Overview

The ThieAudio Oracle MKIII is the 2024 refresh of the Oracle line. This 589 USD tribrid (2DD + 2BA + 2EST) adds the brand’s IMPACT² dual-dynamic isobaric “subwoofer” module and a four-way crossover aimed at a neutral-with-bass boost monitor presentation.

Scientific Validity

\[\Large \text{0.7}\]

• Third-party FR evidence: Headphones.com measured Oracle MKIII on a B&K Type 5128 (Type 4620 ear simulator) and shows a neutral base with elevated sub-bass (≈ +10 dB at 20 Hz vs midrange), within modern preference bounds; the review explicitly documents the rig and calibration and discusses the bass behavior in listening.
• Manufacturer specs (verifiable): Impedance 13 Ω (±1 Ω), sensitivity 99 dB (±1 dB) @1 kHz, FR 20 Hz–44 kHz, four-way crossover, modular 2-pin cable with 2.5/3.5/4.4 mm plugs.
• Technology description: IMPACT² is a dual 10 mm isobaric arrangement intended to increase sub-bass output and texture without upsetting system pressure.
• Gaps/limits: Public, lab-grade THD/IMD/crosstalk data for Oracle MKIII remain scarce; isolation in dB is not published. With solid FR evidence but limited distortion/linearity data, the score remains 0.7 (borderline transparent on the evidence available).

Sources: ThieAudio product page (specs); Headphones.com 5128 measurement & analysis; ThieAudio/Hype series pages describing IMPACT².

Technology Level

\[\Large \text{0.8}\]

Isobaric dual-DD “subwoofer” integration (IMPACT²), tribrid driver stack (2DD/2BA/2EST), and modular terminations are well-executed, but most building blocks are established. Strong engineering, not a category breakthrough.

Cost-Performance

\[\Large \text{0.2}\]

Per policy, we compare against the cheapest product that offers equivalent user-facing function and equal-or-better measured performance (not limited by brand or driver topology).

• Comparator: TRUTHEAR HEXA (1DD+3BA).
  • Price (street, US): 89.99 USD.
  • Measured performance: Rtings shows a balanced response closely matching their target with FR consistency σ ≈ 0.48 dB and no audible harmonic-distortion coloration at typical levels; passive isolation is rated very good for mid/treble bands. Manufacturer specs list THD ≤ 1% @1 kHz (94 dB). This satisfies the “equal-or-better measured performance” requirement for a passive wired IEM used as a monitor.
• CP calculation: 89.99 USD ÷ 589 USD = 0.15 ⇒ score 0.2.
• Conclusion: Oracle MKIII’s function and measured results can be met by a far cheaper IEM; cost-performance is poor by construction.

(Why HEXA qualifies: same wired passive IEM function; independent lab FR/consistency/isolation evidence; no materially worse measured traits versus Oracle MKIII in the commonly evaluated domains.)

Reliability & Support

\[\Large \text{0.6}\]

ThieAudio states a 1-year warranty for IEMs (3 months cable). Passive, non-DSP design and modular cable help serviceability, but a 1-year term is average/short versus some peers, and global support is largely retailer-mediated. Score adjusted to 0.6.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

\[\Large \text{0.7}\]

The tuning targets neutrality with bass lift and the IMPACT² module addresses sub-bass output via a real acoustic solution. However, the premium pricing is not justified by commensurate measured gains over far cheaper options with demonstrably competent FR and low distortion.

Advice

Buy Oracle MKIII if you specifically want a tribrid with an isobaric dual-DD sub-bass emphasis in a premium shell and modular cable. If you prioritize measured accuracy per dollar, TRUTHEAR HEXA (89.99 USD) delivers equivalent core outcomes at a fraction of the price; even stepping up, Moondrop Blessing 3 (~319 USD) provides strong, well-documented FR behavior for less.

References

1. ThieAudio — Oracle MKIII product page/specifications. https://www.thieaudio.com/products/thieaudio-oracle-mkiii (accessed 2025-09-01)
2. Headphones.com — ThieAudio Oracle MKIII Review (B&K 5128 measurement & analysis). https://headphones.com/blogs/reviews/thieaudio-oracle-mkiii-review (accessed 2025-09-01)
3. ThieAudio — IMPACT² description (Hype series page). https://www.thieaudio.com/products/thieaudio-hype-2 (accessed 2025-09-01)
4. ThieAudio — Terms of Service / Warranty (1 year IEM, 3 months cable). https://www.thieaudio.com/pages/terms-of-service (accessed 2025-09-01)
5. SHENZHENAUDIO — TRUTHEAR HEXA product page (price/spec). https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/truthear-hexa-1dd-3ba-hybird-earphones-with-0-78-2pin-cable-earbuds (accessed 2025-09-01)
6. Rtings — TRUTHEAR HEXA Headphones Review (FR, consistency, isolation). https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/truthear/hexa (accessed 2025-09-01)

(2025.9.1)