The Hype 2 and Hype 4 are two recent IEMs from Thieaudio that both share a similar configuration with a dedicated dual-diaphragm driver for the bass and balanced armatures for the mids and highs.
The bass driver is called IMPACT², a subwoofer technology featuring two 10mm composite diaphragm drivers arranged in a configuration that works with an isobaric chamber to secure constant pressure and an even frequency response. I do not know if the bass unit is totally identical on the two IEMs.
For the Hype 2, Thieaudio has implemented the latest iterations of Sonion’s 2300 and E25 drivers for the mids and highs, respectively, one of each.
The Hype 4 uses two Sonion 26A balanced armature drivers for the midrange and two Sonion E50 series “Hummingbird,” a dual ultra-tweeter balanced armature driver, for the treble.
The housings of Hype 2 and Hype 4 look identical, with the exception of the faceplates, which have different decor. The cable is different, at least in color; the Hype 2 cable is light silver colored, the Hype 4 cable is dark gray. Both seem to be silver-plated OFC, though.
You will find my separate Hype 2 and Hype 4 reviews here.
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THIEAUDIO HYPE 2 SPECIFICATIONS
- Drivers: 10mm dual diaphragm dynamic driver + one Sonion 2300 and one Sonion E25 balanced armature driver
- Sensitivity: 108dB/Vrms@1KHz
- Impedance: 25Ω@1KHz
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-40kHz
- Nozzle Diameter: 6.2mm
- Inner Nozzle Diameter: 5.0mm
- Earphone connectors: 0.78mm dual-pin
- Cable termination: 3.5mm jack
- Cable length: 1.2m
Check the current price here:
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THIEAUDIO HYPE 4 SPECIFICATIONS
- Drivers: 10mm dual diaphragm dynamic driver + two Sonion 26A and two Sonion E50 balanced armature drivers
- Impedance: 17 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 105dB (±1dB) @1kHz
- Frequency Response Range: 10Hz-22kHz
- Nozzle Diameter: 6.2mm
- Inner Nozzle Diameter: 5.0mm
- Earphone connectors: 0.78mm dual-pin
- Cable termination: 3.5mm jack
- Cable length: 1.2m
Check the current price here:
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COMPARISONS
Associated equipment: Topping A90 amplifier with the RME ADI-2 DAC FS as the source. I used Azla Xelastec ear tips on both earphones.
Never Meant by American Football
This album feels like a blend of Fleet Foxes and Icelandic Mùm. While the two Hype models perform similarly and both offer an impressive presentation, the Hype 4 brings a subtle yet noticeable edge with extra punch and snappiness. Elements like bass drums and crisp guitar plucks come through with greater tactility, adding a real sense of presence.
Postizo by Marc Ribot, Los Cubanos Postizos
They both sound great; the Hype 4 has slightly more bass and is a bit more dynamic.
As Before by Olga Konkova
While both sound great, there’s a noticeable difference that’s a bit hard to pinpoint. The Hype 2, as expected, has less bass and doesn’t sound as warm or dynamic as the Hype 4.
Mississippi Ringing by Floratone
The Hype 4 is more articulate and tactile; the Hype 2 has something more ethereal about its delivery.
Last One Out by Julia Hülsmann Trio
The two are relatively similar, but the Hype 4 stands out with greater detail, more precise imaging, and cleaner resolution. The Hype 2 is solid, though not quite at the same level—it has a slightly brighter, more airy quality with extra energy in the higher frequencies.
The Hidden Camera by Photek
With this electronic track, the differences are fairly clear. The Hype 4 has a warmer, more grounded sound with better focus and detail.
Little Wing by Stevie Ray Vaughn
I love this instrumental version of the classic Jimi Hendrix song. Both the Hype 2 and Hype 4 sound great. The Hype 4 is warmer, slightly thicker, but also more precise sounding.
Limit to Your Love by James Blake
The Hype 4 handles the intense bass with much better control than the Hype 2, which is surprising since I thought they shared the same bass driver. But there’s no contest—the 4 is clearly superior. Vocals sound quite similar on both, yet the Hype 2 has a more energetic treble and a slightly more diffuse, airy quality.
Angel by Massive Attack
This is another bass-heavy track, the Hype 4 delivers a fuller sound with a thicker yet more detailed presentation. The Hype 2 performs well but, in direct comparison, sounds thinner and brighter.
Sunrise by Norah Jones
This sounds lovely on the Hype 2, but even better on the Hype 4—slightly warmer, fuller, and more distinct.
Summer 3 Vivaldi Recomposed by Max Richter
Finishing with some classical music, the Hype 2 comes across as brighter and a bit busier, while the Hype 4 offers a cleaner, more focused, and warmer sound. Both are enjoyable, but I prefer the Hype 4.
Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 III by Paavo Järvi
The Hype 2 has a lovely, light, ethereal quality, yet it still delivers a powerful impact with the kettledrums. Switching to the Hype 4, the sound becomes darker and thicker, with a more technically refined presentation. However, the Hype 2 has an intangible quality that makes it my preferred choice for this track.
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WRAPPING IT UP
Sound Signature
In absolute terms, the Hype 2 and Hype 4 have a similar sound signature, but direct comparisons reveal key differences. The Hype 2 has slightly less bass, with a brighter and crisper tone. The Hype 4, on the other hand, delivers more bass, a warmer overall sound, and a more grounded and precise presentation.
Treble
The Hype 2’s treble is brighter and crisper, yet more diffuse, giving it an ethereal quality. In contrast, the Hype 4 offers a more focused and smooth “liquid” treble, creating a grounded and cohesive presentation.
Midrange
The midrange is where the Hype 2 and Hype 4 are most similar. The Hype 2, however, has a slightly brighter midrange with a more diffuse, ethereal quality—similar to its treble character.
Bass
The Hype 4 has superior bass quality, with slightly greater quantity compared to the Hype 2, though overall they remain relatively similar. For most tracks, the difference is subtle; however, on soundtracks, the Hype 4’s bass distinction becomes much more apparent.
Soundstage and Imaging
Both the Hype 2 and Hype 4 offer an exceptionally large soundstage for an IEM, providing impressive width, height, and depth. The Hype 2 delivers a slightly less precise, more ethereal presentation, while the Hype 4 is more focused and grounded. Imaging is strong on both, though the Hype 4 has a noticeable edge in clarity and detail, leading to better imaging.
Detail, Dynamics, and Timbre
While the Hype 2 is a highly detailed IEM, the Hype 4 takes clarity up a notch. In terms of dynamics, the Hype 4 also has the upper hand. Timbre, however, is more subjective: the Hype 2 has a brighter, more ethereal tonality, while the Hype 4 sounds fuller and warmer, with a richer body.
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CONCLUSION
In my initial review, I was enthusiastic about the Hype 2, and I still think it’s a solid IEM. However, after a direct comparison with the Hype 4, I have to say the latter performs even better.Simply put, the Hype 4 is technically superior, delivering more detail and improved imaging. The Hype 2 has a unique ethereal quality that gives it an airy, light sound, but it can sometimes come across as a bit diffuse compared to the Hype 4, which has a warmer, more focused presentation with notably stronger bass response.Overall, I feel the Hype 4 justifies its higher price, though the Hype 2 remains an excellent IEM, sharing many traits with its bigger sibling while offering that distinct, airy sound that may appeal to many listeners.
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