ThieAudio - Hype 4 MKII

the Top Pro and Hyper 4 MK2 are basically sidegrades from what y understand, both being more or less equal with the Top Pro having better soundstage and instrument separation, while the Hype MK2 has better treble and sparkle, so it kind of depends how you like your audio. For me instrument separation is key to life to music, and the treble on the top pro is enough for me, Then again i do go back to my Aful P5+2 once in a while for that smooth microplanar treble, i guess thats why so many people enjoy the Daybreak by crinear, its basically a gift at 170 bucks.

i’ve been listening to my hype 4 mk 2’s for a few days now and gotta say i’m loving them. I like a good amount of bass in my sound usually but the way these make vocals sound is impressive enough to keep me content. I use them with a ifi hipdac3 with the “xbass” button on and although the bass isn’t anything to write home about you do still hear it. Although not very comparable i do prefer to use these over my sennheiser hd660s2’s for gaming due to the separation and directionality.

Against the Tea Pro SE and Top Pro it really comes down to really subtle differences like in the treble where the Top Pro edges out the Hype 4 Mk2 and Tea Pro SE but only by a bit from what I personally tried and demo'd a bit ago with a buddy of mine. All 3 of the sets are pretty damn good and trade blows in a lot, and from what I tested with a bit of PEQ, they all take PEQ phenomenally well. Kinda crazy how even 4-5+ years ago sets were coming out at double to triple the price that trade blows with modern cheaper additions in the 4-600 dollar range. I might cop these honestly but I already have the DUSK AND the Top Pro lol. Might instead save for a Monarch or IE900 or U4s but I need to demo all 3 at once before pulling the trigger.

Bought it! :P Found a black one on Ebay for $299. Less gaudy looking than the white one! Thank you for the suggestion! :P

I agree with that Blessing 3 take! :D That's how I hear it too! :D "Thin, slightly shouty, basically no bass presence, reasonably textured treble. This one's purely for the weebs." Gad damn. That's what I thought too! Agree, ironically, with his take on Airpods Pro 2. Those are honestly really great/awesome especially when you factor size to performance and comfort to performance. Lush is legit. RSV Mark 2 is great. (though I like RSV Mark 1 better) :P There's so much 64 Audio stuff. (I have zero knowledge in that area) (but I am super curious). But there's so much 64 audio stuff on this chart and it's a huge gap in knowledge in my side. :P Agree on Truthear Hola! What a legend at $20. THAT is the $20 iem that was so good for its price. RIP indeed. Agree on the take on Hype 4. That did have a bit too much treble. It's why I don't care for the Hype 4 MARK 2. They added moar treble in Mark 2. no no. Agree on the take of Hexa. Hexa to me is more bright than neutral. And Hexa is very much inconsistent in that there are many people who hate it, but few who love it. I personally hated that shindig. Agree on the Andromeda 2020 take. That IEM is so strange. Usually I associate soundstage and spacious with bright-ish iems. But Andromeda 2020 is undoubtedly warm but has the most soundstage I've ever heard on an iem to date. It's puzzling. Slight disagreement on Letshouer Galileo. To me, Galileo is neutral. Most reviewers call it neutral. Then again, could be another situation where no one is wrong here :P

I agree with that Blessing 3 take! :D That's how I hear it too! :D "Thin, slightly shouty, basically no bass presence, reasonably textured treble. This one's purely for the weebs." Gad damn. That's what I thought too! Agree, ironically, with his take on Airpods Pro 2. Those are honestly really great/awesome especially when you factor size to performance and comfort to performance. Lush is legit. RSV Mark 2 is great. (though I like RSV Mark 1 better) :P There's so much 64 Audio stuff. (I have zero knowledge in that area) (but I am super curious). But there's so much 64 audio stuff on this chart and it's a huge gap in knowledge in my side. :P Agree on Truthear Hola! What a legend at $20. THAT is the $20 iem that was so good for its price. RIP indeed. Agree on the take on Hype 4. That did have a bit too much treble. It's why I don't care for the Hype 4 MARK 2. They added moar treble in Mark 2. no no. Agree on the take of Hexa. Hexa to me is more bright than neutral. And Hexa is very much inconsistent in that there are many people who hate it, but few who love it. I personally hated that shindig. Agree on the Andromeda 2020 take. That IEM is so strange. Usually I associate soundstage and spacious with bright-ish iems. But Andromeda 2020 is undoubtedly warm but has the most soundstage I've ever heard on an iem to date. It's puzzling. Slight disagreement on Letshouer Galileo. To me, Galileo is neutral. Most reviewers call it neutral. Then again, could be another situation where no one is wrong here :P

