Empire Ears ESR MKII vs Triton
Introduction
The Empire Ears ESR MKII and Triton are premium IEMs designed to deliver a high-resolution listening experience. 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 Triton Price Comparison
The Empire Ears ESR MKII and Triton sit at two different price points.
The ESR MKII comes in at $1,099.00.
The Triton comes in at $1,799.00.
The Triton costs significantly 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:
- Studio-grade reference tuning for neutrality
- BA + EST Hybrid for speed and clarity
- Empire’s synX Crossover Network for a smooth and coherent sound
- Ergonomic resin shell for comfort and isolation
- A.R.C. for reduced resonance and improved durability
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 Triton
The Triton is a hybrid IEM crafted for musical engagement, combining dynamic and balanced armature drivers to deliver a lively, full-bodied sound with enhanced bass response and immersive staging.
Empire Ears Triton Features:
- Tribrid driver setup with Dynamic + BA + Bone Conduction Drivers
- Dynamic driver W9+ subwoofers delivers impactful low-end punch
- Balanced Armatures add clarity and layering
- Bone Conduction Drivers for rich and detailed vocals
- Tuned for engaging, musical listening
- Premium design with ergonomic fit
Empire Ears Triton Specs:
Driver Configuration: Tribrid (W9+ Dynamic / EMP75 Balanced Armatures / Bone Conduction Drivers)
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 40kHz
Impedance: 2.8 ohms @ 1kHz
Sensitivity: 99dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
Connector: 2-pin, 0.78mm
Design and Build Quality
The Empire Ears ESR MKII and Triton are unmistakably premium IEMs, boasting exceptional build quality, design, and ergonomics.
The ESR MKII features handcrafted medical-grade resin shell for a lightweight yet durable feel. The smooth contours and compact size give it an ergonomic feel, ensuring both comfort and strong passive isolation for extended listening. Its faceplate features an understated, professional look, reflecting its studio-oriented purpose. Every aesthetic detail on the ESR MKII is built around practicality - sleek, minimal, and purpose-driven.
The Triton takes a more striking approach, blending luxury and performance with its stunning ergonomic design. Its shell is made from high-density resin reinforced with premium materials for enhanced rigidity and durability.
The faceplate design is eye-catching, showcasing Empire Ears’ attention to craftsmanship with a premium finish that feels and looks premium. While the housing is slightly larger to accommodate its hybrid driver system, the ergonomic shaping ensures it remains comfortable, with a secure seal that enhances both isolation and bass impact.
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 tuned for absolute 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, delivering 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 sound for casual listening.
Triton Sound Signature
The Triton, with its tribrid driver system with a powerful W9+ subwoofer, BA drivers, and Bone Conduction, deliver a fun and smooth sound signature.
The W9+ subwoofer brings impressive bass power for deeper, more textured bass with natural decay. The balanced armatures layered on top bring clarity and definition to the mids and treble, giving instruments and vocals weight while still preserving detail. The slightly larger housing allows for better driver placement and airflow, which helps create a wider, more holographic soundstage. The result is a sound that feels immersive and full-bodied, perfect for listeners who want to feel like they're part of the performance.
Price and Value
At $1,099, the ESR MKII delivers excellent value for professionals and detail-focused listeners. Its BA + EST hybrid drivers, medical-grade resin shell, and neutral tuning are engineered for accuracy rather than musicality. What you’re paying for here is a precise audio monitoring tool that can handle long listening sessions comfortably and reveal micro-details as recorded in the studio.
At $1,799, the Triton justifies its higher price through cutting-edge driver technology, reinforced resin housing, and premium aesthetics. Its dynamic driver subwoofer adds physical bass impact, while the multi-driver crossover system creates a layered, immersive presentation. The build also feels more boutique, with its expressive faceplate design and added resonance control features. The result is not just a tool, but a premium musical experience, making the price reasonable for those who value immersion, craftsmanship, and hybrid performance.
Our Thoughts
The choice between the Empire Ears ESR MKII and Empire Ears Triton is straightforward - the ESR MKII is a clean-sounding, analytical set that works best for music production, while the Triton is a fun-sounding IEM that works well for casual music listening.
The ESR MKII offers a clean, accurate, and detailed sound signature that works best for music production and mixing work at home or in the studio. Its flat tuning and excellent detail retrieval will reveal subtle details in music you would otherwise miss with non-reference in-ear monitors. Get the ESR MKII if you want the most accurate sound possible for critical listening.
Get the Empire Ears Triton if you're looking for a bassy in-ear monitor with excellent vocals and a non-fatiguing yet detailed treble. With a dynamic driver under the hood, the Triton offers a slam and impact only a dynamic driver can deliver. Vocal performance is top-notch as well, allowing you to experience your favorite vocal-centric tracks with life-like clarity and immersion.
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