Thieaudio Origin VS Eminent Ears Emarald
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Thieaudio Origin and Eminent Ears Emarald use 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC and 1DD+2BA+1BC driver setups respectively. Thieaudio Origin costs $849 while Eminent Ears Emarald costs $829. Thieaudio Origin is $20 more expensive. Both score 7.9 from reviewers. Thieaudio Origin has better bass with a 0.8-point edge, Eminent Ears Emarald has slightly better mids with a 0.3-point edge, Eminent Ears Emarald has significantly better treble with a 1.1-point edge and Thieaudio Origin has significantly better dynamics with a 1.1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Thieaudio Origin | Eminent Ears Emarald |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 9 | 8.3 |
| Mids | 8 | 8.3 |
| Treble | 6.5 | 7.6 |
| Details | 7.9 | 7.8 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 7.8 |
| Imaging | 7.9 | 7.8 |
| Dynamics | 9 | 7.9 |
| Tonality | 8.1 | 8.3 |
| Technicalities | 7 | 7.8 |
Thieaudio Origin Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.9Strongly Favorable
Eminent Ears Emarald Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Thieaudio Origin reviewed by Web Search
8.5
Reviewer Score
The Thieaudio Origin delivers a bass-forward signature with a substantial 12dB sub-bass boost that provides visceral rumble and slam, particularly effective for electronic or hip-hop genres. Despite this emphasis, the neutral midrange avoids bloat, preserving vocal clarity and instrument separation, while the electrostatic drivers contribute a smooth, airy treble free from harshness or sibilance. Its technical performance is strong, offering a wide, holographic stage and precise imaging, though micro-detail retrieval falls slightly short of some competitors in its price tier.
Comfort is divisive due to the large shells, which may cause fatigue or fit issues for those with smaller ears, necessitating careful tip selection for optimal seal. The package includes a high-quality modular cable with swappable terminations (3.5mm/4.4mm) and a distinctive round Alcantara case, though the included ear tips may not suit all users.
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Eminent Ears Emarald reviewed by Web Search
7.9
Reviewer Score
The Eminent Ears Emerald is positioned as the most accessible model in the brand’s Gemstone series, designed by a small Hong Kong team of enthusiasts as a more attainable entry into their line-up. It uses a tribrid configuration with 1 dynamic driver, 2 balanced armatures and 1 bone conduction driver, an 8Ω impedance and 106 dB/mW sensitivity, making it relatively easy to drive from portable sources. The semi-transparent shells, deep-fit ergonomics and stock Vortex copper-silver cable with 4.4 mm termination are aimed at long-term comfort and stable contact for the bone-conduction element.
Sonically, Emerald follows a neutral-with-bass-boost approach: bass is deep and weighty, with the bone conduction driver adding tactile presence that enhances immersion in live recordings and rhythm-heavy material. Despite the emphasis on low frequencies, the midrange remains forward and clear, giving vocals a slightly bright, energetic presentation that suits pop and vocal-centric music. Treble is tuned on the smoother side: extension and air are adequate rather than spectacular, prioritising fatigue-free listening over maximum sparkle and micro-detail.
Technical performance is solid for its segment: soundstage has above-average width with convincing center focus, and imaging is precise enough to separate instruments and backing vocals, though ultimate resolution and treble refinement lag behind top-tier tribrids at higher prices. At an asking price around the mid-to-upper hundreds, Emerald offers a comfort-focused, warm and engaging tuning with competent technicalities rather than chasing absolute resolution, making it a good fit for listeners who value bass impact and vocal presence over analytical treble detail. In value terms it sits as a well-executed, musically oriented option in the higher price bracket, but not a price-to-performance outlier when compared with more aggressive competitors around and below the same budget.
Thieaudio Origin (more reviews)
Thieaudio Origin reviewed by Z-Reviews
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Thieaudio Origin goes full mad-science: 1DD + 4BA + 2EST + bone conductor (eight drivers per side), big shells, hefty stock cable, and a tuning built around a ~12 dB sub-bass shelf. Fit can be a touch chunky, but foam tips (think Render) lock in seal and turn the low end from “more bass somewhere” into deep, anchored slam; silicone leaves it a bit loose. Accessories are barebones—swap plugs, tips, case—and that’s it. No fancy gifts, just a box of sound.
Sonically it’s a deconstructed presentation: instead of one smooth ribbon like a single DD, the Origin spreads the band across space—drivers carving out their lanes so instruments pop up here… then there… then over there. It’s not “mushy blend,” it’s forcible separation that can feel museum-exhibit surreal: treble details flit around (hello ESTs) while bass feels omnipresent and room-filling. It doesn’t really scale with amps; neutral DAC/amps to pricier rigs all keep roughly the same character. What can change the tonality is cable impedance—at 9 Ω and high sensitivity, cheap/high-resistance wires can skew things, so stick with a stout low-impedance lead.
