Empire Ears Odin MKII vs Noble Audio Onyx
Introduction
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and Noble Audio Onyx 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 Onyx Price Comparison
The Odin MKII and Onyx come in two different price points.
The Odin MKII comes in at $4,299.00.
The Onyx comes in at $3,200.00
The Odin MKII costs significantly more than the Onyx. 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 Onyx
The Noble Audio Onyx is a quadbrid IEM packed with cutting-edge driver technologies to give you an impactful and immersive listening experience.
Noble Audio Onyx Features:
- 8-driver configuration: 1 Dynamic, 4 BA (2 mid, 2 high), 2 Electrostatic, 1 Bone Conduction Driver
- Precision CNC Aluminum Shell with Raffir Composite Faceplate
- Eletech Courage 4-core OCC silver-plated copper cable with 4.4mm termination
- Stainless steel wax guard for enhanced driver protection
Noble Audio Onyx Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1 Dynamic, 4 BA (2 mid, 2 high), 2 Electrostatic, 1 Bone Conduction Driver
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 70kHz
Impedance: 14Ω
Crossover: 5-way crossover design
Design and Build Quality
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and Noble Audio Onyx 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 Onyx features CNC Aluminum Shells with a special Raffir composite faceplate for enhanced aesthetics. The Onyx is small and compact, making easy to fit and comfortable to wear for extended periods. For enhanced durability and aesthetics, the Onyx features a stainless steel wax guard and a premium Eletech Courage cable.
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.
Onyx Sound Signature
The Noble Audio Onyx steers away from a studio-accurate tuning and instead offers a rich and immersive sound characterized by powerful bass and a wide soundstage.
The powerful dynamic driver delivers well-defined sub-bass rumbles and an impactful mid-bass kick. The midrange is natural and detailed, featuring life-like vocals and realistic instrumentals. The Onyx's treble is airy, sparkly, but smooth. This helps add space between sounds for a very immersive sound 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 $3,200 Onyx costs $1000 less than the Odin MKII. For much less than the Odin MKII, you're getting a premium-built IEM with precision CNC Aluminum Shells, Raffir Faceplates, an exotic driver package that combines Electrostatic and Bone Conduction Drivers. You're also getting a premium Eletech Courage Cable in the box alongside a selection of ear tips and other accessories.
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.
Like the Odin MKII, the Noble Audio Onyx offers an exciting sound experience with its tight bass, weighty vocals, and shiny highs. The Onyx's soundstage is a highlight, offering an immersive sound that spans deep from left to right, front to back. Build quality is exceptional too, with its Machined Aluminum Shells and that unique Raffir faceplate aesthetic. You're also getting a premium Eletech Courage cable in the box for enhanced durability and looks.
Get the Onyx if you want a premium IEM with a sound signature that will make your music sound more lively and engaging.
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