ThieAudio Origin Review: Honeyed Sound and Deep Space Bass Experience

Immerse yourself in the rich, honeyed sound and powerful bass of the ThieAudio Origin, a top-tier IEM delivering an extraordinary audio journey.

Introduction to ThieAudio Origin

ThieAudio Origin is a pair of premium in-ear monitors (IEMs) priced around $1,100, showcasing a stunning cosmic-inspired design. Each earpiece houses eight drivers of four different types, backed by a thick, durable cable included in the package. In this review, we’ll explore the Origin’s sound quality, design, and performance, comparing it to other high-end IEMs like Campfire Moon Rover, YanYin Carmen, Sweear He-Live5, and Soundz Flame.

ThieAudio is primarily distributed and serviced by Linsoul, suggesting it may be a sub-brand or closely linked to Linsoul. Though little is publicly known about ThieAudio as a standalone company, their products are readily accessible.

Advanced Driver Configuration for an Immersive Audio Experience

For bass lovers, the Origin delivers a 12 dB bass boost at 250 Hz. The high-frequency realm is handled by a pair of electrostatic supertweeters (Dual Sonion EST drivers), while the midrange benefits from dual Knowles TWFK tweeters designed for both upper and lower highs.

Mid and low frequencies get coverage from two Sonion 2600 series full-range drivers, emphasizing the lower and upper midrange. For the ultimate bass experience, ThieAudio integrated a custom 10mm dynamic biocellulose driver, complemented by a unique Bone Conduction driver that adds punch and texture to the bass and enhances mid frequencies.

Unlike typical bone conduction drivers, ThieAudio’s design aims to enrich the sound across all frequency ranges, creating a wider and more realistic soundstage. Each Origin set is 3D printed with precision, then assembled and finished by hand, ensuring quality and uniqueness.

Premium Cable & Build Quality

High-end earphones need an equally high-quality cable, and the Origin delivers with a 2-pin 0.78mm connector system, making cable swaps straightforward. However, note it’s incompatible with some 0.75mm 2-pin cables and Bluetooth adapters due to connector size differences.

The included EliteNoire cable is exceptional, crafted from:

• 7x7x0.80mm silver-plated 5N LCOFC wire
• 16x7x0.06mm silver-plated 4N LCOFC wire

With a total of 161 strands configured as 20 AWG, this modular cable supports both balanced 4.4mm and unbalanced 3.5mm connectors. It’s one of the thickest and most robust cables bundled with IEMs, though that thickness comes with reduced flexibility.

Packaging is elegant, including a soft Alcantara travel case and multiple ear tips. Technical specs reveal a 9-ohm impedance and a 102 dB sound pressure level, with excellent clarity and moderate insensitivity to source hiss. Still, the Origin thrives with higher-quality sources.

Practical Use and Comfort

Initially, replacing the supplied cable and ear tips is recommended for optimal comfort and sound, especially to better appreciate the bone conduction driver. For example, swapping to ddHiFi ST-35 tips and a ddHiFi BC130 Nyx Pro cable can enhance ergonomics and slightly polish sound quality. However, the bundled cable is already premium, and such tweaks are optional for most users.

The Origin fits snugly and comfortably, offering passive noise isolation between 20 to 30 dB, though it lets in some ambient sound. Its ergonomic shell fills the ear without sharp edges or excessive protrusion, striking the perfect balance between secure fit and comfort.

Microphonic noise from the original cable is minimal, and despite its rigidity, it performs on par or better than many high-end aftermarket cables.

Overall, the ThieAudio Origin represents outstanding value at its price point, performing exceptionally compared to other flagship IEMs.

Sound Quality Breakdown

Source Pairing and Sensitivity

Testing the Origin with a broad range of sources—Rose Technics RT-5000, Shanling EH1 & EH2, Dethonray Listening M1 & Clarinet, iBasso DX340, Lotoo PAW GT2, Sparkos Gemini with Fosi Audio ZD3, and Singxer SA-1 V2 paired with HIFIMAN EF500—showed the Origin is easy to drive but sensitive to source noise.

Clean sources like the Lotoo PAW GT2 and iBasso DX340 yielded silent backgrounds, whereas entry-level or noisy sources introduced slight hiss.

Tonal Character and Bass Performance

ThieAudio Origin stands out as one of the most full-bodied, cohesive IEMs globally. It delivers a bold, rich, dynamic sound with a bass emphasis, especially in the sub-bass region, making music feel immersive and lively.

Vocals have a pleasant, thick, and juicy tone, with a frequency range extending cleanly to 20 kHz without fatigue, despite sharp treble presence.

The bass is where Origin shines – it’s deep, powerful, and satisfying. The bass gain of nearly 12 dB relative to the midrange ensures a punchy, dense, and lively bass response, perfect for genres like rock, metal, EDM, and pop.

Think of it as having a premium subwoofer experience in your ears — thunderous yet articulate, never bloated or sluggish.

“The bass is a celebration—rich, dense, and heavy, yet clear and lively, making every note feel meaningful.” – ThieAudio Origin Review

Mids and Vocals

Unlike previous ThieAudio IEMs known for uneven peaks and naturalness issues, the Origin delivers a much more natural midrange. Both male and female vocals sound rich, natural, and full-bodied, bringing a lush musicality to the listening experience.

The overall sound is “honeyed” — thick, sweet, and pleasantly warm in every detail, with deep, luscious tones.

