Empire Ears Odin MKII vs 64Audio Fourte
Introduction
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and 64Audio Fourte are top-of-the-line IEMs designed to deliver an immersive, high-resolution sound 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 and 64Audio.
Odin MKII vs Fourte Price Comparison
The Odin MKII and Fourte come in two very different price points.
The Odin MKII comes in at $4,299.00.
The Fourte comes in at $3,599.00
The Odin MKII costs significantly more than the Fourte. 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 Odin MKII
The Odin MKII is the latest iteration of Empire Ears' legendary Odin IEM. New for the MKII model is a stunning 24K Gold-Plated Faceplates and a matte black aerospace-grade aluminum chassis. Inside, the Odin features a revolutionary 11-driver quadbrid system, comprising dual W9+ subwoofers, balanced armatures, electrostatic drivers, and bone conduction drivers, for a vivid sound experience that you can feel.
Empire Ears Odin MKII Features:
- 24K Gold-Plated Faceplates with matte black aerospace-grade aluminum chassis
- Dual W9+ subwoofers for tight, textured bass
- Five Precision Balanced Armature Drivers for organic vocals and instrumentals
- Twin EIVEC MKII-powered Electrostatic Drivers for breathtaking air and resolution
- Twin Bone Conduction Drivers for a tactile and immersive feel
- 2-pin, 4.4mm KVASIR Cable for enhanced sound and aesthetics
Empire Ears Odin MKII Specs:
Driver Configuration: 11 Drivers (Dual W9+ Subwoofers, 5x Balanced Armatures, 2x Electrostatic, 2x Bone Conduction)
Frequency Response: 5Hz–100kHz
Impedance: 2.7 Ohms @ 1kHz
Sensitivity: 105dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
Connector: 2-pin, 0.78mm, 4.4mm Termination
The 64Audio Fourte
The Fourte is a flagship hybrid IEM from 64Audio. It features a Dynamic Driver, a Balanced Armature driver, and two tia drivers. The Fourte packs the full suite of tia technologies for clear sound alongside built-in Apex for enhanced comfort.
64Audio Fourte Features:
- tia Technology: Features a tubeless design with an open balanced armature tia driver for high frequencies, reducing resonances and providing a natural sound.
- Hybrid Driver Configuration: Combines one dynamic driver for lows, one tia balanced armature driver for mids, one conventional balanced armature driver for mid-highs, and one tia high driver for highs, delivering a cohesive and detailed sound signature.
- apex Technology: Includes interchangeable apex modules to manage pneumatic pressure, enhancing comfort and reducing listener fatigue.
- LID (Linear Impedance Design): Maintains a consistent sound signature across different audio sources by correcting impedance variations.
64Audio Fourte Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1 dynamic driver (lows), 1 tia balanced armature driver (mids), 1 balanced armature driver (mid-highs), 1 tia high driver (highs).
Frequency Response: 5Hz – 22kHz.
Sensitivity: 114 dB/mW @1kHz.
Impedance: 10Ω @1kHz.
Crossover: Integrated 3-way passive crossover.
Isolation: up to -20dB of noise isolation (Built-in Apex)
Design and Build Quality
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and 64Audio Fourte are unmistakably premium IEMs, boasting class-leading build quality, design, and ergonomics.
The Odin MKII is departure from typical Empire Ears design and build. Gone is the multi-colored, Bifröst-inspired faceplates of the original Odin in favor of stunning 24K Gold-Plated faceplates with enigmatic runic engravings and Empire Ears insignia. Empire Ears swapped out the medical-grade resin shells for a more durable matte black, aerospace-grade aluminum chassis. Together, these design elements give the Odin MKII an eye-catching style that's robust and elegant.
Like the original Odin, the Odin MKII comes with a custom bespoke cable called the KVASIR - a four-stand braided cable with gold, silver, and copper conductors for enhanced musical detail and clarity. Intricate design details include etched Valknut on the cable's Y-Split piece and a blacked-out plug with Empire Ears branding.
The Fourte dons a distinctive design with striking copper patina faceplates, providing a unique and sophisticated aesthetic. It features a similar half-moon shell shape as other 64Audio universal IEMs minus the Apex ports at the front. Build quality is exceptional - the Fourte feels lightweight and solid in the hand.
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.
Odin MKII Sound Signature
The first thing you notice with the Odin MKII's sound is its wide, spacious, and open soundstage. There's excellent width, but the overall tuning goes for a more intimate presentation where the performer sounds closer to you.
The overall tuning is now more balanced compared to the original Odin, offering a less-exaggerated sub-bass rumble and a more polite mid-bass impact. Vocals and instruments now sound more weighty compared to the OG Odin, offering a more emotional and life-like tonality for both male and female voices. The treble has also been scaled back, now sounding smoother and less crisp than the previous Odin.
Fourte Sound Signature
The 64Audio tia Fourte delivers a U-shaped sound signature with emphasized bass and treble frequencies.
Bass is deep and impactful, providing a natural, speaker-like low-end response. The midrange is clean and detailed, offering good clarity to vocals and instruments. The treble is pronounced and extends well, adding an airy and detailed feel to the music.
Soundstage performance is where the Fourte wows, boasting an expansive soundstage with precise imaging, creating an immersive listening experience.
Price and Value
At $4,299, the Odin MKII is a significant step up in price and build quality. It features authentic 24K Gold-plated Faceplates with matte aerospace-grade aluminum shells and an 11-driver quadbrid design for an emotional sound you can feel. It also comes with a brand new KVASIR custom cable in 4.4mm Termination, giving the Odin MKII a stunning look, feel, and sound befitting its flagship price tag.
In the box, the Odin MKII comes with a black leather Odin MKII case, cleaning tool and microfiber cloth, black mesh IEM sleeves, and Final Audio Type E Tips in SS, S, M, L, and LL.
At $3,599, the Fourte offers reference-level sound and advanced features. The Fourte's unique tuning gives it an immersive and fun sound that makes music sound vivid and exciting. Features like tia and Apex lets you enjoy high-resolution sound in comfort.
Our Thoughts
The Empire Ears Odin MKII is a step up in terms of build quality and aesthetics over past Empire Ears IEMs, highlighted by the 24K Gold-plated faceplate with aerospace-grade shells. In terms of sound, the Odin MKII boasts a more mature, balanced sound signature that's tuned to give you a more emotional sound experience while preserving detail. Get the Odin MKII if like the OG Odin's sound but want a more balanced, vocal-centric sound signature for daily listening.
The Fourte offers a reference-level sound with exceptional clarity and detail retrieval. Its unique dynamic driver and Balanced Armature hybrid setup deliver powerful, speaker-like bass, clear and accurate vocals, and crystal-clear treble with lots of detail. Its expansive soundstage and precise imaging make the Fourte suitable for critical listening and professional applications.
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