Empire Ears Odin MKII vs Noble Audio Kronos
Introduction
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and Noble Audio Kronos 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 Kronos Price Comparison
The Odin MKII and Kronos come in similar price points.
The Odin MKII comes in at $4,299.00.
The Kronos comes in at $4,500.00
The Odin MKII costs around $200 less than the Kronos. 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 Kronos
The Noble Audio Kronos is a flagship titanium quadbrid IEM that combines dynamic, balanced armature, electrostatic, and bone conduction drivers for a highly detailed and expansive sound.
Noble Audio Kronos Features:
- 9-driver hybrid configuration: 2 Dynamic (10mm + 7mm), 4 Balanced Armature (2 mid, 2 high), 2 Electrostatic, 1 Dual Membrane Bone Conduction
- Grade-2 Titanium Shell with Titanium Damascus Faceplate
- Custom hybrid cable with palladium-plated 4N pure silver + 6N SPC OCC silver, 0.78mm 2-pin, 4.4mm balanced termination, titanium yoke
- Stainless steel wax guard for enhanced durability and driver protection
Noble Audio Kronos Specs:
Driver Configuration: 2 Dynamic (10mm + 7mm), 4 Knowles Balanced Armature (2 mid, 2 high), 2 Sonion Electrostatic, 1 Dual Membrane Bone Conduction, 6-way crossover
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 70kHz
Impedance: 8.6Ω @ 1kHz
Sensitivity: 102dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
Crossover: 6-way
Design and Build Quality
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and Noble Audio Kronos are summit-fi IEMs with top-of-class 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 Kronos is crafted from Grade-2 titanium, giving it a rugged yet lightweight shell that feels both premium and durable. Each faceplate is crafted from titanium Damascus, featuring a unique, patterned finish that ensures no two units are identical. A stainless steel wax guard is integrated into the shell for long-term protection, without compromising airflow or sound quality.
The included cable is equally premium - a custom hybrid of palladium-plated 4N pure silver and 6N SPC OCC silver, terminated in 4.4mm balanced with a titanium yoke for added durability. Altogether, the Kronos strikes the balance between ergonomics and craftsmanship, making it as visually striking as its stunning sound performance.
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.
Kronos Sound Signature
The Noble Audio Kronos is built to deliver impressive precision and detail without sounding too clinical or boring.
The dual dynamic drivers deliver deep, impactful bass that you can feel, while keeping the mid-bass clean and tight for rhythm and drive. Vocals and instruments benefit from the balanced armature drivers, giving the midrange clarity and presence that makes music feel alive. The electrostatic drivers bring extended treble with sparkle and detail, so nuances like breaths, slides, and cymbal decay come through effortlessly. The dual membrane bone conduction driver adds body and texture, creating a more immersive, three-dimensional soundstage. Put it all together and you get a flagship IEM that balances power, detail, and immersion - a sound that’s both technically impressive and highly engaging in just about any music.
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 Kronos comes in at $4,500, making it one of the most exclusive IEMs available on the market right now. At this price tier, you get a high-performance driver system with cutting-edge tuning, encased in premium Grade-2 titanium shells with Damascus detailing.
In the box, the Kronos comes with a premium palladium-plated 4N pure silver + 6N SPC OCC silver cable, a full set of ear tips, a velvet bag, a fabric protection bag, a warranty card, a crown sticker, and a congratulatory card with care instructions.
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 for 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.
Get the Noble Audio Kronos if you value both sonic performance and collectible craftsmanship. Its advanced driver system delivers flagship-tier detail, resolution, and an expansive stage, making it ideal for critical listening across genres. The titanium shell and Damascus faceplate deliver unmatched artistry and durability, while the premium cable ensures you’re equipped with a flagship-ready setup straight out of the box. For the serious enthusiast who wants an IEM that sounds extraordinary, looks distinctive, and feels truly special to own, the Kronos is the one to get.
Elevate Your Listening Experience With These Related Articles
Enjoyed this article? Check out our other product comparisons!