Thieaudio Oracle MKIII VS Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass

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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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Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass takes the already clean, wide, crisp Mega5 tuning and pours a thick, buttery layer of low-end over it—think “Eris-sized” weight without muddying the mids. On bass-light tracks, the presentation stays tidy and balanced; when a track calls for slam, the sub-bass turns the room into a vibrating wooden shack (in a good way). The core technicalities—clarity, stage, and treble finesse—stick around, now backed by a warmer, more physical foundation that makes music feel more alive. For listeners who believe most gear is starving the soul of the music, this tuning argues for more bass normalization, not less.

Build and accessories are generous: a stylish case, multiple tip sets, spare filters, cloth, and a quality 2-pin cable. There’s a fit quirk—the nozzles feel a touch long, often sealing best when backed out slightly—but once seated, it’s rock solid. Big warning, though: skip any 4.4-to-3.5 “illegal” adapters and just choose the right termination up front; the balanced option is the move. Under the hood it’s a 1DD + 2BA + 2EST hybrid that clearly cranks the dynamic driver for that plush sub-bass shelf while keeping vocals articulate and highs smooth.

At $589 (vs. the original’s $549), the upcharge buys the “Bass+” ethos done properly: warmth, weight, and fun without trashing detail. It’s the kind of tuning that encourages long sessions and guilty grins—less about clinical reference curves, more about musical gravity. Call it a price-tag score of “589”: not a penny less than it sounds.

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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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Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass comes as a custom set with personalized shells and a straightforward Pelican-style case. The build is compact and comfortable with an easy tip-lip, though the color matching can look inconsistent in certain light and the stock cable feels a bit lackluster—thin, slightly stiff, and not as plush as expected at this tier.

Sonically, this is where it clicks: a tasteful bass shelf for proper foundation, pristine upper-mids for clarity, and airy EST extension that brings out detail without harshness. It tracks close to a personal target shaped by sets like the Elysian Annihilator and JM1—cleaner and more engaging than the stock Mega5-EST, which can feel like “clean water” to some. Comparisons paint the path here: the affordable Hexa shows the right upper-mid behavior; the Chopin is a fun benchmark under $200 with small quirks; Hype 4 offers a Mega-style tuning on a budget but with less bass; and Binary Dynaquattro scratches a V-shaped itch while being harder to drive. Mega5-EST +Bass blends these lessons into a punchy, articulate, and well-imaged presentation.

Value is strong for a custom with EST drivers under a grand—excellent channel matching, convincing technicalities, and a tuning that feels “just right” for modern music without turning strident. Caveats: the order process can be slow (think weeks) and communication runs through Hisenior/Facebook, so patience helps. Not the only answer at the price, but as a preference-targeted custom that adds the missing low-end weight to the original Mega5-EST’s clarity, this one earns an unapologetic S-tier.

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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 Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass tweaks a proven formula with a flashier shell, a softer puck case in place of the Pelican box, and a thick-but-nice stock cable. The most eyebrow-raising extra is a 3.5→4.4 mm adapter that converts single-ended to balanced—an unusual direction that invites skepticism, even if the brand says it’s safe. Fit remains compact and comfortable with a medium nozzle and semi-custom contour; stock tips are serviceable, though shorter tips like SpinFit can improve seal for some. Aesthetically, the red-black motif reads a bit gaudy, but ergonomics and accessory quality are solid overall.

From ~300 Hz up the tuning mirrors the original Mega5-EST: a gently warm midrange, clean upper-mids, and neutral, well-behaved treble that avoids glare while keeping definition. The change is all down low: roughly a +5 dB bass boost that tilts upward from the lower mids rather than living purely in sub-bass. The result is hefty slam that doesn’t completely smear the picture, but it does shave away some micro-contrast and vocal texture; on bass-forward tracks the low end can turn a touch droning and distracting. Still, transient attack up top stays crisp, and the overall presentation remains coherent—just decidedly bass-first.

Versus the standard Mega5-EST, this edition trades nuance for weight; those who wanted “Mega5-EST, but more bass” get exactly that without wrecking the top end. Compared to a purpose-built warm set like the Symphonium Meteor, the Hisenior’s low end feels less integrated and less intentionally voiced, while Meteor’s treble has a bit of special sauce. Verdict: a 3/5—easy to enjoy and well-tuned above the bass shelf, but the extra low-end doesn’t feel necessary and slightly blunts what made the original so delicate and engaging.

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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 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.

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Hisenior’s Mega5-EST +Bass takes the acclaimed Mega5 recipe and dials in a tasteful bass boost without upsetting the balance. The unboxing screams premium: a plush sheepskin Manta case, a chunky 4.4 mm Manta cable (nicely built, but heavy), shirt clip, multiple tips, and replaceable nozzle filters for longevity. The resin shells with metal nozzles feel sturdy and look flashy—mismatched shells add flair—while the semi-custom shape fits securely for most, though smaller ears may struggle with the shell size and nozzle girth. On paper it’s a tribrid (1DD + 2BA + 2EST), 24 Ω and >100 dB, so easy to drive; note that higher output impedance or a 15 Ω adapter tilts the FR warmer and bassier, turning it from warm-neutral into near basshead territory.

Sonically, this is bass-boosted neutral done right: sub-bass has real rumble, mid-bass hits with authority yet stays tight. The midrange is the star—rich and full without bloom, giving weight to male vocals while keeping female vocals smooth and clean; separation makes dense mixes effortless. Treble from the ESTs is airy and non-fatiguing, with “Goldilocks” sparkle that lets cymbals and harmonics pop without glare. Technical chops impress: fine detail retrieval, stable stereo separation, and a convincing 3D soundstage that places instruments with confidence—competitive with strong mid-fi performers and nibbling at the heels of pricier flagships.

In A/Bs, think of it as the “luxury performance” take on Kiwi Ears K4 (similar balance but smoother, more detailed, and punchier), richer and bassier than the Dunu x Gizaudio DaVinci (which pushes vocals a bit more), and far more all-rounder than the Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch (a true basshead set). The KZ EDC Pro echoes the general contour at a budget, but the Mega5-EST +Bass crushes it in refinement, texture, and resolution—as it should at $590. Value isn’t its calling card, but as a limited edition built on 2024’s crowd-favorite tuning—now with extra low-end fun and a killer accessory pack—this comfortably sits in the “this is brilliant” tier for anyone seeking a bass-tilted meta tuning that still nails mids, treble smoothness, and day-to-day listenability.