Empire Ears Odin MKII vs 64Audio U18t
Introduction
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and 64Audio U18t 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 U18t Price Comparison
The Odin MKII and U18t come in two different price points.
The Odin MKII comes in at $4,299.00.
The U18t comes in at $2,999.00
The Odin MKII costs significantly more than the U18t. 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 U18t
The U18t is 64Audio's most expensive U-series IEM. It features 18 drivers per side one of which being 64Audio's patented tia driver. The U18t also comes with 64Audio's pressure-relieving Apex technology for enhanced sound and comfort.
64Audio U18t Features:
- Air Pressure Exchange (Apex)
- Tubeless In-Ear Audio (tia)
64Audio U18t Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1 tia High Driver – 1 High-Mid Driver – 8 Mid Drivers – 8 Low Drivers
Frequency Response: 10hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: 111 dB/mW Sensitivity @1kHz
Crossover: Integrated 4-way Passive Crossover
Impedance: 9Ω
Apex Technology Isolation: -20dB, -15dB, -10dB (Variable Isolation (m20, m15, m12, mX modules included in the box)
Design and Build Quality
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and 64Audio U18t 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 2025 U18t features an updated Flame Red Textured Shell with Gold Raised Metal Logos and Chamfered Faceplate Bezels for an eye-catching aesthetic. To match the updated look, the U18t comes with an exclusive gold-plated m20 Apex Module. The new U18t feels premium in the hand and boasts a more elegant look compared to its predecessor.
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.
U18t Sound Signature
The U18t is known for its clear and revealing sound. It features a pronounced mid-bass tuning, which adds weight and warmth to vocals and instrumentals. Its emphasized treble frequencies bring out a ton of clarity from music, making subtle details easy to pick off.
The overall sound is smooth, natural, and accurate.
Soundstage in the U18t is wide and deep, delivering an immersive sound with excellent sound positioning. Voices and instruments are very easy to pick out from even the busiest tunes, which makes for a very 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 $2,999, the 2025 U18t packs 18 balanced armature drivers, updated build and aesthetics, and comes with all current Apex Modules in the box, alongside a pair of brand new 8-braid SPC cables in 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations. The U18t features 64Audio proprietary technologies: Apex and tia.
In the box you get multiple sets of ear tips, a leather case, a cleaning tool, clips, and stickers.
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 $2,999 U18t represents 64Audio's best efforts in creating a flagship studio monitor. Music on the U18t sounds smooth, accurate, and detailed. From bass to treble, every note sounds full and detailed - never harsh or fatiguing. If you like a smooth, accurate, and detailed listening experience, this is the IEM to get. With the 2025 version, you're getting the same studio-grade sound, an updated look, a pair of premium cables, and all Apex Modules.
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