Thieaudio Hype 4 MK2's - A Definite Improvement

General/Packaging/Build/Comfort
Thieaudio, a brand where I believe everyone in the community is aware of and needs no introduction. Today I have the Hype 4 MK2, which is a successor to the original Hype 4. Priced at $399, this 2DD+4BA configuration demonstrates the brand's commitment to delivering high-quality audio at an attractive price point. The Hype 4 MK2 arrives in a luxurious package in my opinion and the presentation I would say is kind of flagship-like, a very positive unboxing experience for me. Upon unboxing, you have the IEM itself, a high quality storage case, a premium looking modular cable.

The build quality is very solid, compared to the OG model, the shell is entirely different, the MK2 is full metal while the OG is resin based, In terms of comfort, the Hype 4 MK2's shell is neither too big or small based on my experience, it will probably suit everyone, the secure fit and excellent seal make it comfortable for extended listening sessions. The inclusion of multiple ear tip options ensures a personalised fit for most users. The overall finishing is elegant and visually appealing i would say, shows the dedication of Thieaudio in crafting premium products at reachable price point for most.

Gears used for this review

• Nipo A100

• Aune S18 Evo + Aune BX2 Magnum

• Fiio M33

• Thieaudio Hype 4 MK2 Stock Cable and Eartips

Foreword

My review is solely based on what I hear via my equipment and I never consider my reviews to be objective in any way rather a subjective approach. Do take into consideration that everyone’s ear anatomy is not the same, so the psychoacoustics perception might be different as well, but i believe it will not stray too far

Sound
The Hype 4 MK2's tonality compared to the OG is slightly different i would say, slightly dry compared to the OG, while the tuning for the MK2 this time i find it leaning towards a slight U to my ears, offering a slightly exciting sound signature that avoids any harsh or overly bright elements. The IEM's timbre is natural overall and free from any noticeable BA coloration to my ears. 

While there might be a subtle hint of BA timbre detectable upon close inspection, it's largely imperceptible during casual listening.

Bass

• The sub bass is rumbly and has good extension, but i wouldn’t say it is anywhere near basshead kind of rumble, it does rumble whenever the track calls for it, i tried using the MK2 while watching some series and the impact during some explosion scene or certain action scene is really good

• Mid bass has good body and it doesn’t sound thin, double bass pedal doesn’t sound bloated or lacking in terms of texture, Slipknot’s People = Shit, during the fast drumming, every hit can be heard clearly

• Bass from the Hype 4 MK2 is tight and clean transition between the sub and mid bass is quite balanced without sounding incoherent, i really like how the bass is being tuned for the MK2 compared to the OG, i would say it is an improvement in terms of quality as well as quantity

Mids

• The mid range has plenty of details and they don’t sound recessed at all

• Vocal doesn’t sound recessed nor too forward, just right to my ears

• Male vocal in my opinion sounds a little dry this time around but the texture is still there, possibly due to the tuning, female vocal on the other hand is sweet and full of energy and well textured, even when you crank the volume higher, it doesn’t sound “shouty”

• The upper mids are generally quite safe sounding, but again, it depends on your tolerance and sensitivity, and most importantly, the fit, so your experience might vary here

Treble

• Now, the treble, is also another strong point of the Hype 4 MK2, it has plenty of energy and air, yet it is not harsh sounding, compared to the OG, which previously i find the energy is lacking and a little too tame in my opinion, they did a good job improving this!

• It is smooth overall with no hints of sibilant even when you crank the volume up

• Detail retrieval is very good and actually for the asking price, i personally think that it is punching above its price point

Soundstage/Imaging

• The Hype 4 MK2’s soundstage is not that “big” sounding, a good width and height perception, separation is also top class

• Imaging is very good,the instruments can be pinpointed easily in busy tracks like Slipknot’s Duality

• The technicalities of Hype 4 MK2 is very good overall 

Driveability

• The Hype 4 MK2 is not hard to drive and it does sound decently loud even from weaker source like Apple’s Lightning Dongle, what i want to stress is that, sounding loud is not equivalent to driving power

• Using it with NiceHck’s Octave (Dongle) vs Aune’s S18 Evo with BX2 (Desktop), the sonic performance change is not day and night, but it is perceiveable in terms of tonality as well as dynamics and controls, Aune’s setup made the MK2 slightly warmer with better controls, while Octave doesn’t color the sound that much but it does tighten the bass a little and the soundstage is slightly smaller compared to Aune’s

• My observation is that it doesn’t really benefit much from power, just slight changes in terms of sound from the various source that i have tested

Comparison (Dunu’s 242)

• Switching over to the 242 for the purpose of comparison,i would say the tonality between the 242 and Hype 4 MK2 is slightly different

• Priced at 349$ for the 242 vs Hype 4 MK2 at 400$, in terms of pricing, Hype 4 MK2 is slightly more expensive compared to 242

• The tonality of the 242 is leaning towards warmish and deeper sub bass extension/rumble compared to Hype 4 MK2, but personally i find the bass quantity and quality is done better on the MK2

• In terms of bass, the sub bass doesn’t go that deep compared to Hype 4 MK2, but the mid bass is slightly more punchy in 242

• Mids are full sounding compared to MK2, the male vocal especially sounds full and female energy on the other hand is slightly “tamer” compared to the MK2

• Treble is quite smooth with plenty of details due to the inclusion of planer drivers, it is quite airy and contributed to a big soundstage

• In terms of technicalities i would say the MK2 is ahead of 242, which naturally is to be expected since it is costing more, but given the asking price of Hype 4 MK2, i personally think Hype 4 MK2 is very impressive and this is not to say that 242’s bad in technicalities

• Shell size, the Hype 4 MK2 and 242 is more or less similar just different build, metal vs resin

Final Thoughts

Having tested the Hype 4 MK2 for several weeks. It is safe to say that it offers a very good and high price performance ratio. For a mid ranger, it does almost everything right, of course there are some cons if I were to nitpick. The Hype 4 MK2 has been my daily driver since i received them, i have even put it up for comparison with the recent offering from Dunu and i personally think the Hype 4 MK2 is better in some ways, but then again, this is just me. If you prefer a fuller mids, then the 242 is for you, but if you prefer a more balanced approach with better technicalities, then the MK2 is certainly for you.

*The Hype 4 MK2 is sent over by Linsoul for the purpose of this review. I thank them for the support and opportunity as always

Head over to the official store if you are interested in getting one, it is currently being priced at 399$

Thieaudio Hype 4 MK2 - Non affiliated Link