Gripes? The cable is thick, custom faceplates up the bill, and the package isn’t exactly a Santa sack. But for $850, the payoff is a unique, spacious, “pulled-apart” soundstage that turns playlists into set pieces. Not for purists chasing one-driver cohesion; absolutely for listeners who crave clarity, staging theatrics, and tactile bass. Final word: a solid 9/10 on sound and swagger—price keeps it off the throne, excitement keeps it in the cart.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Origin reviewed by Jays Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Thieaudio Origin takes the “Meta” idea and dials it toward a fuller, bass-forward presentation without losing control. The bone conduction driver is not a gimmick—low notes carry palpable vibration and reverb while staying tight with clean layering and no mid bleed. Vocals sit naturally—neither shouty nor buried—though this isn’t a vocal-focused set (reach for RS5 if that’s the priority). Versus Oracle Mk II, the Origin trades some cleanliness for deeper tactility and weight, making bass textures feel more alive.
The top end is airy and extended on smooth Sonion ESTs, cutting through the warmth to balance the tuning. Most tracks are fine, but snare- and cymbal-heavy songs at higher volumes can push the treble into fatiguing territory (e.g., around 3:30 in Hikaru Utada’s “Time”). It’s generally controlled at moderate levels; just note that treble energy scales and can turn sharp when cranked.
In A/Bs, the Origin’s bass texture outclasses sets like Mega 5 EST, offering more detail, impact, and less boom. Against TITAN, Origin’s reverb and low-end “shake” edge it out while avoiding the Titan’s 5 kHz peak—though Titan still feels more exciting with livelier vocals. Versus all-rounders Monarch Mk II and Hype 10, those remain cleaner with better mids/layering but can’t match Origin’s sheer bass depth. The wildcard is BAJIE: stock, Origin wins; with EQ, BAJIE’s bigger 14.2 mm driver slams harder, while Origin stays the more balanced, tactile choice. Net: for a premium, fun, bass-centric daily driver under a grand, Origin sets a new reference—unless maximum slam with EQ is the goal.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Origin reviewed by Jaytiss
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Thieaudio Origin brings a wild driver stack—1 DD + 4 BA + 2 EST + 1 bone conductor—inside a massive yet surprisingly comfortable shell. Build feels premium: striking faceplate, visible bone-conductor puck, proper nozzle lip, and a thicker cable than usual from the brand. The hockey-puck case is a nice touch, and for about $100 more there’s custom artwork available, making the unboxing and ownership experience feel a bit more special.
Sonically, this one swings for impact. Bass hits clean, strong, and fun, with upper mids that come across pristine. The trade-off: a hotter mid/treble band (around the 4–10 kHz region, with a notable 6 kHz glare) that can push cymbals and strings into an unnatural territory. Resolution and imaging don’t always keep pace for the price; stage is big and enveloping, but fine detail and separation can blur, making it a specialist that thrills on bass-centric tracks yet feels less convincing on metal or complex orchestral pieces.
Against its siblings, Origin sits like a more fun, bass-forward take compared with HYPE 4/10, but with a treble execution that’s less refined. Versus Oracle MK3, the latter’s ESTs sound crisper and cleaner; versus Monarch MKIII, that model’s tasteful 5–8 kHz dip lends better resolution. If pure detail is the target, sets like HiSenior Mega5 Bass or the Subtonic Annihilator may prove more satisfying. As a whole, Origin is a unique, bass-thrilled experience with excellent fit, huge space, and customization perks—great for those chasing visceral low-end and a cinematic stage, less ideal for listeners prioritizing treble finesse and microdetail at this tier.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Origin reviewed by
Fresh Reviews
7*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming
Score
Youtube Video Summary
Thieaudio Origin steps into the high end with a hybrid array—1DD + 4BA + 2EST + bone conduction—that pushes a richly textured, holographic presentation. The soundstage is wide and deep, imaging snaps into place, and the resolution clears the bar set by mid-tier sets. Most striking is the low-end: sub-bass digs deep with palpable rumble and impact yet avoids flooding the mix, leaving mids clean, detailed, and lifelike, and the treble airy with convincing cymbal sheen. At $850, the overall technical polish and bass quality feel appropriately premium—better than some kilobuck options.
For competitive gaming, the tuning translates across titles with ease. In Valorant, staging, separation, and distance cues deliver an A experience; occasional low-end bloom can introduce slight over/under flicks on sudden off-screen shots, but not often enough to dent performance. In Apex Legends, verticality and imaging impress (A-): during chaotic third/fourth-party fights, some lighter movement cues (slides, climbs) could cut through a bit more. In Warzone, depth and impact enhance immersion without masking key information, keeping imaging and separation strong. Tip rolling helps: foam trims bass and brightens; silicone restores slam.