**Merry Xmas ya'll!** Here's a quick list of the best IEMs I've heard that **came out** in 2025. Full video breakdown [here](https://youtu.be/jnNvbrCh8Yg). IEM Ranking List [here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZHVib50XFQW4up3SwOZUTbI-hZB6Ir5LX6XnZblIM6o/edit?usp=sharing). \--------------------------------------------------------------------- **Under $25 (Sales Included)** * TangZu Waner 2 (Balanced/Clean) * Tanchjim Bunny/Zero Ultima DSP/3.5 (Balanced/All-Rounder) * HM: KZ Duonic (Bassy All-Rounder/Sub-bass focused) * HM: GK Kunten (Bassy All-Rounder) * HM: Kiwiears Belle (Warm/Bassy/Thick/Smooth) **Under $50 (Sales Included)** * 7Hz Elua Ultra (All-Rounder/Dynamic/Slight V) * KZ Zenith (Balanced/Clean/Smooth) * HM: Truthear x Crinacle Zero Blue 2 with 5 Ohm Adapter (Basshead) **Under $125 (Sales Included)** * Simgot EG280 (All-Rounder/Bright Leaning/Vocal Forward) * Tanchjim Fission (Neutral/Balanced/Smooth) * Kiwiears Airoso (Warm/Airy) * Kefine Quatio (Bassy/Dynamic/Versatile) * HM: JUZEAR Defiant (All-Rounder/Slight V/QC issues) * HM: Kiwiears Etude (Bouncy Bass/Scaling/Bone Conduction Drivers) * HM: 7Hz Diablo (Warm/Bassy/Thick/Dark) * HM: 7Hz Divine (Clean/Balanced) **Under $200** **(Sales Included)** * LETSHUOER S12 ULTRA (All-Rounder/Slight V/Bassy) * Crinear DayBreak/EPZ P50 (Balanced/Smooth/Vanilla) * Kiwiears Aether (Balanced/Airy) * Ziigaat Lush (Balanced/Warm Leaning/Scaling) * MYER CK2V (Bright/Sparkly) * HM: Punch Audio Portazo (Basshead) **Under $300 (Sales Included)** * Kiwiears Astral (All-Rounder/Slight V) * EPZ K9 (All-Rounder/Fuller-Less Shouty Harman 2019) * Softears Volume S (Balanced/Warm) * Ziigaat Crescent (Warm/Sparkly) * Punch Audio Martilo (Basshead) * Kiwiears Orchestra 2 (Neutral/Vocal Forward) * Yanyin Canon Pro/YU9 Que (Neutral/Smooth/Scaling) * HM: Kiwiears Septet (Bright/Airy) * HM: Tanchjim Force (Vocal forward/Clean) * HM: Juzear Defiant (Smooth/Scaling/Mid-Range) * HM: Dunu 142 (All-Rounder/Slight-V/Sharper Kiwiears Astral) **Under $500 (Sales Included)** * Thieaudio Hype 4 MK2 (Bright/Energetic/Clean) * Xenns Tea Pro SE (Balanced/Natural) * Xenns Top Pro (Balanced/Clean/Sparkly) * NICEHCK ROCKIES (Balanced/Full/Airy) * Ziigaat Luna (Warm/Airy) * Ziigaat Arcanis (Vocal Sauce/Mid-Range Scaling) * HM: HiSenior MEGA 7 (Balanced/Smooth/Neutral) **Under $2000** * Thieaudio Monarch MK4 (Clean All-Rounder/Bassy with Switch) * Thieaudio Valhalla (All-Rounder/Dynamic/Bassy) * LETSHUOER MYSTIC 8 (Neutral/Bright/Airy) * Softears RSV MK2 (Bassy All-Rounder/V-Shape) * FIIO FX17 (Warm All Rounder) * HM: AFUL DAWN-X (Sub-bass/Smooth/Scaling) * HM: BGVP SOLOMON (Bright/Slight V)

