Nihal critiques the THIEAUDIO Hype 4 MKII, a second-generation hybrid twin dynamic and quad Knowles balanced armature driver common IEM. It’s presently priced at $399.00.
Disclaimer: This can be a pattern in trade for my trustworthy opinion. Headfonics is an impartial web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or standing. I thank Linsoul and THIEAUDIO for this chance.
Click on right here to learn extra about THIEAUDIO merchandise beforehand reviewed on Headfonics.
This text follows our newest scoring pointers, which you’ll be able to learn in additional element right here.
THIEAUDIO Hype 4 MKII Overview
Abstract
The $399 hybrid multi-driver Hype 4 MKII IEM comes throughout as cleaner-sounding and extra mature than the unique, though it loses a number of the musical allure and lushness the older model had.
Professionals
Clear and detailed midrange.
Spectacular soundstage and imaging.
set of equipment.
Cons
Treble might be too spicy.
Misses the musical contact that Hype 4 had.
THIEAUDIO has constructed a repute for packing critical efficiency into costs that also really feel wise, and units just like the Monarch line and Status LTD have solely strengthened that fanbase.
Extra not too long ago, releases like Valhalla and Monarch MKIV have been fairly spectacular, each in tuning route and general execution.
The Hype sequence, quick for Hybrid Efficiency, is THIEAUDIO’s means of mixing a number of drivers with the in-house tech it has refined through the years.
This time, we’ve got a brand new iteration within the lineup: Hype 4 MKII. It isn’t only a small refresh over the sooner Hype 4.
It brings in up to date tech, retains the IMPACT2 subwoofer idea within the combine, and does a full design overhaul with the brand new steel shell construct and refreshed equipment.
The sub-$500 area is crowded, with sturdy choices. It will likely be fascinating to see the place the $399 Hype 4 MKII lands.
The large query is whether or not this new iteration retains the thrill intact and whether or not the adjustments really feel like progress or just a unique taste.
Within the assessment, I’ll cowl its efficiency intimately and examine it to its predecessor and competing IEMs such because the Oracle MKIII and the DITA Mission M.
Options
The Hype 4 MKII is a 6-driver hybrid. It makes use of two 8mm composite diaphragm dynamic drivers for the low finish, two of the most recent Knowles RAB sequence drivers for the midrange, a Knowles ED-33465 for the highs, and a single Knowles RAD-33518 ultra-tweeter for the ultra-highs.
The earlier model used Sonion balanced armatures, however the MKII switches all of them to Knowles drivers.
It additionally options the most recent era IMPACT2 subwoofer system, shared with the Monarch MKIV, so the low-end tuning ought to really feel extra mature than within the earlier model.
On high of that, it’s constructed round a 4-way crossover with a 4-tube acoustic system.
Design
The Hype 4 MKII strikes away from the resin shell and goes steel. The shells are CNC-machined from strong aluminum blocks and later hand-finished and anodized to present them an absolute end.
Resin is often the straightforward win for consolation, however I’ll take this transformation any day as a result of the steel construct merely feels extra strong and long-term sturdy within the hand.
The faceplate is the standout. It has a cracked, mosaic-style sample that appears like damaged tiles locked beneath a shiny layer. The colour shift on the faceplate when it’s uncovered to mild is the enjoyable half. It shifts colours between inexperienced, teal, and lightweight purple, giving a multi-colored but delicate vibe.
Close to the connector facet, you will discover three small vents, the same venting fashion that may be seen on the most recent THIEAUDIO IEMs, corresponding to Valhalla and Monarch MKIV. The IEM makes use of commonplace 0.78mm 2-pin connectors.
The shells are ergonomic and have easy contours. No sharp edges, no awkward corners, and it sits naturally within the ear.
Total, the design and construct really feel tightened up within the new iteration. It feels extra premium and has a extra grown-up vibe than the earlier era.
Consolation & Isolation
From photographs, you may count on the Hype 4 MKII to really feel a bit extra “steel and chunky” within the ear, however it doesn’t.
The shell is fairly common in measurement, and that helps rather a lot. It’s clearly smaller and simpler to handle than massive IEMs like Valhalla or Monarch MKIV, and you are feeling that the second you set it in.
Match is simple. The form sits naturally, following the ear contours. The shell edges are easy, and nothing pokes or presses in bizarre spots.
It is usually mild sufficient that it doesn’t pull down on the ear. As the dimensions is simply regular, it doesn’t stick out like it’s about to fall off. When you get a seal, it stays put.
The nozzle size is smart too. It doesn’t go too deep, so it by no means appears like it’s digging into the canal.