Build and ergonomics match the sonic ambition: a galactic faceplate, sturdy 2-pin cable with swappable terminations, and a chassis that’s larger than average yet comfortable for long sessions (minor fatigue around the 6-hour mark). The nozzle is wide but short with a solid lip for secure tips. Overall, this is a fun yet precise set that excels in music and earns a high mark on a “wall-hack certified” style tier list for shooters—driven by standout bass, convincing staging, and top-tier separation.
Fresh Reviews original ranking
Fresh Reviews Youtube ChannelThieaudio Origin reviewed by Tim Tuned
7
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Origin reviewed by Super* Review
6*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
At $850, Thieaudio Origin positions itself as an unapologetic bass icon with a complex driver stack (1DD/4BA/2EST plus bone conduction). Build and accessories are a mixed bag: the large, chunky shells will be too big for many ears, and the semi-transparent, pattern-heavy faceplates feel a bit generic. The thick stock cable suits the heft but the swappable plug mechanism is long, doesn’t lock, and often detaches at the adapter rather than the jack—an unnecessary annoyance. Fit is the major caveat; for smaller ears, contact is mostly at the tip, which compromises comfort and seal consistency.
Sonically, Origin is unmistakably bass-forward—well beyond Harman—with a warm, thick low end that initially reads as overbearing and soft on definition. With time, that bass takes on a distinctive, “ooey-gooey” atmospheric quality that sits under the mix rather than congesting it, enabling a surprisingly grand, spacious presentation. Above the lows, the tuning is “new-meta” adjacent: neutral-ish mids, balanced upper-treble, and a touch of mid-treble bite that sharpens transients and adds contrast. The trade-off is occasional edginess/sibilance on certain vocals, but guitars and percussion benefit from extra snap. Live recordings in particular gain scale and drama.
Against the Mega 5 EST Bass+ (cheaper, similarly boosted), Origin offers better separation and more engaging transients, while the Mega feels sludgier and less distinct—though also less edgy. Overall, Origin is a unique bass experience that prioritizes mood and scale over textbook bass tightness. The combination of fit challenges, polarizing low-end quality, and treble bite tempers enthusiasm, settling at a three-star (out of five) verdict—compelling for bass lovers seeking something different, but not a universal recommendation.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelThieaudio Origin reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Eminent Ears Emarald (more reviews)
Eminent Ears Emarald reviewed by Joyce's Review
8
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Eminent Ears Emerald delivers a bone conduction implementation that prioritizes control and balance over sheer bass quantity, with a sub bass focused shelf that feels deep and satisfying yet avoids mid bass bloat or muddiness. Bass notes hit tight and punchy with fast decay and excellent elasticity, contributing to a relatively wide soundstage and clean separation from the midrange, while the overall tonality remains more even handed than the typical bass head bone conduction tuning. The lower mids are slightly attenuated, but an upper mid emphasis around the vocal region keeps singers upfront and intimate without sounding shouty, creating a vocal centered yet balanced presentation that works across many genres.
The midrange is a clear highlight, offering polished and slightly bright but natural vocals that have full body, strong verticality, and a three dimensional feel, avoiding any sense of hollowness. Instruments in the midrange are rendered with clean layering, a touch of creaminess to strings, and convincing timbral richness, allowing them to blend coherently while still maintaining realistic separation. Treble has been refined compared with earlier prototypes, now sounding smooth, transparent, and articulate with respectable extension and an airy character that keeps sibilance in check while still adding sparkle and openness to the stage.
Technically, Emerald offers solid resolution, a relatively wide stage, and clear separation, though ultra fine spatial detail and ultimate air still favor the more expensive Audio Origin comparison partner. Compared with that more V shaped, bass heavier set, Emerald comes across as more balanced, vocal focused, and genre flexible, making it an appealing gateway into bone conduction for listeners who usually prefer neutral leaning tunings but want to sample this driver technology. At around 600 USD, the combination of controlled low end, natural and detailed vocals, and well integrated treble justifies a solid 8 out of 10 rating within its price class, especially for listeners who prioritize vocal clarity and balance over sheer slam.
Joyce's Review original ranking
Joyce's Review Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Origin Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost, Basshead
Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $849
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Eminent Ears Emarald Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+1BC
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Price (Msrp): $829
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Thieaudio Origin User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Eminent Ears Emarald User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Thieaudio Origin Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7Gaming Grade
A-Eminent Ears Emarald Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.9Gaming Grade
B+Thieaudio Origin Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Tuning feels refined, blending frequencies with convincing realism and engagement. Transitions between registers feel effortless.
Average Technical Grade
A-- The presentation feels orderly, balancing workable detail retrieval with acceptable imaging cues. It keeps momentum without smearing transients.
Eminent Ears Emarald Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Tuning feels refined, blending frequencies with convincing realism and engagement. Transitions between registers feel effortless.
Average Technical Grade
A- It delivers a confident technical showing with defined layers and satisfying clarity. You can follow backing vocals with relative ease.
Thieaudio Origin User Reviews
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