I’d go Hype 4 MK2 or Top Pro

Hype 4 MK2 Ranked: [JAY's IEM Ranking List](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZHVib50XFQW4up3SwOZUTbI-hZB6Ir5LX6XnZblIM6o/edit?usp=sharing). Graph [Here](https://jaysaudio.github.io/index.html?share=Harman_2019,HYPE_4_STOCK,HYPE_4_ULTRA_CLEAR). **HYPE4 MK2 OVERALL SOUND:** Clean, clear, bright-leaning with a crispy/airy/tingly treble playback, detail beast, great separation, quick transients/attack, lean low-end, can be too much for some, doesn't scale well - mid volume listening **HYPE4 MK2:** * First thing I noticed was how much detail I was getting bombarded with * Rides on the edge of being too much, thieaudio is basically limit testing how much treble they can push before frying our ears - your ears may vary * OCD like pin point imaging, sharp and light transients in the attack * Instruments and vocals are laid out clearly in front of you as the MK2 pulls the details out from them and hits you from all over your head stage * Treble has the "sauce" - crispy, very airy, extends like there's no tomorrow with an extended decay in the cymbals, sounds very "hi-fidelity" * Even though the treble is energetic it's also not overly peaky and sharp, the MK2 gives you just enough energy before pulling back - again, limit testing * Vocals are clear, open, with an airy end note to them, sits at a nice distance, not too forward, but enough to have the clarity. Not a vocal powerhouse, and male vocals could use more body/fullness to the sound * Bass is quick, snappy, well-controlled, tight, feels hi-res... but just doesn't have the impact/weight/slam, aka the sheer quantity as the OG Hype 4s * Not a set for bass lovers or anyone who wants more body/warmth to their sound as the MK2s can get too lean and bright on energetic genres **vs OG HYPE 4:** * Low-end wise the OG is much better imo, slams harder, more aggressive in the attack, thicker, extends deeper in the rumble, more powerful, and it just has that authority and body to the sound that the MK2 doesn't have due to the tamer amount * Male vocals also sounds more natural and less light/thin and fuller on the OGs * If you're looking for a bassy set, the OG is still the way to go, and tuning wise I personally prefer the OG more * Aside from that the MK2 is better in the other region, from its detail, separation, imaging, value, to the clearer and airier vocals, and that crispiness in the treble - if you're looking for pure value to performance then the MK2 is the way to go **vs Dunu Braindance:** * MK2 is a little fuller, less thin and bright leaning, and avoids being artificial while being a treble/detailed set - it's not as tilted towards the high end (well, at least my unit) * The extra mid-bass + vocal boost on the MK2 helps bring the other regions more forward and takes off some of the focus from the treble, this plus the tamer uppermids combined allows the MK2 to ride that fine line without crossing over and sounding artificial in the timbre * Transients have more bite and sharpness to them vs the softer and lighter timbre on the Braindance, more dynamic contrast and engagement imo * MK2 also $100 cheaper **vs XENNS TOP PRO:** * MK2 pulls out more treble detail, but is also more energetic/not as smooth * MK2 vocals are more laid back and less forward while Top Pro has more clarity to the singers with a hint of sparkle * Low-end is basically the same * If you want a clean sound with more vocal emphasize go with the Top Pros, if you want a more treble focused playback with more air and crisp go MK2 * I prefer the Top Pro by a little more since I prioritize vocals, but you can make the argument that the MK2 is the better value due it being $100 cheaper and pulling out a little more detail with better cable and build. **Volume Scaling/Genre Rec:** * Recommended listening volume is around 65-75dbs with R&B, slower pop/rock, ballads, indie, acoustics, instrumentals, classical - do NOT crank these * I'd avoid more energetic genres like kpop/jpop/edm due the amount of treble the MK2 has on top of the over boosted treble in most of those tracks - female vocals can also sound too thin and bright * Rock/metal/bands can also be a hit or miss since even though the cymbals are extra crispy... the MK2s may lack some of that punch and body to the drums and rhythmic section, and just in general can feel a bit disengaged due to tamer mid-bass and because you can't turn the volume up to bring them more forward * Basically the complete opposite genre wise to the OG Hype 4s which are better for hiphop, rock, edm, kpop/jpop **Technical Performance:** * Punches way above its price point, even giving my Valhallas a run for their money * Around the Monarch MK4 level, and slightly more technical than the TOP PRO/Rockies * Pretty bonkers for $400, but again, energy may be a deal breaker **Build & Fit:** * Around the size as the OG Hype 4s with no wing/edge * I have average size ears and it fits me snug * Around 6mm nozzle size including outer ring **Accessories & Packaging:** * Metal build with rainbow reflective earthquake pattern way? Pretty neat, not too bling since the colors change under lighting, and are less saturated than you'd expect * Very nice leather case, compact, sturdy, premium feeling, way better than the older ones and that scam puck case that comes with the MK4 and Valhallas * Inter-changeable 3.5/4.4mm Cable, dark blue hue, thick, well-built, sturdy feeling, the same as the Valhallas (Using the Elite noir cable I think, $100+ on its own) * Great accessories/build for the price **Final Ranking & Recommendation:** **HYPE4 MK2** Mid-volume (65-75 dbs) with R&B, slower pop/rock, ballads, indie, acoustics, instrumentals, classical * Tonality: 7.5/10 * Tech: 8.5-9/10 * Overall: 8/10 **RECOMMENDED (at Mid-Volume)** If you're looking for one of the best price to performance IEMs - these are it. Considering the fact that these are cheaper than the Top Pros, slightly more detailed, AND has better build/accessories - the MK2s are a no brainer if you're chasing detail... However, there is always a catch, or else we'd all be out of this rabbit hole by now. If you are sensitive or don't like much treble energy, or avoid bass-light IEMs like the plague, and loves to crank their music, then these are not for you - the OG HYPE4s would be better. These are for mid-volume listening - I made a [playlist](https://music.apple.com/ca/playlist/hype-4-mk2/pl.u-55D6PmKiMZqGb9) of tracks that you can reference to see if they fit into your library, since on the right one, the MK2s can get very addicting with that treble playback as it rides on the edge of dynamics and transients.

