Empire Ears Odin MKII vs Noble Audio Shogun
Introduction
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and Noble Audio Shogun 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 Shogun Price Comparison
The Odin MKII and Shogun come in similar price points.
The Odin MKII comes in at $4,299.00.
The Shogun comes in at $3,900.00
The Odin MKII costs more than the Shogun. 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 Shogun
The Noble Audio Shogun is a 13-driver quadbrid in-ear monitor that combines striking aesthetics with breathtaking sound. Its dynamic driver, balanced armature, electrostatic, and bone conduction drivers deliver unmatched accuracy and clarity to your tunes. A striking 3D-printed shell and Shogun-inspired faceplates bring an eye-catching look everywhere you go.
Noble Audio Shogun Features:
- 1DD + 6BA + 4EST + 2 Bone Conduction Drivers for clear, impactful, and accurate sound.
- 3D Printed Resin Shells with 3D Shogun Art Faceplate for a unique look.
- 8-Core Custom Shogun Cable for enhanced aesthetics and sound.
Noble Audio Shogun Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1DD + 6BA + 4EST + 2 Bone Conduction Drivers
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity: 10db SPL/mW
Impedance: 23 Ω
Design and Build Quality
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and Noble Audio Shogun 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 Shogun offers a bold and striking aesthetic that instantly stands out. It features bold red and black striped shells, a black metal faceplate ring, and a breathtaking Samurai Armor-inspired faceplate design, for a unique and eye-catching look. To complete the package, the Shogun comes with a fully-custom 4-Core cable with a unique katana-hilt-inspired audio jack sleeve and red Shogun Y-Split.
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.
Shogun Sound Signature
The Shogun is tuned to deliver an immersive and life-like sound experience. With its wide soundstage, rich vocals, and smooth highs, the Shogun lets you experience any genre with stunning clarity and detail.
The bass on the Shogun is tight and controlled. The 10mm Dynamic Driver and Bone Conduction Driver combo delivers deep, rumbly sub-bass you can hear and feel. This makes the Shogun an excellent IEM for listening to bass-heavy, complex genres like EDM.
The midrange on the Shogun is accurate and clear. Vocals and instruments are pushed forward in the mix, offering a more intimate and engaging listening experience. The treble is smooth and well-extended, while being free from sharpness.
Soundstage performance is impressive on the Shogun. Music sounds wide and spacious, and sounds are easy to pinpoint as well. Complex passages never sound congested - vocals and instruments sound clear and well-defined at all times.
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 $3,900, the Shogun offers an immersive listening experience and stunning build quality. Under the hood, it packs a 13-driver quadbrid configuration with Dynamic, Balanced Armatures, Electrostatics, and Bone Conduction drivers. On the outside, it features a stunning artisan design with Samurai-inspired details and a matching premium cable for enhanced aesthetics and sound.
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 Shogun is a well-balanced IEM that delivers both energy and excitement to your listening sessions. The combination of DD/BA/EST/BC drivers offers bass power without bloat and impressive energy without harshness. These qualities ensure you can enjoy your favorite music without fatigue. Build quality is exceptional here, too. The robust resin shells feature a unique aesthetic, and those faceplates are nothing short of jaw-dropping. If you want a great-looking IEM with an immersive sound signature, the Shogun is the one to get.
Elevate Your Listening Experience With These Related Articles
Enjoyed this article? Check out our other product comparisons!