Empire Ears Odin MKII vs Noble Audio Viking Ragnar
Introduction
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and Noble Audio Viking Ragnar 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 Viking Ragnar Price Comparison
The Odin MKII and Viking Ragnar come in similar price points.
The Odin MKII comes in at $4,299.00.
The Viking Ragnar comes in at $4,000.00
The Odin MKII costs slightly more than the Viking Ragnar. 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 Viking Ragnar
The Noble Audio Viking Ragnar is a top-of-the-line universal IEM that features ten drivers and stunning CNC-machined aluminum shells with handcrafted Damascus steel faceplates.
Noble Audio Viking Ragnar Features:
- Ten drivers: 2 dynamic (bass), 4 balanced armature (mid and treble), 4 electrostatic (ultra-high).
- CNC-machined aluminum shells with Damascus steel faceplates crafted by Chris Ploof.
- Magnus 4 cable with graphene, monocrystalline silver, and copper silver alloy.
- 4.4mm Pentaconn termination with 0.78mm 2-pin connectors.
Noble Audio Viking Ragnar Specs:
Driver Configuration: 2x Dynamic Drivers, 4x Balanced Armatures, 4x Electrostatic Drivers.
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40kHz.
Impedance: 17Ω.
Sensitivity: 112 dB @ 1kHz.
Driver Configuration: Tribrid (Dynamic + Balanced Armature + Electrostatic).
Crossover: 4-way.
Design and Build Quality
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and Viking Ragnar 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 Viking Ragnar boasts an ultra-premium design, featuring CNC-machined aluminum shells and handcrafted faceplates. The faceplates are the highlight of the Viking Ragnar's overall design, featuring Damascus steel faceplates hand-carved by master jeweler Chris Ploof for an ultra-exclusive look and feel.
The Viking Ragnar comes with the ultra-premium Magnus 4 cable for enhanced aesthetics, feel, and sound. The elegant silver cable features a 4-core Graphene/Silver 2-pin Cable with a 4.4mm Pentaconn connector for the ultimate bass response and high-frequency extension.
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.
Viking Ragnar Sound Signature
The Viking Ragnar is all about soundstage, resolution, and detail. Compared to the Odin MKII, the Viking Ragnar delivers a more balanced bass, a wider soundstage, and more clarity and detail.
The treble is superbly extended, which brings out details like taps, slides, and breaths with ease. The midrange is neutral and accurate - vocals come through with life-like clarity and tone, while instruments sound immersive and textured. bass is lean and tight, with rumbly sub-bass texture and a tactile punch when called upon. The Odin MKII gets the nod when it comes to outright bass power, but the Viking Ragnar’s bass is leaner, tighter, and more textured, delivering a sound that brings you closer to the original 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.
At $4,000, the Noble Audio Viking Ragnar delivers stunning build quality, top-tier sound quality, and decent accessories in the package. The Viking Ragnar boasts premium CNC-machined shells with handcrafted Damascus steel faceplates for an elegant and premium look. It also comes with a 10-driver high-end configuration and a premium Magnus 4 Cable in 4.4mm termination.
The Viking Ragnar is loaded with premium accessories, including a Nanuk 903 hard travel case, a leather carrying case, a selection of foam and silicone ear tips in various sizes, a pouch, a cleaning tool, some stickers, and rubber bands.
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 Viking Ragnar is one of the most resolving and detailed in-ear monitors you can buy right now. If you're looking for the ultimate IEM in terms of clarity, detail, and soundstage, then the Viking Ragnar is for you. It effortlessly reveals every nuance and detail in your music, and delivers a wide soundstage for a more immersive listening experience. With its premium CNC-machined shells and Damascus steel faceplates, the Viking Ragnar delivers unique design with a one-of-a-kind feel, so you can enjoy your music in style.
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