THIEAUDIO Oracle MKIII

- INTRODUCTION -
Hello friends, today in this review is about the top-of-the-line Oracle MKIII tribrid headphones from Thieaudio, priced at $589.
And I've been asked about these headphones so often in the comments on my YouTube channel and asked to compare them to the Thieaudio Hype 4 headphones that I realized that yes, guys, I definitely need to do that to close all the questions about how they sound, what they are and of course how they perform compared to the Thieaduio Hype 4, which have been in my possession for almost 7 months!
And they come in the usual for Thieaudio rather average-sized box, with a branded design, where on the front part there is a picture of the headphones themselves, the company logo at the top, and just below the name of this model and the configuration of the drivers used in these headphones, and it is also noted that they received the VGP award, which I think this is definitely deserved.

- TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS -
Drivers: 2DD+2BA+2EST
Sensivity: 99dB
Impedance: 13Ω
Frequency Range: 20Hz-44kHz
Plug type: 2.5mm jack/3.5mm jack/4.4mm jack
- LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT'S INCLUDED -
1.Excellent 4-core copper cable with 2-pin connectors and a modular plug system, you can use either a balanced 4.4 mm jack and 2.5 mm jack plug or a regular 3.5 mm jack plug.

2.Branded case.

3.Cleaning cloth.

4.Silicone eartips.

5.Foam tips.

6.IEM.
The headphones are really large, and even larger in size compared to the Thieaudio Hype 4, but like the Hype 4 they are made entirely of black resin, with a very nice and truly unique design on the front panel where the Thieaudio lettering is located, which kind of completes this nice design.

And here is a standard 2-pin connector for connecting the cable, and exactly in the same place as the Hype 4 they have a single hole for compensation protected by a metal mesh, and it performs its function well, so these headphones as well as the Hype 4 have no problems with the vacuum effect and driver flex, in general, for this you can not worry because this hole copes on excellent.




And on the inner part here they have the name of this model Oracle MKIII and is the serial number of the model, and the soundguide they have is identical to the Hype 4, it is made of metal has a diameter of 6 mm, got a clear edge for better fixation of the ear tips and is protected by a metal mesh.

And despite the larger size compared to the Hype 4, these headphones fit in my ears just as well, yes they are more clearly protruding from the ear but the most important thing for me is that there are no problems with the fit, it's still excellent sound isolation and good usability where you do not have any pressure and nothing to bother you, and as you can see they are really bigger in comparison with the Hype 4 but still friends everything else is just as great, I used these headphones with the included cable because it is very good and there is absolutely no sense to change it so it copes with its function perfectly, but you can try different ear cushions but from me I would definitely advise you to choose the ones with a wider opening.
- TUNING AND CONCEPTION -
Now let's talk about how the Thieaudio Oracle MKIII tribrid headphones sound and this is how their frequency response graph looks like, these headphones have a 12dB bass boost with a very neat transition to the lower midrange, and the main emphasis in the upper midrange here clearly matches my target, so to my ears these headphones do not sound harsh or aggressive in this range even when listening to them at a higher volume, which will definitely please many people, and the high frequencies here, as far as I'm concerned, have literally the perfect completion imaginable, as they are very long and do not have any dips, which will definitely please true audiophiles and fans of listening to micro nuances and enjoy super transparent and airy sound in this range, as there is no darkness or tightness here!

- THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKIII vs THIEAUDIO HYPE 4 -

But when comparing the chart of the Oracle MKIII headphones with the chart of the Hype 4 we can notice literally the same clearly observed concept of tuning of these headphones and in fact yes both models are tuned for studio tuning with a very accurate neutral and timbral accurate sound, and in fact friends it is so, the tuning of these headphones in comparison is very similar but the configuration of the drivers of course is different, which definitely gives us a slightly different timbre in the Hype 4 despite the extremely close frequency response of the Hype 4 to the Oracle MKIII, but believe me this does not make the Hype 4 inferior headphones, yes they will have less bass boost, their bass is less dense and warmer in comparison, they have a slightly less clean midrange, and slightly different treble character with less detailed presentation, but guys do not forget that these headphones are cheaper, and it would be strange if the Oracle MKIII would be worse than the Hype 4, so if we talk about upgrading, then yes there is definitely a sense to upgrade, because to my taste still electrostatic driver sounds at high frequencies much more correctly and as if it combines not only exactly the same cool as the Hype 4 technicality and transparency, but it has a special smoothness, and I would say a noticeable sophistication, but I'll be honest friends, as for me the Hype 4 is still very relevant headphones, which in its price category for my taste stand out among other headphones, and Oracle MKIII is already purely serious headphones for mature audiophiles who understand what they want, and they need something that they would take and for a long time, not worrying for the next couple of years that some headphones will be better than Oracle MKIII, and I'm sure that this model will be relevant for a long time, believe me, it's enough that the Hype 4 have been my main headphones to this day, and that's saying a lot, well now let's better understand the sound of Thieaudio Oracle MKIII in more detail, I'm sure you're all interested.