Tip rolling is straightforward since most traditional ideas match with none fuss. I had no stress build-up throughout lengthy classes, and there’s no driver flex drama when inserting them.
Isolation is respectable. It does preserve a great quantity of out of doors noise in examine. I’ve carried it for walks, and it does the job simply effective.
Total, the Hype 4 MKII has the type of match you possibly can put on for hours with out fascinated about it.
Ear Ideas
THIEAUDIO consists of two units of ear ideas, packed neatly in a small plastic tip holder.
You get one silicone set with grey wings and blue stems, and one set of black foam ideas with completely different coloured stems. Each ear ideas can be found within the typical three sizes: S, M, and L.
The silicone ideas really feel like an up to date model of the older white ideas THIEAUDIO used to bundle with a lot of their units. The bores are nonetheless broad, however the stems really feel a bit softer.
Match-wise, they land nearly the identical. I exploit measurement L, and for me, these are an ideal match, so I do not likely really feel the necessity to leap to third-party ideas. In addition they preserve the sound open and ethereal with out killing the low-end weight.
The froth ideas are there for those who like that fashion, however I barely use foam ideas basically, so these went straight again into the drawer.
Only for enjoyable, I did attempt a few aftermarket choices. Divinus Velvet and AZLA SednaEarfit Gentle each match me effectively, and so they pair properly if you wish to experiment.
Inventory Cable
The Hype 4 MKII comes with a newly designed inventory cable, and I feel that is the primary time THIEAUDIO has used this actual one on the Hype line.
It’s constructed with 6N ultra-OFC copper and silver Litz wires in a thick 4-core format, and the objective here’s a clear, clear pairing slightly than including additional heat or weight.
It additionally follows the present development and goes modular. You get a swap system for 4.4mm balanced and three.5mm unbalanced, and the adapters are genuinely simple to modify, so you possibly can transfer between sources with out additional cables.
In hand, it feels much like what you see with different THIEAUDIO units just like the Origin and Valhalla, simply with a barely extra clear sleeve and a thinner construct.
You get the same steel termination adapter with a slotted-groove-like design, that includes darkish gray and silver. The colour match with the IEM is on level, too.
Dealing with-wise, it does run a bit stiff, however it isn’t a deal-breaker. It’s nonetheless versatile and lightweight sufficient that it’s going to not trouble you throughout use or if you coil it up for storage. In comparison with the inventory cable on the Hype 4, this one feels extra premium in each construct and look.
Packaging & Equipment
The Hype 4 MKII is available in a contemporary new field fashion, and the very first thing you discover is how compact it’s. THIEAUDIO’s older packaging was once these longer bins with lots of foam and empty area.
This one feels tighter and higher packed, with a tiered format that makes extra sense. The outer graphics additionally look sharper than earlier than. It is rather blue-heavy and colourful, and it matches the entire vibe of the IEM and the included cable.
When you elevate the highest lid, you get a small flip-open field with a brief lid and a taller backside part, with each side lined in that blue exhausting cardboard. Raise off these two covers out of the best way, and the format is straightforward.
The highest part holds the ear ideas and the guarantee and documentation, properly separated, so it doesn’t really feel like a large number. The underside part is the place the primary stuff sits, with the carry case positioned within the center and the IEMs tucked securely in foam cutouts.
Total, the accent presentation appears like a step up. Nothing feels low cost or thrown in, and the brand new packaging fashion is truthfully a welcome change when you have been seeing the identical THIEAUDIO layouts for years.
It’s nonetheless an easy unboxing, simply cleaner, extra trendy, and fewer wasteful.
Carry Case
The case feels nicer than THIEAUDIO’s older exhausting case. The surface has a really tender matte end with a leather-like grain. It’s fabricated from artificial leather-based, although, however it’s acquired a great feel and look. Zipper’s easy too, with no snagging and no low cost rattle.
Inside, the liner is an opulent, velvet-like materials, so the entire thing feels a bit extra premium than the standard “primary storage field.” The highest lid has a small mesh pocket too, which you should utilize to retailer ear ideas or a cleansing software.
The area is simply sufficient to suit the IEM with its cable, and also you received’t battle, which is refreshing for me. The smaller shells of the Hype 4 MKII and the thinner cable actually assist.
The carry case can be not likely pocket-sized. This can be a bag case, not a denims case. Nonetheless, I’ll take this over the puck-style circumstances from the Valhalla and Monarch MKIV. This one feels higher made and simpler to dwell with.
Click on on web page 2 under for my sound impressions and really helpful pairings.
