Empire Ears Odin vs Noble Audio Kronos
Introduction
The Empire Ears Odin and Noble Audio Kronos are flagship IEMs designed to deliver a clear, impactful, and detailed sound experience. We compare both models to help you 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 vs Kronos Price Comparison
The Odin and Kronos sit at two very different price points.
The Odin comes in at $3,399.00.
The Kronos comes in at $4,500.00.
The Odin costs significantly 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
The Odin is Empire Ears' ultra-flagship model, featuring stunning Bifrost Faceplates, Weapon IX subwoofers, synX Crossover, and A.R.C. technology so you can experience an impactful, high-resolution sound in style.
Empire Ears Odin Features:
- 11-driver setup for unmatched impact, clarity, and detail
- Dual W9+ subwoofers for deep, powerful bass
- Five Balanced Armatures for natural vocals and instrumentals
- Four Electrostatic Drivers for an airy and detailed sound
- synX Crossover for a smooth and cohesive sound
- A.R.C. for reduced driver vibrations and distortion
- Premium Stormbreaker cable for seamless sound and connectivity
Empire Ears Odin Specs:
Driver Configuration: 2x W9+ Dynamic Subwoofers, 5x Balanced Armatures, 4x Electrostatic Drivers
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 100kHz
Sensitivity: 108dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
Crossover: 7-Way synX Crossover Network
Impedance: 3 Ohms @ 1kHz
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 and Noble Audio Kronos are ultra-premium IEMs with exceptional build quality, design, and ergonomics.
The Empire Ears Odin stands out with its striking Bifröst-inspired faceplates - a visual centerpiece that shifts colors with light and angle, creating an iridescent blend of deep blues, purples, and golds. Each faceplate is made through a complex multi-layer lamination process, giving every unit its own unique visual character.
The shell is crafted from medical-grade resin, shaped for a comfortable and secure fit even during long listening sessions. Its ergonomic contours and smooth finish ensure both durability and comfort, while maintaining a lightweight feel that’s easy to wear for hours.
Completing the package is the premium PWAudio Stormbreaker cable - a handcrafted, ultra-pure OCC copper and silver hybrid cable that complements the Odin’s bold aesthetic while enhancing signal integrity and flexibility.
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 Sound Signature
The Empire Ears Odin delivers a bold, high-energy sound signature built for impact and immersion. It combines thunderous bass, crystal-clear mids, and smooth, sparkly treble to create a presentation that’s both powerful and precise.
Bass is deep, powerful, and physical, driven by Empire Ears’ dual Weapon IX+ dynamic drivers that provide immense sub-bass reach and slam. It’s textured, tactile, and delivers real weight without overwhelming the other frequencies. The midrange is clean and exciting, with vocals presented upfront in the mix. Instruments have exceptional clarity and separation, giving a sense of scale and openness. Treble is extended and energetic, revealing micro-details like string plucks and cymbal shimmer with impressive clarity and detail. The Odin’s soundstage feels expansive and layered, wrapping you in a sense of immediacy that makes every note feel alive.
Kronos Sound Signature
The Noble Audio Kronos is built to deliver impressive precision and detail without sounding too clinical or flat.
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.
Price and Value
At $3,399, the Empire Ears Odin delivers a true flagship experience in both performance and presentation. Its tribrid driver setup featuring dual Weapon IX+ dynamic drivers, balanced armatures, and electrostatic drivers produces explosive bass, rich mids, and detailed, extended treble for that next-level listening experience. The Bifröst faceplates give each piece a unique, iridescent finish, while the PWAudio Stormbreaker cable ensures pure signal transmission and flexibility while enhancing the overall premium look and feel of these flagship IEMs.
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 is for listeners who want power, presence, and emotion in every track. It’s for those who crave a bold, high-impact sound - deep, physical bass, expansive stage, and sparkling detail that keeps music exciting. If you want an IEM that feels alive and makes every genre hit with authority, the Odin is the one to get.
The Noble Audio Kronos, in contrast, is built for the audiophile looking to hear every detail in their favorite music. It is the perfect IEM for those who value precision, balance, and refinement above all else. It offers superior layering, micro-detail retrieval, and a more measured sound signature, making it ideal for critical listening and long sessions. Where the Odin commands attention, the Kronos impresses with control and accuracy.
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