Thieaudio Hype 4 VS Thieaudio Oracle MKIII

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The Thieaudio Hype 4 brings a hybrid setup of 2DD + 4BA at around $400, wrapped in a distinctive all-white shell with tidy faceplate patterning and a slightly tinted cable. Shell size is medium and the ergonomics echo other modern Thieaudio designs: easy insertion, stable fit, and genuine all-day comfort. Build quality and finish feel a notch more refined than usual for the brand, making the whole package look and wear better than expected at this price.

Tonality targets a neutral with bass boost profile, with emphasis kept largely to the sub-bass so things don’t turn warm or boomy. Versus Hype 2, there’s a touch more mid-bass and, more importantly, a firmer bass attack—swapping the softer, pillowy edges for punch and control. Treble stays smooth and well-controlled without sibilance. The star, though, is the imaging and head-stage: unusually wide and clean at this price, giving precise placement and clear separation that pops immediately on first listen.

Not everything is perfect—midrange micro-contrast can feel a bit “glassy,” so ultra-fine vocal texture and analog grit aren’t its specialty. In lateral comparisons, Yanyin Canon 2 plays warmer and fuller with slightly better textural nuance, while Hype 4 sounds cleaner, airier, and more expansive for live and electronic material. With meaningful improvements over Hype 2 (especially in bass behavior) and standout staging, Hype 4 earns a confident 4/5 as a polished, engaging all-rounder.

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Thieaudio Oracle MKIII brings the Oracle line back on track with a refined 2DD + 2BA + 2EST tribrid at $590. Packaging is handsome and complete, though the large carry case is overkill. The stock cable’s swappable terminations (3.5/4.4/2.5) are convenient but the connector is bulky and a bit memory-prone; recessed 2-pin sockets play nicer with plugs that have a slight protrusion. Build is classic Thieaudio: a tasteful faceplate on a semi-custom shell that sits medium-large in the ear, secure and comfortable if the shape agrees. Fit stability is excellent.

Tonally it’s neutral with a bass boost, with the lift starting earlier than a strict Harman rise for a more consistent low-end presence—kick drums have punch without mid-bass bloat. Bass is tight and well-defined if not the last word in rumble texture. A mild lower-treble emphasis adds bite to strings and vocal edges without tipping into sibilance, though it can make the midrange feel a touch lean versus warmer sets. Where it truly shines is imaging and separation: a clean, organized stage with above-average width and standout delineation on busy tracks.

Against peers, Oracle MKIII feels like a more engaging riff on neutral-with-bass compared to sets like AFUL Performer 8, and proves tighter and more resolute than softer, warmer competitors (e.g., Symphonium Meteor), though those can offer richer midrange micro-contrast. Versus the Oracle MKII, it’s a clear course correction toward the original Oracle’s livelier balance. It may not be the most distinctive flavor at its price, and options like the Crinacle Dusk undercut it on value for bass texture, but as an all-rounder with excellent technical cleanliness the MKIII is an easy recommendation. Rating: 4/5.

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HYPE 4 comes across as the sweet spot of the series: less bass than the HYPE 10, but tighter control with a midrange that feels more natural and unmasked. Listeners called it smoother and more versatile, with punch that doesn’t bleed into the mids and more apparent detail than the HYPE 2 and 10. Several blind testers either preferred it outright or put it neck-and-neck with higher-priced sets, estimating it around “$500” based on sound, while the actual tag sits near $400.

Against the rest, the HYPE 10 drew comments like “boomy,” “less cohesive,” and occasionally underwhelming, while the HYPE 2 read as Harman’s “cooler brother” with fuller male vocals but lower technical ceiling. The Monarch MK3 still edges the field on overall cleanliness, “air,” and refinement, and some would pay the extra $100 to jump there. But viewed through price-performance, the takeaway stayed consistent: HYPE 4 is the most worth it pick for most people, delivering a balanced, engaging presentation without the bloat or brightness trade-offs seen elsewhere in the lineup.

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Thieaudio Oracle MKIII pushes the Oracle line into its most refined form yet: an all-rounder that’s slightly airy but remains smooth and balanced. The big story is the bass—the new dual-DD with an isobaric chamber adds tighter texture, greater tactility, and cleaner control than the MKII, and it handily outclasses the OG’s notably lean low end. Mid-range balance, layering, and separation see a small but audible step up; vocals are fuller and more natural than the thin, floaty presentation of the OG, while avoiding the MKII’s bright, wispy timbre. In the treble, MKIII strikes the best equilibrium of refinement and detail—where MKII can sound sharp, fatiguing, and poor at scaling, MKIII stays composed and nuanced.