I think you're erroneously conflating the "new meta" tuning with JM-1 DF. JM-1 as a population average diffuse field target is exactly that, a diffuse field target. It is mathematically derived from the B&K 5128's DF target and only makes minor modifications to that target past 3-4 kHz, due to the fact that IEMs bypass the pinna and these effects have to be assumed. Headphones don't bypass the measurement rig's pinna and therefore can directly use the 5128 DF target, while JM-1 is just the equivalent diffuse field target for IEMs that assumes the more realistic "population average" human pinna effects instead of the 5128's stock pinna (which overemphasizes some frequency ranges past 3 kHz). I'm simplifying here a lot for brevity's sake, but most of this is covered in that video and on [this forum post](https://forum.headphones.com/t/understanding-the-headphones-com-iem-measurements/23607) by Listener on Headphones.com The "new meta" tuning is JM-1 DF ***with the addition of preference adjustments***. The relevant measurement rig's (whether that's a standalone 711 coupler, GRAS KEMAR, HEAD Acoustics or B&K rig) DF target with a -1 dB/octave tilt preference adjustment has been held as true neutral for headphone measurements for more than 2 decades, as it mirrors what a pair of flat studio monitors would sound like in a well-treated room (basically the conditions in which most music is produced, mixed and mastered). This is where the term "tilted diffuse field" comes from. Any bass boost or treble adjustments past that are up to individual and manufacturer preferences. Specifically in the case of the new meta IEMs, they add on a bass boost. All of this is to say, just like how the rig's DF target with a -1 dB/octave tilt is considered true neutral for headphones, the JM-1 DF target with a -1 dB/octave tilt is considered true neutral for IEMs. You may not agree with this or like how pure tilted JM-1 DF sounds and that's fine, but there's nothing subjective about what true neutral is, and JM-1 is exactly that for IEMs. Joel has a very valid point, and it looks like most people misunderstand what neutral actually means so I get where his frustration comes from.

