THIEAUDIO has spent years development agree with and a following by means of packing severe tuning obsessions into potential tools. Since launching under Linsoul and emerging rapid on the energy of fashions like the Monarch line, the Chinese language logo has now not been delicate in its ambitions to be offering boutique-level configurations with out boutique-level pricing. Whilst THIEAUDIO has introduced compelling kilobuck+ flagships, the candy spot has been mid-fi merchandise for obsessives on the cheap. And the Hype 4 MKII IEM and Cypher semi-open headphones really feel like a sharper extension of that center of attention. At $399 every, they come in very other shapes however chase an identical ends: sound with extra poise and precision, however with simply sufficient mischief left in it.

The construct

An replace to a 2023 boards favourite, the Hype 4 MK II is a six-driver hybrid in-ear monitor rebuilt from the floor up in an enclosure machined from sturdy anodized aluminum. Beneath an iridescent inlay are the logo’s newest IMPACT2 dual-8mm sub-bass machine paired with 4 up to date Knowles balanced armatures. The Cypher, in the meantime, is a brand new 50mm dynamic-driver wired headphone constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum, stainless-steel, lambskin, and sufficient self assurance to debut at a CanJam and act love it belongs there.

The Hype 4 MKII’s IMPACT2 low-end machine options composite-diaphragm dynamic drivers in a proprietary pneumatic acoustic chamber, then palms the remainder of the spectrum to a stack that’s natural fashionable hybrid maximalism: two RAB-series drivers for the decrease mids, an ED-33465 dealing with higher mids and decrease treble, and a RAD-33518 ultra-tweeter driven up close to the nozzle for added extension. On paper, that provides up to a four-way crossover, six general drivers, an 18-ohm load, 101dB sensitivity at 1 kHz, and a quoted 5 Hz to 22 kHz frequency reaction. In observe, it’s simple to pressure from strange assets, however tuned with the more or less fixated care that makes each and every sonic edge really feel simply as filed and fitted as the bodily casing.

Accompanying the IEMs in the small oblong arduous case, you’ll discover a removable modular cable made with 6N ultra-pure monocrystalline copper and accompanied by means of simply swappable 4.4mm balanced and three.5mm unbalanced plugs. Moreover, there’s a number of silicone and reminiscence foam ear guidelines, regardless that I finished up swapping to a couple of Divinus Velvet Wide Bore and doing maximum of my listening from FiiO M27 and iBasso DX340 [AMP15] DAPs.

The Cypher makes use of a newly evolved 50mm dynamic driving force constructed round a 20-core N45 magnetic array, a semi-crystalline polymer-and-rubber composite diaphragm, and a high-tension copper-aluminum composite voice coil. The shell is similarly intentional: swiveling CNC-machined single-block aerospace-grade aluminum earcups, a stainless steel headscarf with a carbon-fiber-like floor remedy, a supple suspended lambskin strap with fabric-covered segmented padding on the underbelly, velour-and-memory-foam magnetically fixed pads, and a last weight of 411 grams. 

The grille’s geometric weave has a fabric-like look with a nearly Meze Audio-lite commercial magnificence. The Cypher is rated at 32 ohms, 96dB sensitivity, and 20 Hz to 20 kHz—simple sufficient to run off a computer, regardless that obviously happier when given a bit dignity upstream, which is why I attempted them with the TEAC UD-507/HA-507 stack and a Schiit Audio Jotunheim 3. 

Integrated in the unusually low-profile leatherette sporting bag [the Cypher pivots flat] is a removable 1.5-meter (4.9 toes.) braided cable with a nylon-braided external and three.5mm/6.3mm gold-plated connectors. And if you need to improve to a balanced choice, the Cypher’s twin mono inputs are (*4*).

The sound

The Hype 4 MKII is an extroverted IEM, however now not a messy one. For lots of acquainted with the fun-tilted authentic, it’s going to be unusually blank and regulated. In the low finish, adrenaline’s sparks were exchanged for dopamine’s sluggish burn. Bass nonetheless hits with a good, piston-like punch that provides kick drums a beveled edge and synth strains actual frame. However it’s now not bloated. 

The said tuning profile takes inspiration from studio displays paired with a subwoofer, and the sharp 150Hz bass shelf helps that. There’s additionally a steady nudge round 400Hz that brings heat to the decrease midrange, pushing it nearer to a more Meta tuning. When put next to the authentic’s woozier woofer, alternatively, it’s extra disciplined than indulgent. Up most sensible and throughout the level, the Hype 4 MKII sounds extra separated and taken care of than prior to, so even busy mixes keep tidy moderately than slumped in combination. 

The psychedelic prospers of an album like Beck’s Sea Change drift via with a type of narcotic readability, all shimmer, sigh, and unfavourable house. There may be, admittedly, some warmth on most sensible, a bit treble flare, however that quicksilver snap contributes to a way of velocity and assists in keeping haloed layers of phosphorescence element well banked as a substitute of throwing the entire stability off. This V-shaped incisive manner may well be over the top for closely compressed, high-octane genres excluding in moderation, however this heightened imaging is completely fitted to extra organically unfurling choices.

The Cypher takes the reverse manner, with a warm-neutral, mids-forward reaction that’s much less about consideration or extension and extra about endurance. That is the more or less headphone you’ll pay attention to for hours as a result of it will moderately disclose than dazzle.

The Cypher’s bass is extra planted than punishing, but it surely’s were given grip for an open-back. It’s now not skinny and assists in keeping low-end information intact, but it’s defiantly bored to death in appearing off. And the higher sign in has an anchoring, virtually uncanny herbal timbre, even though it’s now not the maximum expansive. Treble is clean, now not spotlight-hungry, providing presence with out glare. There are microdynamics, however they don’t chase spray-on sparkle such a lot as lend a hand coax power shifts from recordings. 

Similar to its closest non secular cousins, the Sennheiser HD 600/650, wealthy, real looking vocal presence is the Cypher’s final energy. However with extra sub-bass staging. That very same Beck album is going from prismatic mirrored image to lysergic confession. It’s laid out in a well-lit theater that’s wider than it’s deep, spacious sufficient to kind each and every component’s fair intent however all the time saved to an intimate scale. When you’re tracking for emotional weight, the Cypher we could it settle in your lap. When put next to the romantic voicing of similarly positioned Meze Audio headphones, the Cypher presentations a mature restraint. The headphone is now not difficult you repeatedly shift your consideration; it’s protecting you corporate, handing you orange slices and telling you to loosen up.

The decision

If the Hype 4 MKII is all speed and contour, the Cypher is texture and tact. If the Hype 4 MKII finds the basis and framing of a observe, the Cypher is the fixtures and fittings. Which is best for you comes down to whether or not you vibe extra with a nervy show or planned composure. THIEAUDIO’s newest mid-fi one-two punch at $399 now not handiest broadens the lineup, but it surely additionally clarifies the logo. One product says THIEAUDIO can nonetheless do spectacle; the different says it’s going to in any case know when now not to.