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Thieaudio CypherImage © Thieaudio

Thieaudio Cypher

79/ 100
Great
HearWiki score

Good value

$400
typical price, USD
Sold new
Manufacturer pageBuy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Thieaudio
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2026

Score breakdowngreat overall

Sound8.7
Value8.0

The THIEAUDIO Cypher is an open-back, over-ear headphone featuring a 50mm dynamic driver with a 20-core N45 magnetic array and semi-crystalline polymer-rubber composite diaphragm. It is designed for reference-grade sound with a neutral midrange, deep bass, and accurate treble, housed in a CNC-machined aluminum build with velour earpads.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Thieaudio Cypher is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone with a 50mm dynamic driver and a warm, mid-forward tuning that emphasizes vocals and acoustic detail. Its velour pads and detachable cable add comfort and flexibility, though opinions vary on bass response and soundstage width. At $399, it targets listeners who prioritize midrange clarity and relaxed treble over deep bass or expansive imaging.

What works

  • Rich, detailed midrange with excellent vocal reproduction
  • High-quality build with comfortable velour pads
  • Detachable cable and 3.5mm connectivity for easy swapping
  • Relaxed treble that avoids listener fatigue

What doesn't

  • Bass response can feel underwhelming or rolled-off depending on source
  • Soundstage is often described as intimate or narrow
  • Potential channel imbalance and quality control issues on some units
  • Requires a powerful amplifier to perform at its best

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - Thieaudio Cypher
Driver50 mm dynamic
Driver typedynamic
Driver size50 mm
Drivers per side1
Frequency response20 Hz - 20 kHz

What the reviews said

8 source(s) feeding this product's score.

headfonia.com

88

The ThieAudio Cypher is a well-built, neutral-sounding open-back headphone with excellent sub-bass extension and a comfortable, non-fatiguing treble. Its main limitation is a somewhat intimate soundstage, but overall it offers strong value at $399 for listeners who prefer a balanced, reference-oriented tuning.

Read the full review

headphones.com

54

The Thieaudio Cypher is a mixed bag: it offers an excellent, warm, mid-forward tuning with rich vocals and relaxed treble, but suffers from underwhelming bass, limited soundstage, and notable channel imbalance and QC concerns. It's a compelling option for midrange-focused, treble-sensitive listeners, but hard to recommend broadly at $399.

Read the full review

thephrasemaker.com

80

The Thieaudio Cypher is a premium open-back headphone with an exceptional midrange, comfortable build, and premium accessories, but it suffers from a narrow soundstage, lacking bass impact, and a channel imbalance issue on the review unit, making it a strong choice for mid-focused listeners but not for those seeking bass or wide staging.

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audiophile-heaven.com

The ThieAudio Cypher is a bass-heavy, warm-sounding open-back headphone with excellent build quality and comfort, ideal for modern genres like pop and rap. It requires a powerful source to drive well, but offers a unique, groovy tuning that stands out at its $399 price point, making it a great choice for bass lovers.

Read the full review

creativebloq.com

The Cypher offers a warm, dark sound with strong midrange and good bass extension, but its semi-open design, muffled treble, heavy build, and snug fit make it less compelling than similarly priced alternatives like the Hifiman Edition XV and Sennheiser HD 650, so it is not recommended at its $399 price.

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headfonics.com

The THIEAUDIO Cypher is praised for its high build quality, neutral and detailed sound, and excellent vocal and acoustic instrument reproduction. The reviewer considers it a strong contender in its price tier, though it has a bass roll-off and a forward 2k peak that can be adjusted. Overall, it is highly recommended for its performance and value.

Read the full review

resonancereviews.com

The Thieaudio Cypher is a well-tuned reference headphone with excellent treble and midrange detail, linear bass, and premium build quality. It is comfortable, easy to drive, and offers strong gaming performance, though it lacks big bass for EDM and has a sparse accessory package. Overall, it is a highly recommended value at $399.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

The consensus

Positiveacross 5 videos

Reviewers largely agree the Thieaudio Cypher is a well-built, comfortable open-back headphone with a natural, midrange-focused tuning that excels with vocals and offers strong value around $329–$399.

Reviewers liked

  • Premium all-metal build quality
  • Natural, midrange-focused tuning with excellent vocal detail
  • Comfortable fit with good weight distribution
  • Good value at $329–$399

Reviewers flagged

  • Subdued bass and soft, hazy treble
  • Intimate soundstage, not expansive
  • Clampy fit and shallow pads cause ear contact for some
  • Stiff adjustment mechanism and occasional quality control issues
10:27

I was not expecting this - Thieaudio Cypher Review

5.6/10
The Headphone Show18.4K viewsMar 2026

The reviewer finds the Thieaudio Cypher to be a competent open-back headphone with a surprisingly good, midrange-focused sound, though it lacks bass and treble energy and has some comfort and quality control issues. It is compared favorably to the Sennheiser HD 650/6XX for its lush midrange, but the reviewer notes it is not for those who prioritize soundstage or incisive treble. Overall, it is a decent option for treble-sensitive listeners, but not a standout.

34:57

What people get wrong about bass. ThieAudio Cypher review

Super* Review10.4K viewsMar 2026

The reviewer finds the Thieaudio Cypher to be a well-built and comfortable open-back headphone that offers good value at $399, with a particular strength in its bass response that challenges common misconceptions. While the sound signature is enjoyable and the design is premium, there are some ergonomic quirks and a stiff adjustment mechanism that may require consideration. Overall, it is a compelling option in the $400 price range, though not without minor compromises.

12:05

New King of Affordable HiFi. Thieaudio Cypher Review and Giveaway

Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews9.4K viewsMar 2026

The reviewer finds the Thieaudio Cypher to be a well-tuned, mid-centric open-back headphone that excels with vocals and rock music, offering good build quality and comfort for its $329 Kickstarter price. However, it lacks the powerful sub-bass that bassheads desire, and the included cable is a minor letdown. Overall, it's considered a great value for most music libraries.

9:26

Thieaudio Cypher Review (Gaming Focus)

Fresh Reviews5.2K viewsMar 2026

The reviewer finds the Thieaudio Cypher to be a premium-feeling open-back headphone with a reference-style tuning that excels for music, particularly with vocals and detail. However, from a competitive gaming perspective, it falls short of top-tier options like the Sennheiser 560s due to less precise depth perception and occasional audio occlusion in intense moments, earning it a B- grade overall.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

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