Empire Ears Odin MKII vs FiR Audio Xenon 6
Introduction
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and FiR Audio Xenon 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 Xenon 6 Price Comparison
The Odin MKII and Xenon 6 come in two very different price points.
The Odin MKII comes in at $4,299.00.
The Xenon 6 comes in at $3,899.00
The Odin MKII costs significantly more than the Xenon 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 Xenon 6
The FiR Audio Xenon 6 is a flagship IEM with a 6-driver hybrid configuration designed to deliver high-resolution sound. The XE6 features Kinetic Bass technology for bass you can feel, ATOM XS for variable sound tuning and pressure relief, and Machined Aluminum Shells with Sapphire Glass for a robust and luxurious feel.
FiR Audio Xenon 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 bass
- 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
- Machined aluminum shells with sapphire glass faceplates
FiR Audio Xenon 6 Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1x Dynamic Driver (Kinetic Bass), 4x Balanced Armatures, 1x Electrostatic Driver
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Impedance: 22Ω
Shells: Machined aluminum shells with sapphire crystal glass faceplates
Design and Build Quality
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and FiR Audio Xenon 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 FiR Audio Xenon 6 features machined aluminum shells in a luxurious gold color. Its faceplates feature a black and gold marble design with a gold Xenon 6 and FiR Audio Logos. To complete the look, the XE6's faceplates are covered in premium sapphire glass for enhanced looks and durability. Other aesthetic details include a large Kinetic Bass mesh port at the back and an ATOM XS port on the side of the shells.
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.
Xenon 6 Sound Signature
The FiR Audio Xenon 6 features a warm sound signature, highlighted by powerful and tactile bass, combined with natural vocals and instrument presentation.
The bass is the highlight of the Xenon 6's sound. Bass power, texture, impact - the XE6 has it all, and with Kinetic Bass technology, you can hear and feel the bass simultaneously for a truly next-level sound like no other. Midrange is natural and life-like, offering weighty vocals and instrumentals. You can hear details effortlessly, but music never sounds harsh or fatiguing.
Soundstage on the FiR Audio Xenon 6 is wide and immersive. Vocals, instruments, and other sounds are easy to pinpoint, which makes for a very immersive sound that makes you feel like you're part of the recording.
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 $3,899 Xenon 6 is built with premium materials and offers customization options. The XE6's build is ultra-premium inside and out, featuring machined aluminum and sapphire glass for the shells and 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 Xenon 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 Xenon 6 features a bassy, organic, natural, and fun sound signature meant to make every listening session exciting. The XE6 offers some of the most impressive bass you'll experience in an IEM, and you can even feel the bass through Kinetic Bass tech. Its massive soundstage with 3D-like presentation will make your music sound alive. Plus, you have the option to tune the sound through ATOM XS modules. If you're looking for an IEM that draws out all the emotion from your music, the XE6 is the one you want.
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