- LOW FREQUENCIES -
The bass in these headphones immediately lets us know that you're looking at a serious tribrid, tuned for massive yet super controlled bass delivery. And it's not just accentuated bass, it's literally a full-bodied foundation that can literally be physically felt, even at moderate volume. The sub-bass in these headphones goes very deep, with a clearly perceptible physical pressure, creating the effect of a kind of light acoustic vibration in the body of the headphones and in the space around thanks to the Impact 2 technology. And such bass is not just audible, but it is literally felt and fills everything from bottom to top, giving the soundstage support and solidity.
And compared to the Thieaudio Hype 4, the bass is even more powerful, more fundamental, and cleaner and more transparent. Every punch feels tight, weighty, with precise shape and body, and there's no hint of any loose or smudgy character. Instead, what we get here is a very clear attack, quick response, and instantaneous decay.
Bass sounds not like some kind of smeared hum, but like a series of ultra-precise, controlled percussive pulses, each filled with microdetails, so you can easily pick up some residual aftertouch and very detailed textures.
And the speed of the bass really deserves a special mention, as it can be said that it is literally lightning fast, and at the same time does not lose weight, even in some overloaded rhythmic parts, with fast percussion or super complex electronic structure, where Oracle MKIII perfectly retain the focus and dynamics, so fans of listening to fast techno, drum & bass will be satisfied.
And the texture of the bass here is at a very high level, each sound is perceived as multi-layered, with a natural transition between attack, main phase and decay. Whereas in most headphones the bass just kicks in, here it literally opens up, breathes, lives. And this creates an incredibly realistic and rich perception for you, especially noticeable on live recordings, in jazz, and in soundtracks and electronic music, where bass parts play not only rhythmic, but also have their own special atmospheric role.
And please note that with all this hyper scale, bass in Oracle MKIII stays strictly in its zone, not interfering with the middle and not drowning out other frequency ranges. That is, it works as a dense foundation, confident, monolithic, but not overly aggressive, thanks to competent integration with the rest of the range, due to which it sounds very natural and balanced, preserving musicality even in the most bass-rich tracks.
And as a result, the bass in the Thieaudio Oracle MKIII is a combination of depth, weight, speed and resolution. It's the kind of bass that you don't just hear, you literally feel with your whole body. It will indeed be more powerful than the Hype 4, but it will also be more precise, cleaner and faster. And it's the kind of bass that properly emphasizes the maturity and level of tuning of these headphones, making them sound big and alive without losing their technicality and control.
- MID FREQUENCIES -
The midrange in the Thieaudio Oracle MKIII is an example of how to achieve the perfect balance between neutrality, technical precision and musicality without the slightest hint of artificiality or tension in the listening experience, as it sounds exceptionally neat and even, without the slightest aggression, brightness or harshness, but without ever sounding sluggish or stiff.
This is the case when the middle doesn't impose its presence on you, but as soon as something important appears in it - vocals, guitar, live instruments - it opens up with amazing depth and richness.
And the sound in this range remains neutral in its most positive and mature form. It is not colored, does not go into some hyper sterility, and in perception it is just naturally balanced. Instruments sound bodily, with the right volume and realistic so to speak forms.
There is no feeling that something somewhere there is protruding or emphasized on purpose, on the contrary, the presentation here is very solid and extremely convincing.
Guitars are rendered with excellent texture, the wooden bodies of the instruments can be heard somewhere in the depths, and each barely light stroke of the strings or the texture of the bow is conveyed with a subtle, barely perceptible refinement.
And especially worth noting are the vocals, as they sound incredibly transparent, rich and emotional in these headphones. In female vocals, you can hear a clear airiness, microdynamics, and a sense of breathing.
And in the male, volume, chest resonance, and a lively presence. And all this without the slightest coloration or exaggeration. The voices, unlike other headphones, are not too much forward, but I would say organically integrated into the scene, as if you are really in the same room with the performer.
At the same time, I would like to note that vocals do not sink somewhere in the background, as they sound quite rich and expressive, thanks to the high resolution and literally amazing transparency in this range.
And the transients here are just like in the case of the Hype 4, very fast, collected, with excellent attack. The Oracle MKIII do a very good job of bringing you both the beginning and the end of a sound, whether it's a piano beat or a slight accent in a vocal phrase.
Everything sounds precise, with the right dynamic response, without any blurring or excessive analog softness.
But at the same time, guys, I would like to point out that there is no sharpness, no excessive emphasizing of unnecessary details, but high speed and control, organically integrated into this natural and very natural sound presentation that I like.
And as a result, the midrange in Thieaudio Oracle MKIII is literally the benchmark of true neutrality, and smoothness it's not pushy, it's not intrusive, but it has super high resolution, excellent speed, and a terrific sense of presence.
This is the middle that you want to listen to for a long time, because it does not bore you, but very carefully engages you, revealing music with very correct emotion, texture and respect for the original material, because after all, the tuning of these headphones is really studio, do not forget about it.
- HIGH FREQUENCIES -
And here we come to the most interesting part of these headphones, namely the treble and in Oracle MKIII it is a real benchmark of precision, resolution and smooth refinement. Yes guys, I'm not kidding, but they sound crystal clear, without the slightest hint of any graininess at all, and with outstanding detail, which is presented not as some dry stream of microdynamics at you, but as a living, and organic breath of music. And I'm not kidding guys, you can really feel the high technical level of the drivers themselves, but even more filigree tuning, thanks to which the high frequencies here are not just informative, but sound really musical, airy and accurate, that is exactly as I like.
Thanks to this every overtone, every cymbal ringing, every slight rustle in the background, the after-sound at the ends of phrases - everything is drawn very clearly, but never crosses the boundary of any excessive sharpness. Oracle MKIII manages to preserve high-frequency technicality, control and transparency, without slipping into aggression or clinical coldness, unlike really light and bright headphones. I mean, I can tell you guys that the sound does not pierce your ear in any way, but rather creates a sense of open space and air in the composition. This is especially noticeable in orchestral and acoustic music, where complex overtones and spatial nuances are transmitted in these headphones with impeccable accuracy.
And compared to the Hype 4, the treble in the Oracle MKIII is really a step up in all key respects. They're more natural, with less emphasis on artificial brilliance, and with a more cohesive delivery of sound. Where Hype 4 can over-emphasize the attack of cymbals, for example, Oracle MKIII reveals the structure of the sound itself, you can hear not only the beginning, but even how it develops, how it disperses in space, creating for you a sense of realistic background reverberation. And this is especially valuable when listening to live recordings or high-quality studio material, where the very authenticity of sound and all the after-sounds is important.
Well and airiness here, it is not just some formality, but a full effect of openness in the soundstage. High frequencies are not just present here, but they very properly give the whole composition the necessary depth, as if to open the sound, and create the impression of expanded vertical space. Due to what all music in these headphones as if rises above your head, enveloping you, but not crushing. And it's this quality that allows the Oracle MKIII to sound light, effortless, and at the same time so deep and engaging that you'll want to listen to them.
And as a result, the treble in the Thieaudio Oracle MKIII is a combination of stunning detail, absolute clarity and airiness with a surprisingly mature, musical character. They're more precise, natural and refined than in the Hype 4, yet lack any pressure on your hearing. This is the kind of treble that doesn't just bring out detail, but brings out the full emotional and spatial volume of a recording, adding more breadth, openness and depth to the sound.
- SOUND STAGE -
And, of course, the soundstage in the Thieaudio Oracle MKIII is literally a true demonstration of mastery in creating a wide and layered acoustic picture. Because it's incredibly large, it feels very spacious, yet it doesn't lose focus on detail or blur.
All sounds unfold in space with amazing detail and depth, and every element of the composition takes its place, clearly and very distinguishable.And the first thing that immediately catches your eye is how precisely the plans and layers are separated in these headphones. Vocals, instruments and even some background sounds are very well localized, and there is definitely no mixing of sounds into one pile.
The foreground with vocals or lead instruments always stays in the foreground clearly audible with great texture and expressiveness, while some more distant elements, such as backing vocals or secondary instruments, are heard, but they are unnecessarily unobtrusive, i.e. they are just in their places in the third or fourth plan as they should be competently blended into the mix.
And I also like how when listening to these headphones you can feel how the sounds go somewhere deep, and how the space between all the instruments is filled with an insane amount of air. And in orchestral recordings, or in really really complex compositions where you need to accurately distinguish distance or sound level, these headphones allow you to emphasize every layer, from bass that sounds deep, to light and airy accents in the very ultra upper register.
And it makes you feel like you're in a large room, or even a hall, where each sound has its own position and doesn't interfere with the other.
And another feature of the Oracle MKIII soundstage is its openness, even though these headphones do not have open design, but when listening to them there is definitely no feeling that something is cramped or limited.
As the space is perceived as very free and airy, with enough distance between the elements to make each sound sound separate, but at the same time maintaining the unity of the whole composition.
This is especially noticeable in live recordings, where the stage starts to literally unfold in front of you, creating the effect of being inside it.
And as a result, the soundstage in Thieaudio Oracle MKIII is an insanely outstanding projection of scale, separation and depth.
It allows the listener to literally immerse themselves in the music, experiencing all of its layering, dynamism, and versatility.
This is the stage where every sound has its own place and space to breathe, and you feel yourself in the center of a huge, alive and very musical world.
MY CONCLUSION OF THIS HEADPHONES!

