Empire Ears
Headphones
Best Known For
Headphones
/
In-Ear-Monitor (IEM)
Used Products
0
 Available
Average Price
$2,501-$5,000
Brand Popularity
779
 of 900+
Products Listed
10
Review Count
64
Founding Year
2015
Headquarters
United States
Empire Ears
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What's unique about the brand

Empire Ears is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones featuring their proprietary Weapon IX 9mm rare-earth magnet "subwoofers" with bass-reflex systems. The company hand-builds synX crossover networks without PCBs, assigning more individual audio bands per driver than any other IEM crossover. They also developed EIVEC electrostatic control to integrate EST drivers with dynamic and balanced armature drivers.

What reviewers are saying

We read all the reviews. Here's what reviewers feel most strongly about:

  • Empire Ears IEMs often employ a multi-driver hybrid design, combining dynamic drivers for bass, balanced armatures for mids and highs, and sometimes electrostatic drivers for enhanced treble, all managed by a complex crossover network.
  • The brand's proprietary Weapon IX or W9+ dynamic drivers, known for their innovative bass-reflex system, consistently deliver a powerful, impactful, and well-textured bass response.
  • They offer a high degree of customization for their custom IEMs, including a wide variety of faceplate materials, shell colors, and logo options, allowing customers to create a personalized aesthetic design.

Our favorite reviewer quotes:

  • "A New Bass Standard Forget everything I've written about bass in my prior reviews, a new standard is being written. The Legend X's subbass reaches further down than anything else I've heard." (https://www.headphonesty.com/2018/07/review-empire-ears-legend-x-a-sterling-tour-de-force-of-showmanship)
  • "The EVO has God-Tier bass and is unequivocally the best bass I have had the pleasure to hear. The EVO has greater control and separation throughout the bass spectrum than the previous bass king Legend X." (https://audiorabbithole.com/empire-ears-legend-evo-review-2)
  • "When it comes to detail retrieval and overall sense of clarity, the Evo is without a doubt several cuts above anything else I've heard from IEMs--it's easily the best I've experienced for this category. The bass may be boosted, but it's tight and nimble; which when combined with the mids and highs that seem to perfectly surface all the intricate vocal and instrument tones, allows the Evo to create a pristine and well-structured image of the music." (https://headphones.com/blogs/reviews/empire-ears-legend-evo?srsltid=AfmBOopCoAe0wTITQn-A6TDbA2Xy25rLOuhHHeIXKi5TrW7rhsSjyX)
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Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From Julian's interview with
.

Lineup comparison

We think it's helpful to understand how their products compare. To learn more about each, scroll to the section above to click through to individual product pages.

ESR MKII Universal

  • Positioning: A balanced, cost-effective universal option designed for everyday listening.
  • Description: Features a hybrid 5-driver design that provides clear mids and precise highs, making it suitable for small rooms and regular use. Compared to higher-tier products, its performance and functionality meet basic needs without the advanced features found in models like the Odin MKII or custom versions.

Triton

  • Positioning: A versatile universal in-ear engineered for improved tonal balance and dynamic sound.
  • Description: Features a refined acoustic chamber and enhanced bass tuning that deliver richer sub-bass and more defined treble. When compared with the ESR MKII Universal, it shows better low-end performance while remaining more affordable than the flagship Odin models.

Odin MKII

  • Positioning: A flagship universal offering tuned for precision and a wide, controlled soundstage.
  • Description: Features a quad-bridge balanced-armature system combined with a dynamic bass driver, resulting in detailed, expansive audio reproduction.

Odin Custom

  • Positioning: A premium custom-fit in-ear focused on delivering tailored sound and an optimized seal.
  • Description: Features a multi-driver configuration with a custom design that enhances sound accuracy and comfort. In comparison to the universal Odin MKII, it offers a personalized listening experience.

ESR MKII Custom

  • Positioning: The top-tier custom solution providing advanced technology and best-in-class personalized performance.
  • Description: Uses an upgraded 5-driver hybrid design, blending triple balanced armatures with dual electrostatics to achieve outstanding clarity and speed. When compared to other models in the lineup, it stands out for its superior technology.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer

Used

Empire Ears

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What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

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ExtremeHiFi
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Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi
Brand Page
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In-Ear-Monitor (IEM)
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Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi
Brand Page
Known For
Headphones
/
In-Ear-Monitor (IEM)
Average Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used Products
0
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Brand Popularity
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Headquarters
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Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi
Brand Page
Known For
Headphones
/
In-Ear-Monitor (IEM)
Average Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used Products
0
 Available
Brand Popularity
836
 of 900+
Headquarters
Taiwan

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Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi
Brand Page
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Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi
Brand Page