In this feature, Nihal reviews the THIEAUDIO Hype 4, which is a hybrid dual 10mm dynamic and quad balanced armature driver universal IEM. It is priced at $399.
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.
It has been a few months since we reviewed THIEAUDIO gear. The last was for the company’s entry-level Hype 2 hybrid IEM and their high-end Monarch MKIII monitor at the tail end of last year.
Since then, THIEAUDIO has released higher-end IEMs including the subject of today’s review, the Hype 4 priced at $399, and the more premium Hype 10 priced at $899.
The Hype series stands for Hybrid Performance, so it is no surprise that common in all these IEMs is the dual dynamic driver setup with their unique IMPACT2 technology sprinkled with copious amounts of BA drivers on top.
Features
The THIEAUDIO Hype 4 is a universal IEM with a hybrid mix of dual dynamic and four Sonion balanced armature drivers. It also incorporates the IMPACT2 technology, a common feature in the Hype series IEMS and their high-end 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.
The four BA drivers include the 26A and the E50 series drivers from Sonion. The Sonion E50 series is a dual ultra-tweeter BA driver used for the highs with dual 26A series drivers covering the mids.
The Hype 4 is rated at 17Ω @ 1kHz with a sensitivity of 105 dB/Vrms making it a fairly easy IEM to drive from dongles and DAPs.
Design
THIEAUDIO maintains a consistent design language across their IEMs, with most models featuring black shells and artistic, shiny faceplates.
My Hype 4 unit is finished in black, however, you can also buy it in white or blue. The white variant has a pearly body, while the black and blue options differ mainly in the faceplate patterns.
The shells are made of resin and feature a sleek, all-black design without any patterns. The inner sides of the body include a text label indicating side orientation and a manufacturing label. The cable connects to the IEM via a recessed 2-pin 0.78mm socket.
The black version has a faceplate with a black base and vibrant cyan-blue glitter that shines brightly under light. The brand’s name is printed along the bottom edge of the faceplate, adding a subtle touch of branding. Even with the shiny faceplate, I find the aesthetic simple and understated.
The nozzle on the IEM is on the shorter and wider side compared to the IEMs that I have previously reviewed. There’s also a small vent near its nozzle, protected with a mesh filter.
Comfort & Isolation
I find the shells ergonomic with a form factor that is not too big for my ears. It is lightweight with smooth curves that assist with a comfortable fitting with no pressure points or sharp edges causing discomfort during long listening sessions.
While the size might be subjective, for reference, the Hype 4 is comparable in size to models like the Dita Audio Project M or SIMGOT EM10.
The fit is nearly flush, with the IEMs only slightly protruding from the ear, ensuring they don’t appear as though they are hanging. They remain securely in place without falling out or becoming loose while moving around.
The Hype 4 provides a very decent level of isolation, effectively blocking a significant amount of outside noise. I did not experience any driver flex, though some users have reported minor flex issues. These can typically be resolved by selecting the appropriate ear tips, so it’s not a major concern.
Ear Tips
The THIEAUDIO Hype 4 includes 2 sets of foam and silicone tips, but the selection is not very generous given the IEM’s price point. I had expected better ear tip options.
The silicone tips come in small, medium, and large sizes, and the same goes for the foam tips, which feature colorful stems, a nice touch.
However, the stock ear tips are unremarkable and functional at best. To achieve the best sound from the Hype 4, you will likely need to invest in third-party tips. For me, SpinFit W1 and Azla SednaLight ear tips fit quite well with the IEM.
Stock Cable
The Hype 4 comes standard with a high-grade silver-plated OCC cable. This is supposedly an upgrade from the previous generation of THIEAUDIO’s cables. According to THIEAUDIO, the cable materials provide a little more clarity and refinement when compared to the earlier versions.
The cable features a light brown color and a smooth outer sleeve, providing a soft, comfortable touch. It connects to the IEM shells using a 2-pin connector.
The cable terminates with a gold-plated 3.5mm jack, encased in silver plating. The same silver finish is applied to the splitter and the 2-pin connectors, ensuring a cohesive and elegant look.
The cable performs well for its intended purpose, but bear in mind it is available only with a 3.5mm termination. There is no option to upgrade to a 4.4mm balanced end termination. I would have preferred a modular cable that offered both 3.5mm and 4.4mm options for greater versatility.
Packaging & Accessories
The Hype 4 arrived in a rather big box. The outer sleeve of the box has an image of IEM and a description of the driver configurations and other basics.
The back side of this sleeve covers a lot of company-related information. Removing this paper sleeve reveals a black box with THIEAUDIO’s name engraved in silver.
Upon opening the box, we are greeted with the IEMs attached with cable rolled up nicely and fit in a cut-out in one half of the box.
