Empire Ears ESR MKII vs Noble Audio AGIS II
Introduction
The Empire Ears ESR MKII and Noble Audio AGIS II 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 Noble Audio.
Empire Ears ESR MKII vs Noble Audio AGIS II Price Comparison
The ESR MKII and AGIS II sit at two very different price points.
The ESR MKII comes in at $1,099.00.
The AGIS II comes in at $1,799.00.
The ESR MKII costs significantly less than the AGIS II. 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 Noble Audio AGIS II
The Noble Audio AGIS II is a premium hybrid IEM that blends balanced armatures and bone conduction technology to create a powerful yet refined listening experience. Featuring a total of eight drivers per side, the AGIS II combines Sonion and Knowles BA drivers for bass, mids, and treble, with Sonion bone conduction units adding body, texture, and immersive depth.
Noble Audio AGIS II Features:
- 8-Driver Hybrid System: Combines Sonion and Knowles balanced armatures for bass, mids, and highs with Sonion bone conduction drivers to enhance midrange presence, resonance, and stage depth.
- Bone Conduction Enhancement: Adds body and dimensionality to the mids, creating a more lifelike and immersive sound presentation.
- Handcrafted Design: Features a black resin shell with a fiber-mesh faceplate, blending durability with a refined, artisanal aesthetic.
- Premium OCC Cable: Ships with Noble’s 8-core OCC copper cable featuring a 2-pin connector system and interchangeable terminations (2.5 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm) for maximum flexibility.
Noble Audio AGIS II Specs:
Driver Configuration: 6× Sonion/Knowles BA + 2× Sonion bone conduction drivers
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 22 kHz
Sensitivity: 106 dB
Impedance: 28 Ω
Cable: 8-core OCC copper, 2-pin connector, interchangeable terminations (2.5 / 3.5 / 4.4 mm)
Shell: Handcrafted resin with fiber-mesh faceplate
Design and Build Quality
The ESR MKII and AGIS II are premium IEMs inside and out, boasting exceptional build quality, design, and ergonomics.
The ESR MKII keeps things professional yet simple. Its medical-grade resin shell is ergonomic and lightweight, ensuring long-term comfort, while the brushed aluminum faceplate adds a subtle touch of refinement. With A.R.C. applied inside the housing, internal resonances are minimized, making the sound cleaner and more accurate.
The Noble Audio AGIS II is crafted with a focus on both durability and artistry. Its sculpted black resin shells provide a secure, ergonomic fit while keeping weight low for enhanced comfort during extended listening sessions.
The standout feature is the fiber-mesh faceplate, adding a refined industrial touch to Noble’s signature handcrafted design. In the box, the AGIS II comes with Noble’s 8-core OCC copper cable with interchangeable terminations, for enhanced flexibility and longevity in daily use.
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.
AGIS II Sound Signature
The Noble Audio AGIS II delivers a rich, immersive presentation driven by its 8-driver hybrid architecture.
Bass has weight and texture from the dedicated low-end drivers, delivering impact without overwhelming the mids. The midrange is enhanced by Sonion bone conduction drivers, adding body, resonance, and a natural sense of space that makes vocals and instruments feel lifelike. Treble is smooth yet extended, thanks to the Knowles drivers, offering clarity and sparkle without harshness.
The overall sound is musical, delivering a wide, three-dimensional soundstage that emphasizes both detail and emotional engagement.
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, delivering studio-grade performance without the premium price tag. For those who want precision sound and build, the ESR MKII delivers exactly that.
At $1,799 USD, the AGIS II packs an 8-driver hybrid system with Sonion and Knowles balanced armatures and Sonion bone conduction drivers for a rich, immersive presentation. The shells feature a stunning metal-mesh faceplate with a sculpted black resin housing - hand-assembled for precision fit and acoustic matching.
The package includes Noble’s 8-core premium OCC cable with interchangeable 2-pin connectors and switchable terminations (2.5 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm).
Our Thoughts
Get the ESR MKII IEM if you're looking for a flat, accurate, and detailed sound for music production or mixing. The ESR MKII's reference-grade sound will help reveal subtle details in music making it a joy to use for mixing and mastering at home or in the studio.
The Noble Audio AGIS II is for audiophiles who want a premium hybrid IEM that blends technical precision with musical warmth. Its combination of BA drivers and bone conduction makes it ideal for those who enjoy a rich midrange, spacious staging, and textured bass without sacrificing clarity. It’s also a strong fit for audiophiles who value artisanal build quality and want an IEM with an exclusive design. If you're looking for lush mids, impactful yet controlled bass, smooth treble, and a handcrafted design with premium internals, the AGIS II is the one to get.
Elevate Your Listening Experience With These Related Articles
Enjoyed this article? Check out our other product comparisons!