Treble and Airiness

The high-frequency drivers deliver sharp, smooth, and extended highs up to 20 kHz. These treble tones are airy and energetic but not harsh or metallic. The treble is evenly balanced, without any noticeable peaks or dips, lending the music clarity and an expansive soundstage.

High-frequency extension and tonal balance depend on the source device – some sources may make the treble brighter, particularly those with high output impedance.

Dynamics, Texture, and Speed

The Origin has dense, rich bass textures, with about half of that density extending into the midrange, which balances speed and detail. Instrument separation is clear and realistic, closely mimicking the feeling of a live band performing in an intimate venue.

It excels in rock, metal, pop, EDM, and dubstep, offering quick transient response with a natural, smooth texture. The sound remains dynamic and vibrant, without any harsh peaks or dips.

Volume Control and Power Handling

The volume response is excellent — the sound remains stable across volume levels, with distortion-free playback even beyond 125 dB SPL. The only variation in sound is source-dependent, as expected.

The low distortion and clean delivery allow for enjoyable listening at all volumes, making the Origin a reliable choice for quiet or loud environments.

Soundstage and Imaging

The Origin creates a warm, dense, and rich sound with a wide, immersive soundstage. It avoids exaggerating instrument size or spatial dimensions to maintain naturalness.

The separation and imaging are excellent but natural rather than surgical. Music feels as if it envelops you, with no harsh boundaries, enhancing the feeling of being surrounded by sound.

Competitor Comparisons

ThieAudio Origin vs. Campfire Moon Rover

• Price & Design: Moon Rover costs slightly more, has a sharper internal shape, mainly designed for foam tips, and requires cable and tip upgrades.
• Isolation & Comfort: Both have solid passive isolation; Origin isolates better and feels slightly more comfortable despite its larger size.
• Sound: Origin emphasizes stronger, punchier bass with more sub-bass depth, while Moon Rover offers a smoother, balanced sound with more natural mids and vocals.
• Use Case: Origin better suits club, dance, and live concert vibes, while Moon Rover excels in vocal-centric music with a wider soundstage but less bass depth.

ThieAudio Origin vs. YanYin Carmen

Carmen and Origin share similar pricing, comfort, and cable quality, and both are distributed by Linsoul. However, Carmen is more sensitive to source noise.

• Sound: Both are bass lovers’ picks with deep bass, but Origin’s mids are cleaner and more detailed, while Carmen’s are softer and muted in comparison.
• Treble: Origin’s highs are natural and detailed; Carmen’s are smoother and less sharp.
• Soundstage: Origin offers a deeper, wider image; Carmen’s soundstage is narrower.

ThieAudio Origin vs. Sweear He-Live5

• Build & Fit: He-Live5 is smaller, with a shallower fit and thinner cable.
• Sound: He-Live5 is analytical, bright, and neutral with a flat bass, whereas Origin is rich, bass-heavy, natural mids, and extended highs with a strong bass lift.
• Usage: He-Live5 handles background noise slightly better, but Origin boasts a wider, deeper soundstage.

Read the full Sweear He-Live5 review

ThieAudio Origin vs. Soundz Flame

Soundz Flame is based on custom IEMs, featuring a thinner, more discreet cable, deeper fit, and lighter build.

• Flame is easier to drive and sounds loud even with less powerful sources, being less source-dependent.
• Flame offers a more neutral, natural sound with softer bass and mids, while Origin emphasizes powerful sub-bass and a richer, more textured signature.
• Flame’s soundstage is more natural with better instrument placement; Origin’s projection feels farther and deeper horizontally.

In summary, Flame suits those seeking a neutral reference sound, while Origin offers a more colorful, bass-rich experience.

Final Thoughts on ThieAudio Origin

Linsoul has truly outdone themselves with the ThieAudio Origin. This flagship IEM delivers incredible value, combining stellar packaging, premium build, and exceptional sound quality. It has quickly become a favorite in the high-end IEM arena, rivaling many well-established competitors.

The Origin deserves recognition as a modern classic, blending powerful bass, natural mids, and delicate highs into a sweet, honeyed sound that captivates and excites.

“ThieAudio Origin sounds better to me than most other flagships I've reviewed — a true hall-of-fame worthy product.” – Enthusiastic Reviewer

For bass enthusiasts seeking a masterpiece that is not just loud but also refined and musical, the ThieAudio Origin is a definitive recommendation and has been my go-to pair since early 2025.

• What makes ThieAudio Origin’s bass special compared to other IEMs?
  It offers a 12 dB bass boost with a dedicated bone conduction driver adding punch and texture, delivering powerful yet clear and articulate bass.
• Is the Origin comfortable for long listening sessions?
  Yes, its ergonomic design fills the ear securely without sharp edges or excessive protrusion, providing excellent comfort and passive noise isolation.
• Can I use my own cables with the ThieAudio Origin?
  Origin uses a 2-pin 0.78mm connector, so while cable swaps are possible, not all 2-pin cables or Bluetooth adapters with 0.75mm pins are compatible.
• How sensitive is the Origin to the audio source?
  While easy to drive, it performs best with clean, low-noise sources. Noisy or entry-level devices might introduce hiss due to its sensitivity.
• How does the Origin compare to other bass-focused IEMs?
  It balances deep, impactful bass with natural mids and smooth highs, unlike some bass-heavy IEMs that sacrifice vocal clarity or treble detail.

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