Introduction
ThieAudio has launched the Oracle MKIII in-ear monitor, priced at ₹54,990 in India. The new Oracle MKIII features a sophisticated driver configuration with 2 dynamic drivers, 2 balanced armature drivers, and 2 Sonion EST drivers. The Oracle series has been immensely popular since the original Oracle IEM. Let’s explore whether the Oracle MKIII lives up to the same hype and high standards.
Design and Build Quality
ThieAudio is known for its handmade IEMs, and the Oracle MKIII is no exception. The faceplate of the Oracle MKIII is uniquely designed, featuring a striking blue and brown color scheme with intricate patterns, glitter, and a metal abstract element. The ThieAudio brand name is elegantly displayed on both sides. The inner shell is crafted from high-quality, medical-grade jet black resin, exuding durability and luxury. The cable is soft, flexible, and feels premium, enhancing the overall experience. ThieAudio has also provided a modular audio jack with 3.5mm, 2.5mm, and 4.4mm options. The package includes the standard ThieAudio-branded carry case, silicone and foam eartips, and a cable tie. The overall build quality of the IEMs and cables is excellent, and the design is both unique and visually appealing.
Comfort and Fit
The shell size of the Oracle MKIII is similar to recently launched models like the Hype 4 and Hype 10. It fits comfortably in my ears and offers excellent noise isolation. The nozzle, made of metal, is adequately long for deep insertion into the ear. I used the stock silicone eartips, which provided a secure fit. However, if you have very small ears, you might encounter some fitting issues. For my medium-sized ears, the fit was perfect. ThieAudio has clearly improved the inner shell design, adopting an ergonomic approach in their recent IEMs to enhance comfort and fit.
Sound Quality
For my listening tests, I used the HiBy R4 as a source, paired with the 4.4mm stock cable and stock silicone eartips. The Oracle MKIII is an easy-to-drive IEM, but it scales beautifully with a good source. The sound is warm, natural, engaging, and mature—like a grand orchestra in your head. When listening to the Oracle MKIII, you become lost in the music, unable to stop. It’s the kind of IEM that you never want to take out of your ears. The sound flows effortlessly, absorbing into your senses and leaving you feeling relaxed and calm. It handles all frequencies with maturity and authority.
Bass
The Oracle MKIII uses IMPACT 2 technology for its bass section. The tuning is slightly sub-bass forward, emphasizing quality over quantity. The bass is more balanced than in models like the Hype 4 and Monarch MK3. It is deep, textured, and has a noticeable tactile impact. The sub-bass below 80Hz is particularly prominent, making instruments like the guitar shine. In the 300Hz range, where most modern tracks have their bass, the Oracle MKIII truly excels. Overall, I am impressed with the quality of bass that ThieAudio has achieved in the Oracle MKIII.
Midrange
The midrange is where the Oracle MKIII truly shines. Vocals, specifically in the 500Hz to 1kHz range, are not overly boosted, resulting in a warm, smooth, and inoffensive sound with good weight and body. Instruments sound fuller and more realistic, turning your listening session into a grand orchestral event. The upper midrange, from 1kHz to 4kHz, is slightly boosted, adding a natural attack to percussive and rhythmic instruments. This midrange section is the highlight of the Oracle MKIII and is sure to make you fall in love with its sound.
Treble
The treble, particularly in the 4kHz to 6kHz range, is not overly boosted, resulting in a distant and transparent performance. The nuances are easily discernible without any harshness. The two EST drivers contribute to a crisp, sparkly, and airy treble presentation.
Soundstage & Imaging
The Oracle MKIII offers a holographic soundstage, with sound perceived in all four dimensions. The soundstage is decently wide and spacious, while imaging is accurate and pin-point precise.
Value and Competition
The ThieAudio Oracle MKIII is priced at ₹54,990 in India. At this price point, it faces competition from models like the Hisenior Mega5EST, which is priced at ₹49,990 and features a 1DD, 2BA, and 2EST driver configuration.
Oracle MKIII vs. Mega5EST
In terms of bass, the Mega5EST has a slightly more polite presentation compared to the Oracle MKIII, which offers a more physical, tactile, and rumbly bass. The midrange of the Oracle MKIII is slightly more boosted, providing a warmer and more engaging sound, while the Mega5EST leans towards a more natural and reference-like sound. In the treble, the Oracle MKIII has a slightly more energetic and sparkly presentation, with more detailed highs. Both IEMs offer a holographic soundstage with precise imaging.
Both the Oracle MKIII and the Mega5EST are outstanding in their own right, with the primary difference being in the bass and treble presentation. Those who prefer impactful bass and detailed treble may lean towards the Oracle MKIII. However, both IEMs are exceptional and difficult to rank definitively, making it a matter of personal preference.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Endgame sound for many audiophiles in the mid-fi range | Shell size could be slightly smaller |
| Impactful bass | More eartip options could be included in the box |
| Outstanding midrange | |
| Detailed and sparkly treble | |
| Holographic soundstage | |
| High-quality modular cable and carry case | |
| Engaging and addictive sound | |
| Handmade IEM shell and faceplate |
Conclusion
If you’ve read this far, you’ve probably already guessed what’s coming in this conclusion! But for those who skipped to the end, I’ll summarize: The ThieAudio Oracle MKIII is an engaging and addictive IEM that excels in nearly every aspect. From its impactful, warm bass to its emotional midrange and detailed, sparkly treble, it’s a perfect choice for those who enjoy music for pleasure. I have no complaints. For anyone looking for an IEM around the ₹50,000 price range that can handle most music genres, watching movies, meditation, or even occasional gaming, the Oracle MKIII is an ideal choice. Even if you’re a Monarch MK2/3 user or own other high-end IEMs and want a daily driver that doesn’t compromise on sound quality without breaking the bank, the Oracle MKIII should be on your radar.
All the opinions and experiences shared here are my own, based on my personal testing. ThieAudio did not provide a free sample or influence this review in any way—my thoughts are entirely honest.
At The Audio Store, we believe in music as an escape from our daily routine. We listen to music like meditation for the soul, prioritizing musical sound over analytical sound. Remember, we listen to the music first, and the hardware second!
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