Thieaudio is a brand that needs no introduction in the ChiFi audio space. With flagship models like the Monarch and Oracle series now in their third iterations, it has firmly established itself as a key player in the audiophile market. IEMs from the brand are often regarded as “endgame” solutions for discerning listeners.

Further expanding Thieaudio’s range of IEMs is the Hype series; Hype here actually stands for “hybrid performance,” curiously enough. This series includes three models at varying price points: the Hype 2, Hype 4, and Hype 10. Each of them features dual dynamic drivers, with the model number denoting the number of balanced-armature (BA) drivers onboard.

Thanks to the kind folks over at Linsoul, I had the chance to try out the Thieaudio Hype 4, which retails at $399 (approximately RM1,745) from the online store. Without further ado, let’s get to the review of this IEM!

What It Is

The Thieaudio Hype 4 combines two dynamic drivers with four (BA) drivers. The BA drivers, sourced from Sonion, include the E50 “Hummingbird” units for treble and the Sonion 26A for mids, promising premium performance.

As for the dynamic drivers, they are Thieaudio’s own 10mm composite diaphragm units, configured in an isobaric design. These work with the brand’s IMPACT2 (“Impact Squared”) technology to deliver a punchy and textured bass response, with the dual dynamic drivers essentially functioning as a subwoofer system.

Interestingly, this same technology is used in the flagship Monarch MKIII, which costs $999 – that’s more than twice the price of the Hype 4. It’s reassuring to see such premium features trickling down to more affordable models in the lineup.

Unboxing experience of the Hype 4 starts with a noticeably larger-than-usual box for an IEM. Inside, you’ll find three pairs of silicone and foam ear tips – small, medium, and large – a carrying case with a cleaning cloth, as well as a 2-pin silver-plated OCC cable.

While the presentation and accessories of the Hype 4 are functional, they…do lack the premium flair that some competitors offer in this price range, though I am merely nitpicking here.

Design & Comfort

Three color options are available for the Hype 4: Black, White, and Blue. The unit pictured here is the White variant with a mother of pearl-like texture on the shiny faceplate and a plain white resin shell. The milky white aesthetic Thieaudio has opted for is refreshing compared to the darker-tone resin shells that dominate the market.

In terms of comfort, the Hype 4 fits securely in my ears, and it is quite comfortable for extended listening sessions. However, I found the stock tips lacking in isolation, which prompted some tip-rolling experiments that significantly improve both fit and sound quality – more on this later.

How Does It Sound?

The Thieaudio Hype 4 adopts a clear U-shaped tuning, with an emphasis on bass and treble, taking the mids slightly out of the spotlight. The soundstage is impressively wide and tall, offering a spacious listening experience. Detail retrieval is above average, and the separation of instruments allows for precise imaging within the soundscape.

Bass

Bass of the Hype 4 is the highlight of the IEM, powered by Thieaudio’s aforementioned IMPACT2 technology. Sub-bass is prominent, delivering a satisfying rumble without overshadowing the rest of the frequency range. Mid-bass, meanwhile, takes a more reserved approach, ensuring a clean, controlled presentation with no significant bleed into the mids.

To my ears, the Arcadia is a little boomier and has a tad more mid-bass impact compared the Hype 4. That being said, I do find the bass of the Hype to be tighter and more controlled.

Mids

If you prefer richer, more intimate vocals, then the Hype 4’s slightly recessed mids – resulting in a thinner note weight – may not appeal to you. However, the IEM’s clarity is excellent, and vocals come across as natural and well-articulated.

But the Hype 4’s upper-mids can occasionally get hot, particularly on complex tracks. For instance, the climactic ending chorus in “Wasteland” from the Arcane soundtrack felt overwhelming due to the layered instrumentation and background vocals.

Highs

With crisp and lively treble, the Hype 4 offers excellent extension and detail. There’s a good amount of air and sparkle, though the slightly brighter tuning could be fatiguing for listeners sensitive to treble. Now, the Hype 4 is by no means sibilant; it’s just a bit of that BA timbre from the 4 BA drivers showing itself.

For most tracks, the highs balance well with the bass, but extended sessions on tracks with excessive upper treble energy may prove challenging for some folks.

Given the limitations of the Hype 4’s stock tips, I tried several alternatives, starting with Kiwi Ears KE4’s “Flex Ear Tips,” which enhances bass response with slightly forward mids, creating a warmer and more engaging presentation. However, the upper-mids remain somewhat peaky on busy tracks.

I also tried the Tangzu Sancai tips with the Hype 4, bringing mids and treble further forward while retaining a satisfying bass presence. But this pairing feels less synergistic with the Hype 4’s inherently bright tuning, occasionally resulting in overly aggressive highs.

And then I settled for the Final Type-E tips. I find it best match the Hype 4’s tuning, offering a well-rounded balance. The tips retain the impactful bass of the IEM while also adding weight to the mids and smoothing out the treble’s brightness. This combination provided the most enjoyable listening experience without compromising the IEM’s inherent technical performance – to my ears anyway.

For those who want a more relaxed treble response, the Hype 4’s included foam tips offer just that. While they can soften the overall presentation of the IEM, I personally avoid foam tips as they irritate my ears more, not to mention the fact that they are not as durable as silicone tips.

Is It Worth It?

As with almost every audio product that approaches the $500 mark, we have to take into account diminishing returns. At $399, the Thieaudio Hype 4 brings a lot to the table: a notably spacious soundstage, impactful bass, and articulate highs.

However, for mid-centric listeners like myself, the slightly recessed mids leave much to be desired. While tip-rolling mitigated this to an extent, it wasn’t a complete fix.

Ultimately, the Hype 4 is a fun and engaging IEM that excels in bass and technical performance. But on the flip side, it might not be the ideal choice for those who prioritise intimate vocals; folks who are sensitive to bright treble may not like the Hype 4’s sound profile either.

But all things considered, the Hype 4 offers a solid balance of musicality and technicality. These qualities make it a compelling mid-fi option for those looking to explore Thieaudio’s lineup without diving into flagship territory.