Review Of The Thieaudio Hype2
Introduction
The Chinese company Thieaudio, which produces electroacoustic products with a determination, is well-known and respected in the audiophile community. Particularly their one IEM, the Monarch MKII, is highly regarded and adored by many audiophiles, including me, for being one of the best sounding IEM in the world and costing less than $1,000. I personally own a Monarch MKII, and the truth be told, I am enchanted by the sound quality it produces. I use this IEM as the standard against which to judge other in-ear monitors. Putting aside personal experiences, Thieaudio not only sells IEMs but also gorgeous cables. They recently released the HYPE2, a budget-friendly IEM. Since this is the first in the line, I'm not sure what happened to the HYPE, but today I'll be reviewing this IEM in a unique way because it's a special one. But first, I want to set the facts straight.Review Of The Thieaudio Hype2
Disclaimer
*Since this unit tour was organised by the kindly people at Linsoul, I am grateful to them. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “Hype2.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
* As a result of the worse-than-expected delivery, I don't have all the accessories on hand, so I'll post an online picture of them instead.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Hype2 based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.
*I would like to clarify that the unit I received had issues with the accessories, not the IEM itself, but I would advise caution before planning to purchase the unit. Lately, I have noticed that many audiophiles are having bad experiences with their units. These issues can be either cosmetic or internal.
Specification
Two dynamic drivers that areå isobarically positioned and two balanced armature drivers make up the Hype2's four driver configuration.The new generation sonion P2356HF and E25ST001/D super tweeters, which handle the mid and high frequencies, respectively, are the balanced armature drivers. The two dynamic drivers are the result of the IMPACT2 design, which employs two 10mm subwoofer dynamic drivers in an isobaric configuration. Along with the interiors, the exterior is also attractive and upscale.The faceplate has a really lovely pattern that shines more brilliantly in the light, and the shells are made of medical resin. Additionally, the shells' ergonomic design and small size fit the ears well and prevent pain or fatigue even when used for extended periods of time. The cable that comes with this IEM is one of those premium cables that look and feels exquisite when it is used with high-end IEMs. The cable has a two-pin connection on one end and a straight 3.5mm jack on the other, but the 3.5mm plug was broken because I received a damaged package. In order to accept the cable, I soldered a 4.4mm balanced plug. A carrying case with the thieaudio logo, three pairs of silicon eartips, three pairs of foam eartips and one microfiber cloth are the only additional accessories that are included.
What I think of the sound
As the majority of audiophiles are aware, once a hype train for a tuning gets going, everyone wants a piece of that pie. I have been testing this IEM since last month in order to determine precisely what is new in the IEM market. So, when I talk about the HYPE2, I'm talking about my month-long experience with it. This time, I wanted to determine whether the IEM is truly worth the money or if it is the best of the best. Obviously, this is a subject matter of mine, but I am confident that the IEM brings the mid-fi segment to its knees.
What I like most about the sound, then, is that it is undeniably alluring and has a balanced response that tops any IEM when it comes to striking the ideal balance between tonality and technicalities. It seems as though a 2 ba 2 dd wouldn't be very good at presenting the sound because it is so beautifully done. This dynamic quality of the mix keeps your senses tingling not due to how potent it becomes but rather due to how it flourishes and provides you with a calming experience. This dynamic quality of the mix controls the entire response and creates a fantastic balance between each region.