And my conclusion is that the Thieaudio ORACLE MKIII is truly one of the best tribrid headphones I've had the pleasure to experience, after listening to them, I am left with a clear feeling of the most competent approach to tuning and completeness in sound.
And what is especially impressive is their versatility. ORACLE MKIII perfectly cope with absolutely any kind of music be it heavy instrumental, metal, rock,electronics, hip hop or just vocal. And I can tell you that even bassheads will surely be satisfied, as the bass of these headphones here is truly powerful, punchy and deep and textured, and yet they remain fast and clear, without any effect of overload in the sound. The midrange here is insanely transparent and neutral, with excellent detail and without the slightest aggression that allows vocals and instruments to sound as natural and vivid as possible.
And the high frequencies are literally the best completion that could be imagined they are clean, airy and super detailed, but at the same time not bright and not tedious, and literally perfectly balancing on the edge of top technicality and smooth musicality.
And as for this headphones that not just impress you from the first minutes, but literally charge you with crazy energy and continue to surprise you after a week, and after a month and probably even after a year of listening.
So if you're looking for a balanced, mature and truly versatile sound right now, ORACLE MKIII are definitely worth your attention, and for me, I recommend these headphones to everyone, they will be my main reference headphones now!
Buy THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKIII on Linsoul Official Website: https://www.linsoul.com/products/thieaudio-oracle-mkiii
Buy THIEAUDIO HYPE 4 on Linsoul Official Website: https://www.linsoul.com/products/thieaudio-hype-4

