Impressions of Thieaudio HYPE2 or when you are better …
Before I write my impressions of this IEM, I would like to start with a thought of Socrates: “I only know that I know nothing. But I know what others do not know that I know.” If I had to paraphrase this thought according to my audio experience, it could be written like this: “I know that I know nothing. But what I hear, I know that others do not. Also you hear things that I can’t hear!” This hobby is subjective in every aspect of sound perception and all thoughts on HYPE2 are based on my sound sensations, experience, HRTF and music library, so take everything with a pinch of salt and a big smile.
My music library is diverse, but my favorite styles are Technical/Progressive Death Metal, Drum&Bass/Jungle, Trance, Psytrance, Techno, Modern Jazz and other e-genres.
Critical listening was done with Shanling M7, FLAC files. To demonstrate the sound and technical capabilities, I have used the following recordings:
Soen- “Hollowed (Elisa)”
The Zenith Passage - “The Axiom of Error”
Cryptopsy-“Lascivious Undivine”
Leifur James-“Angel in Disguise”
Kruhl-“Dark Cosmic Inflation”
Red Latter-"Digital&Outrage
Carnivored-“Labyrinth”
Archspire-“Dron Corpse Aviator”
Morandi-“Mind Fields”
Metallica-“Crown of Barbed Wire”
Soul Intent - “Everything and Nothing”
Sade-“Smooth Operator”
and others…
About THIEAUDIO
From a nameless group of DIY enthusiasts to one of the best acclaimed IEM brands in the world, THIEAUDIO has made an incredible journey in the pursuit of high-fidelity audio. THIEAUDIO has become a staple brand in audiophile communities around the world, beloved for its best-in-class tunings, superb technical performances, and budget-friendly pricing. From the start, the THIEAUDIO team has put audio quality at the forefront of each project, aiming to be the Robin Hood of the audio world by bringing the best sounding audio solutions at the most affordable prices.
Since its launch in 2019, THIEAUDIO’s legacy of in-ear monitors has forever changed the world of IEM’s, influencing how global manufacturers of earphones engineer their products. THIEAUDIO’s international team of few, but dedicated engineers from China and South Korea are committed to continuing this legacy by creating innovative, yet affordable, audio solutions that will leave you in awe.
General Information
THIEAUDIO Hype 2
New Generation 2DD + 2BA In-Ear Monitor
Introducing IMPACT²
The IMPACT² (“Impact Squared”) is THIEAUDIO’s latest technological innovation to change the personalized audio industry. IMPACT² is a new subwoofer solution consisting of two 10mm composite diaphragm drivers arranged in an isobaric design. The addition of another 10mm subwoofer significantly enhances the power and texture of the bass, while our in-house isobaric chamber design keeps the frequency and pressure constant. This means you can enjoy better quality bass without sacrificing tonal integrity.
Latest Gen Sonion Driver
The Hype 2 utilizes two of the latest iterations of Sonion drivers. The 2356 and E25ST have been well established and used by many of the largest brands in the IEM industry. The latest generation of these drivers, the P2356HF/4 and E25ST001/D have been selected for the Hype 2 after extensive testing with different driver types.
The updated P2356HF/4 has significantly enhanced output with reduced THD, allowing higher resolution and clarity compared to similar BA drivers of its class. Similarly, the E25ST001/D super tweeter provides excellent tone while effectively extending the treble at an audible range until 18kHz. This super tweeter has excellent upper treble performance like the beloved electrostatic (EST) drivers, but with a smoother and more coherent tone.
Balanced Tuning
Keeping in tradition with THIEAUDIO’s commitment to tonal balance, the Hype 2 features the classic and beloved studio-monitor-esque tuning. The bass is powerful and thunderous, thanks to IMPACT² , but well controlled by keeping a tight 200Hz bass shelf. This means that the mids are flat and neutral, which accurately represents the tone of studio monitors used by professional audio engineers. The treble is respectfully tamed throughout the whole range, never peaking, but also never dipping as to maintain a balance between detail retrieval and pleasant listening. The overall tonality will be familiar to THIEAUDIO fans who have enjoyed the upper-end THIEAUDIO series, while newer audiences will be introduced to the true definition of an in-ear monitor.
Sound and technical impressions:
Pros:
¬ Very good mid-bass, one of the best I’ve heard - textured, fast, tight, controlled, no mids bleeding, punchy and powerful, very impressive. The isobaric design technology works 9.8/10
¬Good sub bass, sub-bass rumble helps the drum section 8/10
¬One of the best drums and dual pedals not only for the price 9/10
¬Very organic and natural sound aimed at audiophiles and audio enthusiasts who want to listen to music, not IEM. Tonally correct. Authoritative and powerful sound with captivating musicality 9.5/10
¬ Mids are very good 9.2/10
¬ Images are very good and above the price point in my opinion, but not that sharp 9.2/10
¬The soundstage has some depth, it has excellent height, the presentation is front without a big 3D effect. The special thing is that it can change like a chameleon depending on the recording !!! 8.9/10
¬Good layering 8.9/10
¬Male vocals are clean, crisp, a bit back in the mix but not recessed 8.5/10
¬The female vocals are good, but personally I would put them a step behind the male vocals on this IEM 8/10
¬The timbre and coherence is close to DD. They sound very cohesive 9.0/10
¬Excellent micro dynamics and very good macro dynamics, overall explosive and textured sound with dynamic capabilities above the price. Fast transients 9.6/10
¬The guitars sound accurate and musical, on older or bad recordings a BA timbre can be noticed. Sometimes they are a bit dry but also depends on the record. The damping and bite of the guitars is extremely good. TBH it is better than quality DD. I guess the reason is the new Sonion BAs. Acoustic guitars sound realistic and full, with incredible micro-dynamics and emotion, without excess warmth, the reverb is on point. The atypical rhythms are presented with chops and authority that is difficult to find in IEMs at any price 9.7/10
¬The treble is tastefully done and the cymbals don’t pierce your brain, the decay is fast but they sound a bit dry 7.5/10
¬Easy to drive, but it’s good to give it a little boost 9.5/10
¬The cable is excellent - soft, good looking and has an excellent match with the HYPE2. The silicone tips are of perfect quality! 10/10
¬Very comfortable, fit like a glove 10/10
Cons:
¬The soundstage could be a bit wider, but that would take a bit away from the dynamics. This is offset by an excellent height that reaches well above the top of the head!
¬A little more musical instruments separation would be nice, but the separation is there
¬The mid-bass could be better separated from the sub-bass
¬The lower mids can sound a bit dry for some, but not for me
¬The resolution could be a little better, but you hear a lot of things in the mix
¬It can sound a little overdriven on fast tracks
¬They are suitable for some genres, but not as versatile as some other IEMs. I recommend for metal (if it matches well with your HRTF) and electronic music, modern jazz ,pop and some others.
Good choice of hardware - the new Soninon BAs have huge potential.
Overall, I would describe this IEM as a genius unfinished painting of Leonardo, waiting for its artist to finish it into a memorable masterpiece. Maybe HYPE10 will end it all…
Technical performance: A+
Tonal performance: А+/S-
Personal preference level: S=
I highly recommend