The Hype 4 has the same bass-focused tuning but with better technicalities than the Hype 2.
- The bass hits hard and low
- Gorgeous faceplate art
- Good treble extension and resolution
- An easy-to-like overall tuning
- Only 3.5mm termination included
- Recessed mids limit genre versatility
- Chunky shells will bother smaller ears
- Tuning stands in the way of technical performance
I have great respect for audio companies who can offer products with a consistent sound signature. Studio monitor legends ATC tell you straight up that their lower-priced speakers won’t go as low or loud, but they all share the same house sound.
It’s a similar story with the Thieaudio Hype series of hybrid IEMs. They all have the 2-dynamic driver bass module and an ever-increasing number of Sonion balanced armature drivers for the rest of the audible spectrum.
The Hype 4 is the middle child of Thieaudio’s hybrid line-up. Will it get neglected as listeners might favor the more affordable Hype 2 or go full-monty with the Hype 10? Or maybe it’s the Goldilocks’ choice? Read on to find out.
One Minute Video Review
Design and Build
I won’t dare say that if you’ve seen one Thieaudio IEM, you’ve seen them all. It’s more like – if you know what they’re capable of, then the Hype 4’s design won’t surprise you. Made out of 3D-printed medical acrylic, the centerpiece of these IEMs is the gorgeous faceplate.
Even if I love how my black shell Hype 4 look, in my opinion, the standout this time is the white option.
Cable
With the Thieaudio Hype 4, we get a decent-looking grey 1.2-meter-long cable. It works fine, but I can’t help but feel like more termination options besides the 3.5mm TRS jack are warranted. Even the Aria 2 come with an optional 4.4mm pentaconn plug.
Comfort
There’s no hiding it, with the Hype 4, we’re squarely in flagship ear shell size territory. In some aspects, they’re even larger than my Thieaudio Monarch MK1 shells. Luckily my ears are roomy enough, but those less endowed might feel discomfort after a while.
I assume the 2-dynamic driver bass module is to blame for the larger shell size.
Under the Hood
As per Thieaudio marketing blurb, “Hype” stands for “Hybrid Performance.” The model number here denotes the number of balanced armature drivers they come equipped with. Together with the Impact 2 isobaric bass module, we’re listening to two Sonion 26A and 50E midrange and treble balanced armatures.
A 3-way electronic crossover does the frequency division. Overall, the on-paper improvement from Hype 2 seems modest – only the BA drivers are doubled up to offer higher max SPL and lower distortion.
A single port can be found on the side of the Hype 4 ear shells, likely to assist the low-frequency drivers and alleviate pressure build-up upon insertion. There is very little driver flex when fitting them in my ears, but as always, the ports compromise the seal a bit.
How Do the Thieaudio Hype 4 Sound? (H2)
At 105 dB/mW efficiency and 122 dB/V sensitivity, the Hype 4 are fairly easy to drive and won’t drain the battery of your portables especially fast. My Qudelix 5K Bluetooth DAC/amp can drive them without any trouble.
I can hear the benefit when moving on to higher quality sources like the SMSL SU-X/SH-X combo. The tuning of the Hype 4 isn’t too detail-oriented; pairing the IEMs with a highly detailed audio source helps them sound more insightful.
In terms of technicalities, the Hype 4 are middle of the pack for the price range. While there’s enough real detail, the bass-heavy tuning tends to obscure it with spectral masking. Busier tracks with heavy bass can sound a bit congested, especially.
Soundstage and imaging are fine with most recordings but not spectacular.
Bass
The Impact 2 bass module in the Thieaudio Hype 4 is the same that’s used in some of their flagship IEMs. The tuning here is pretty safe, with a generous shelf that starts at around 150Hz. If you’re an electronica fan, the Hype 4 will be very much up your alley.
When it comes to bass balance, the main emphasis seems to be centered around 80Hz, with both sub-bass and mid-bass tuned roughly to reference levels, if not a bit higher. In my opinion, a less pronounced low-end would present itself in a more refined manner.
The problem with the Hype 4 bass is that a similar “fun” tuning can be encountered elsewhere for less money.
Midrange
Due to the recessed nature of the midrange, it takes special recordings and extra mental focus to gauge what the Hype 4 offer. Overall, the tuning for the midrange region is very linear, and with recordings where bass doesn’t play center stage, the mids are both insightful and enjoyable.
The mids are enjoyable enough to work with classical rock and prog, mainly because most older recordings need help in the low end, which the Hype 4 provide.
Treble
The original Thieaudio Hype 2 aren’t known for treble finesse. That has changed.
They’re no treble monster, but the overall tuning is more in line with other offerings at the price range. There’s actual air in the high treble that gives these IEMs the ability to convey realistic ambiance.
You won’t be buying the Hype 4 for their treble, but I never feel like I’m missing much.
Comparisons
The comparison everyone probably wants to read about is whether the Thieaudio Hype 4 are a worthy upgrade over the Hype 2. The low-end section is identical on both IEMs, but the Hype 4 feel more level because of the extended treble.
If you like the Hype 2, then upgrading to the Hype 4 is a no-brainer – they offer the same sound signature but more and better.
In isolation, the Hype 4 may seem more technically capable than they are, but luckily, I have the Simgot EA1000 at hand. The single-DD IEMs are a technical tour de force and make the Hype 4 sound simple. The more neutral tuning from lower mids and up is where the Hype 4 have a clear upper hand.
Where to Buy
Who Should Buy This?
The Thieaudio Hype 4 offer a thinking person’s basshead sound. If you listen to a lot of electronica, hip-hop, or prefer a bassier tuning, go for it. Avid EQ enthusiasts can morph the Hype 4 to their liking because there’s plenty of headroom.
Final Thoughts
I’m happy to tell you that Hype 4 is a pure upgrade to the Hype 2, which I reviewed a few months ago. As a reviewer, I like to write about revolutions in audio, but Thieaudio has just stuck to its guns and done what it does best – offer a great-looking and decent-sounding package.
If you dissect the Hype 4 sound into its parts, you can probably get a cheaper set of IEMs that do some things better. But as a package, it’s hard to go wrong with the Hype 4.
Just make sure to bring your A-game in terms of audio sources! It’s not like the Hype 4 are hard to drive; it’s just that more budget sources lack the technicalities to inject the Hype 4 with the exciting sound they can deliver.
What’s in the Box? (H2)
- Thieaudio Hype 4 IEMs
- 1.2m cable
- 3x pairs of silicone ear tips
- 3x pairs of foam ear tips
- A polishing cloth
Technical Specifications (H2)
- Form: IEM
- Driver: 2 x dynamic driver Isobaric module, 2 x Sonion A26 balanced armature mids, 2x Sonion E50 balanced armature supertweeters
- Shell Material: 3D-printed acrylic
- Impedance (Ohm): 17 Ohm
- Sensitivity (dB/mW): 105 dB/mW
- Frequency Response (Hz): 10 Hz – 22 KHz
- Removable Cable: Y
- Cable Type: OFC, 1.2m, twisted-braid
- Cup/Shell Jack: 2-pin 0.78mm
- Source Jack: 3.5mm TRS
- Weight (g): 5g (per IEM including ear tip)