Empire Ears Odin MKII vs Noble Audio AGIS II
Introduction
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and Noble Audio AGIS II 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 Noble Audio.
Odin MKII vs AGIS II Price Comparison
The Odin MKII and AGIS II come in two different price points.
The Odin MKII comes in at $4,299.00.
The AGIS II comes in at $1,799.00
The Odin MKII costs significantly more than the AGIS II. 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 Noble Audio AGIS II
The Noble Audio AGIS II is a premium hybrid IEM that blends balanced armatures and bone conduction technology to create a powerful yet refined listening experience. Featuring a total of eight drivers per side, the AGIS II combines Sonion and Knowles BA drivers for bass, mids, and treble, with Sonion bone conduction units adding body, texture, and immersive depth.
Noble Audio AGIS II Features:
- 8-Driver Hybrid System: Combines Sonion and Knowles balanced armatures for bass, mids, and highs with Sonion bone conduction drivers to enhance midrange presence, resonance, and stage depth.
- Bone Conduction Enhancement: Adds body and dimensionality to the mids, creating a more lifelike and immersive sound presentation.
- Handcrafted Design: Features a black resin shell with a mesh-pattern faceplate, blending durability with a refined, artisanal aesthetic.
- Premium OCC Cable: Ships with Noble’s 8-core OCC copper cable featuring a 2-pin connector system and interchangeable terminations (2.5 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm) for maximum flexibility.
Noble Audio AGIS II Specs:
Driver Configuration: 6× Sonion/Knowles BA + 2× Sonion bone conduction drivers
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 22 kHz
Sensitivity: 106 dB
Impedance: 28 Ω
Cable: 8-core OCC copper, 2-pin connector, interchangeable terminations (2.5 / 3.5 / 4.4 mm)
Shell: Handcrafted resin with mesh-pattern faceplate
Design and Build Quality
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and Noble Audio AGIS II 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 Noble Audio AGIS II is crafted with a focus on both durability and artistry. Its sculpted black resin shells provide a secure, ergonomic fit while keeping weight low for enhanced comfort during extended listening sessions.
The standout feature is the metal-mesh faceplate, adding a refined industrial touch to Noble’s signature handcrafted design. In the box, the AGIS II comes with Noble’s 8-core OCC copper cable with interchangeable terminations, for enhanced flexibility and longevity in daily use.
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.
AGIS II Sound Signature
The Noble Audio AGIS II delivers a rich, immersive presentation driven by its 8-driver hybrid architecture.
Bass has weight and texture from the dedicated low-end drivers, delivering impact without overwhelming the mids. The midrange is enhanced by Sonion bone conduction drivers, adding body, resonance, and a natural sense of space that makes vocals and instruments feel lifelike. Treble is smooth yet extended, thanks to the Knowles drivers, offering clarity and sparkle without harshness.
The overall sound is musical, delivering a wide, three-dimensional soundstage that emphasizes both detail and emotional engagement.
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 $1,799 USD, the AGIS II packs an 8-driver hybrid system with Sonion and Knowles balanced armatures and Sonion bone conduction drivers for a rich, immersive presentation. The shells feature a stunning metal-mesh faceplate with a sculpted black resin housing - hand-assembled for precision fit and acoustic matching.
The package includes Noble’s 8-core premium OCC cable with interchangeable 2-pin connectors and switchable terminations (2.5 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm).
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 Noble Audio AGIS II is for audiophiles who want a premium hybrid IEM that blends technical precision with musical warmth. Its combination of BA drivers and bone conduction makes it ideal for those who enjoy a rich midrange, spacious staging, and textured bass without sacrificing clarity. It’s also a strong fit for audiophiles who value artisanal build quality and want an IEM with an exclusive design. If you're looking for lush mids, impactful yet controlled bass, smooth treble, and a handcrafted design with premium internals, the AGIS II is the one to get.
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