Thieaudio Origin VS Xenns Top Pro

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 original ranking

Z-Reviews expresses immediate and strong enthusiasm for the Xenns Top Pro, a $500 IEM featuring a 10-driver configuration (8 balanced armatures + 2 dynamic drivers). He notes their exceptional build quality and stunning visual design, describing them as one of the "prettiest IEMs that has ever existed" with a "color explosion" on the back. The accessories impress him, particularly the thoughtful custom foam insert in the case to protect the zipper, a soft padded case, a high-quality "196-core copper silver cable", and uniquely presented tip sets housed in pre-numbered, multicolored boxes. He finds the large nozzle comfortable enough for extended listening sessions, even though his arms fell asleep during one.

The core of the review focuses on the outstanding sound quality. Z-Reviews describes the sound as "smooth magical things" to his ears, emphasizing its non-fatiguing nature despite excellent detail retrieval: "clear as a whistle but not painful". He highlights the exceptional bass performance, which creates a unique physical sensation, fooling his body into feeling sub-bass pressure like a subwoofer was nearby, without being overpowering or unnatural. The treble is detailed and sharp without causing discomfort. The overall presentation is cohesive, "substantial", and immersive, making him want to listen track after track. He compares the experience favorably to much more expensive IEMs like the $1,500 FIO FX17.

Z-Reviews concludes with a strong recommendation, declaring the Xenns Top Pro "100% worth their $500 price tag". He states they do "everything I want a $500 IEM to do" and outperform his own collaborations like the Defiant, attributing this to the superior driver count and implementation ("there's no replacement for displacement"). Minor critiques include the large nozzle size and the lack of a plastic stand, but these are insignificant compared to the overall performance. His final verdict is that they are a "great" IEM that justifies their price through exceptional sound, build, and accessories.

Z-Reviews original ranking

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 original ranking

The Xenns Top Pro establishes itself as a formidable $500 benchmark, delivering a dynamic, balanced, and clear sound signature. Its standout feature is the crispy, clear, and highly resolving treble that avoids artificial sharpness or fatigue, contributing to a refined hi-fi presentation. This treble clarity particularly enhances female vocals, rendering them sweet and angelic without huskiness, perfectly distanced, and non-shouty at normal volumes due to intelligent tuning cuts and gains.

Technically, the Top Pro punches above its price, competing with models around the $1,000 mark and reaching near Monarch level performance. While a direct upgrade to the original Top, Astral, and Meta models—offering more detail, less sharpness, and increased sparkle—it isn't a massive leap. Its value-to-performance ratio is exceptional. Compared to the Monarch Mk III, it trades some bass impact and texture (making it mid-bass light for genres like rock or metal) for superior layering, separation, and a more dynamic, contrasty, and crispy treble presentation. The bass, while sufficient, can feel disengaged in bass-heavy genres, making sets like the Astral or Odyssey preferable there.

Scaling depends on volume and genre: energetic tracks with treble emphasis suit mid volumes (~65dB), while slower artists like Frank Ocean shine at higher volumes (~75-80dB). Balanced eartips are recommended to maintain its excellent treble balance. Against competitors, the Top Pro is more technical and resolving than the Arcanis (though the Arcanis offers more unique, intimate vocals), more energetic and dynamic than the Volare (which has smoother treble and better mid-bass), and cleaner with better layering than the Oracle Mk III (which boasts better bass texture). Ultimately, the Top Pro is a highly recommended all-rounder, delivering near Monarch-level performance at half the cost with great accessories, making it arguably the best $500 upgrade option for most.

Jays Audio original ranking

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 original ranking

The Xenns Top Pro boasts an exceedingly comfortable, vented resin shell with a metal nozzle, praised as one of the better shells out there. It's light, isolates well, and features a flat two-pin connector. The included case feels extremely premium, matching cases found on more expensive IEMs. Accessories are generous, including a 4.4mm cable, 6.3mm adapter, three sets of tips, a pouch, and a shirt clip. The cable itself is appropriate for the price, described as plush and nice with a Dunu-style locking system, though the chin slider feels slightly loose.

Sonically, the Top Pro presents an interesting and effective mild V-shaped tuning that aligns perfectly with the reviewer's preferences. It features slightly elevated bass and mids with a hint of darkness, delivering clean, pristine mids and great treble extension and air without sibilance. Technical performance is strong across imaging, note weight, and detail. Graph comparisons show similarities to sets like the Dusk DSP and Annihilator, but the Top Pro distinguishes itself with better bass impact than its metallic-shelled sibling (the Tea Pro) and a more comfortable, all-day listen compared to the ultra-detailed but potentially fatiguing AFUL Cantor. It holds its own against flagships like the Monarch MkIII (offering potentially better bass) and the Astral (with minor tonal differences), proving highly competitive in the $400-$900 range.

Ultimately, the Xenns Top Pro emerges as a standout offering from the brand and a top contender at its $500 price point. It hits a sweet spot with very few faults, combining a world-class comfortable shell, generous premium accessories, and a cohesive, engaging sound signature. It delivers nice everything – impactful bass, clean mids, well-extended treble, and strong technicals – making it an easy all-day listen and a set that's hard to beat for this specific tuning philosophy. While responsible purchasing and demos are always advised, it earns a full recommendation as an excellent all-rounder.

