Empire Ears Odin MKII vs THIEAUDIO Valhalla
Introduction
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and THIEAUDIO Valhalla are flagship 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 THIEAUDIO.
Odin MKII vs Valhalla Price Comparison
The Odin MKII and Valhalla sit at two very different price points.
The Odin MKII comes in at $4,299.00.
The Valhalla comes in at $1,999.00.
The Odin MKII costs significantly more than the Valhalla. 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 THIEAUDIO Valhalla
The THIEAUDIO Valhalla is a flagship all-BA in-ear monitor built to deliver reference-grade performance with cutting-edge engineering. With 19 drivers per side, a precision bass system, and titanium housings, it’s designed for uncompromising resolution, immersive bass, and smooth treble extension.
THIEAUDIO Valhalla Features:
- 19 Balanced Armature Drivers per Side: Features 4 Sonion sub-woofers, 10 Sonion mid-low drivers, 4 Knowles mid-treble drivers, and 1 Knowles ultra-treble tweeter for extraordinary detail and separation
- Precision Bass System (PBS): Employs resonance chambers and divergence tubing to create a deep, impactful sub-bass shelf that extends down to 10 Hz without overwhelming the mids
- 4-Way Passive Crossover & Acoustic Tubing: Custom crossover network with four bores ensures coherent transitions across lows, mids, and highs for a natural yet highly resolving sound
- Titanium Alloy Shells: Durable Grade-5 titanium housings provide both a premium aesthetic and lightweight comfort for long listening sessions
- EliteNoir Cable: Comes with a high-purity silver-plated LCOFC cable, available in 3.5 mm SE and 4.4 mm balanced terminations for versatility
THIEAUDIO Valhalla Specs:
Driver Configuration: 19 BA drivers per side (4 sub-woofers, 10 mid-low, 4 mid-treble, 1 ultra-treble)
Frequency Response: 10Hz – 44kHz
Sensitivity: 103 dB/mW @1kHz
Impedance: 9Ω @1kHz
Crossover: 4-way passive crossover with 4-bore acoustic tubing
Housing Material: Aerospace-grade titanium alloy
Included Cable: EliteNoir silver-plated LCOFC, 3.5mm SE & 4.4mm balanced
Design and Build Quality
The Empire Ears Odin MKII and Valhalla are premium IEMs with exceptional 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 THIEAUDIO Valhalla is crafted with Grade-5 titanium alloy shells, offering both durability and a premium finish while remaining lightweight enough for extended wear. The housings are ergonomically shaped but noticeably large due to the 19-driver configuration, which may affect comfort for smaller ears. Each unit is hand-assembled and individually tested, ensuring consistent quality control across fit, finish, and performance.
The included EliteNoir cable matches the flagship positioning, featuring silver-plated LCOFC construction with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations. Overall, the Valhalla combines luxury materials, precision craftsmanship, and robust build quality that reflects its flagship pricing.
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.
Valhalla Sound Signature
The Valhalla delivers a bold yet refined presentation that balances power with precision.
Its bass is deep and authoritative thanks to the Precision Bass System, offering a strong sub-bass shelf with excellent texture and control that avoids midrange bleed. The midrange is smooth and natural, with a gentle warmth that gives vocals and instruments body while maintaining clarity. The treble extends effortlessly into the upper registers, with sparkle and air that highlight micro-details without becoming harsh.
With its wide soundstage, pinpoint imaging, and exceptional layering, the Valhalla excels at both immersive musicality and technical resolution.
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 $1,999, the Valhalla packs a flagship driver setup with 19 balanced armature drivers per side, titanium alloy housings, and the Precision Bass System for powerful yet controlled low-end. You also get THIEAUDIO's EliteNoir cable with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations, along with a standard set of ear tips. At this price, the Valhalla delivers a competitive mix of advanced driver technology, premium materials, and flagship-level tuning, delivering a competitive combination of sound and build against higher-priced summit-fi rivals.
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 smooth, mature, and balanced sound signature that's tuned to give you a more emotional listening experience without loss in detail. Get the Odin MKII if you prefer an immersive and engaging sound experience for everyday listening.
The THIEAUDIO Valhalla is designed for audiophiles seeking a flagship all-BA IEM that combines deep, controlled bass, smooth mids, and extended treble with high-end materials and craftsmanship. It’s ideal for listeners who value technical resolution, expansive staging, and cutting-edge driver tech at a price point that undercuts many flagship models. If you like a 3D-like soundstage, detail-rich presentation, fast and textured bass, the Valhalla is the IEM for you.
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