Thieaudio Legacy 2 Review
Thieaudio Legacy 2 Review
Introduction:
Thieaudio was founded in 2019 as a creative endeavor of Linsoul Audio. It offers portable audio products such like planar magnetic headphones like the Phantom as well as the Voyager, Legacy and Signature series In-Ear Monitors (IEM’s).
- Thieaudio: https://www.thieaudio.com/
The Legacy 2 is a Dual Hybrid Driver IEM that features 1x 10mm Diameter Dynamic Driver with Beryllium Coated Diaphragm + 1x Knowles 29689 Balanced Armature driver, which are located inside a fancy looking hand made resin shell.
Disclaimer:
The Thieaudio Leagcy 2 was provided to me by Linsoul Audio for review purposes. I am not affiliated with Thieaudio or Linsoul Audio beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered opinions about the product.
Price & Availability:
The actual price of the Thieaudio Legacy 2 is $99,00 USD. More information’s can be found under the link below;
Package and Accessories:
The Legacy 2 came inside a relative plain black cardboard box with the Thieaudio branding in silver color on the top.
Inside the box are the following contents/accessories;
- 1 x pair of Thieaudio Legacy 2 In-Ear Monitors
- 1 x Detachable Cable with 2-Pin Connectors
- 3 x pairs of Semi Transparent Silicone Ear Tips
- 3 x pairs of Black Silicone Ear Tips
- 1 x Storage Case
- 1 x Print Materials (Warranty Card, QC Certificate, Quick Start Guide)
Inside the box are 3 pairs of Black and 3 Pairs of Semi Transparent of silicone ear tips.
The Legacy 2 comes with a stylish looking leather case in dark blue color that shows a premium quality appearance. This case has a magnetic lead at the rear and the Thieaudio branding on the top.
The detachable cable of the Legacy 2 comes with a 2-Pin connector interface. I couldn’t find any information about the cable material that looks like Silver Plated Copper Material (SPC). It has a braided design and features a soft insulation.
The cable has a metal Y splitter and a semi-transparent plastic chin slider.
The detachable cable comes with 0.78mm diameter 2-Pin male connectors that are protected with a metal housing in silver color. The right connector has a red color indicator while the left side is transparent.
The cable comes with a 3.5mm headphone plug that is protected with a straight profiled metal housing in silver color, which has the Thieaudio branding on the top. The housing features a plastic strain relief for extra durability.
The detachable cable is pretty lightweight and shows only a very low amount of microphonic effects.
Design and Build Quality:
The Thieaudio Legacy 2 has a hand made semi-custom shaped resin shell with a decent build quality. It is lightweight and fits pretty comfortable in to my average sized ear concha’s, without to hurt them even after long listening periods (2-3 hours).
Each Legacy 2 IEM comes with a hand painted faceplate, which means every monitor is unique.
The right faceplate has the Thieaudio brand logo in silver color on the top.
On the top of the monitor shells are the 0.78mm diameter 2-Pin female connectors that do show a tight and secure connection.
Near the 2-Pin female connector is a pressure vent that is dedicated for the 10mm diameter dynamic driver.
The inner surface of each IEM sports the Legacy 2 branding and a serial number that is printed in white color.
The sound has a slightly angled profile and sports two openings on the top, one for the 10mm Dynamic Driver and one for the Knowles 29689 Balanced Armature driver.
The build quality and optical impression of the monitors is decent!
Fit, Comfort & Isolation:
The Thieaudio Legacy 2 has a very ergonomic IEM thanks to its relative small semi-custom like shape and didn’t hurt my average sized ear concha even after long listening periods. The passive noise isolation is about 26dB, which makes it quite sufficient for the use in public transport like metro, bus or train.
