Thieaudio Oracle VS Thieaudio Oracle MKIII

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The ThieAudio Oracle (original) is a tribrid at around $540 using two ESTs, two BAs, and one DD. The shell echoes the Monarch’s look but is smaller; comfort and fit security are excellent for medium-large ears, though occasional pressure/venting imbalance can require a quick reseat. Build is well-made plastic with a busy aesthetic, and the stock all-white cable feels premium but the optional 2.5 mm with bulky adapters is a miss.

Tuning skews lean-neutral with a mild lower-mid scoop, a clean sub-bass lift, and lively upper energy. It’s airy and sparkly with strong treble extension, delivering a notably wide soundstage, clear imaging, and satisfying sub-bass rumble without bloat. Nitpicks: the mid-bass is on the lean side (some classic rock can feel thin), staging depth can flatten on tracks lacking sub-bass, and treble rides the line into splashy territory for the sensitive.

Against peers, Letshuoer EJ07M “Kinda Lava” is warmer/darker with narrower stage but standout bass physicality; Moondrop Blessing 2 stays reference-neutral with superb midrange resolution but less air. Taken together, Oracle earns a confident 4/5: on the right material it delivers real wow-factor excitement and expansive staging, only tempered by mid-bass thinness, treble edge, and fiddly sealing. Note that a Mark II exists—those who always chase the newest may want to consider that.

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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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The Thieaudio Oracle aims for an incredibly clean, natural, slightly airy presentation with zero midrange masking. Bass is well-separated and punchy yet deliberately tame, trading tactility and slam thickness for control—clearly not the star of the show, unlike bass-forward sets like the UP or Meteor. This restraint sets the stage for the Oracle’s real strengths without smearing or bloom.

With less mid-bass emphasis, vocals come through open, clean, and naturally flowing, carrying just enough note weight for male voices while avoiding the infamous scoop. Placement sits at a perfect distance, with a gentle airiness and shimmer on the tail of notes. Midrange clarity is top tier: piano, guitars, and flutes are easy to parse, layering stays organized (think RS5, SA6, EJ07M), and detail holds up on demanding tracks like “Traces of Time,” “Flower Town,” and “House in Nebraska.”

The treble adds a tastefully controlled air—not boosted like U12t or Oracle Mk II—thanks to a lower-gain 1.5–3 kHz region that nudges vocals slightly back and lets the top end sparkle without fatigue. Dynamics remain smooth even at higher volumes. As a vocal specialist, Oracle sits in a personal top five behind RS5 and the original Mangird Tea, roughly trading blows with EJ07, Monarch Mk II, and Dark Magician (similar airy shimmer, but Oracle is cleaner and more laid back). The verdict is a strong recommendation for the original Oracle—worth full retail, and a steal on sale—especially for R&B, acoustic, and chill listening where its poise and polish shine.

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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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Build & accessories: a chunky but comfortable shell in classic Thieaudio style, with a secure 2-pin socket and a nozzle lip that locks tips in place. The faceplate looks premium, and overall ergonomics impress, ranking among the more comfortable shells. The stock cable is decent and modular (4.4 mm / 2.5 mm), though the plug system can loosen under tug; a cable swap may appeal. Standard tips and the familiar Thieaudio case round out the package.

Tuning & comparisons: MK3 pulls back from MK2 with less bass and calmer upper-mids, reading more neutral on the graph. Tonally it resembles a Hype 4–style balance—slightly scooped upper-mids with added energy in the 4–6 kHz zone, plus audible upper-air (10–15 kHz) lift from the ESTs. Versus Pilgrim, MK3 sounds a touch less bright; Pilgrim Noir is bassier with a lower-mid dip. It also calls to mind Supernova (similar bass shelving; MK3 has punchier bass dynamics) and the HiSenior Mega5 EST (both relatively flat down low but different air emphasis). Across this price band, sets often trade blows rather than clearly outclass each other.

Verdict: short sessions showcase a clean, airy presentation and solid bass control, but longer listening (music, gaming, podcasts) can reveal a fatigue zone around 4–6 kHz. As a result, this feels like a solid yet unoriginal take that many will enjoy—especially fans of Pilgrim-leaning balances—while others may prefer alternatives like Hype 4, Supernova, Mega5 EST, or budget upstarts (e.g., Juzear 61T, Hidizs MP145/MP43, and the forthcoming Binary Dino Quattro). A capable, neutral-tilted tribrid with great ergonomics, but not an automatic recommendation given competition and potential treble fatigue.

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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 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 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.