Thieaudio Oracle MKIII

2x DD, 2x BA, 2x EST
RRP: $589



Introduction

Thieaudio are a brand I’ve been well aware of for quite a while, they have a loyal fanbase and highly regarded in the community. I’ve been curious on and off about various releases, but for some reason never actually took the plunge – I had tried a couple of sets at various meet ups over the last few years, but only ever a fleeting listen and not enough to make a reliable judgement. The recent launch and subsequent very high praise for Valhalla grabbed my attention, in part as I’m quite partial to an all BA set, and I’m an absolute sucker for titanium! As it happens, Linsoul reached out recently and invited me to review the Oracle MKIII which felt like a good opportunity to properly assess my first Thieaudio.

I would like to thank Lili from Linsoul for the opportunity, and note of course that all thoughts expressed are mine with no influence or indeed payment from the brand!

Oracle MKIII is available directly from Thieaudio HERE or Linsoul HERE

About Me

I worked in the consumer electronics industry for a large part of my career and have been passionate about music and technology for as long as I can remember. Even as a small child, I would ask my mum to put records on the turntable (Abba, Supertramp, and Planxty if anyone is curious).

My music preferences are very varied—anything from classical to techno, indie rock to jazz, and everything in between. In my early teens, I was a big fan of bands like The Cure and The Smiths (still am all these years later). I was bitten by the dance music bug in the early 90s, becoming passionate about genres like techno, house, trance, and IDM. I amassed a huge collection of records and CDs, DJing at various parties and occasional pirate radio station slots. Although it remained a hobby, I still own thousands of records, and my trusty Technics 1210 turntables are still going strong 30 years later—a testament to Japanese engineering!

I am not a professional reviewer, just an enthusiast who loves music and the devices we use to listen to it. Over the last few years, I have become obsessed with IEMs and related gear. I've bought and sold many, and kept a select few—ranging from the $20 Moondrop Chu to kilobuck sets like the Aroma Jewel, Oriolus' infamous 'Traillii,' UM Mentor, and various beloved single DDs. Through this exploration, I like to share my thoughts with the Head-Fi community, hoping they might be useful to others. However, remember that this is a highly subjective hobby, and your mileage may vary.

While I've been fortunate to own and try a variety of the TOTL sets on the market, I honestly enjoy lower-priced sets as much - especially as the gap continues to close, many much cheaper sets now offering significant value and further driving diminishing returns.

I’ll admit I do suffer from happy ears—rarely do I find an IEM that I genuinely dislike. At this stage, there are very few truly "bad" IEMs; it all comes down to individual preferences. Since I listen to such a wide variety of genres, I almost always find synergy with some part of my library. Where I tend to deduct marks is in areas like value for money, poor accessories, or an uncomfortable fit—things that can detract from the overall experience.



About Thieaudio

From a nameless group of DIY enthusiasts to one of the best acclaimed IEM brands in the world, THIEAUDIO has made an incredible journey in the pursuit of high-fidelity audio. THIEAUDIO has become a staple brand in audiophile communities around the world, beloved for its best-in-class tunings, superb technical performances, and budget-friendly pricing. From the start, the THIEAUDIO team has put audio quality at the forefront of each project, aiming to be the Robin Hood of the audio world by bringing the best sounding audio solutions at the most affordable prices. Since its launch in 2019, THIEAUDIO’s legacy of in-ear monitors has forever changed the world of IEM’s, influencing how global manufacturers of earphones engineer their products. THIEAUDIO’s international team of few, but dedicated engineers from China and South Korea are committed to continuing this legacy by creating innovative, yet affordable, audio solutions that will leave you in awe.

Specifications:

• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 44kHz
• Sensitivity: 99dB (±1dB) @1kHz
• Crossover: Four-Way
• Driver: Two Ultra-High Frequency Drivers, One High Frequency Driver, One Mid Frequency Driver, Two Low Frequency Drivers
• Cable Connectors: 2-pin 0.78mm
• Cable Termination: Modular Termination with 2.5mm, 3.5mm, 4.4mm Interchangeable plugs

Unboxing

The Oracle MKIII arrives in a nice branded box – I like to see key details on the outside such as the drivers marked clearly on the front, plus good to see a VGP Award too.



