ThieAudio - Hype 2

There aren't that many once you've ruled out Etymotic. Honestly at that 'lower than Studio 4' price range you might as well go for the Studio 4. Aful Performer 5+2 / 8: Relaxed pinna gain at 2-4kHz means reduced vocal bite; speech and 'breathiness' is sacrificed slightly for a more relaxed, pleasant presentation. Not neutral. Anecdotally, I've heard the Performer 8, the soundstage is wide but centre image is weak. Moondrop Dusk: crinacle's house sound = big bass shelf. No go for neutrality. Moondrop Blessing 3: Upper-mids/lower treble emphasized (4-6kHz) beyond neutral. Supermix 4: Harman, i.e not neutral (bass and upper-mids emphasized) Thieaudio: U-shaped is their house sound from the Hype 2 all the way to the Valhalla. Extra bass and spicy treble. Not neutral. I would add that the Hexas aren't neutral either, they have too much bass for it, it's simply masked by the fact that its bass is sloped, not a shelf. All the 'Meta' IEMs out so far also fail in the neutral bass department by having too much of it. This includes the KE4, Volume S, Mega5EST and even CrinEar's 'Reference', if his chart is to go by. Graphs are worth looking at for reference. So you only really have the Studio 4 left. That, or an IER-M7 if you could get it for cheap.

Started with the Thieaudio Hype 2. Sold those and bought the Xenns Mangird Top with the 7hz Thunderbird cable. Like jewelry. Matched perfectly. Sound was just as incredible. Love them. My wife stole them and said what Xenns Top? She uses them with the Divinus Velvet Wide Bore smalls. Got the Hidizs MP145 cuz I have huge ears and wanted a planar. Then got the Thieaudio Hype 10, and damn they're good. Then Fatfreq got with HBB and created a goddamn mess for months, but when the Deuce got here.....slammin bass. Then Thieaudio came out with the Oracle Mk3 and holy shit I was in heaven. Bought the Kiwiears Punch just cuz ultimate bass, but I hardly use them. Since the wife snatched the Top it's a toss up of the Oracle Mk3, Hype 10 and the MP145, with the Oracle being first

I could make a strong argument for the Arrti T10 and Simgot EW300 definitely being better than the Zero 2 (to me!) for under $100. I like the Simgot better than $300 IEMS,the Theiaudio Hype 2. I own all of these.

Hype 2s. Trying to sell them as I type. 🤣

I've been using the Thieaudio Hype 2 for a while now, which is a few gens outdated but works well. I also enjoyed using the Ikko OH10 (I think that's the correct model number, anyway).

I use my hype 2's for everything :)

Love my hype 2's had them since they came out pretty much. Still work the same as day one zero problems with build quality. Still have no reason to get anything else.

When I started in the hobby, I had some Kzs, they were good, but then when I got my most expensive headphones at the time, the HEXA, it was a noticeable leap in quality. Then came the P50, which for me was the headphone that gave me the most "wow" feeling. The Hype 2 was also absurdly good, superior quality, and for me, more pleasant than some of the more expensive headphones I've used. So, yes, there is a difference, and I think it's worth investing more, but wisely, because not everything that's more expensive will actually please you as much.

Obviously, price does not equal quality, it's a big question of listening preference and listening to you likes, if you like what you hear then better, don't change your gear.

Glad to hear it, when I bought the Hype 2 I had the 2pin connector which was too fragile and the channel unbalanced, compared to the Hype 4 they are 2 really different pairs, the Hype 2 are not at all "mini 4", I did not like them, but if you like what you listen to and it works there is no reason to change equipment, enjoy listening!

By Far the UM Mest MKII, sometimes It sounds better than my planar Open back headphones. I had luck with the confort too. For daily use Im pretty happy with the Thieaudio hype2, they took the crown from my old Tangzu Heyday and 7hz Timeless AE. For Now Im looking for a daily use iem Just for Metal. I tried the Volume S, Final A5000 but they did not met my expectations. Im currently considering the Dunu SA6, EPZ P50, Fiio FH19 or tanchjim origin.

For percussion hexa is decent, it doesnt have that engagement if you like feeling close to the strings. With Hexa its like you can observe the painting from a distance. I would say dunu falcon ultra is exciting but also maintains mid tones and harmonics very well. Its warm balanced (some may say v) and has alot of richness in the tone. For strings specifically its has that density and heart-tugging effect. The driver is extremely well made and has this detailed and depthful feeling. It blends musicality and some analytical tones while being warm and fun. To me the closer you get to neutral and analytical the more colder and lifeless it sounds. Having just the right amount can give you better percieved impressions. Thieaudio hype 2 has a similar effect but hybrid/tribid iems tend to lose that harmonious effect compared to single drivers. Its tough but I dont regret picking up dunu falcon ultra.