Hello, I am Alexander, and today we will look at ThieAudio Hype 2 IEM.
I would like to thank Linsoul for providing a sample for this review. I am not paid to make this review or offer any specific opinions about this product, and all thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
THIEAUDIO Hype 2 is a hybrid IEM that features 4 drivers per side (two 10mm dynamic drivers and two balanced armatures, which are the latest generation of drivers from Sonion). The dynamic drivers are working in a special configuration called IMPACT2. This configuration with its isobaric design enhances the bass response and increases its texture. Besides that the IEMs feature 3D printed resin shells, de-attachable cable, and have a balanced sound signature with a well-defined bass boost.
Unboxing
THIEAUDIO Hype 2 arrived in a large beautiful carton box with a sleeve. On the front of the sleeve, there is a branding and illustration of the IEMs, and on the back of the sleeve, there is company information. Brief specifications including the driver types can be found on the side of the sleeve. Inside the sleeve, there is a black box.
In the box:
- ThieAudio Hype 2 IEMs
- Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable
- 3 pairs of silicone ear tips
- 3 pairs of foam ear tips
- Cleaning cloth
- Carrying case
- And a warranty card
Impedance of THIEAUDIO Hype 2 is 25 Ohms, sensitivity is 108 dB.
Design & build
THIEAUDIO Hype 2 is available in two different color schemes – purple and blue. My sample is a blue one and this color scheme is called Indigo. Besides excellent tuning, the ThieAudio IEMs are famous for visual aesthetics, and it’s good to see that Hype 2 carries the same DNA.
The shells are made out of medical-grade resin and the color patterns look mesmerizing. The shells are glossy, but surprisingly they don’t catch the fingerprints easily. Each faceplate is individually decorated and coated and it looks great. Both faceplates carry the ThieAudio logo and there are channel indication marks on the inside part of the shell, along with a model name.
The shells have one vent hole located on the edge of the shell and it’s covered with a mesh. I’d say it’s quite an unusual placement, but I’m sure that it has some technical research behind it. The nozzles are made from metal, they are 5.4mm in diameter and are on a shorter side. There is a metal mesh at the end of the nozzle, and a lip that helps with ear tip retainment.
Overall, the THIEAUDIO Hype 2’s design and build are very good. They are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and durable.
Fit & comfort
The THIEAUDIO Hype 2 shells are well-polished and there are no sharp edges here. The shells are large but have a very natural and ergonomic shape. In my case the fit was excellent, but if you have small ears, you may struggle with a fit.
I also had no issues with the stock ear tips, and I was able to reach a good fit & seal instantly which is a huge plus for me. I’ve been using Hype2 for extended periods and as the fit was fantastic in my case, I never experienced any discomfort.
In terms of passive noise isolation, the Hype 2 also performs well. It effectively blocks out most outside noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music without the need to turn the volume too high.
Cable
The cable that comes with this IEM is 1.2 meters long. It has a straight 3.5 mm connector on one end, and two 0.78mm 2-pin connectors on the other end. If I’m not mistaken, this is a ThieAudio EST 5N OCC Silver Plated cable that can be purchased separately for $69, and if so, ThieAudio was quite generous to include it with the Hype2.
The cable connectors have no usual letter channel indication, however the base on the right connector is red, so this helps with the channel navigation a bit. Still, I prefer the connectors to have color markings on the side too for more convenient channel navigation. The cable has a metal splitter that works well too, soft pre-molded ear hooks, and a beautiful metal chin slider.
Overall, I think this cable is pretty good. It’s soft and is low in microphonics, The pre-molded ear hooks are soft too, and it helps to achieve a relaxed fit with this IEM.
THIEAUDIO Hype 2 Sound overview
Please note that all sound impressions that I am sharing on my channel are completely subjective so please take them with a grain of salt.