Jaytiss original ranking

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

Xenns Top Pro arrives with a tidy bundle: a sturdy carrying case, three tip sets (two silicone, one foam), and a lightweight modular cable (3.5/4.4) on a 2-pin connector. The translucent blue, 3D-printed shell is ergonomic and comfortable over long sessions; the nozzle size feels just right. On the graph it follows HBB’s curve with more sub-bass than mid-bass, yielding a fun, energetic sound that’s also notably resolving with strong driver performance; the balanced silicone tips proved best for gaming.

In Valorant, the presentation is intimate and action-packed: rumble from Vandal/Operator/Sheriff hits with tactile weight, and depth cues/verticality stay coherent. Still, the elevated low end adds a slight “husk” that softens imaging precision when team fights erupt, so separation and layering can blur as abilities and gunfire stack—landing around a B+ to A- experience, with sets like the Mango T Pro and Kiwi Ears Astral feeling a bit more breathable.

In Apex Legends, that extra low-end energy makes chaotic scenes less breathable—smokes, grenades, and third parties push separation/layering harder than ideal—while Call of Duty (Treyarch mix) fares surprisingly well, keeping doors, slides, and distant fire easy to track. Counter-Strike 2 doesn’t image as cleanly as Valorant because of the same low-end pull. Overall, the Top Pro is excellent for music (resolving, technical, and punchy—great with rap), but for competitive gaming the original Top remains the safer pick; placement sits around an AB tier, in line with sets like the Letshuoer EJ07M Kinda Lava.

Fresh Reviews original ranking

The Xenns Top Pro stands as a significant evolution from its predecessors, bearing little resemblance to the original Top despite sharing a similar driver configuration. Its tuning aligns much more closely with the Tea Pro, effectively acting as an upgrade to that model – perhaps better named the "Tea Pro Max". It delivers a slightly warmish mid-range with a boost in the upper mids, creating a natural yet contrasty and fun presentation. Vocals retain life and presence, avoiding sounding pushed back or dead neutral. Crucially, the Top Pro executes this mid-range cleaner than the T Pro, thanks to a cut in the mid-bass. This cut enhances bass definition, making it punchier and more dynamic, while also improving separation between the bass and mid-range.

Treble performance is generally lively and detailed, contributing significantly to the perception of strong technical ability. However, it can be slightly peaky, introducing a touch of BA timbre that detracts slightly from perfection – a minor nitpick considering the overall quality. Instrumental separation across the frequency range (bass, mids, treble) is a standout feature, resulting in very good technical performance that surpasses competitors like the Blessing 3. The signature manages to sound snappy and tactile despite a weighty low end. Compared directly to the original Top, the Top Pro offers a fuller, more realistic mid-range adhering to modern tuning philosophies, whereas the original Top remains brighter and leaner. Against the highly regarded HiSenior Mega 5 EST, the Top Pro provides a more engaging and contrasty alternative to the Mega 5 EST's exceptional but potentially "vanilla" neutrality and smoother timbre.

Ultimately, the Xenns Top Pro earns a strong recommendation and a deserved A-tier ranking. It represents a compelling value proposition at its price point, offering an engaging signature with excellent technicalities that many listeners will enjoy. The only significant caveat is for those extra sensitive to treble, who are strongly advised to demo it first due to its elevated and occasionally peaky nature.

Tim Tuned original ranking

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

The Xenns Top Pro enters the competitive $500 IEM arena with a hybrid driver configuration (two dynamic drivers, eight balanced armatures per side) and striking aesthetics, described as a "Jackson Pollock cross cyberpunk" design offering impressive visual depth within its lightweight, translucent resin shells. While the packaging is handsome and premium, including a large carry case, a soft pouch, a cleaning tool, a shirt clip, a termination adapter, and a generous selection of ear tips (foam and two silicone styles), the included thin, lightweight cable feels somewhat lackluster and uninspiring despite its swappable termination mechanism (3.5mm/4.4mm/6.35mm). Fit is stable but leans medium-large, potentially challenging for smaller ears, with a nozzle depth requiring tip experimentation for optimal comfort.

Sonically, the Top Pro follows the "new meta" tilted diffuse field sound signature, measuring close to a neutral target. However, its execution falls short of expectations. The boosted bass lacks definition and physicality, coming across as soft, unengaging, and lacking sharp attack or tactile impact, reminiscent of the HiSenior Mega5-EST's low-end. While the upper treble elevation adds brightness and air without harshness or sibilance, it combines with the bass presentation to create an overall tonality that feels clinical, thin, and surprisingly bodyless, lacking warmth and richness despite the bass quantity. Technical performance is decent but unremarkable; imaging and separation are competent due to the brighter tilt, but the presentation feels smoothed over and ultimately unengaging.

Comparisons highlight its shortcomings against key competitors: the Mega5-EST offers better mid-range body and natural tonality; the Oracle mk3 delivers superior bass tactility and a more exciting, stagey presentation; the Brain Dance provides a more impactful, bombastic sound with better-defined bass; and the cheaper Dusk excels with exceptional vocal texture, micro-contrast, and significantly superior bass physicality and engagement. Consequently, while not a bad IEM and confirming that $500 can buy top-tier sound, the Xenns Top Pro earns a modest 3-star rating for its lackluster bass, clinical tonality, and failure to stand out in a crowded field where alternatives simply offer more compelling and engaging listening experiences.

Super* Review original ranking