With all due respect, I think you've still misunderstood that the new meta isn't the same thing as JM-1. Not even close. The new meta is JM-1... plus a -1 dB/octave tilt (preference adjustment to make it truly neutral), plus a bass boost (another preference adjustment but this time takes it further away from neutral). It could be a semantics thing, but since I work in mixing/mastering with Adam T8V studio monitors, there is a reference point for what neutral is in that sense. The truth is, most people don't like the sound of true neutral/pure tilted diffuse field, and whether that's tilted 711/5128/JM-1 DF only depends on which measuring rig was used and whether it's headphones or IEMs that are being measured. Funnily enough, the Studio 4 sticks pretty closely to JM-1 DF with a -1 dB/octave tilt (true neutral) up till the treble. I would say that all of these neutral IEMs that stick to tilted DF really put the emphasis on "monitor" in the word "in-ear monitor", given that they're meant to sound like studio monitors in a well-treated room aka tilted DF aka tilted JM-1 DF for IEMs measured on the 5128. I find that neutral IEMs that stick tightly to tilted DF all sound pretty darn close to my calibrated studio setup in terms of tonality. As for which IEM I find to be most neutral, it's the Hexa for sure. I have no idea how they nailed the tilted diffuse field sound that well at that price, and I have yet to find any IEMs that sound as flat and uncoloured across the bass and midrange. The only place where it deviates from neutral is in the treble, which is a little bright. I'm fine with it though, and I actually kinda enjoy that air to it when I'm listening to music in my free time and not working on mixes and masters. As for my favourite of the new meta, which I want to emphasize is ***not*** tilted JM-1 DF (as the new meta tuning slaps on a sizeable bass boost on top of the usual tilt), it's definitely the Thieaudio Hype 4. Just very fun and dynamic to listen to, with a ton of air and detail.

I get where you're coming from, and I've seen a lot of people on this sub use JM-1 and the new meta tuning interchangeably, even though that's not the case at all. I understand how some people that may not dive deep into it would come to that conclusion too, since most Squiglinks that have JM-1 listed as a target automatically apply the tilt (good) *and* bass boost adjustment (not good), when you select it. Imo, these sites shouldn't apply any adjustments as default, or at least, should only apply the tilt adjustment and not the bass adjustment when you select JM-1 as a target, exactly to avoid this confusion. In his video, Joel does a good job of explaining how JM-1 = diffuse field for IEMs as measured on the 5128 rig and tilted DF = neutral by professional studio standards (by transitive property, tilted JM-1 DF = neutral). He specifies how JM-1 DF is absolutely not the same thing as the new meta tuning and airs his discontentment at both terms being used interchangeably. He even talks about his own personal preferences and where they differ from the pure tilted JM-1 DF target, but while maintaining that this target is true neutral even if he doesn't personally enjoy it. I think it's a brilliant and well-researched video without a single error, as he's very precise with his wording, for those that understand what he's talking about. Hence why I recommended it to OP to watch. It is true that most people don't like true neutral sets that stick closely to pure tilted DF (pure tilted JM-1 DF in this case), and most like an additional bass boost on top of that for more excitement and fun. This is why manufacturers crank out so many new meta-tuned sets but nowhere near as much neutral sets. I myself am not an exception to this, as I do enjoy my Hype 4 and have enjoyed a few of the other new meta sets in the past as well. But this shouldn't change what "neutral" actually means and the definition it's had in terms of objective measurements for decades now, and none of these new meta sets are truly neutral because of that bass boost. Sorry, I wasn't aware you posed a rhetorical question lmao. I tend to miss subtexts like that often, so I answered literally to that. My bad there! And yeah I was wondering where exactly the disagreement was in this exchange, as you said the Studio 4 sounds neutral to you and I would absolutely call it a neutral set (both subjectively and objectively) as well, alongside the Hexa and everything else that closely sticks to pure tilted JM-1 DF. I'm glad to see we were on the same page all along.

