Thieaudio Origin VS FlipEars Legion
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Thieaudio Origin and FlipEars Legion use 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC and 1DD+1EST+1BC driver setups respectively. Thieaudio Origin costs $849 while FlipEars Legion costs $849. Thieaudio Origin holds a slight 0.2-point edge in reviewer scores (7.9 vs 7.7). Thieaudio Origin has significantly better bass with a 1.5-point edge, Thieaudio Origin has significantly better mids with a 1-point edge, FlipEars Legion has slightly better treble with a 0.3-point edge, Thieaudio Origin has significantly better dynamics with a 2-point edge and Thieaudio Origin has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Thieaudio Origin | FlipEars Legion |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 9 | 7.5 |
| Mids | 8 | 7 |
| Treble | 6.5 | 6.8 |
| Details | 7.9 | 7.5 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 7 |
| Imaging | 7.9 | 7.5 |
| Dynamics | 9 | 7 |
| Tonality | 8.1 | 7.7 |
| Technicalities | 7 | 7.3 |
Thieaudio Origin Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.9Strongly Favorable
FlipEars Legion Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.7Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
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
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FlipEars Legion reviewed by Jays Audio
7
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
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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
FlipEars Legion reviewed by Jaytiss
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
FlipEars Legion stakes its identity on a bold, mid-bass–driven fun signature with a bone-conduction twist. The shell is huge and may challenge small ears, the 2-pin sockets are deeply recessed, and the stock 4.4 mm cable and premium case feel thoughtful and upscale. On the graph, there’s a notable dip through the mids that can sound a touch hollow, plus energy around 4 kHz and 8 kHz that adds bite and sparkle; in practice the set delivers big slam, airy extension, and surprisingly solid imaging for a BC-assisted tuning. A light EQ nudge to the upper-mids/lower-mids tightens tonality and pushes technicals up a tier.
Positionally, Legion reads as a “fun daily driver” rather than a sterile studio tool. Compared with similar BC-flavored sets, it feels more controlled than the Z Empire “party” tuning, and markedly more coherent than cheap experiments like KB Ear KBO2. Against safer picks, Monarch Mk I remains the clean, glassy option, while ThieAudio Origin is a safer all-rounder; Legion, however, brings deeper sub-bass and livelier presence with more character. Versus Triton, Legion’s upper-air/presence has better flow; versus the high-ticket Muse, Legion trades a bit of refinement for long-session comfort, dodging fatiguing 6 kHz glare.
Overall, this is an engaging, charismatic tribid that rewards listeners seeking bass heft, contrast, and BC texture without descending into chaos. It’s not the safest first $800 pick given the mid dip and fit quirks, but as a statement piece from FlipEars it feels well priced, well built, and easy to recommend to those prioritizing musical thrill over strict neutrality—especially with a touch of EQ to tidy the mids.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Origin reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
FlipEars Legion reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.3
* score rescaled + normalized
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.
FlipEars Legion reviewed by Web Search
8
Reviewer Score
The FlipEars Legion makes a commanding entrance with its striking Roman legionnaire-inspired design, featuring jewelry-cast rose-plated brass faceplates hand-painted by master artisans in Bulacan, Philippines, ensuring each unit is a unique masterpiece. While the substantial resin housings may challenge smaller ears, the included Eletech Baroque tips and pliable cable contribute to a surprisingly secure and comfortable fit over time. Unboxing feels luxurious, with a premium leather case and meticulous packaging underscoring FlipEars' commitment to craftsmanship.
Sonically, the Legion leverages its innovative tribrid driver system to deliver thunderous, tactile bass via a custom dynamic driver and EarQuake bone conduction unit, creating visceral sub-bass rumble without muddying the midrange. The midrange remains lush and articulate, presenting vocals with natural warmth and instruments with rich texturing, while the SPARK electret tweeter adds refined, fatigue-free sparkle to the highs. This synergy results in a cohesive, immersive sound signature that prioritizes musical engagement over analytical sharpness, making complex tracks feel both powerful and nuanced.
Technically, the Legion punches above its price point, boasting a holographic soundstage with precise instrument placement and exceptional layering that rivals models costing twice as much. Its imaging is pinpoint accurate, rendering subtle ambient cues and dynamic shifts with effortless clarity, while the bone conduction driver enhances physicality and depth without sacrificing control. Though its bass-forward tuning might not suit treble purists, the Legion excels as a reference-grade all-rounder for those seeking technical prowess paired with relentless musicality.
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
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 ChannelFlipEars Legion (more reviews)
FlipEars Legion reviewed by Audio Amigo
8
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
FlipEars Legion brings serious boutique flair: a wax-sealed letter, a plush leather case, and a premium 4.4 mm cable set the tone, while the hand-finished brass faceplates (rose-gold plated, enamelled by a jeweler) scream showpiece. The resin shells feel rock-solid and quite hefty (~12 g each), yet the earhooks distribute weight well for multi-hour sessions. Fit skews large—small ears will struggle, and shallow seals blunt the bone conduction effect. Accessories are minimal but tasteful (L-size Baroque tips, cable tie), fitting the boutique vibe. Build, finish, and the whole Spartan aesthetic? Sub-Zero cool.
Under the hood, Legion is a tribrid: custom dynamic for lows, a bone-conduction driver active through bass/mids, and a custom electret tweeter up top. The signature is unapologetically V-shaped. Bass is the star—tactile, rumbly, and subwoofer-like without boom or weird BC artifacts; kick drums and EDM drops thump with grinning authority. Lower mids gain pleasing warmth and body, while center-mids can sit a touch pushed back on acoustic and vocal-centric tracks. Treble is crisp and airy, smooth yet detailed, avoiding fatigue while keeping cymbals and harmonic sheen lively. Staging benefits from BC with a wider, more separated image and engaging depth when the recording allows.
Put simply, this is the polished, modern take on that classic fun V-tune: all the excitement, far fewer compromises. For EDM, hip-hop, pop, rock and anything bass-forward, Legion is a party in the ears and a compelling endgame choice at its $850 pre-order tier. Those chasing neutral mids, analytical focus, or small-ear ergonomics should look elsewhere; everyone else gets glorious low-end slam, smooth sparkly highs, and boutique craftsmanship that feels special. On the Audio Amigo scale: “This is brilliant.”
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
FlipEars Legion reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.5
Reviewer Score
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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FlipEars Legion Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+1EST+1BC
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost, Basshead
Brand: Flipears Top Flipears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $849
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Thieaudio Origin User Review Score
Average User Scores
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FlipEars Legion User Review Score
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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-FlipEars Legion 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
BThieaudio 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.
FlipEars Legion Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Tuning feels well executed, keeping a natural flow across the spectrum. Switching genres feels seamless.
Average Technical Grade
A-- Technical chops are reliable, pairing tidy separation with a soundstage that stays conservative. Micro-detail is decent, though never spotlighted.
Thieaudio Origin User Reviews
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