Empire Ears ESR MKII vs Legend X
Introduction
The Empire Ears ESR MKII and Legend X are premium IEMs designed to deliver a crisp, impactful, and detailed 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.
Empire Ears ESR MKII vs Legend X Price Comparison
The Empire Ears ESR MKII and Legend X sit at two very different price points.
The ESR MKII comes in at $1,099.00.
The Legend X comes in at $2,299.00.
The Legend X costs 2x more than the ESR MKII. 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:
- 5-driver hybrid system with 3 BA + 2 electrostatic drivers
- 4-way synX crossover with EIVEC for electrostatic integration
- A.R.C. technology to reduce resonance for cleaner sound
- Brushed Silver aluminum faceplate with ergonomic resin shell
- Includes Alpha IV UPOCC Copper Litz cable
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 Empire Ears Legend X
The Empire Ears Legend X is a flagship IEM known for its deep, impactful bass. It features Dual W9 Subwoofers and five Balanced Armature Drivers from Knowles and Sonion. The Legend X's shells are made of high-quality resin materials for enhanced comfort and durability.
Empire Ears Legend X Features:
- Weapon IX Subwoofers
- synX Crossover Technology
- Anti Resonance Compound (A.R.C.)
- Handcrafted Ares II Cable from Effect Audio
Empire Ears Legend X Specs:
Driver Configuration: 2x W9 Subwoofers - 5x Balanced Armatures (2 Mid, 1 Mid-High, 1 High, 1 Super High)
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 40kHz
Sensitivity: 102dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
Crossover: 10-Way synX Crossover System
Impedance: 14 ohms @ 1kHz
Design and Build Quality
The Empire Ears ESR MKII and Legend X are unmistakably premium IEMs, boasting exceptional build quality, design, and ergonomics.
The ESR MKII keeps things simple and sleek. It features medical-grade resin shell that's ergonomic and lightweight, ensuring long-term comfort. The brushed aluminum faceplate adds a subtle touch of refinement, while the A.R.C. compound reduces driver vibration and resonance for a cleaner and more accurate sound.
The Empire Ears Legend X features a simple yet elegant design. The piano black shells are made from solid resin for a solid and lightweight feel. Its faceplates consist of the Empire Ears Wingspan insignia in stunning gold. Build quality is excellent—the shells are smooth all the way around, and the semi-transparent shells hint at the power source lurking within each earbud.
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 features a neutral, studio-reference tuning. It offers a clear and detailed listening experience with its accurate vocals and instrumentals, making it a great IEM for critical listening and professional monitoring.
Bass is tight and punchy with the ESR MKII but is leaner and less prominent than the U12t's bass. Midrange is clean and detailed, allowing you to hear subtle details like breaths and guitar slides. The treble is sparkly and well-extended, adding extra air and space between instruments. Soundstage-wise, the ESR MKII has a realistic soundstage with accurate sound positioning.
Legend X Sound Signature
The Legend X was tuned to deliver one thing - a deep, powerful, and visceral bass experience like no other. It reaches deep into sub-bass frequencies effortlessly and offers punch and slam you can hear and feel.
Despite the overwhelming bass, the Legend X manages to reproduce vocals and instruments with a natural and clear presentation. The treble is well-extended as well, offering good sparkle without harshness.
The soundstage on the Legend X is satisfyingly wide and deep, allowing sounds to come from around your head. Vocals and instruments are easy to pinpoint within the soundstage, which makes for a very immersive listening experience.
Price and Value
The Empire Ears ESR MKII is tuned and designed for serious mixing and mastering work at home or in the studio. Its flat tuning presents music as intended by the artist, making it the perfect pair of IEMs for critical listening or studio work. The ESR MKII comes with a case, cleaning cloth/tool, Final Audio Type E Tips in various sizes, and a premium Alpha-IV cable in the box.
The $2,299 Legend X delivers an unbelievable bass experience very few IEMs can match. It features a seven-driver hybrid configuration consisting of Empire Ears' Weapon IX Subwoofers and five Balanced Armatures from Knowles and Sonion. These drivers are synced through a 10-way synX Crossover and packed inside a high-quality piano black resin shell with A.R.C. treatment.
In the box you get a premium handcrafted Ares II Cable by Effect Audio, an Empire Ears Pandora Case, and a wide selection of Type E ear tips from Final Audio.
Our Thoughts
If you're looking for the most accurate sound possible, the ESR MKII is the IEM to get. With the ESR MKII, your music will sound pure, clean, and immaculate - just like it did in the studio. Its balanced bass, midrange, and treble frequencies make it easy to pick out every note and detail in music, while its realistic soundstage lets you enjoy your favorite music with satisfying immersion. In the box, you get a decent selection of accessories, including a premium cable and a wide selection of ear tips.
If you're a basshead looking for the ultimate bass experience, then look no further than the Empire Ears Legend X. Those dual W9 Drivers are no joke - capable of delivering brain-shaking bass you can hear and feel. It isn't just about bass power with the Legend X, it delivers a type of bass that punches, rumbles, slams, and kicks with authority you've never experienced before.
The best part? The Legend X's bass doesn't overwhelm the rest of the frequencies, allowing you to enjoy intimate vocal performances and immersive instrumentals with satisfying clarity, tone, and detail.
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