Empire Ears Odin MKII vs FiR Audio Radon 6
Introduction
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and FiR Audio Radon 6 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 Radon 6 Price Comparison
The Odin MKII and Radon 6 come in two very different price points.
The Odin MKII comes in at $4,299.00.
The Radon 6 comes in at $3,299.00
The Odin MKII costs significantly more than the Radon 6. 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 Radon 6
The Radon 6 is a premium universal/custom IEM from FiR Audio. The RN6 is specially-crafted to celebrate FiR Audio's 5th anniversary. It features a 6-driver hybrid setup backed by innovative technologies for enhanced sound and comfort.
FiR Audio Radon 6 Features:
- Hybrid driver configuration: 1 dynamic (Kinetic Bass), 4 balanced armature, 1 electrostatic driver
- Kinetic Bass™ technology combines air and bone conduction for impactful lows
- Open Acoustics™ design with tubeless drivers for expansive soundstage
- ATOM XS™ interchangeable modules for pressure relief and tuning
- Rigid™ technology for enhanced durability and serviceability
FiR Audio Radon 6 Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1x Dynamic Driver (Kinetic Bass), 4x Balanced Armatures, 1x Electrostatic Driver
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Impedance: 22Ω.
Crossover: 5-way crossover design
Shells: Machined aluminum shells with sapphire crystal glass faceplates.
Cable: Pure silver cable with copper shielding and 4.4mm balanced termination
Design and Build Quality
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and FiR Audio Radon 6 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 Radon 6 takes a different approach from the bold design of the Odin MKII. It has a subdued yet sleek design, featuring machined aluminum in an elegant black color. Its faceplates feature luxurious gold speckles with gold RN6 and FiR Audio Logo covered in premium sapphire glass for a premium look and feel. The Radon 6 features a large Kinetic Bass mesh port at the back and an ATOM XS port on the side.
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.
Radon 6 Sound Signature
The FiR Audio Radon 6 offers a warm sound signature with an incredibly immersive soundstage.
The bass is the highlight of the Radon 6's sound. Bass power, texture, impact - the RN6 has it all, and with Kinetic Bass technology, you will hear and feel the bass simultaneously for a truly next-level bass like no other IEM. Midrange and treble on the Radon 6 is smooth, clear, and natural. The overall sound is free from harshness, while being detailed and clear.
Soundstage on the FiR Audio RN6 is spacious and offers accurate placement of instruments, vocals, and other sounds. This 3D-like presentation leads to 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.
The $3,299 Radon 6 features 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 pressure relief and sound customization.
In the box, the Radon 6 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 like the OG Odin's sound but want a more balanced, vocal-centric sound signature for daily listening.
The FiR Audio Radon 6 offers a fun, exciting, and immersive sound. Musical enjoyment is the name of the game here - powerful and tactile bass, exciting vocals, and smooth yet sparkly treble. The soundstage is incredible, too - offering a 3D-like presentation that you typically only experience with full-sized premium headphones. What really sets the Radon 6 apart from the Odin MKII is its ATOM XS swappable modules, which allow you to customize noise isolation and sound to your preferences. Get the Radon 6 if you want to experience top-tier excitement and immersion from your music.
Elevate Your Listening Experience With These Related Articles
Enjoyed this article? Check out our other product comparisons!