In today’s post, Nihal reviews the THIEAUDIO Hype 10, which is a new high-end hybrid dual dynamic and 10 BA driver universal in-ear monitor. It is priced at $899.
Disclaimer: This is a sample in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or status. I thank Linsoul and THIEAUDIO for this opportunity.
Click here to read more about THIEAUDIO products previously reviewed on Headfonics.
Note that this article follows our latest scoring guidelines which you can read in more detail here.
The Hype series, short for Hybrid Performance, represents THIEAUDIO’s vision of combining multiple drivers with innovative technology, refined through their experience in crafting IEMs.
In this review, I will focus on the new Hype 10, which occupies a premium position in the series after the entry-level Hype 2 and the mid-tier Hype 4. All three models share a common core: dual dynamic drivers and the IMPACT2 technology.
I will assess Hype 10’s performance and where it stands within the THIEAUDIO lineup. I will also explore how much of an upgrade the Hype 10 offers over the Hype 4 and the recently reviewed Oracle MKIII.
Features
The THIEAUDIO Hype 10 is a hybrid universal IEM with a mix of dual dynamic drivers, and 10 BA drivers per side. It incorporates the IMPACT2 technology that is common in the Hype series IEMS and Monarch MKIII.
The IMPACT2 technology is a subwoofer solution consisting of two 10mm dynamic drivers arranged in an isobaric design housed in a chamber, which keeps the frequency and pressure constant for precise bass production and better texture.
In addition to the two dynamic drivers, the Hype 10 features two Sonion 28UAP series drivers accompanying bass production, similar to the configuration in the Monarch MKIII.
For the midrange to treble frequencies, four Knowles balanced armature drivers work alongside the two Sonion drivers.
Notably, the Hype 4 does not include any Knowles balanced armature drivers. The drivers are arranged in a 4-way crossover system with four independent sound bores, designed to enhance precision in frequency distribution.
Design
Staying true to the design language of their previous models, the Hype 10 comes with resin shells and a sleek, all-black finish.
The faceplates showcase an artistic, cosmic-inspired design with subtle shimmers that resemble stars, creating the illusion of celestial trails across a dark, starry sky. The brand’s silver logo is nicely positioned along the edge of both faceplates, striking a balance between subtlety and vibrancy.
The IEMs use a recessed 2-pin 0.78mm connector, and the nozzle is slightly shorter and wider than standard designs, crafted from metal and securely attached to the shells.
This design element is consistent across most of their IEMs. Additionally, there is a small vent near the nozzle, covered by a mesh filter, a feature that aligns with the design choices seen in many THIEAUDIO models.
Comfort & Isolation
The shells on the Hype 10 might seem a bit large, especially for those accustomed to smaller IEMs. I find the fit just right, with no issues in comfort.
While shell size is subjective and personal preference, they are slightly larger than those on the Hype 4 and Oracle MKIII, giving a sense of their relative scale.
The Hype 10 shells are lightweight and feature smooth curves that naturally conform to the ear, with no pressure points or sharp edges to cause discomfort during long listening sessions.
The fit is nearly flush, however, the large shells protrude. Once in place, they stay secure and discreet, making them great for on-the-go use without worrying about them falling out or loosening.
As for isolation, it’s decent, blocking out a fair amount of external noise. With well-fitting ear tips, the isolation improves even further, but I had hoped for slightly better performance in this area.
Ear Tips
The THIEAUDIO Hype 10 comes with a set of foam and silicone ear tips, but honestly, the selection feels a bit underwhelming for an IEM at this price point.
What’s a little disappointing is that the same ear tips are included with the Hype 4 and Oracle MKIII, which are priced lower, so I expected a bit more variety here.
A broader selection of tips, including ones with different bore sizes or even some premium options, would’ve been a nice touch.
The silicone tips come in small, medium, and large, as do the foam tips, which have colorful stems for easy identification. However, the stock silicone tips didn’t quite work for me. The short, wide nozzle of the Hype 10 made it tricky to get a proper seal.
After a bit of trial and error, I found that the SpinFit Omni ear tips offered the best fit and performance. The Omni ear tips work well with IEMs with shorter, wider nozzles.
Stock Cable
The Hype 10 comes with a high-quality silver-plated OCC cable, similar in design and feel to those used with the Hype 4, Oracle MKIII, and Monarch MKIII IEMs.
It features a modular system that allows you to switch between 4.4mm, 3.5mm, and 2.5mm plugs, depending on your device requirements. The plug swap is smooth and secure, thanks to a switch lock system that connects through a thin slot.
The cable features a light brown hue and a soft, smooth outer sleeve that feels comfortable in my hand. It’s easy to manage, resists tangling when coiled, and takes up minimal space when stored.
The adapter, y-split, and connectors feel well-constructed, giving the cable a durable, premium quality. In terms of performance, the cable holds its own, and I never felt the need to replace it. Plus, it’s lightweight, making it easy to carry for everyday use.
Packaging & Accessories
After unboxing three THIEAUDIO IEMs such as the Hype 4, Oracle MKIII, and Hype 10, I can’t help but feel the need for a fresh approach to the packaging.
While the consistent look and feel help maintain a cohesive brand identity, a few tweaks would be greatly appreciated. Right now, it feels like I’m unboxing the same IEM over and over again.
