Empire Ears ESR MKII vs Noble Audio Van Gogh
Introduction
The Empire Ears ESR MKII and Noble Audio Van Gogh 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 Van Gogh Price Comparison
The ESR MKII and Van Gogh sit at two very different price points.
The ESR MKII comes in at $1,099.00.
The Van Gogh comes in at $699.00.
The ESR MKII costs significantly more than the Van Gogh. 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 Van Gogh
The Noble Audio Van Gogh is a premium four-driver hybrid universal IEM tuned for emotional impact and detail. Inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night, the Van Gogh faceplates feature hand-finished swirling resin art. Its hybrid driver system combines a powerful dynamic driver with three balanced armatures for deep bass, layered mids, and airy highs for an immersive sound experience.
Noble Audio Van Gogh Features:
- Hybrid 1DD + 3BA Driver Configuration: 8 mm dynamic driver impactful and textured lows, two Sonion E-Series BA drivers for smooth, articulate mids, Knowles RAD-Series BA driver for controlled, extended treble response.
- Contrast-Rich, Expressive Sound Tuning: Tuned for a bold, emotionally engaging sonic presentation while maintaining air and clarity, all without causing listener fatigue.
- Artisanal Design: Features unique, hand-finished resin faceplates inspired by Starry Night, housed in low-profile resin shells for comfort and passive isolation.
- Premium Cable & Accessories: Comes with Noble’s 8-core OCC copper cable with balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn connector and 2-pin system for easy upgrades. Includes ear tip kit, branded accessories, and a protective carrying case.
Noble Audio Van Gogh Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1× 8 mm dynamic driver (magnesium-aluminum diaphragm, dual-magnetic circuit) + 2× Sonion E-Series BA + 1× Knowles RAD-Series BA
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Sensitivity: 107 dB
Impedance: 29 Ω
Cable: Detachable 8-core OCC copper, 2-pin design, balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn plug
Design and Build Quality
The ESR MKII and Van Gogh 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 Van Gogh features hand-finished resin faceplates inspired by Starry Night, with swirling patterns that make every unit one-of-a-kind. The low-profile resin shells are lightweight yet sturdy, designed for a secure and comfortable fit during long sessions. Build quality reflects Noble’s artisanal approach - careful assembly and attention to detail in both the housing and driver integration.
The included 8-core OCC copper cable with a 4.4 mm balanced connector complements the design while ensuring durability and low-resistance signal transfer. Together, the Van Gogh’s construction balances artistry, ergonomics, and rugged practicality, making it a unique IEM with stunning sound and striking aesthetics.
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.
Van Gogh Sound Signature
The Van Gogh delivers a powerful and textured listening experience. Its bass goes deep and comes through with natural impact without muddiness. Mids are layered and articulate, offering clarity and emotional presence through vocals and instruments. The treble is clean, airy, and extended, providing sparkle without harshness. Overall, the tuning is immersive, musical, and high-contrast, perfect for experiencing enhanced emotional connection with your music.
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 $699, the Noble Audio Van Gogh positions itself as a mid-tier hybrid IEM with a strong balance of performance and artistry. For the price, the Van Gogh offers hand-crafted resin shells with one-of-a-kind faceplates, a durable low-profile design for comfort, and a premium 8-core OCC copper balanced cable. Internally, it houses a hybrid setup of a magnesium-aluminum dynamic driver with dual-magnetic circuit for powerful bass, paired with Sonion and Knowles balanced armatures for refined mids and treble. The combination of bespoke design, high-quality internals, and expressive tuning gives the Van Gogh excellent value - delivering both collector-grade aesthetics and a technically capable, musical sound at well under the $1,000 mark.
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 Van Gogh is for listeners who want a musical and emotionally expressive IEM with both audiophile-grade internals and collector-worthy design. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy bold bass, clear mids, and airy treble in a presentation that leans more engaging than analytical. The Van Gogh also appeals to buyers who value unique craftsmanship - no two faceplates are the same, ensuring you get an exclusive design that's truly yours only.
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