A new premium open headphone

The THIEAUDIO Cypher was designed with one clear goal in mind: to deliver a studio reference listening experience through a state-of-the-art driver platform. Built around a newly designed 50mm driver with 20-core N45 magnetic array, aerospace aluminum earcups, and a carefully tuned acoustic chamber, the Cypher positions itself as an essential tool for musicians, engineers, gamers, and discerning music listeners alike. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about these headphones.

It is designed to listen to the reference

THIEAUDIO says nearly ten years of sound theory research and analysis of some of history’s most revered headphones informs the Cypher’s tuning philosophy. Instead of chasing trends, the company set out to create its own benchmarks—meant to balance musical enjoyment with studio precision.

The Cypher features what THIEAUDIO describes as a 5dB bass shelf from 20Hz to 300Hz, a flat midrange, and precise treble. This arrangement suggests a higher bass power compared to most open-back headphones, which can lead to a familiar listening experience for those from consumer headphones.

For professionals, a flat midrange ensures vocals, guitars, pianos, and other lead instruments maintain a natural timbre. For gamers, accurate treble and upper-mid presentation can improve localization and presence, helping players pinpoint directional cues in competing environments. Cypher’s tuning seems to aim for a warm balance—providing bass depth and punch while maintaining clarity throughout the audible spectrum.

The flagship 50mm is a powerful driver

At the heart of the Cypher is its newly developed 50mm driver. Dynamic drivers remain one of the most widely used transducer types in professional audio due to their reliability, full-range performance, and ability to deliver powerful output with tight bass precision. The Cypher driver includes a 20-core N45 magnetic array. Stronger magnetic flux can improve driver control and response, which may support faster attack and better bass accuracy at higher listening levels. Physically, this design aims to preserve punch and maintain low distortion at high output levels.

The diaphragm uses a semicrystalline polymer and rubber compound. This type of construction usually requires a balance between stiffness and damping. A tight diaphragm can reduce unwanted distortion and improve clarity, while proper damping helps prevent resonances that may affect timbre or introduce a boxy tone. The voice coil consists of a high tension copper-aluminum amalgam. This design element may contribute to efficient power transfer and responsiveness. For professional users, responsiveness is important when testing transients—heavy ones such as percussion, pumped strings, or electrical elements.

Designed for music and gaming

THIEAUDIO positions the Cypher as equally capable of listening to music and playing. Thanks to the open back design, the headphones present an immersive listening experience that should deliver width and depth in a variety of situations. In play, strong localization can improve spatial awareness, helping players to recognize environmental cues. In music, refined treble power can contribute to a detailed presentation without introducing shrill artifacts or excessive equalization.

Professional construction

Cypher earcups are CNC machined from solid aerospace-grade aluminum. This design choice serves many purposes. Structurally, aluminum provides durability and long-term stability. For premium headphones intended for professional environments, physical durability is important. Acoustically, the solid earcup construction can help manage the sound of the enclosure. Uncontrolled resonances can color sound reproduction and affect clarity. By carefully designing the internal acoustic chamber, THIEAUDIO aims to improve tonal stability and maintain the intended tuning.

The company describes the acoustic cavity as “articulate,” suggesting that internal shaping and airflow management have been optimized to support spatial depth and layer presentation. When combined with precise driver tuning, this type of chamber design can result in improved immersion and range. For listeners who appreciate an immersive experience—whether in music or gaming—earup design plays an important role in shaping the perceived environment.

Along with the sturdy headphone design, the Cypher comes with a premium leather case. The case is nice and soft to the touch, and provides easy protection for the headphones and cable.

Premium materials for extended comfort

Comfort is always important for both studio sessions and long listening marathons. The Cypher features a composite stainless steel and carbon fiber strap designed to balance strength and low weight. Featherlight construction can reduce fatigue during extended wear. The headband lining uses genuine Coby lambskin, which provides a soft touch. Paired with memory foam velor earcups, the Cypher emphasizes breathability and flexibility.

Velor earpads promote airflow, which can improve comfort during long sessions. They may not isolate external noise as aggressively as leatherette alternatives, but in controlled environments such as home studios or gaming setups, comfort often takes precedence. THIEAUDIO’s material choices suggest that the Cypher is designed for users who spend hours at a desk or workstation and need a stable, fatigue-resistant fit.

Wire connection for professional readiness

Cypher ships with a premium 3 meter braided cable with a 3.5mm termination. The cable length is perfect for studio use. The braided cable is thick and feels very sturdy. That said, it’s also removable, meaning you can easily replace it.

With a rated impedance of 32 ohms and a sensitivity of 96dB ±3dB, the Cypher is designed to work with a wide range of sources. Dedicated headphone amplifiers and professional interfaces should have no difficulty driving it to proper listening levels.

Unlike wireless headphones that incorporate digital signal processing, the Cypher follows a traditional analog signal chain. The source device and amplifier provide the signal; headphones reproduce it. This straightforward design may appeal to professionals who prefer straightforward, unprocessed playing.

Who is Cypher

THIEAUDIO positions Cypher as the pinnacle of its dynamic driver development. An emphasis on driver innovation, acoustic chamber precision, and premium materials underscores that desire. Whether you’re an audiophile, audiophile, or gamer looking for open-back headphones, the THIEAUDIO Cypher has a lot to offer.

From its flexible 50mm driver with 20-core N45 magnetic array to its CNC-milled aluminum earcups and lambskin-lined headband, everything designed reflects its outstanding status. For listeners who value string performance, index-oriented tuning, and durable construction, Cypher aims to deliver a comprehensive solution. Based on its specifications and design philosophy, the Cypher stands as a compelling addition to the dynamic high-end headphone landscape.

The THIEAUDIO Cypher is available for pre-order on Kickstarter now, and shipping is scheduled to begin in April. Early bird units are available starting at $329.