At 25 Ohms of impedance and 108 dB of sensitivity Hype 2 is easy to drive, and I had no issues driving it from my Samsung Galaxy S10. It also won’t benefit much from a more powerful source, but using it with a quality source can have a positive impact on the sound too.
The THIEAUDIO Hype 2 offers a listening experience that is nothing short of captivating. The tuning is very engaging, the sub-bass is boosted, the midrange is quite flat and then you get a good treble extension too. This results in a very lively and bass-heavy presentation that is an absolute joy to listen to.
Bass
The addition of a second 10mm dynamic driver significantly enhanced the power of the bass, and ThieAudio’s in-house isobaric chamber design helps to keep the bass response and pressure constant. As a result, the bass is rich, heavy, and punchy.
The THIEAUDIO Hype 2 sub-bass extension is excellent. It goes quite deep and it has got a good authority and rumble. The mid-bass is hard-hitting too, with a solid body and good texture, resulting in excellent bass response overall. Bass details are good, it’s fast, textured, and well-controlled. I think the bass here will please both bass-heads and those who prefer some additional punch in the low-end register that you can both feel & hear.
Midrange
The midrange on Hype 2 is quite flat, yet it’s working with the overall tuning well. Despite massive bass, there is almost no bass bleed into mids, making it a bit sterile and dry. Though it still sounds full and engaging. Vocals and instruments, while not being upfront, have a good note weight and there is enough body. Lower mids don’t sound thin which is great, and upper mids are detailed as well.
Hype 2 truly shines in its reproduction of vocals. as the mids are clear and detailed. This is especially appreciated when listening to acoustic tracks or vocal-centric genres. Despite not being too upfront, on many tracks I got the feeling the artist was right in front of me, delivering quite an emotional vocal performance.
Treble
The treble extension of THIEAUDIO Hype 2 is good and it’s very coherent, though it’s still a bit rounded. While it’s not the most detailed and airy treble I came across in IEMs, it still brings a good amount of energy to the table, and it was never harsh, intrusive, or grainy. no matter what music I was throwing at this IEM.
The details and micro details, while not class-leading, still provide a lot of information. However, if you seek a very open, airy, and analytical treble, you may be a bit disappointed. The treble on Hype2 was particularly enjoyable when listening to genres like rock or EDM, where the percussions, cymbals, and synths shine with life and precision.
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Sound stage, imaging, details
The sound stage is average in width, it’s not too deep, but surprisingly quite tall. This gives Hype2 an open feeling and a spacious presentation, as each instrument breathes easily, creating a good three-dimensional sonic landscape.
I enjoyed THIEAUDIO Hype 2 both listening to my music and playing games, and I must admit it rendered a gaming sound landscape with a lot of dynamics and sonic realism.
The imaging is excellent, offering a good sense of distance, and the resolution and instrument separation, while not class-leading, still brought all the necessary details in my music to light.
Conclusions
THIEAUDIO Hype 2 has made its way into the sub-$300 category with a compelling promise of an immersive sonic experience and I need to say that Hype2 fully lives up to their name.
From the moment I unboxed it and did my initial tests, I already knew it was a stellar addition to the world of IEMs in this price bracket. At the time of making this review, I already put more than 100 hours into them and my initial feelings had only changed for the better.
Pros
- Excellent design and solid build
- Good driver coherency
- Amazing bass response with good control
- Flat, yet detailed midrange
- Rounded treble extension with a lot of sonic information
- Great technical abilities for the price
- Excellent stock cable
- And a large storage case
Cons
- I don’t think this IEM has any real cons, but if you want me to be really picky, I’d say that treble extension could benefit from a pinch of more energy and texture.
In my opinion, THIEAUDIO Hype 2 is a combination of great design, excellent fit, and most importantly, outstanding sound quality. All of this makes it a standout product in its price range. Whether you’re an audiophile seeking an affordable yet great-sounding option or a casual listener looking for an upgrade I can easily recommend this pair of hybrid IEMs.
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