Empire Ears Odin MKII vs FiR Audio Krypton 5
Introduction
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and FiR Audio Krypton 5 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 FiR Audio.
Odin MKII vs Krypton 5 Price Comparison
The Odin MKII and Krypton 5 come in two very different price points.
The Odin MKII comes in at $4,299.00.
The Krypton 5 comes in at $2,999.00
The Odin MKII costs significantly more than the Krypton 5. 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 FiR Audio Krypton 5
The Krypton 5 (NE5) is a 5-driver hybrid IEM packed with advanced technologies like Kinetic Bass, Open Acoustics, and ATOM XS for enhanced sound and comfort.
FiR Audio Krypton 5 Features:
- Hybrid configuration with 1 dynamic and 4 balanced armature drivers
- Kinetic Bass technology combines bone and air conduction for impactful lows
- Open Acoustics design with tubeless balanced armature drivers
- ATOM XS interchangeable modules for customizable isolation and bass response
- Machined aluminum shells with sapphire glass faceplates
FiR Audio Krypton 5 Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1 Dynamic (10mm) + 4 Balanced Armature Drivers
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Impedance: 22Ω
Isolation: 10dB to 17dB depending on ATOM module used
Design and Build Quality
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and FiR Audio Krypton 5 are high-end IEMs with exceptional 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.
For this latest generation, 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 FiR Audio Krypton 5 features machined aluminum shells in a striking chrome color. The KR5's faceplates feature premium sapphire glass with a subtle brushed fiber design for a unique look and feel. At the back, the Krypton 5 features a large mesh port for the Kinetic Bass technology and on the side, an ATOM XS port.
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.
Krypton 5 Sound Signature
The FiR Audio Krypton 5 delivers a smooth, engaging, and immersive sound.
The bass of the KR5 delivers a powerful punch with sub-bass rumbles you can feel - courtesy of Kinetic Bass technology. The midrange is smooth, offering a clear and natural presentation for vocals and instrumentals. The treble is crisp and detailed - but never harsh.
The soundstage is wide, deep, and accurate. Sounds spread far left and right and can sound distant as well. Imaging is also very precise - pinpointing sounds within the mix is effortless as vocals and instruments are well-defined even in busy tracks.
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.
The $2,999 Krypton 5 offer a premium look and feel with its machined aluminum shells and sapphire glass faceplates. It is packed with advanced technologies like Kinetic Bass for enhanced bass and ATOM interchangeable modules for customizable pressure relief and sound.
In the box, the Krypton 5 comes with a braided 4.4mm cable, a hard leather case, three sets of ATOM XS modules, a cleaning tool, an ATOM module tool, and three pairs of foam and silicone ear tips.
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 you like the OG Odin's sound but want a more balanced, vocal-centric sound signature for daily listening.
If you're looking for an exciting IEM with flagship-level clarity, detail, and soundstage, then the Krypton 5 is for you. The Krypton 5 boasts an exciting sound with its tactile bass, ultra-detailed midrange, and smooth treble. Technologies like ATOM XS, Kinetic Bass, and Open Acoustics let you enjoy your music like never before in absolute comfort.
Get the KR5 if you want to experience music with clarity and impact like you've never heard before.
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