When the outer sleeve is removed, there is a plain back interior that opens out and you are quickly greeted with the contents.



Nothing fancy or elaborate in terms of the unboxing experience, but still feels of decent quality. The box is probably a touch large considering the size and amount of contents, they could probably reduce this down somewhat and improve carbon footprint.





Accessories

First off, I’m delighted to see a cleaning cloth included – not enough brands do this in my experience, and I always love to have a cloth nearby to keep the shells nice and shiny, or give the screen of my DAP a quick clean – as noted in previous reviews, I am a bit OCD in this regard so a supplied cloth is always welcomed, one can never have too many…



Aside from that incredibly important cloth, you get a selection of silicon tips in S/M/L, and a set of foam again in S/M/L. I’ve seen much better selections with other sets at this level but to be fair, how many actually use the included tips?



The case is quite big, and certainly too large for the average pocket. I’m not sure why brands make cases this large as you can’t fit anything else other than spare tips and a cleaning cloth… I did try to squeeze in my Hiby R3 MKII but couldn’t quite get it to close along with Oracle MKIII – a shame as that would have been handy for the office etc.

Cable

The cable has a bit of weight to it and finished with a nice relatively soft rubber texture. It has what I would consider a ‘normal’ level of microphonics – nothing excessive, I’ve gone on many walks over the last couple of weeks with Oracle MKIII and wasn’t bothered by cable feedback.



The modular system is very straightforward and while it doesn’t have a locking mechanism, the connection is very sturdy and I haven’t had an unintended disconnections. Along with the standard 3.5mm and 4.4mm, you also get a 2.5mm which is interesting to see.





The cable terminates to 2-pin.



Design and Fit

The shells are reasonably large and I imagine made from a resin, probably 3D printed, I can’t see any reference to this in the specifications. They are relatively light and feature smooth edges that sit very comfortably in my ears.



There is a slight recess to receive the 2-pin connectors, something I always hope to see and find many brands neglect, instead having a flat 2-pin socket… so bravo to Thieaudio to this small but important aspect! Along with the included cloth, we are on a roll…



There is of course a vent on the shells which means no dreaded pressure build.

Listening Impressions

Its funny the various first impressions that can occur when you plug in a new set for the first time – that moment where you ponder what track to choose first, and indeed what source if like many of us in the hobby, there are a few options to reach for. It can be anything from ‘hmm’ to ‘very nice’, to ‘wow’ – the ‘hmm’ isn’t always a bad sign, it can be simply that my head hasn’t quite deciphered what I do or don’t like, or maybe a bit of brain-burn needed having come from a very different set. Anyway, in the case of Oracle MKIII, it was clearly a ‘very nice’ – this is a set that I found immediately engaging and captivating, featuring a smooth and natural sound with a nice touch of warmth. I’ve worked my way through countless ‘shelves’ of my library over the last few weeks and there has been excellent synergy with any genre I try.

The driver configuration in Oracle MKIII has become a very popular mix, albeit in various different counts of each driver. In this case, we have 2x DDs, 2x BAs, and 2x EST.

Low Frequency

Thieaudio describe the implementation of their ‘IMPACT2’ subwoofer system via the two dynamic drivers, leveraging an isobaric design which enhances sub-bass performance with improved efficiency, while reducing any distortion. I’m a sub-bass guy, not that I don’t appreciate a nice mid-bass slam, but when choosing one or the other, I will mostly choose a deep sub-bass rumble… and surprise surprise, that is exactly what is delivered here… BUT, you do also get an excellent amount of mid-bass too – I have found this is often the case with 2x DD implementations, allowing both areas to really shine. The combination of both certainly inject the overall tuning with a sense of warmth and weight, but yet not to the detriment of speed and clarity. While maybe not at bass-head levels for the most die-hard of this bunch, I would be surprised if most aren’t more than satisfied here.

Midrange

Thieaudio mention how they retain the monitor style tuning here, with an emphasis on neutral mids that deliver a clear and detailed presentation – again, probably a tuning preference for me for the most part, especially in a set that sits more as an all-rounder. As noted, the bass does set a foundation of warmth in the overall tuning, yet the mids still maintain a mostly neutral profile with excellent levels of detail and imaging. Upper mids stay within a very safe zone, I can’t see this region being a problem for anyone. Listening to ‘Orlando in Love’ by Japanese Breakfast, a track that features on their latest album, and I find the vocals are sat perfectly central, maybe slightly forward but not obviously so – there is a good sense of weight and realism.

High Frequency

I’ve read comments that the MKII iteration of Oracle could get a bit spicy in this region, and it became an area for Thieaudio to address in the MKIII. I’m not particularly treble sensitive, and can’t comment on the MKII having not heard them, but certainly no issues for me over the last few weeks with MKIII – I haven’t had a single moment with any track, from any genre where I picked up anything remotely harsh or shrill. There is excellent extension in this region, with a nice sparkle and captivating sense of stage dispersion. There is certainly a treble focus, in a similar way to the low frequencies, giving an overall somewhat u-shaped signature to the overall tuning. As always though, this can be an area of risk for some and many factors ultimately dictate the outcome – source, choice of music, tips, ear anatomy, age… etc!

