𝗱𝗲(𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹), 𝗭𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝟭 (𝗘𝗦𝗦) | 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗘𝗮𝗿 𝗕𝗧𝗘-𝟮𝟮𝟮 | 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 (𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴) | **

| 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 |

Even with the multiple drivers packed into the Hype 2, I never had an issue powering these even with the Apple Dongle but I really prefer the sound of this when pushing more volume



|| 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 ||

The Hype 2 doesn’t strike me as anything specific that most people in this hobby specify IEMs as. I find these pretty
balanced to the point that it is kind off boring. There is nothing the sticks out but it is most definitely a safer kind of tuning

| 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘀 |

The bass of the tends to lean more on the midbass compared to the sub bass but only by a slight margin. Midbass hits are forward and do give off good hits and impacts that feel full, while the subbass is in the background, while present, it doesn’t take center stage as much but provide ample rumble support.


| 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝘀 |

Mids sound great. Vocals sound full, rich and quite forward. Female vocals seem to be more present than their male counterparts but they do sound a tad bit more harsher hence more instances of hearing sibilance. Instruments sound great. Cymbals sound especially full and not splashy like things like the KiwiEars Quintet. Timbre is quite natural even with the presence of balanced armatures.


| 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘀 |

Details are okay. The Hype 2 isn’t as revealing like the Quintet but it does its fair share of credit for detail. Highs isn’t the most forward in the Hype 2 so harshness is more than bearable. Extension is also not up to par with the likes of the Quintet or the Canon II. Because of this clear downside, the Hype 2 doesn’t provide much in terms of sparkle in the treble.


| 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 |

Although the sense of staging is quite cramped, imaging, layering and separation is good. I can easily identify sources even in the busiest part of songs with ease. It never was congested. This is great for all things entertainment from movies to all types of games.


|| 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 ||

I often found myself comparing it to the cheaper KiwiEars Quintet and the Yanyin Canon II for around the same price. In terms of treble and technical ability, get the Quintet. In terms of energy and bass quality, grab the Canon II. However, if you can’t fit in either of those boxes and aren't quite sure of what to get, then I can recommend the Hype 2.



Nothing sticks out for the Hype 2 in my opinion. It is basically a jack of all trades, master of none type of set that I can recommend safely. Although if you are after that spice, then I recommend looking at somewhere else.

[| 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 |]

https://www.linsoul.com/products/thieaudio-hype-2...

(𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀. 𝗜 𝗱𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗼𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝗽𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀)