Empire Ears ESR MKII vs 64Audio Nio
Introduction
The Empire Ears ESR MKII and 64Audio Nio are premium IEMs designed to deliver studio-accurate, high-resolution sound. Let's compare both models so you can find the best in-ear monitors for your listening preferences.
Not the right fit? Browse other In-Ear Monitors from Empire Ears and 64Audio.
Empire Ears ESR MKII vs 64Audio Nio Price Comparison
The ESR MKII and Nio sit at two very different price points.
The ESR MKII comes in at $1,099.00.
The Nio comes in at $1,699.00.
The ESR MKII costs significantly less than the Nio. Let's dive deep into the specs, design, sound signatures, and features of both so you can get a better idea of what each IEM brings to the table.
The Empire Ears ESR MKII
The ESR MKII is Empire Ears' studio-reference IEM. It features a five-driver hybrid setup with three BA and two Electrostatic drivers. In terms of features, the ESR MKII packs SynX, EIVEC, and A.R.C technology for enhanced sound and reliability.
Empire Ears ESR MKII Features:
- Anti-Resonance Compound (A.R.C.)
- SynX Crossover Technology
- Proprietary Drivers
- UPOCC Cable
- EIVEC Module
Empire Ears ESR MKII Specs:
Driver Configuration: 3x Balanced Armature Drivers + 2x Electrostatic Drivers
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 100kHz
Sensitivity: 111dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
Crossover: 4-Way synX Crossover Network
Impedance: 3.9 Ohms @ 1kHz
The 64Audio Nio
The Nio is a 9-driver hybrid in-ear monitor featuring a large 9mm dynamic driver and eight Balanced Armatures per side. It features Apex Technology, Linear Impedance Design, and tia for unmatched sound and comfort.
64Audio Nio Features:
- 9mm dynamic driver for impactful bass
- Eight balanced armature drivers for mids and highs
- tia™ high-frequency driver for extended treble
- Apex® modules (mX, m15, m20) for adjustable isolation
- LID® (Linear Impedance Design) for source consistency
- CNC-machined aluminum shell with blue abalone faceplate
64Audio Nio Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1 tia High Driver – 1 High-Mid Driver – 6 Mid Drivers – 1 Dynamic Low Driver
Frequency Response: 10hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW Sensitivity @1kHz
Crossover: Integrated 4-way Passive Crossover
Impedance: 6Ω Impedance @1kHz
Apex Technology Isolation: -20dB, -15dB, -10dB
Design and Build Quality
The Empire Ears ESR MKII and 64Audio Nio are unmistakably premium IEMs, boasting exceptional build quality, design, and ergonomics.
The ESR MKII carries Empire Ears’ more understated design language, featuring a sleek resin shell with smooth contours that sit flush in the ear. Its lightweight build makes it easy to wear for hours, and the snug fit ensures excellent isolation. The understated faceplate design complements its role as a “tool-first” IEM rather than a flashy showpiece.
The 64Audio Nio features a striking aesthetic, with its stunning faceplate design and eye-catching chrome accents.
At the front, you'll find a chrome faceplate with a blue abalone design, while the back shell features a sleek black color that contrasts with the chrome faceplates. The Nio looks and feels similar to other 64Audio Universal IEMs - it has a relatively small profile and offers an ergonomic fit.
Sound Signature
You're probably looking to see how these IEMs stack up on sound. We'll share our thoughts here, although keep in mind this information tends to be anecdotal and subjective.
ESR MKII Sound Signature
The ESR MKII is built around accuracy and balance, making it ideal for professionals or listeners who want to hear music exactly as it’s recorded.
Its bass is tight and controlled, never overpowering the mix. The midrange is clean and transparent, bringing out vocals and instruments with lifelike clarity - perfect for mixing or critical listening. The treble is extended yet smooth, revealing subtle details without harshness, ensuring long listening sessions stay fatigue-free. This combination gives you the confidence to make precise judgments on recordings while still enjoying natural musicality.
Nio Sound Signature
The Nio moves from the reference tuning of other U-series IEMs in 64Audio's lineup to deliver a powerful but smooth sound.
The bass stands out in the Nio, offering a natural rumble, slam, and impact - perfect for audiophiles who prefer a bass-heavy sound signature. The midrange on the Nio is thick and weighty - this gives vocals and instruments a smooth and relaxing sound. The soundstage on the Nio is wide and delivers excellent positional accuracy for an immersive listening experience - you can easily pinpoint where each sound is coming from. The Nio's overall sound is smooth, relaxing, and immersive.
Price and Value
At $1,099, the ESR MKII offers tremendous value for professionals, studio engineers, or anyone who wants a reliable reference tool. Its neutral, accurate tuning gives you confidence in what you’re hearing, making it a cost-effective investment for critical work. The lightweight design and excellent isolation further enhance its practicality, proving that you don’t need to spend flagship-level prices to get studio-grade performance. For those who want precision without excess, the ESR MKII delivers exactly that.
The $1,699 Nio combines a powerful dynamic driver with eight Balanced Armatures to give you an engaging yet smooth listening experience. It comes with swappable Apex Modules, so you can customize sound and noise isolation to your preferences.
Inside the box, you get a premium leather case, foam and silicone ear tips, a 3.5mm Black Premium Cable, and three Apex Modules.
Our Thoughts
The ESR MKII and Raven represent two very different sound signatures. The former deliverers clean, accurate, and detailed sound, while the latter offers an immersive and impactful listening experience.
Get the ESR MKII if you want the most accurate sound in an in-ear monitor. Its flat, studio-reference tuning makes music production, mixing, and editing a breeze.
Get the 64Audio Nio if you like bass but prefer a smooth-sounding IEM that you can listen to for extended periods. The Nio is solid and lightweight, allowing you to listen comfortably for hours fatigue-free. Apex technology lets you fine-tune tuning and noise isolation so you can find the perfect sound for you.
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