That said, I appreciate the simplicity and the color palette THIEAUDIO uses, and their dedication to sticking to a well-defined theme is commendable. The packaging strikes a nice balance between elegance and minimalism.
Inside, the IEMs are neatly arranged, with the cable carefully rolled up in a dedicated cutout on one side and the carry case nestled securely in another cutout. The foam inside is sturdy enough to keep everything in place, and inside the case, you’ll find two sets of ear tips and a cleaning cloth.
Carry Case
The carry case that comes with the IEM is well-sized, offering ample space to comfortably store the IEMs along with the cable.
It features a zippered closure and is lined with soft fabric on the outside, while the interior is cushioned to provide extra protection. Inside the upper flap, there’s a handy mesh pocket where you can store ear tips or other small accessories.
The case is designed to be protective, ensuring that the IEMs are securely stored. However, due to its size, it might not fit easily into smaller pockets.
Sound Impressions
The following sound impressions of the THIEAUDIO Hype 10 were completed using a mixture of my main source, Lotoo’s Paw Gold Touch, and occasionally the Questyle CMA18P and Earmen Angel DAC/amps. I also paired the IEMs with stock cable and SpinFit’s Omni ear tips, size L.
Summary
The Hype 10 delivers a warm sound signature with a near-neutral tilt. It doesn’t fully lean into neutrality, and the midrange and treble have a smooth, rich quality without being analytical.
The dual dynamic drivers provide a good bass boost, giving the low end a solid emphasis without overpowering the mix.
The midrange feels natural, while the upper frequencies are detailed and well-extended.
Overall, the sound is balanced and does not emphasize any particular frequency region, bringing out a smooth presentation that enhances the listening experience.
Bass
The Hype 10 integrates THIEAUDIO’s IMPACT2 technology with a dual dynamic driver setup focused on enhancing the lower frequencies.
Supporting these drivers are two Sonion BA, which further enriches the bass, resulting in a fuller, more balanced low-end performance. The sub-bass delivers a decent presence, while the mid-bass is punchy, with quick hits and improved decay.
Compared to the Hype 4’s rather leaner bass response, the Hype 10 brings noticeable improvements in impact and weight.
Although it doesn’t deliver earth-shaking bass, it provides ample quantity with good texture and layering. The mid-bass could benefit from more precision and control for tighter hits, but that’s a minor critique.
There’s a pleasant reverberation that adds depth, and while it could use more heft to truly excite bassheads, there’s little to complain about. The bass fits well across various genres, and even during extended listening sessions, it never overwhelms.
The texture and layering are particularly impressive, offering depth without overshadowing other parts of the mix.
Mids
THIEAUDIO continues its tradition of delivering an impressive midrange with the Hype 10, maintaining a rich, natural sound.
The bass shelf rolls off a bit early to prevent it from encroaching on the lower mids, ensuring the midrange, especially the lower midrange, doesn’t become overly thick.
From 300Hz to 1kHz, the frequency response stays nearly flat, allowing the natural tonality of both instruments and vocals to shine through.
With Sonion BA handling the mids, the result is a beautifully sweet and natural presentation. Notes carry enough weight without feeling overly dense, offering excellent clarity and commendable resolution.
Both male and female vocals are realistic and dense, taking center stage without being too forward in the mix, while instruments are well-positioned around them.
The upper mids are nicely extended, smooth, and free from harshness, contributing to a relaxed yet detailed listening experience. This is more evident in the female vocals, where there are no instances of sharpness.
Treble
The Hype 10 delivers a well-executed treble region, striking a thoughtful balance between energy and refinement.
Thanks to the Knowles ultra-tweeters handling the higher frequencies, the treble feels clean, crisp, and clear, adding a sense of liveliness to the overall sound signature without becoming too sharp or fatiguing.
There’s plenty of detail retrieval, ensuring you won’t miss out on the finer nuances. It stops short of being overly bright or edgy, which allows for a more enjoyable, non-fatiguing listening experience.
Compared to the Hype 4, where the treble is a bit uneven and overemphasized, the Hype 10 offers a smoother and more refined presentation. It’s more balanced, making for a coherent transition from the midrange to the upper frequencies.
Given that the Hype 10 is a premium offering, it’s fair to nitpick, and I would have liked just a touch more air and sparkle in the upper treble to enhance the sense of space.
However, the tuning is deliberate, aiming for cohesion and preventing the treble from overwhelming the overall mix.
Staging & Dynamics
The Hype 10 delivers impressive technical performance, making it a standout in its class. The soundstage is spacious, with remarkable width and an impressive sense of depth, creating a large, holographic 3D stage that draws you into an immersive listening experience.
Instruments are spread out beautifully across the mix, giving a good sense of space and separation. Layering is handled well, with no overlap, even during fast-paced or complex tracks, ensuring that each element remains distinct and clearly defined.
The IHype 10 does a very nice job at detail retrieval, bringing out subtle nuances and micro-details that make the music feel vivid and lifelike.
Its resolution is excellent, delivering a crisp, clear representation of the music without any unwanted muddiness. The result is a listening experience that is both detailed and accurate, reproducing tracks with excellent precision.
What’s also notable is the Hype 10’s versatility. The balanced tuning, where no single frequency range is overemphasized, allows it to shine across a wide variety of genres, making it a reliable performer whether you’re into rock, classical, or electronic music.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