They are in the same boat in a broad sense I guess, but in reality there are notable differences in the sound for sure. The Hype 4 has a more natural midrange and especially upper mids imo (the Hype 2 sounds a bit more grating and strident in comparison), but they have a fair bit more bass than the Hype 2. You may not enjoy this additional bass. I personally enjoyed that combination of big, tactile bass + more neutral mids on the Hype 4 when I demoed it, and they wowed me and were more pleasant to my ears than the Hype 2. Since I already have the Hexa as a neutral set, I decided to go full fun and went for the Hype 4. I will say though, both sets are very much U-shaped, and especially are very hot in the upper treble. The vast majority of people would find them sibilant, but I personally enjoy the absolute tons of air, clarity and detail both these sets throw at you. I went for the white ones actually, I quite like how they look! I know it's polarizing, but I gotta say, they look a bit flashy and are definitely unique in their all-white glossy resin shell. Won't be the case for everyone, but I personally like the variety over the standard black resin shells we're all so used to :)

Feel like the Hype 4 Mk2 went under the radar, and only now seems to be picking up some steam. Might be due to the pre-order wait times, luckily I bought it as soon as it launched and received it about a month later (early December). It is a contender for flagship sound at sub $400, along with the Top Pro. More similar in sound to the Monarch Mk4 than different. The build quality and accessories are top notch as well.

This is a great and very accurate review. Warm-neutral on steroids indeed! I can't believe how they're able to pull off such technicality with only 4BA's... and then bass absolutely smacks! Got mine for $300 during the sale on a blind purchase and couldn't be happier. I go back and forth between this and the Top Pro as my number 1. If you're open to a suggestion for a new setup, the Schiit Magni Unity + mesh DAC (all-in-one) and/or the Magni Unity/Modi 5 stack offers the best price to performance at the moment.

Tea pro has better build quality than hype 4 while being cheaper and has smoother treble

I do actually have the hype 4 mk2, got it cheap during 11/11 but I still prefer my tea pros over them, they sound good and detailed but lacks the soul and musicality of the tea pros for music enjoyment.

Tea pro and Hype 4 mk2 being ranked lower than Pure and Airpods pro 2 just does not make any sense to me