Technical

I wouldn’t consider Oracle MKIII to be a set that focuses on technical precision, overall I find the emphasis to be on musical engagement. That said, certainly no slouch either, offering an impressively wide stage, excellent imaging with clear instrument placement and detail. The overall presentation has a excellent sense of coherency, with nothing sounding out of place. The clarity in the mids also ensures that there is never any congestion or harshness.



Comparison

FIIO FH19 (dual DD, 6x BA - $599)



The FH19 is another excellent set and the most immediate difference I hear when I switch is a more energetic signature, everything feels like it steps forward and even the treble sounds more lively, I think due to the smooth/visceral sensation from the ESTs in the Oracle. The stage feels smaller in FH19, technical performance otherwise quite close, but I’d give the edge to Thieaudio. The mids sound more pronounced on the FH19, I think largely due to more extension in the upper mids which are quite noticeable with female vocals in particular. Broadly, switching between the two sets the most apparent macro difference is a smoother overall profile for Oracle, versus a more energetic and lively or ‘fun’ tuning on the FIIO.

The FH19 shells are slightly smaller and a bit heavier, but I’d say comfort levels overall on par. That said, I do have reasonably large ear canals and can generally tolerate large shells – unless they have longer nozzles, which can be a problem. FH19 comes with a far greater array of accessories, with numerous tips and various other bits and pieces such as cleaning brush, cable clip to name a few – FIIO of course well known for their generous selection of accessories.

DUNU DK3001BD (1x DD, 4x BA, 4x Planar - $499)



This was one of my favourite sets from 2024, and unfortunately been neglected so far in 2025 due to lack of time to revisit sets that aren’t in the review queue.

Similarly to the previous comparison, the first and most obvious difference I note with Braindance is a step up in energy, but in this case also a step up in overall detail – the energy in FH19 goes in a more lively and fun direction, whereas here we switch to more analytical. At first sounding slightly sterile in comparison, but once my brain settles in I can’t help but be wowed all overall again by the technical performance on offer here… and indeed when switching back, Oracle MKIII at first sounds a bit veiled in comparison, the drop in detail precision is immediately obvious, but with a couple of minutes I’m again captivated by the sense of smoothness, cohesiveness and overall musicality.

Again, the range of accessories on offer with the DUNU are on another level - DUNU in the same way as FIIO always known to bundle a huge selection of accessories.

Side note, definitely need to spend time with the Braindance again soon...

Conclusion

My first proper exploration into the world of Thieaudio through the Oracle MKIII has been very rewarding, and certainly highlighted why Thieaudio is such a popular brand in the community. This set captivates with its smooth, cohesive tuning, excellent bass, clear mids, good EST visceral sparkle, and a natural warmth that is equally suited for a wide variety of genres. Combined with thoughtful design elements and impressive comfort, the Oracle MKIII strikes an excellent balance between technical competence and sheer musical enjoyment.

I would like to thank Lili from Linsoul again for the opportunity, delighted to have finally dipped my toe into the world of Thieaudio.

Summary
The Thie Audio Oracle mk3 is the latest addition to Thie Audio’s popular “Oracle” series. This is a tribrid iem with 2DD+2BA+2EST driver configuration priced at 589$. The Oracle mk3 has a mild U shape sound signature with clear and well extended upper mids and highs similar to the original Oracle and adds a more bolder bass response inspired by their “Hype” series. Technical sound is good when compared to similarly priced iems, it sees a slight improvement over the original “Oracle”. Other than sound, the build quality, design, fit and comfort is good. Packaging and accessories are decent.



Intro
Hey Guys, whats up….
Today I am checking out the Oracle mk3 from Thie Audio. This is a fairly recent release from Thie Audio and also a new addition to their popular line, Oracle. The Oracle mk3 is a tribrid iem with 2DD+2BA+2EST driver configuration, priced at 589$. So is it any good? Lets discuss…

About the brand:
First, let’s get to know the brand, Thie Audio is a very popular iem manufacturer in the ChiFi audio world. They are well known for providing high end tech and high quality sound at a more reasonable price. They started back in 2019 as a nameless group of DIY enthusiasts, now they are operated by expert audio engineers based out of China and South Korea. I have previously used many Thie Audio iems but never ended up reviewing any, so this is my first Thie Audio review. I am planning also to post a review for the Hype 4 and Hype 2. Anyways, lets get back to the Oracle mk3 starting with specs.

Disclaimer: this unit was purchased with my own money at its retail price. Please note that this review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion. I strive for transparency in all my reviews, whether the product is self-purchased, a free sample, loaned or received at a discount.