Technical Specifications:
- Driver Type : 1DD + 1BA Hybrid Driver Configuration
- Dynamic Driver : 1x 10mm Diameter Dynamic Driver with Beryllium Coated Diaphragm
- BA Driver : 1x Knowles ED29689 Balanced Armature Driver
- Frequency Response : 20Hz ~ 20 kHz
- Sensitivity : 108
- Impedance : 32Ω
- Noise Isolation : 26dB
- Connector Type : 0.78mm Diameter 2-Pin Connector
- Plug : 3.5mm Single Ended
- Cable Length : 120cm
Drivability:
The Thieaudio Legacy is a quite efficient In-Ear Monitor since it comes with an impedance of only 32Ω and a sensitivity of 108dB. This makes it compatible with relative weak sources like Smartphone’s, Tablet’s and MP3 players.
Equipment’s used for this review:
- IEM’s : Thieaudio Legacy 2, Moondrop Aria, TFZ King II
- DAP&DAC’s : HiBy RS6, FiiO M11 Pro, Lotoo PAW S1
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Adele – My Little Love (Spotify)
- Randy Crawford – On Day I Will Fly Away (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Diana Panton – If the Moon Turns Green (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Hayley Westenra – Odyssey Album (Dezzer HiFi)
- Dionne Warwick – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
- Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- B.B. King – Riding With The King (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Really Slow Motion – Deadwood (Deezer HiFi)
- Jo Blankenburg – Meraki (Spotify)
- Lorde – Royal (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
- Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Deezer HiFi)
- Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Photek – The Hiden Camera (Spotify)
- Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Rush – YYZ (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Rush – Leave That Thing Alone (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)s
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)
The Sound:
The Thieaudio Legacy2 shows a mildly warm tonality and offers a pretty smooth and balanced overall presentation form the top to the bottom. The midrange is fairly clear and has in general a laid back character; the treble range on the other hand has a nicely smooth and fatigue free tuning, while the bass is pretty fast and shows a moderate level of depth and quantity.
This review has been written after a burn-in period of 60 Hours. I have used the stock cable and the black silicone ear tips which are included to the package.
Bass:
The 10mm diameter dynamic driver with beryllium coated diaphragm of the Thieaudio Legacy 2 is responsible for the lower frequency region. The dynamic driver is able to produce a good level of subbass depth and extension, while the tonality is on the softer and warmer side. The subbass rumble and intensity is on a moderate level that will satisfy the majority, with expectation of bass-heads that may want some additional depth and rumble. The general subbass presentation of the Legacy 2 is fairly controlled and clean.
The Thieaudio Legacy 2 shows moderately strong and impactful midbass presentation. The midbass area sound in general nicely controlled and fast, thanks to the use of a beryllium diaphragm that are known with their quick and controlled response in this area. The Legacy 2 doesn’t show any remarkable negative situations such like midbass hump or muddiness. However, I would wish a bit more depth and intensity in this area when I listen to cross drums, trumpets or bass guitars, which are otherwise reproduced in a pretty clean and controlled manner.
Midrange:
The Thieaudio Legacy 4 shows a mildly warm midrange tonality with moderately level of transparency and airiness. The general midrange presentation is a bit recessed especially when I do listen to male vocals.
The lower midrange shows an average level of depth and intensity, when I do listen to male vocals or instruments such like violas or trumpets and is less highlighted and detailed compared to the upper midrange region. Male vocals such like B.B. King, Isaac Hayes or Sting are reproduced with a nice sense of musicality, while I would wish a bit more forwardness and body for a more intimate and musical presentation.
The upper midrange is the focal point of the midrange that shows an audible around the 3kHz region. This creates a good sense of clarity and liveliness while listen to female vocals and instruments like violins, flutes and pianos. Female voices from Adel to Edith Piaf, from Sarah McLachlan to Diana Panton are represented in a pretty clear, lively and detailed manner.
Treble:
The Thieaudio Legacy 2 shows a fairly smooth and fatigue free treble tuning, which makes it to an In-Ear Monitors that is ideal for longer listening periods and for those who are sensitive to treble brightness/sharpness. The treble range is in general less highlighted compared to the upper midrange area, while the transitions are pretty controlled in moment when instruments such like electro guitars do play with high level of distortion.
The lower treble region offers an average level of clarity and resolution and is free of sibilance and harshness when I listen to instruments such like pianos or cymbals or to soprano voices such like Sertap Erener and Hayley Westenra.
