ThieAudio Origin Review

The ThieAudio Origin IEMs are making waves in the audiophile community, boasting an impressive quadbrid driver configuration and a premium design that sets them apart. With a combination of bone conduction, dynamic, balanced armature, and electrostatic drivers, these IEMs aim to deliver a truly immersive listening experience. Let’s see if the Origin lives up to that promise. Whether you’re an IEM enthusiast or someone looking for high-quality audio on the go, this deep dive will give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What You Get

• ThieAudio Origin IEMs
• ELITENOIR Cable
  • 3.5mm and 4.4mm adapters
• 1 Set of S/M/L Silicone Tips
• 1 Set of S/M/L Foam Tips
• Storage Case
• Cleaning Cloth
• User Guide

Look & Feel

If you’ve used ThieAudio IEMs in the past, then the look of the Origin should feel familiar. It uses the same basic shape of other models like the Monarch or Prestige and gives its faceplate some new artwork. The shell is made of resin, which is made from a resin printer that can craft medical-grade material. I can only speak for my ears, but the Origin seems like the perfect fit for me. The spout doesn’t stretch out my ear at all, sitting naturally with a comfortable seal. While the housing does pop out of my ear a bit, it stays steady and secure.

Design

The Origin has a quadbrid driver configuration that combines a bone conductor, a dynamic driver, four balanced armatures, and two electrostatic drivers. Eight drivers is quite a lot for an IEM less than a thousand dollars, especially one that uses a bone conductor so this design is very impressive. The same goes for its EliteNoir cable which is custom made from ThieAudio, and helps unlock the full potential of this driver system.

Soundstage

With the ThieAudio Origin, the soundstage and spatial imaging are certainly big. The scale of the sound displayed through these IEMs is not something I’ve heard in a while. A lot of IEMs that have good imaging are usually very separated and wide. However, they can also fall into too much linearity. They can’t translate the image to the proper size, but the Origin can. While the wingspan only just about reaches shoulder length, it’s the layering of the sound that really impresses. It makes the stereo field appear like a bubble encapsulating your head. Sounds panned to the extreme left and right channels show the most separation, accurately conveying instruments and effects directly in front of your face. The headspace has a hard barrier, but its cavernous properties make it appear massive.

Low End

It’s been a while since I heard a pair of IEM slam down as hard as the Origin. When I hit play on the first track I tested, it was hard to ignore how defiant it was. It immediately showcased the Origin’s personality, which exhibits an aggressive bass response. Its tone feels weighty and full, with a clear rounded shape to it that resonates with authority throughout the sound signature. This bass timbre wouldn’t be as great as it is though if it wasn’t incredibly clear and organized. Nothing about the lows appears messy, giving you more than just a powerful bass drive. The bass has great depth, offering clear mid-bass and sub-bass presence that can be consistently perceived through each track. It never feels like it’s taking a step back, but the low end growl keeps the sound signature in balance with tracks that don’t require a dominant bass. It leaves room for the bass to smack down hard when it’s called for, making the sound signature incredibly engrossing.

Mids

When you have such an assertive bass response, it’s key to have the midrange intact as well. For the most part, the mids are on the neutral side, but that doesn’t stop them from featuring a similar body that the lows have. The midrange doesn’t deliver as much texture to its response, but instruments never sound dull or underpowered. In fact, a lot of sound elements strike quickly with fast transients that highlight notes quite well. There’s also a touch of warmth from the low-mids that extends the mids just enough to make a noticeable difference. Where the mids really impress is how it handles vocals. Male and female vocals appear right in front of your face in full resolution, and it is quite striking at times.

Highs

While the treble certainly isn’t shy, it provides enough tightness and control to never go overboard with its brighter aspects. This results in a crisp, defined high end that feels heightened. It’s an elegant tone that has some hard edges, but never pierces. There’s a definitive glisten to them, with a hard snap that gives the highs a ton of flavor. It’s also the frequency range that features the most microdetail, surgically unfolding the highs to enhance its resolution. The way certain instruments tail off into space gives the highs such grace and natural clarity.

Summary

The ThieAudio Origin IEMs stand out as a compelling option in the sub-$1,000 category, offering an intricate balance of power, precision, and spacious imaging. From its deep, well-defined bass to its airy, articulate highs, the Origin crafts a listening experience that feels both massive and refined. While its tuning may lean towards an aggressive and engaging signature, it manages to maintain clarity and control across the frequency spectrum. If you’re seeking IEMs that deliver both impact and nuance, the ThieAudio Origin is undoubtedly worth considering.

The ThieAudio Origin is available at Audio46.