Nihal reviews the THIEAUDIO Hype 4 MKII, a second-generation hybrid dual dynamic and quad Knowles balanced armature driver universal IEM. It is currently priced at $399.00.
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.
This article follows our latest scoring guidelines, which you can read in more detail here.
THIEAUDIO has built a reputation for packing serious performance into prices that still feel sensible, and sets like the Monarch line and Prestige LTD have only strengthened that fanbase.
More recently, releases like Valhalla and Monarch MKIV have been quite impressive, both in tuning direction and overall execution.
The Hype series, short for Hybrid Performance, is THIEAUDIO’s way of blending multiple drivers with the in-house tech it has refined over the years.
This time, we have a new iteration in the lineup: Hype 4 MKII. It is not just a small refresh over the earlier Hype 4.
It brings in updated tech, keeps the IMPACT2 subwoofer concept in the mix, and does a full design overhaul with the new metal shell build and refreshed accessories.
The sub-$500 space is crowded, with strong options. It will be interesting to see where the $399 Hype 4 MKII lands.
The big question is whether this new iteration keeps the excitement intact and whether the changes feel like progress or simply a different flavor.
In the review, I will cover its performance in detail and compare it to its predecessor and competing IEMs such as the Oracle MKIII and the DITA Project M.
Features
The Hype 4 MKII is a 6-driver hybrid. It uses two 8mm composite diaphragm dynamic drivers for the low end, two of the latest Knowles RAB series drivers for the midrange, a Knowles ED-33465 for the highs, and a single Knowles RAD-33518 ultra-tweeter for the ultra-highs.
The previous version used Sonion balanced armatures, but the MKII switches them all to Knowles drivers.
It also features the latest generation IMPACT2 subwoofer system, shared with the Monarch MKIV, so the low-end tuning should feel more mature than in the previous version.
On top of that, it is built around a 4-way crossover with a 4-tube acoustic system.
Design
The Hype 4 MKII moves away from the resin shell and goes metal. The shells are CNC-machined from solid aluminum blocks and later hand-finished and anodized to give them an absolute finish.
Resin is usually the easy win for comfort, but I will take this change any day because the metal build simply feels more solid and long-term durable in the hand.
The faceplate is the standout. It has a cracked, mosaic-style pattern that looks like broken tiles locked under a glossy layer. The color shift on the faceplate when it’s exposed to light is the fun part. It shifts colors between green, teal, and light purple, giving a multi-colored yet subtle vibe.
Near the connector side, you can find three small vents, a similar venting style that can be seen on the latest THIEAUDIO IEMs, such as Valhalla and Monarch MKIV. The IEM uses standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors.
The shells are ergonomic and have smooth contours. No sharp edges, no awkward corners, and it sits naturally in the ear.
Overall, the design and build feel tightened up in the new iteration. It feels more premium and has a more grown-up vibe than the previous generation.
Comfort & Isolation
From photos, you might expect the Hype 4 MKII to feel a bit more “metal and chunky” in the ear, but it does not.
The shell is pretty average in size, and that helps a lot. It is clearly smaller and easier to manage than large IEMs like Valhalla or Monarch MKIV, and you feel that the moment you put it in.
Fit is straightforward. The shape sits naturally, following the ear contours. The shell edges are smooth, and nothing pokes or presses in weird spots.
It is also light enough that it does not pull down on the ear. As the size is just normal, it does not stick out like it is about to fall off. Once you get a seal, it stays put.
The nozzle length is sensible too. It does not go too deep, so it never feels like it is digging into the canal.
Tip rolling is easy since most standard tips fit without any fuss. I had no pressure build-up during long sessions, and there is no driver flex drama when inserting them.
Isolation is decent. It does keep a good amount of outside noise in check. I have carried it for walks, and it does the job just fine.
Overall, the Hype 4 MKII has the kind of fit you can wear for hours without thinking about it.
Ear Tips
THIEAUDIO includes two sets of ear tips, packed neatly in a small plastic tip holder.
You get one silicone set with gray wings and blue stems, and one set of black foam tips with different colored stems. Both ear tips are available in the usual three sizes: S, M, and L.
The silicone tips feel like an updated version of the older white tips THIEAUDIO used to bundle with many of their sets. The bores are still wide, but the stems feel a bit softer.
Fit-wise, they land almost the same. I use size L, and for me, these are a perfect match, so I do not really feel the need to jump to third-party tips. They also keep the sound open and airy without killing the low-end weight.
The foam tips are there if you like that style, but I barely use foam tips in general, so these went straight back into the drawer.
Just for fun, I did try a couple of aftermarket options. Divinus Velvet and AZLA SednaEarfit Light both fit me well, and they pair nicely if you want to experiment.
Stock Cable
The Hype 4 MKII comes with a newly designed stock cable, and I think this is the first time THIEAUDIO has used this exact one on the Hype line.
It is built with 6N ultra-OFC copper and silver Litz wires in a thick 4-core layout, and the goal here is a clean, transparent pairing rather than adding extra warmth or weight.
It also follows the current trend and goes modular. You get a swap system for 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm unbalanced, and the adapters are genuinely easy to switch, so you can move between sources without extra cables.
In hand, it feels similar to what you see with other THIEAUDIO sets like the Origin and Valhalla, just with a slightly more transparent sleeve and a thinner build.
You get a similar metal termination adapter with a slotted-groove-like design, featuring dark grey and silver. The color match with the IEM is on point, too.
Handling-wise, it does run a bit stiff, but it is not a deal-breaker. It is still flexible and light enough that it will not bother you during use or when you coil it up for storage. Compared to the stock cable on the Hype 4, this one feels more premium in both build and look.
Packaging & Accessories
The Hype 4 MKII comes in a fresh new box style, and the first thing you notice is how compact it is. THIEAUDIO’s older packaging used to be those longer boxes with a lot of foam and empty space.
This one feels tighter and better packed, with a tiered layout that makes more sense. The outer graphics also look sharper than before. It is very blue-heavy and colorful, and it matches the whole vibe of the IEM and the included cable.
Once you lift the top lid, you get a small flip-open box with a short lid and a taller bottom section, with both sides covered in that blue hard cardboard. Lift off those two covers out of the way, and the layout is simple.
The top section holds the ear tips and the warranty and documentation, nicely separated, so it does not feel like a mess. The bottom section is where the main stuff sits, with the carry case placed in the middle and the IEMs tucked securely in foam cutouts.
Overall, the accessory presentation feels like a step up. Nothing feels cheap or thrown in, and the new packaging style is honestly a welcome change if you have been seeing the same THIEAUDIO layouts for years.
It is still a straightforward unboxing, just cleaner, more modern, and less wasteful.
Carry Case
The case feels nicer than THIEAUDIO’s older hard case. The outside has a very soft matte finish with a leather-like grain. It’s made of synthetic leather, though, but it’s got a good look and feel. Zipper’s smooth too, with no snagging and no cheap rattle.
Inside, the lining is a plush, velvet-like material, so the whole thing feels a bit more premium than the usual “basic storage box.” The top lid has a small mesh pocket too, which you can use to store ear tips or a cleaning tool.
The space is just enough to fit the IEM with its cable, and you won’t struggle, which is refreshing for me. The smaller shells of the Hype 4 MKII and the thinner cable really help.
The carry case is also not really pocket-sized. This is a bag case, not a jeans case. Still, I’ll take this over the puck-style cases from the Valhalla and Monarch MKIV. This one feels better made and easier to live with.
Click on page 2 below for my sound impressions and recommended pairings.