**✅ The Good Stuff** * The IMPACT2 gives the sound some punch and depth without messing up the crispness of the other sounds. It's like getting a solid bass line without the muddiness. * They've ditched the cheap plastic from before and now use CNC aluminum. You can really feel it!! it goes from feeling like a toy to something solid and premium that seems like it'll last forever. * Seriously, the modular cable you get is something you'd expect with those really expensive sets. The fact they tossed this in at this level is a huge plus. * Comfy for Hours even though they're metal, the design is comfy. You can wear these for long listening sessions without your ears getting sore. * The high-end detail is impressive. You'll pick up on tiny stuff in your music that you probably never noticed before. It isolates background vocals and each instrument sounds crystal clear. * If you grab them around $300, they perform way above their price class. **❌ Things to Keep in Mind** * It has lots of power in terms of the treble, but it may be too much for people who are sensitive to brightness, as well as tracks which were not mastered very well, this could be a little harsh sounding or even cause an unpleasant sibilant sound. * Bass-wise, it's deep and impactful, but it really focuses on being clean and quick rather than that nonstop booming rumble. If you're a total basshead, you might want more and look elsewhere. * With colder or more neutral audio sources, they might sound too analytical. You might need something with a bit more warmth to get the most out of them. * Use other ear tips, the ones it comes with are okay, but experimenting with other ear tips is almost mandatory to get the full experience in sound quality. **⚙️ Specifications** * You've got two 8mm dynamic drivers (the IMPACT2 Gen 2) along with four Knowles balanced armatures, two designed for mids and bass, one for mids and highs, and then there's an ultra-tweeter. Plus, it features a four-way crossover with individual acoustic tubes. * CNC aluminum shell with a pearly faceplate. Shiny and pretty, what can I say. * A 4 core silver plated OCC Graphene cable, with 7N Copper; Modular connector type 3.5mm and 4.4mm. * They are super sensitive, so they do not require much power to make them sound great. * It includes a hard case (Much better than the hardcase supplied with my Monarch MKIV) cleaning cloth, a multitude of spares for the various tips, as well as two pairs of replacement nozzle filters. # Overhall Vibe If 2025 has shown us anything, it’s that the gap between the mid-high range and true High-End is getting blurrier. It’s been another fantastic year for IEMs, where we're finally seeing models that stand toe-to-toe with the industry titans for a fraction of the cost. This is exactly the case with the Thieaudio Hype 4 MKII. Along with a few others I’ll mention later (like the Rockies), this set is here to redefine what we should expect under $500. It’s a new benchmark that I’m sure other brands will be trying to copy or beat in the coming months. # 📦Unboxing and Build The experience starts off strong. With the new box design, you can tell Thieaudio wanted to level up from the original Hype 4. Everything is well-presented and protected in foam. It comes with a large carrying case that, honestly, feels much better in terms of texture and shape than the one included with the Monarch MKIV, which is quite the statement. As for the IEMs themselves, the shell construction is a standout. They’ve ditched the usual medical resin for CNC aluminum with a matte finish. The faceplate has a cracked look similar to the Punch Audio Martillo, but with actual relief and texture and colors that shift depending on the angle. In the hand, they feel incredibly solid and give you peace of mind that if they take a knock while you're out, they'll handle it fine. I thought the Ergonomic feel of these were very good. I was worried about how the metal would weigh or be cold feeling on your ears, however these fit well. The body is slightly more compact than my Monarch MKIVs, which lets me wear them for hours without that typical big IEM ear fatigue. To get a perfect seal, though, I had to move past the stock tips (which are okay, but nothing special). I went through my usual rotation: the Divinus Velvet, Sedna Origin, Dunu S&S, and more recently, right as I was finishing up this review, the Softears Ultra Clear. The change was immediate...better isolation and a more filled-out bass response. Special shoutout to the cable. It’s fantastic: flexible, no memory, no microphonics against your clothes, and the color matches the IEMs perfectly. The modular system for 3.5mm and 4.4mm is robust, though I personally always prefer screw-on connectors just to be safe against snags. Looking at photos, I’d swear it’s the same cable that comes with the Thieaudio Valhalla (which costs a fortune), so getting this stock is a massive plus. # 🔌Source Pairing They are easy to drive on paper, but they definitely scale and change personality depending on what you plug them into. * On the go: I use the FiiO KA15 with my phone. The sound becomes very fun and energetic, with an extra bit of punch that works great for modern genres. * At home: I use the Questyle M15i connected to my PC. This is where the Hype 4 MKII shows its technical chops. The Questyle does a much better job controlling the treble energy, adding a naturalness that gets lost on basic sources and expanding the soundstage significantly. If possible, try pairing them with a warmer or more natural-sounding source they can come off a little cold and clinical when hooked up to super analytical stuff. I'm actually thinking of finally grabbing a real desktop DAC next year (no more dongles for me). If you've got any suggestions, throw them my way in the comments! Right now I'm looking at the iFi Zen DAC V2 or the FiiO K11, but I bet there are some better picks out there that I'm overlooking. # 🎵Sound Impressions I’d define the profile of the MKII as warm-neutral on steroids. It’s a balanced tuning but with a fun kick at the ends of the spectrum (more treble than bass) that keeps the music from sounding boring. **Bass:** The IMPACT2 Gen 2 system is the unsung hero here. I don’t know exactly how the physics of it works, but I love it. It’s supposedly inherited from the Monarch MKIV where it also does a stellar job. You get sub-bass extension that is just brutal, the kind you feel physically in your chest with electronic or hip-hop, but it’s incredibly controlled. It doesn’t bleed; it hits with texture and decays quickly. Kick drums in rock or jazz sound dry and precise. If you’re looking for a massive, bloated basshead rumble, these might feel too clean for you, but for quality and definition, they are a treat. **Mids:** The midrange has a very successful naturalness. There’s a slight touch of warmth in the lower-mids that gives body to male vocals and weight to pianos or string instruments. They don't feel thin or artificial. Female vocals and solo instruments have good presence, forward enough to stand out without shouting in your face, though they might feel a bit distant if you are a total vocal-head. For me, they are spot on. **Highs:** This is where the Knowles drivers and the ultra-tweeter really show up. There’s so much air and a level of detail I honestly didn't expect at this price. Cymbals, room reverb, and tiny recording nuances are easy to pick out. That said, it's a lively area. On well-produced tracks it's bliss, but on old poorly mixed songs or at high volume it can get too bright. It doesn't tire my ears out at all, but yeah, these aren't the kind of dark or super forgiving IEMs that hide flaws. **As for soundstage and imaging:** The stage feels surprisingly holographic to me. It's got solid width and depth, so you can really dig into busy tracks without everything blending into one big wall of noise. The imaging is spot on too—you can pretty much point out exactly where each instrument or musician is sitting in the mix. # 🆚Comparisons **Thieaudio Monarch MKIV:** Since I have the Monarchs at home, I had to compare them. The Monarchs are in another league regarding refinement, especially in the treble thanks to the EST drivers, which sound even silkier and airier. However, the Hype 4 MKII shares that same bass DNA and offers technical performance that gets dangerously close (maybe 85% of the way) for a fraction of the cost. The Monarchs are the benchmark, but the Hype is the smart buy. It’s not nearly as far behind as the price gap would suggest. **Ziigaat Horizon:** Shame I don't have them anymore (sold them to fund other hobbies). I loved them. They have a more relaxed vibe, smoother planar highs, and more intimate, fleshy vocals. Some call them a budget Top Pro and I'd agree, though I liked them even more. The Horizon's stage might be a tiny bit wider; the Hype is more direct and technical. **NiceHCK Rockies:** The Rockies are my sub-$500 reference. Thanks to their EST drivers, they have a special airy texture in the highs that, combined with their organic timbre, makes everything sound safe and pleasant. The Hype 4 MKII clearly beats them in resolution, sub-bass punch, and technicality. But the Rockies, with that effortless EST presentation, are more all-arounders and more forgiving of bad recordings. Even though the Rockies are hollow resin, they have a soul that makes them hard to beat in a personal ranking. # 💭 Final Thoughts Both the Thieaudio Hype 4 MKII and the NiceHCK Rockies are the two strongest recommendations I can give under the $400-$500 mark. They both justify every cent, but the Hype 4 MKII usually wins on the value scale. I managed to get the Hype 4 MKII for under $310 during Black Friday. For that price, getting a superior metal build, a high-end modular cable, and top-tier technical performance is insane. Thieaudio has truly democratized high-end sound here. Personally, though, the Rockies have a tuning that feels a bit more organic for daily use, and that EST magic is something the MKII lacks. If you are looking for the most high-quality performance in terms of resolution and specs at the best price point, the Hype 4 MKII will be the top dog. However, if you prefer a warmer and a more relaxed sonic experience but would like to spend a bit more money than the Hype 4 MKII, I still have a soft spot for the Rockies. Thank you again for reading! If you've got a Hype 4 MK II, a Hype 4, or one of those other models that has all the features you like in the MK II please leave a comment below as I'd love to hear about it. Happy new year!!!