Specs
> Frequency Response: 20Hz - 44kHz
> Sensitivity: 99dB (±1dB) @1kHz
> Crossover: Four-Way
> Driver: Two Ultra-High Frequency Drivers, One High Frequency Driver, One Mid Frequency Driver, Two Low Frequency Drivers
> Cable Connectors: 2-pin 0.78mm
> Cable Termination: Modular Termination with 2.5mm,3.5mm,4.4mm Interchangeable plugs
= PRICE: 589$

Packaging
Continuing on to the packaging section, this comes in a classic Thie Audio box similar to their other sets, only difference is the outer sleeve. Nevertheless box design and quality is decent but I expect a bit more originality here. Inside the box, you will find the iems beautifully set in the foam and beside that is the carrying case. Inside the carrying case, you will find 2sets of tips, a cleaning cloth, modular terminations and a velcro cable tie. This comes with a set of silicone and a set of memory foam eartips, The included cable is quite nice. I will get into more detail about the accessories below. List of box contents:
-Oracle Mk3
-Cable
-Modular Terminations
-Eartips
-Cleaning Cloth
-Carrying Case


Build and Design
Moving on to the build and design of the Oracle mk3, it is pretty good. The Oracle mk3 shells are made of high quality resin with a metal nozzle. The faceplate design is gorgeous, as you would expect from Thie Audio. This faceplate design has a unique blend of blue, green and a bit of yellow creating a very distinctive and tasteful pattern. Other than faceplate the resin shell is black in color and the metal nozzle is silver. The shells are on the larger side and they have nice weight to them. Fingerprints and scratches were not an issue in my use case. The 2pin connector is recessed type. The shells are vented. The nozzle has standard length but is wider than average.

Fit and Comfort
Talking about fit and comfort of the Oracle mk3, it is fine. This fits nice and snug in my above average sized ears, and is decently comfortable for loner listening sessions. If you have smaller ears this might not be very comfortable if you have smaller ears. Stability is pretty good, breathability is average to below average. Isolation is quite good. All in all I find it decently comfortable for daily use.



Inner Structure and Tech
Let’s look at whats inside the Oracle mk3. Thie Audio has gone for a tribrid set up with two dynamic driver, two balanced armature driver and two electrostatic driver configuration, (2DD+2BA+2EST). The bass is handled by the two dynamic drivers are arranged in an isobaric configuration which Thie Audio is calling Impact 2. Among the 2 balanced armatures, one is for the mids and one is for the highs. The two electrostatic drivers are for the ultra highs. Thie Audio has also implemented 4 cross overs and 3 sound tubes in the Oracle mk3.

Accessories

Cable
Cables are a very important aspect pect of any iem no matter the price, thus I always try to cover it in detail. Thie Audio has been making some good cables for a while now and the Oracle’s is no stranger. Looks wise this a brownish finish with black connectors and Y split. I think this goes quite nicely with the iems’ color way. Build wise I am guessing this uses silver plated copper wires in a 4core braid. The braiding is nice and tight. The cable has a overall standard thickness.The connectors’ casing and the Y split are made of metal. The chin singe is properly functional. The cable terminations are modular and with 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations. The is minimal memory and almost no audible micro phonics. All in all this is a pretty good stock cable.



Please note: Listening impressions are highly subjective and can differ depending on different ear shape, individual music library, choice of source, eartips, cable and personal preferences, so your experience may differ. I personally always use and test all my gear in various setups to get a generalized idea on it. You can find my “tested with” info below.

Now most importantly sound, Thie Audio has implemented a balanced to mild U shape sound signature inspired by the original Oracle. The Oracle mk3 introduces a bit more warmth in the overall tonality but still maintaining the clarity factor the original Oracle. All in all I find this to have clean and natural sound with good detail and technical performance. Lets get into a bit more detail.



Bass
Let's delve into the bass performance of the Oracle mk3. Thie Audio has gone for a more stronger bass presence compared to the original Oracle, inspired by the recent Hype series. Unlike the Hype series Oracle has more emphasis on the sub bass region. Midbass although not as forward, provides a strong and tasteful slam. Both the sub bass and mid bass together has a sub woofer like physicality without getting blotted or muddy. Speed is controlled, a bit slower than neutral. Body and layering is executed well. Decay and reverberation is fine. Bass note separation is decent.

Mids
Moving on to the midrange, the Oracle mk3 takes a clean and clear approach with some extra shimmer in the upper mids. Oracle mk3’s midrange is similar to the original Oracle but is a bit more toned down and slightly warmer. Transition from the mid bass to the lower mids is quite clean with minimal warmth. Male vocals and female vocals are clean and clear, female vocals have a extra crispness because of the forward upper mids. Instruments, similar to the vocals are also clean. There was no major sibilance or harshness issue, but if you are treble sensitive, the upper mids might be bothersome. Personally I quite like the natural and clean presentation, specially coming from the Hype 4.

Treble
Proceeding on to the treble section, Thie Audio has opted for an energetic bright-ish type tuning for the Oracle mk3, and I can say it's executed quite well. In short the Oracle mk3’s treble is refined, well-extended, and it flows nicely with the frequency range. Details are crisp without being too in your face. It is easy to spot intricate nuances. Higher treble is more extended compared to the mid treble region. While there is no significant harshness or sibilance issues, treble sensitive listeners will find it bothersome. The speed is standard, Personally, I find this tuning quite enjoyable with my library. The airy presentation enhances the sense of space in the soundstage.