Within the family, the OG Oracle still charms as the most natural and “pure” vocal set thanks to its 3 kHz lift and low fatigue, but it’s less resolving and less exciting overall. The MKII brings more low-end fun than OG yet trails MKIII in texture and control; its treble will mainly suit treble-heads or those needing extra upper-energy. Against peers, Mega5 EST shares the balanced, laid-back ethos but feels too neutral and light down low; MKIII hits harder and engages more without smearing the mids. Versus Hype 4, MKIII is cleaner, tighter, and more separated, though Hype 4’s bigger bass and forwardness can feel more fun. Compared with Hype 10, technical footing is similar, but Hype 10 is fuller, more dynamic, and sharper in imaging, while MKIII stays airier and more relaxed.

If stretching the budget, Monarch MKIII becomes the favorite all-rounder: more dynamic with more detailed, “popping” vocals yet still carrying the air and smoothness MKIII fans want. The truest step-up in the same vibe is Prestige LTD—larger stage, better layering, and higher detail—though MKIII actually retains better bass tactility. Verdict: a much-needed update over MKII and a strong $500 benchmark for a balanced, airy listen that stays engaging, controlled, and easy to live with.

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Thieaudio Hype 4 arrives with surprisingly premium trimmings: a compact, comfortable shell (though some ears may need tip rolling for a secure seal), a supple cable akin to the latest Oracle 2/Monarch MKIII leads with a durable 3.5 mm plug, and a classy case lifted straight from pricier models. Overall presentation feels 2–3× its price, with tidy accessories and a cable that’s pleasant in hand even if it won’t lay perfectly flat.

Sonically it’s impactful and engaging: bass is lush and deep without smearing, mids keep vocals forward yet smooth for podcasts, and treble has air and detail without piercing. The tuning graph shows excellent channel matching and hugs a preferred target—3 kHz rise with a 5–6 kHz dip—which explains the easygoing clarity. Minor nitpicks surface: some cymbal shimmer can feel a touch “off,” and a few drum hits could carry more thump/realism; otherwise it’s a cohesive, “just sounds right” presentation that can deliver goosebump moments when the beat drops.

Against peers, Hype 4 comes off as a safer buy and more exciting listen than the Hisenior Mega5 EST (cheaper, better cable/case, and far less dull). It edges the Binary Chopin on overall quality—though Chopin stays a killer budget pick—and proves more fun and library-friendly than the detail-leaning Performer 8. Versus Monarch MKII it’s livelier with better sub-bass and treble reach; compared with Monarch MKIII, it avoids the fatiguing 4–6 kHz energy. The verdict: a mid-fi standout with near top-tier tuning, top-shelf packaging, and a value that challenges pricier options—highly recommended despite not being the absolute cheapest route to great sound.

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Build & accessories impress: a chunky yet comfortable shell with a secure 2-pin connection and a nozzle lip that holds tips firmly. The faceplate design looks premium, and the stock cable feels good in hand with a chin slider and swappable 4.4 / 2.5 mm terminations (though the modular plug can loosen under tug). The familiar Thieaudio case and standard tip set round out a solid unboxing.

On the graph and in practice, the Oracle MKIII takes a more neutral approach than MKII—less bass, tamer upper-mids. It shares territory with sets like Hype 4 (trading blows: better upper air here vs. stronger upper-mid presence there) and recalls the Pilgrim with added EST sparkle. There’s extra 4–6 kHz bite and energy in the 10–15 kHz region that can become fatiguing over longer, mixed-content sessions. In context, similarly priced options—Supernova, Noir, and Hisenior Mega5 EST—offer comparable performance with different tonal priorities, while budget picks like Hidizs MP145/MP43 or curve-match contenders such as Juzear 61T and the upcoming Binary Dino Quattro complicate the value equation where many ~$300–$400 IEMs trade blows.

Verdict: gorgeous build, good extension and upper air from the ESTs, and a generally chill-neutral tonality—yet the emphasized presence/treble bands make it a fatiguing neutral for sensitive ears. Rated a solid A for quality, but not a universal pick or a clear recommendation over peers; those who loved the Pilgrim are the most likely match, while others may prefer alternatives with either fuller bass or smoother upper-mid/treble energy.

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Thieaudio Hype 4 delivers the redemption arc this series needed: a $399 hybrid that channels the beloved Clairvoyance vibe at a lower price. The 2DD+4BA setup hits with a chest-filling low end—powerful yet clean—while treble comes through with airy, flute-and-violin sheen, free of splash. Imaging feels gapless and pinpoint; handclaps and spatial cues lock into place with convincing realism. Despite “studio monitor” marketing, the tuning is smooth and musical rather than dry or clinical, inviting long sessions and even some dancing. Tip rolling (from silicone to foam-injected silicone) nudges seal and focus but doesn’t derail the signature, signaling a universally forgiving character.