The other half holds the case in a large cut-out. The foam inside the box is hard enough to safely contain the IEM and the accessories. The carry case contains two packs of ear tips and a cleaning cloth.
The accessories with the Hype 4 include:
- Carry Case
- Foam Tips + Silicone Ear Tips
- Silver-plated OCC Cable
- Cleaning cloth
- Pair of IEMs
Carry Case
Though the Hype 4 comes with limited accessories, I was pleasantly surprised by the nice-sized carry case which should fit the IEM and cable comfortably. Many IEMs in this price range come with compact cases that barely fit the IEM and cable.
The carry case features a rectangular shape with a zipper closure and is lined with a soft, protective material on the inside. It includes a mesh partition on the lid, handy for storing spare ear tips, cleaning cloths, or other small accessories. This thoughtful design adds practical value and convenience.
Sound Impressions
The following sound impressions of the THIEAUDIO Hype 4 were completed using a mixture of my main source, Lotoo’s Paw Gold Touch, and occasionally the Questyle CMA18P or the Earmen Angel DAC/amp. I also paired the IEMs with stock cable and my preferred Azla SednaLight ear tips, size MS.
Summary
The Hype 4 has a warm, u-shaped signature with an emphasis on bass. The midrange stays mostly neutral, with a decent touch of warmth. The upper frequency range maintains a good level of detail and is devoid of any harshness.
In a nutshell, the sound profile is quite balanced with some nice technicalities to offer as well, making it a musical yet quite performant IEM.
Bass
The IMPACT2 technology driving the bass on the Hype 4 performs admirably, offering a well-balanced blend of sub-bass and mid-bass that hits a sweet spot.
The sub-bass reaches deep with a satisfying rumble, while the mid-bass delivers a nice punch. This adds an element of fun to the overall arrangement and was more than enough for almost all the genres I tried.
The bass’s texture and layering are notably good, providing a rich and detailed experience. The bass has a moderate speed. The decay is optimal, ensuring that bass notes are clear and distinct, enhancing the bass quality further.
It’s important to note that the bass isn’t quite hard-hitting or overpowering; rather, there is more of a focus on loud bass so, Bassheads might find it lacking in solid impact and a bit lean.
However, this characteristic helps maintain a profile that avoids excessive bass, ensuring it doesn’t bleed into the mids. This balance is where the beauty of the Hype 4’s bass truly shines.
Midrange
The midrange on the Hype 4 maintains a neutral profile with a pleasant warmth. I hear a clear separation between the bass and the mids, ensuring that sub-bass impacts are precise while the mids remain neutral and unaffected. The result is a rich, organic tone with excellent transparency and clarity in the midrange.
The midrange has a subtle forwardness, making vocals particularly enjoyable. Vocals take center stage in the mix, with other instruments vividly surrounding and complementing them.
Both male and female vocals are thick and dense enough, striking a perfect balance without being overly emphasized or too thin.
The Hype 4 manages the layering of the vocals and mid-range instruments quite well. The micro-detailing is done quite well too. All these features add to the richness of the midrange.
Towards the upper midrange, there is some added energy but nothing much to worry about. There is no sharpness or instances of sibilant, at least in my setup.
Treble
The Hype 4 excels in delivering extended and detailed upper frequencies, making it a great choice for treble enthusiasts. It maintains a decent level of energy, starting from the upper midrange to the highest frequencies.
It offers a substantial amount of air and sparkle, enhancing the clarity and presence of high-frequency details. While the treble can occasionally sound slightly exaggerated on some tracks, it generally maintains a smooth and refined quality.
The treble tuning prioritizes clarity and openness, effectively showcasing intricate details and effects. Importantly, it avoids unwanted sharpness or peaks, ensuring a comfortable and non-fatiguing listening experience during longer sessions.
This balance makes the Hype 4 engaging and easy to listen to for extended periods. Even on poorly recorded tracks or tracks with bright mixes, the treble is quite safe-sounding.
Staging
According to THIEAUDIO, the Hype 4 is designed with professionals in mind, emphasizing accurate and precise sound reproduction. I noticed how faithfully the Hype 4 reproduces the original recordings while tracks with a bright mix are not penalized as much.
The Hype 4 IEM excels in technical performance, offering an impressively wide soundstage with notable depth. It presents a holographic 3D stage, creating an immersive listening experience.
Hype 4’s stereo imaging and layering capabilities are among the best in its price range, setting it apart from other IEMs. Even in complex musical passages, such as in heavy metal songs, there is enough breathing space for instruments in the picture.
The IEM is quite good at detail retrieval, bringing forth subtle nuances and micro-details very nicely. There is a lot of detail emanating from all across the soundstage, which shows how well the spatial aspects are handled by the Hype 4.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
