ThieAudio Hype 2 and Kiwi Ears Aether are in-ear monitors. ThieAudio Hype 2 costs $299 while Kiwi Ears Aether costs $170. ThieAudio Hype 2 is $129 more expensive. Kiwi Ears Aether holds a clear 0.6-point edge in reviewer scores (6.2 vs 6.8). ThieAudio Hype 2 has better mids with a 0.5-point edge, Kiwi Ears Aether has significantly better treble with a 1.8-point edge, Kiwi Ears Aether has better dynamics with a 0.5-point edge and Kiwi Ears Aether has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge.
Insights
Metric | ThieAudio Hype 2 | Kiwi Ears Aether |
---|---|---|
Bass | 6 | 6.8 |
Mids | 6.5 | 6 |
Treble | 6.3 | 8 |
Details | 6 | 6.8 |
Soundstage | 7 | 7.5 |
Imaging | 5.5 | 6.8 |
Dynamics | 5.5 | 6 |
Tonality | 6.3 | 7 |
Technicalities | 6.4 | 7.5 |
ThieAudio Hype 2 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Kiwi Ears Aether Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
ThieAudio Hype 2 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $299
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Kiwi Ears Aether Details
Driver Configuration:
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: Kiwi Ears Top Kiwi Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $170
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ThieAudio Hype 2 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Kiwi Ears Aether User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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ThieAudio Hype 2 Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.4Gaming Grade
BKiwi Ears Aether Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.5Gaming Grade
AThieAudio Hype 2 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B- Generally enjoyable tonal character with some noticeable unevenness. Maintains listenability while showing room for refinement in frequency balance.
Average Technical Grade
B- Satisfactory technical performance. Handles basic detail retrieval adequately in most tracks. Maintains reasonable cohesion in simpler arrangements.
Kiwi Ears Aether Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Generally enjoyable tonal character with some noticeable unevenness. Maintains listenability while showing room for refinement in frequency balance.
Average Technical Grade
A- Good technical performance. Clear separation and decent detail retrieval across various tracks. Soundstage shows reasonable width and depth.
ThieAudio Hype 2 Reviews
Imagin is fantastic and stands out. Hype 2 is a pretty good place to start in the hobbySuper* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
Mini-Monarch MK3 with less bass and details. 80% there. Harmanish tuning, and best all-rounder before Studio 4. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Just not right for me, but solid. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Poor bass performance and sounds like surface-level detailing due to mid-treble recession despite great frequency response. Precogvision Youtube Channel
check links for more info: Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
check links for more info:Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
Good sub-bass but lackluster impact in the mid-bass. Mid-range is fine, but could use more separation/layering. Good techs for the price.
Kiwi Ears Aether Reviews
Not for bassheads, but one of the best planars I've ever heard. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Clean, balanced, with slight air boost in the treble. Bass sounds like a DD with great texture. Cheaper better tuned P5+2. Not as smooth as Timeless 2 with more dynamic contrast with a slight sizzle from the treble boost. Good value for a planar. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Gizaudio Axel
2025-07-25One of the best planar IEMs out there. The treble is smoother and easier on the ears than most planars. Balanced sound with clean bass, smooth mids, and detailed treble. Great clarity, wide soundstage, and natural timbre for a planar. Bass might be a bit light, and treble can be a little forward for some.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
A little bit spicy in the treble (like the other planars). Relaxed upper mid-range. Warmer tuning than S12. It's a decent IEMSuper* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
ThieAudio Hype 2 User Reviews
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