Empire Ears ESR MKII vs Noble Audio Spartacus
Introduction
The Empire Ears ESR MKII and Noble Audio Spartacus 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 Spartacus Price Comparison
The ESR MKII and Spartacus sit at two very different price points.
The ESR MKII comes in at $1,099.00.
The Spartacus comes in at $1,800.00.
The ESR MKII costs significantly less than the Spartacus. 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 Spartacus
The Noble Audio Spartacus is a high-end universal in-ear monitor designed to deliver a bold and immersive listening experience. Its hybrid driver setup combines balanced armatures with bone conduction technology for powerful yet refined sound reproduction.
Noble Audio Spartacus Features:
- Six-driver hybrid design with Sonion balanced armatures and bone conduction drivers
- Dual bone conduction drivers for enhanced bass depth and realism
- Sonion ultra-high BA driver for extended treble clarity
- Handcrafted resin shell with organic fiber composite faceplates
- Stainless-steel wax guard for protection and longevity
- Detachable 0.78 mm 2-pin cable with interchangeable 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm, and 4.4 mm plugs
Noble Audio Spartacus Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1× Sonion Ultra-High BA, 1× Sonion Mid-Bass BA, 2× Sonion Bass/Ultra-Bass BA, 2× Sonion Bone Conduction Drivers
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: 104.9 dB @ 1kHz
Impedance: 35 Ω
Crossover: Passive hybrid crossover
Design and Build Quality
The ESR MKII and Spartacus 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 Spartacus is built to deliver both style and function. Its handcrafted resin shells with organic fiber composite faceplates not only give each pair a one-of-a-kind look but also ensure a lightweight, comfortable fit for long listening sessions.
The stainless-steel wax guard protects the drivers from debris, extending the life of the IEMs. Durable 0.78mm 2-pin connectors provide secure cable swaps, letting you tailor your setup to different sources. Overall, the design combines everyday practicality with premium craftsmanship, giving you an IEM that feels as refined as it sounds.
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.
Spartacus Sound Signature
The Noble Audio Spartacus is tuned to balance musical engagement with technical precision. Its dual bone conduction drivers add physicality and depth to the bass frequencies, giving bass notes a natural weight that you can both hear and feel without overwhelming the mix.
The dedicated mid-bass and midrange drivers deliver clean, textured mids, producing intimate and life-like vocals and instruments. On the top end, the Sonion ultra-high driver extends treble for crisp detail and air, ensuring clarity in cymbals, strings, and ambient effects.
Together, the hybrid driver design creates a spacious, layered presentation, making Spartacus equally great for analytical listening and emotional enjoyment.
Price and Value
At $1,099, the ESR MKII offers impressive 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 $1,800, the Spartacus features a hybrid six-driver design with handcrafted shells. Dual bone conduction drivers add physical depth to the bass, while Sonion balanced armatures deliver clarity across mids and highs for a rich, engaging presentation. The resin shells with organic fiber composite faceplates make each unit unique, blending lightweight comfort with premium aesthetics. A stainless-steel wax guard and durable 2-pin connectors further reinforce the build, ensuring both long-term reliability and standout aesthetics.
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.
Get the Noble Audio Spartacus if you want a high-end IEM that combines impactful bass with refined detail. It’s a great IEM for those who find all-BA setups too lean, as the dual bone conduction drivers bring a sense of weight and physicality to the low end. Audiophiles who value a natural midrange and treble that’s detailed but never fatiguing will appreciate its engaging yet balanced sound signature. And with its handcrafted resin shells and unique faceplates, it also appeals to anyone who sees their IEMs as both a listening tool and a collectible piece of design.
Elevate Your Listening Experience With These Related Articles
Enjoyed this article? Check out our other product comparisons!