Empire Ears Odin vs Noble Audio Viking Ragnar
Introduction
The Empire Ears Odin and Noble Audio Viking Ragnar are premium IEMs designed to deliver an exciting high-resolution 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.
Empire Ears Odin vs Noble Audio Viking Ragnar Price Comparison
The Empire Ears Odin and Noble Audio Viking Ragnar sit at two very different price points.
The Odin comes in at $3,399.00.
The Viking Ragnar comes in at $4,000.00.
The Odin costs significantly less than the Viking Ragnar. Let's examine the specs, design, sound signatures, and features of these in-ear monitors to get a better idea of what each IEM offers.
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 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 and Noble Audio Viking Ragnar are top-tier IEMs with exceptional build quality, design, and ergonomics.
The Empire Ears Odin boasts an eye-catching, bold design, combining a unique faceplate design with an ergonomic resin shell for a blend of style, comfort, and durability.
The Bifröst-inspired faceplates are the star of the show, featuring nine individual polymer layers in three proprietary lamination steps, which produce a multi-color aesthetic that shifts under different angles and lighting conditions.
The Odin's premium design extends to its premium cable. The included Stormbreaker cable from PWAudio boasts outstanding build quality for added style and comfort.
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 Sound Signature
The Odin was designed to showcase balance and precision, delivering a sound that’s both powerful and refined.
Its dual W9+ drivers provide deep, textured sub-bass with tight mid-bass punch - impactful yet controlled. The midrange is clear and natural, bringing vocals and instruments to life with detail and realism. Treble extends smoothly with sparkle and air, adding energy without harshness.
The soundstage is wide and holographic, creating a 3D-like experience where sound wraps around the listener with excellent layering and pinpoint imaging for an immersive experience.
Viking Ragnar Sound Signature
The Viking Ragnar is all about soundstage, resolution, and detail. Compared to the Odin, 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 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 $3,399, the Odin represents Empire Ears’ ultimate vision of summit-fi performance. It features an ambitious 11-driver tribrid design, delivering impact and immersion you won't get with lower-tier IEMs. Its Bifrost faceplates and bespoke Stormbreaker cable give it aesthetics and feel unlike any other in-ear monitor on the market.
In the box, the Empire Ears Odin comes with a premium case, cleaning cloth, cleaning tool, and Final Audio Type E ear tips in various sizes.
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 is a flagship IEM designed to deliver an exciting and bold sound. The Odin doesn't aim for the ultimate accuracy and detail, instead offering a more musical and enjoyable sound that will make your favorite playlists sound alive and exciting. Get the Odin if you love bass and want an immersive listening experience for music, movies, and games.
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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