Empire Ears ESR MKII vs THIEAUDIO V16 Divinity
Introduction
The Empire Ears ESR MKII and THIEAUDIO V16 Divinity 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 THIEAUDIO.
Empire Ears ESR MKII vs THIEAUDIO V16 Divinity Price Comparison
The ESR MKII and V16 Divinity sit at different price points.
The ESR MKII comes in at $1,099.00.
The V16 Divinity comes in at $1,499.00.
The ESR MKII costs less than the V16 Divinity. 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 THIEAUDIO V16 Divinity
The V16 Divinity is a flagship IEM from THIEAUDIO. It packs 16 Balanced Armatures per side and features an advanced 5-way crossover for a smooth and detailed sound.
THIEAUDIO V16 Divinity Features:
- 16 balanced armature drivers per side (Knowles and Sonion)
- 5-way crossover system for precise frequency division
- Smart-switch modular cable with 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm connectors
- Resin shells with custom hand-assembled faceplates
THIEAUDIO V16 Divinity Specs:
Driver Configuration: 16 Balanced Armature Drivers per side (Knowles & Sonion)
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 22kHz
Impedance: 18Ω
Sensitivity: 112 dB/mW
Cable: 1.2m 26AWG silver-plated OCC copper
Design and Build Quality
The ESR MKII and V16 Divinity are premium IEMs with 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 THIEAUDIO V16 Divinity uses a handcrafted medical-grade resin shell for a robust and lightweight feel. The V16 Divinity's shells are on the bulkier side similar to the Triton but its ergonomic design offers a comfortable and natural fit. Its faceplates feature an eye-catching dark gold and red aesthetic that pairs well with the included custom cable.
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.
V16 Divinity Sound Signature
The THIEAUDIO V16 Divinity delivers a powerful, full-bodied sound with a wide soundstage and exceptional layering, letting every instrument occupy its own space with clarity and precision.
The bass is authoritative yet controlled, offering impressive depth and weight without bleeding into the mids. Sub-bass reaches deep with rumble and presence, while mid-bass remains tight and defined, giving each kick and note satisfying impact. The midrange is rich and natural, with vocals presented front and center, neither overly warm nor thin. Instruments have excellent texture and separation, bringing realism to both acoustic and electronic music. Treble extends effortlessly, adding sparkle and air that enhances detail without straying into harshness.
The overall listening experience the V16 delivers is balanced yet energetic, combining musicality with reference-grade resolution.
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.
The $1,499 V16 Divinity features premium medical-grade resin shells with a stunning two-tone aesthetic. Under the hood, you're getting 16 Balanced Armature drivers from Knowles and Sonion, a 5-way Crossover. The V16 Divinity comes with a premium 2-pin cable with swappable terminations alongside a generous selection of ear tips and accessories.
Our Thoughts
The Empire Ears ESR MKII is built for those who value accuracy, balance, and refinement. It’s for listeners who want to hear music exactly as it was recorded. With its neutral tuning and electrostatic treble extension, the ESR MKII excels in studio work, acoustic recordings, and critical listening sessions where precision matters more than power. Get the ESR MKII if you want studio-grade precision, reference neutrality, and a sound that reveals every layer of your mix.
The THIEAUDIO V16 Divinity, on the other hand, is made for the enthusiast who wants both scale and emotion. It offers deep, authoritative bass, rich mids, and airy treble, creating a full, spacious presentation that feels immersive and grand. Where the ESR MKII prioritizes accuracy, the V16 leans into musicality and impact. Get the V16 Divinity if you prefer a more powerful, dynamic presentation with rich bass and cinematic scale that brings music to life.
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