The upper treble region shows an audible peak around the 8 kHz region, which is an popular adjustment these days to create a better sense of airiness and sparkle to the overall presentation, which is on an moderate level when I do listen to the Legacy 2. The extension in this area is a bit short while the overall detail retrieval fulfills the expectations from and In-Ear Monitor at this price level.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The Thieaudio Legacy 2 shows a sufficient performance in terms of separation and placement of instruments and vocals. The soundstage shows an above average wideness, while the depth is on a moderate level.
Some Comparisons:
Thieaudio Legacy 2 versus TFZ King II:
The TFZ King II has a tad warmer tonality compared to the Thieaudio Legacy 2, which shows a slightly brighter and transparent overall presentation.
The lower frequency area of the Legacy 2 offers a better level of speed, authority and resolution. The subbass region of the Legacy 2 has a better sense of depth and rumble, while the TFZ King II has the slightly edge when it comes to the depth and impact in the midbass region.
The midrange of both IEM’s is on the warmer side of neutral, while the TFZ King II shows a slightly more forward presentation in this area. The lower midrange of the King II has a tad more body, while the Legacy 2 shows a better sense of transparency and resolution in this region. The upper midrange of the TFZ King II is slightly less highlighted than those of the Thieaudio Legacy 2, which shows a higher level of detail retrieval and extension.
The treble range of both IEM’s is sounds in general pretty smooth and fatigue-free, which is an ideal tuning for longer listening periods. The lower treble region of the TFZ King II is able to produce a tad more clarity and definition, while the upper treble presentation of both In-Ear Monitors is pretty close in terms of airiness and sparkle.
The soundstage of both In-Ear Monitors is pretty equal in terms of depth, however the Thieaudio Legacy 2 shows a better performance when it comes to the wideness of the stage.
Thieaudio Legacy 2 versus Moondrop Aria (2021):
Both the Thieaudio Legacy and the Moondrop Aria (2021) do show a mildly warm tonality and do offer a smooth and fatigue free listening experience.
The bass of the Legacy 2 is slightly faster than those of the Aria (2021), while both are pretty equal in terms of clarity, resolution and control in this area. The Moondrop Aria (2021) shows slightly more depth and intensity in the midbass area.
The Thieaudio Legacy 2 shows a more laid back midrange character compared to the Moondrop Aria (2021) that sounds a bit more forward in its presentation. The lower midrange of the Aria (2021) has a bit more body and depth when I do listen to male vocals and instruments such like acoustic guitars and other like a viola. The upper midrange of the Legacy 2 is s tad more pronounced and detailed than those of the Aria (2021), which is a fairly minimal but audible difference.
The treble range of both the Legacy 2 and the Aria (2021) is smooth, controlled and fatigue-free when I do listen to a wide variety of genres including treble intensive ones such like trash metal. The upper treble range of the Moondrop Aria (2021) shows slightly better sense of airiness and sparkle.
The soundstage of both In-Ear Monitors shows a sufficient performance in terms of separation and placement of instruments and vocals. The Thieaudio Legacy has the slightly edge when it comes to the depth of the stage, while the Moondrop Aria (2021) shows a bit more wideness.
Conclusion:
The Thieaudio Legacy 2 is a very stylish looking In-Ear Monitor with a highly comfortable monitor design that comes with a well implemented dynamic driver with beryllium coated diaphragm and a Knowles ED29689 BA driver. So, if you are looking for an IEM with a fast and controlled bass response, fairly transparent and airy midrange character and smooth and fatigue free treble presentation, the Legacy 2 could be the right choice with its competitive pricing and fancy design.
Pros & Cons:
- + Fast, Powerful & Control Subbass Response
- + Smooth & Fatigue-Free Midrange and Treble Presentation
- + Fancy Looking Monitor Design
- + Overall Build Quality
- + Very Ergonomic Shape
- – A bit more Lower Midrange depth would be welcome
- – Laid Back Midrange Tuning
- – Maybe a bit too relax in the Treble Range
Thank you for the Read!