Although the clarity and details are lacking, it does bring smoothness and fluency to the energy transitions between the treble, midrange, and bass. My personal opinion is that the upper treble is airy and transparent enough to allow for a well-rounded and wholesome response; however, details are another story when compared to IEM like Blessing 3. With a stronger emphasis on clarity and forward response, the lower treble has better energy and allows for better exposure to instruments and vocal high notes, which sound full and organic. The mid range, nothing sounds out of place and everything sounds so harmonious and expressive with great control over the notes, whether it is in the lower mid range or upper mid range. Particularly when I talk about the vocals, the closest explanation could be that they create such an enveloping sound that satisfies every desire you might develop. When it comes to the bass, the sub bass is the main focus, and its extension is very deep and resonant, sounding very dynamic and thunderous, strong, and punchy, while the mid bass blooms well together, making the slams sound impactful, which they do successfully. However, I find it really pleasing that it doesn't interfere with higher frequencies, change the response, or overflow the mix. Although some listeners may perceive the overall response as having a v-shape sound signature due to bass exposure, it is overall a balanced response that is smooth, captivating, and enveloping with a fuller and richer response and no offensive sounds, making it the one to rule them all.
Is it really the Baby Monarch MKII ?
Although many audiophiles have discussed this IEM as being little Monarch MKII or a close replica of the Monarch MKII, this is not what I believe. The thieaudio tuning signature, in my opinion, is a characteristic that is deeply ingrained in both the Monarch MKII and HYPE2, but they don't sound the same. The Monarch MKII's spacious sound gives it a somewhat relaxed tuning and a leaner sound, whereas the HYPE2's sound gives it a slightly aggressive sound with a more full-bodied and rich response that allows the vocals and air to infuse and blend together to produce an overwhelming sound. Compared to the Monarch MKII, the bass is more supportive of the lower notes and better able to pull the lower mid range. Even though the vocals appear to be slightly recessed on the frequency response graph, the HYPE2's presentation puts the vocals more front and center. I guess this is because the treble lacks an expansive response. When I talk about stereo exposure in imaging layering and separation, the characteristic I mentioned earlier appears to be similar. So while I do think that both IEMs produce a somewhat similar response, I won't refer to the HYPE2 as a "Baby Monarch MKII."
Where does it stand around its competition ?
I became confused when I turned my attention to IEMs in this price range because most of them sounded excellent in their own right; comparing them would be pointless because each would satisfy whether it be the new blessing 3, falcon ultra, or quintet. It appears that Hype2 produces a flavorful response that strikes the best balance between the previously mentioned tonal and technical accuracy. It is enjoyable to hear the HYPE2. Of course, it doesn't compete with the DUNU Falcon Ultra's pure DD thick organic response or the Moondrop Blessing 3's lean and incredibly detailed response, but I still believe that the HYPE2 offers what the other compromised at, namely the technical prowess or tonal quality. I promise that the blessing 3 sounds good, but the HYPE2's male or female vocals simply sound more authentic and natural. The vocals on The Blessing 3 sound leaner and clearer, but they don't grab your attention the way that HYPE2's vocals do, which I believe exclusively elevate monotonous or vocals that are layered on top of one another in a complex mix thanks to its best-in-class stereo imaging and layering. The smooth and upfront exposure turns out to be a better setting for my ear to handle even though they don't come out very contrasted. As I noticed when I reviewed the Ultra, it seemed that each region when in mix were louder subdued other region to become the star of the show which from an overall aspect it sounded an overflowing mix which gives you an idea of rich and fuller response, I think that composure or the segregation in the mix between each region to sound fuller as well as balanced cannot be fully accomplished by a DD. So while I don't think the Hype2 is the best IEM for everyday use, I do think it is more capable overall than other IEMs.
Some of the tracks I thought worth mentioning
(Don’t Fear) The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult
The beginning of the song serves as the ideal demonstration of how well imaging capabilities are conveyed; the bass and electric, which blend but sound completely distinct, create a distinctive response. The cymbals that emerge from the back sound loud and clear, and the vocals have a light expression with good note weight. A sense of realism is created by the vocal sets' or vocalists' harmony. Generally speaking, the notes are distinct and far away enough for me to easily identify the source of the sound. I really enjoy this song, but the addition of the HYPE2 elevates the overall effect to a whole new level.