At 17 Ω, the Hype 4 is easy to drive and plays nicely with everything from sterile DAC/amps to warmer class-A and even tubes—differences show as subtle nuance, not hit-or-miss synergy. Build is handsome in black/blue/white shells (the white “dragon-meat” look gets a wink), with a comfy deep-recessed 2-pin fit and decent included tips/foams. The miss: a non-modular 3.5 mm cable at this price, plus the usual accessory minimalism. Sonically, though, this feels like the $600-tier polish of the old Clairvoyance—cohesive, punchy, and silky across the band—making Hype 4 an easy recommendation. Final verdict: a confident 9/10 on sound, dinged mainly for the cable, and a clear “this is what Thieaudio should sound like” moment.

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Thieaudio Oracle MKIII (2024) pushes hard into the “fun road” of audio: a 2DD + 2BA + 2EST stack tuned for huge, holographic soundstage and pinpoint stereo placement that feels like a room with “37 speakers.” It’s less about textbook FR and more about phase tricks, imaging, and “sounds coming from impossible places.” On well-produced tracks—Amon Tobin, Pink Floyd, cinematic scores—it throws a trippy, room-filling panorama that makes familiar songs pop with new cues. Gritty recordings don’t get “fixed,” but the set stays surprisingly tolerable given the grunge.

Chain matters: keep it solid-state or a warm hybrid tube to soften the edges—there’s bite up top that benefits from a touch of warmth. It’s not the easiest to drive (quoted 99 dB sensitivity; impedance unspecified), so a bit of gain is welcome; pure tubes flirted with distortion. Low end is a highlight: the dual-DD “Impact 2 subwoofer” delivers chesty sub-bass without smothering the stage. This isn’t built to chase Harman or “serious, linear” targets; it’s for the wild soundstage & placement crowd who want to re-experience their library.

Build and box are lightweight and comfy with a flashy faceplate; the stock swappable-plug cable (2.5/3.5/4.4) and case are adequate. Tip synergy favors Render-style silicones/foams used during testing. At under $600 (~$589) the value pitch is simple: the weirdest, most entertaining staging you can add to a collection without going crazy on price. Verdict: a 10/10 “experience piece”—not for spec sheet comparers, but for listeners who want music to leap out and orbit their head.

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Thieaudio HYPE 4 hits far above its price with a lively, bass-driven tuning that stays clean and controlled. The low end delivers physicality without muddying the mids or presence region, evoking a “mini Monarch MK3” vibe for music playback. Resolution and micro-detail—fingers on strings, vocal intimacy—come through impressively, though note that pairing (e.g., a Topping DX9) can influence bass texture and perceived air.

In competitive titles, HYPE 4 reduces ambient haze so audio cues cut through like they’re “piercing a fog,” elevating depth perception and imaging. It takes the edge in Apex Legends, The Finals, and Counter-Strike 2, where some effects can sound metallic on other sets; here, separation remains intact even amid explosions and ultimates. Despite the energetic low end, separation stays steady and never overwhelms complex scenes.

Versus the Yanyin Canon 2, HYPE 4 is the more fun and slightly more resolving listen; Canon 2 can be preferable on tight, bass-heavy maps in Valorant and Fortnite, with Rainbow Six Siege essentially a toss-up. Comfort is close, with a slight fit edge to HYPE 4 over longer sessions. Overall gaming grade sits around a B+ (≈88 ±2) on the “wallhack certified” list—an excellent hybrid that bridges music enjoyment and competitive clarity at its price.

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Thieaudio Oracle MK3 brings a spacious, slightly pushed soundscape that can place effects a touch farther out than expected. That extra air and separation pays off in Fortnite where the game’s echo-y weapon tails and environmental cues read cleanly with excellent verticality and depth perception—a strong A- to B+ performer there. In Call of Duty, positional info stays clear and reliable for a solid B. But in tighter mixes like Valorant and Apex, some cues don’t punch through with the needed emphasis, settling closer to a B to B- range.

As a hybrid daily driver, Oracle MK3 doubles as a highly enjoyable music set: the brand’s signature F-Audio bass hits with satisfying weight and control—especially for rap—making it a kickass listen off the clock. For competitive play, it doesn’t outpace its big sibling Monarch MK3, but for players who split time between COD/Fortnite and music, Oracle MK3 is a compelling choice; pure Valorant/Apex grinders will find better-focused options higher on the WallHack list.