Thanks to both of you for commenting and for clarifying how they sound in that comparison. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to try the Tea Pro SE, although I have tried the Top Pro, and I agree that the Top Pro’s treble is a bit more elevated. For me, the MKII control it a bit better, even though they’re still on the bright side for a lot of people. And since you mention it, the Dusk are another one I still need to get around to, but I don’t even know how I’m going to try them at this point. They really should stop new releases for a year.

Based on my experience and the sets I've actually tried (everything except the Tea Pro SE), here is my ranking: 1-Top Pro 2-Rockies 3-Hype4 MKII The Top Pro is easily the most holographic of the bunch; it projects sound in every direction. That said, the Rockies actually project further out and bring more smoothness when needed. Honestly, I prefer the Rockies overall, even if they technically bring a little less to the table in terms of pure soundstage/imaging precision compared to the Top. The MKII is a weird one. I'd argue it actually has a bigger stage than the other two, but as a total package (stage + imaging), it falls behind. The sub-bass is so deep that it tends to blur the positioning of elements a bit. Just my take, hope this helps! Still waiting to get my hands on the SE someday

Thanks! You'll definitely find the MKII way more comfortable than the MKIV, the size difference is massive... As for the bass comparison with the Top Pro: The Hype 4 MKII is pure visceral sub-bass; it has that isobaric rumble that feels physical, dense, and heavy. The Xenns Top Pro is the total opposite: dry, lightning-fast, and obsessively focused on texture, but with way less mid-bass slam. Basically, one moves serious air, and the other dissects the sound