Technical Sound:
Soundstage of the Oracle mk3 is quite good, wider than average. All three plains are decent, this has pretty good width but the height could be better. Stage depth is good. Layering is fine.
Imaging is pretty good. It is quite easy to pin point instruments in the soundstage.
Sound separation and layering is good
Cohesiveness is good
Resolution is good
Dynamics are standard
Timbre is standard

Tested With
Source: cayin n3 ultra, cayin ru7, questyle m15, tempotec v3, ifi go blu, apple type c dongle
Eartips: stock, Final E Black, Final E Clear, Soinfit w1, Azla Crystals, JVC Spiral Dots, Divinus velvet
Cable: stock
Music: Tested with versatile genre of music

So far I have checked out quite a few iems in this price range and I would like to compare the Oracle mk3 with some of them. Unfortunately I do not have any hybrid set at hand above 600$, so I will be only be comparing with sets similar and below its price. I will not only go over sound, but rather the entire thing.

Thie Audio Hype 2
The Thie Audio Hype 2 was a popular release a couple months back. The Hype 2 is a hybrid iem with 2DD+2BA driver configuration, priced at 300$. I did purchase the Hype 2 but never ended up reviewing it, I am planning to do so as I will also be posting the Hype 4 review soon. Although the Hype 2 and Oracle mk3 are priced quite different, I find them similar in many ways, which is why I decided to throw in a comparison. Comparing the packaging, they have the same packaging except the outer sleeve. Build and design is also same, except the faceplate. Fit and comfort is also same, maybe the oracle mk3 shell is very slightly bigger. Accessories are almost same, the Oracle mk3 cable is better. The differences mainly lay in the tech, driver configuration and sound. The Hype 2 has more stronger V shape sound with more emphasis on the bass region, where as Oracle mk3 has a mild U shape sound with mainly sub bass emphasis and clear mids and highs. Technical sound wise Oracle mk3 is significantly superior.



Dita Project M
The Dita Project M is a unique hybrid iem with a minimalistic hybrid set up of 1DD+1BA driver. The Project M is priced at 329$. I have previously checked out and review the Project M and it is still one of my favs under 400$, which is why I am comparing it even though this and the Oracle mk3 is quite different. Starting off the comparison, packaging is better on the Project M because of its more original design. Build and design is quite close, but I pick the Project M over the Oracle. Fit and comfort is a tie. Accessories are a bit better in the Project M. But as you may guess, Oracle mk3 steals the show when it comes to sound. The Project M has a balanced bright type sound whereas the Oracle is more warm U shape sound. Project M’s bass is quite lean, with more forward midd and brighter and sharper treble. On the other hand Oracle has better bass presence specially the sub bass, mids are more natural and treble is more well rounded and well finished. In terms of technical sound, Oracle mk3 is superior.



Elysian Pilgrim
The Elysian Pilgrim is a very popular hybrid iem in the sub 400$ price range. This is also Elysian’s first entry into the more budget segment. The Pilgrim consists of a 4 driver set up with 1DD+3BA drivers, priced at 400$. . Starting off the comparison, packaging wise Pilgrim is better. Build and design, although subjective, I prefer the Pilgrim. Fit and comfort is better on the Oracle mk3. Accessories are a tie. Sound wise, the Pilgrim has a balanced bright type sound with well controlled and tight bass, natural and clean mids and analytical treble. Overall the Pilgrim focuses more on the extension and quality of upper frequencies similar to Elysian’s other sets. Oracle mk3, on the other hand has a similar but more well rounded and warmer sound signature, with refined yet well extended upper frequencies, clean and natural mids and much better and bolder bass.



Thie Audio Hype 4
The Thie Audio Hype 4 is a very popular hybrid iem priced at 400$. This consists of 2DD+4BA driver configuration. This is also the sequel to the Hype 2. This has been in my collection for a while now and I plan to upload a review on it soon. Personally I find the Hype 4 similar to the Oracle mk3 in many ways, but still there are some distinction mainly in the sound section. Starting with packaging, its basically the same except the outer sleeve. Build and design is the same except the colorway and faceplate, fit and comfort is also the same. Accessories are the same, except that the Oracle mk3 comes with a modular cable. The differences mainly lay in the tech, driver configuration and sound. In terms of sound, the Hype 4 is more V shape with more emphasis in the lows with stronger and bolder bass and brighter treble conpared to the Oracle. Whereas the Oracle has more balanced U shape type sound with mainly sub bass boost, cleaner mids and more well rounded and well finished treble. Overall technical sound wise Oracle mk3 is slightly superior.



So to conclude the review, do I recommend this set and who is this for?
Yes, I do recommend this set. If you are looking for a high quality balanced to mild U shape sound with good technical performance, this is a solid option at the sub 500$ to 600$ price point. Personally I quite liked this set and enjoyed my time with it. I think both general consumers and more experienced audiophiles will enjoy this set.




I hope, I was able to provide some idea about this product and help you make a purchase decision.
Big props to Thie Audio for such a good all rounder set.
And huge thanks to you all for sticking around, see yall in the next one.