Somebody That I Used To Know by Kimbra
Another of my favorites, the male vocals really go low and high smoothly with accurate note weight and clarity, allowing for a clear response that separates the vocals from the entire mix and presents them in an open space, creating a richer, fuller response that fills the head stage and envelops your senses. The female vocals sound clean and natural, not overly light or heavy, but just right, allowing for a more alluring exposure of the female vocals. I really enjoy the instruments that fill the far left and far right walls completely and give the sound of a surround system. The stage has an ordinary but holographic feel.
SUZUME by RADWIMPS
Oh boy, this song really grabs you in the middle and calms your mind. When I listen to it on HYPE2, however, the holographic presentation of it almost gives the impression that the song is playing in a small concert hall with the vocals being too close to the listener and the enticing notes clinging to their minds. It may be the first time I've heard the violin completely separate from the piano in the mix while the vocals are being the focal point of it all. This is especially true at the beginning of the song when the vocals work their magic and the instruments blend together while still sounding distinct. And as soon as the drum starts, it delivers a broad, dynamic hit that feels powerful, impactful, and yet controlled. I thought the vocals already sounded very open, and the HYPE2 gave me more experiences than I had anticipated.
Ramta Jodi by Sukhwinder Singh, A. R. Rahman
A. R. Rahman and singer Sukhwinder Singh produced a masterpiece. When the bass notes start to play, they really define a faithful reproduction that grabs your attention and complements the vocals and other instruments. It sounds expansive because the vocals, whether they are male or female backing vocals, are so wide-ranging and open. Well, it's the magic of the song's composition, but the impact of the strong notes gives the song a deep, powerful sound.
The sources I mainly used
Sony WM1A
The vocals had more room to breathe, sounding more staged and composite on the HYPE2. The total response is a really velvety and smooth response. The HYPE2 was also easily powered by the WM1A. The tracks' bass-forward sections sounded more thrilling and resonant because the bass was more dynamic and deep. Any track I heard sounded smoother and more pleasant when I heard it with WM1A, in my experience.
Tempotec V6
When I heard the HYPE2 combined with the V6, the first thing I heard was how energizing it sounded. Whether it was the treble, midrange, or bass, the entire mix sounded more precise and expressive. Compared to the WM1A, the response sounded more direct and aggressive. The biggest setback was the disappearance of the richness and pleasant natural reproduction, which brought more precise details to the notes. Well, I still favor a laid-back presentation over one that is transparent.
iFi Hipdac
Although it appeared that Hipdac's effects, which mostly emphasize the bass, had little effect on the HYPE2, there was unquestionably an aggressive front in the midrange. I can tell that the voices got too front and too powerful for me, as if they had lost their poise, while the treble sounded close and as though it had been saturated in air. However, listening to bass-heavy music did cause the treble region to be softer, especially when I turned on the XBASS. Oh no, the impact and thump got so intense that not even I could stop myself from embracing the resonance and physicality of it.
HiBy R6 Pro II
When listening with the Hiby R6 Pro II, the sound wasn't particularly unexpected or different in terms of technical or tonal performances, but that is what I initially perceived. After giving the pair a good deal of listening, I felt that the details were more refined and the energy rose a notch in the mix, which made the stage more satisfying. However, the response was not particularly interesting; I think it is the IEM.In my opinion, the R6 Pro II brings out the true value of this IEM, and in my opinion, this is the response I fell in love with. The correction might not be with the R6 Pro II but with the IEM itself as I already feel the IEM is perfect. It's possible that other sources have manipulated nuances in the mix to make it sound distinctive.
My last Thoughts
I would go out of my way to urge everyone to purchase this IEM because, in addition to satisfying your need for a pure, dynamic sound, it will also, and I mean this, gratify whatever need you might have. Everyone will be moved by a reaction that is clear, balanced, and has the ideal balance between tonality and technical execution. The guidelines on how to get the finest sound out of an IEM have been established by HYPE2, and other businesses should abide by them.
