Wired IEMs
Kinera Thorking
81Outstanding
$2,500
Full review dataKinera Thorking vs Westone MACH 80: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Kinera Thorking comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Kinera Thorking - Outstanding overall at around $2499.
Wired IEMs
Westone MACH 80
65Good
$1,600
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Kinera Thorking leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- Kinera Thorking
- Westone MACH 80
HearWiki score
81
65
Sound
9.2
8.1
Value
6.0
5.2
Price (USD)
$2,500
$1,600
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The Kinera Thorking is 3 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Thorking20253 yr newer
- MACH 802022
Specifications
ThorkingMACH 80
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $2,500
- $1,600
- HearWiki score
- 81
- 65
- Released
- 2025
- 2022
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 6BA + 4EST tribrid
- 8-driver hybrid
- Driver type
- tribrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 6BA + 4EST
- -
- Drivers per side
- 11
- 8
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz - 50 kHz
- 5 Hz - 22 kHz
- Impedance
- 10 Ω
- 66 Ω
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Weight
- -
- 14.2 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- Connector
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- MMCX
- Balanced connection
- Yes
- -
What reviewers said
Kinera Thorking
The Kinera Thorking is a premium tribrid flagship IEM with a treble-forward, reference-style tuning that prioritizes air, detail, and transparency. Its 11-driver setup delivers strong technical performance with excellent separation and imaging, though the lean bass and lower midrange may not appeal to those seeking warmth or heavy impact. Best suited for treble enthusiasts and classical music fans, it pairs well with warmer sources to balance its bright character.
- Pro:Excellent treble extension and airiness
- Pro:Strong technicalities with precise imaging and layering
- Pro:Natural, coherent midrange
- Con:Lean bass and lower midrange may lack warmth
- Con:Not for bassheads or those seeking impactful low-end
- Con:Can sound dry at times
Westone MACH 80
The Westone MACH 80 is a flagship eight-driver hybrid IEM that delivers a neutral, highly resolving sound with a focus on accuracy and balance. Its 66-ohm impedance makes it sensitive to source quality, rewarding listeners with better amplification for optimal performance, while its lightweight design and comfortable fit support long listening sessions.
- Pro:Highly resolving and technically capable sound
- Pro:Neutral, balanced tuning with controlled treble
- Pro:Very comfortable and lightweight design
- Con:Requires quality source or amp to avoid flat sound
- Con:Bass and treble extension not class-leading
- Con:No wireless or ANC features at this price
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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