Empire Ears Odin vs THIEAUDIO Valhalla
Introduction
The Empire Ears Odin and THIEAUDIO Valhalla 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 THIEAUDIO.
Empire Ears Odin vs THIEAUDIO Valhalla Price Comparison
The Odin and Valhalla sit at two very different price points.
The Odin comes in at $3,399.00.
The Valhalla comes in at $1,999.00.
The Odin costs significantly more than the Valhalla. Let's dive deep into the specs, design, sound signatures, and features of these in-ear monitors, 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 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 and THIEAUDIO Valhalla are unmistakably premium IEMs, boasting 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 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 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.
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 $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.
The THIEAUDIO Valhalla comes in at $1,999, offering a flagship design with 19 balanced armature drivers per side, titanium alloy housings, and the Precision Bass System for powerful yet controlled low-end. Buyers 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 strong value against higher-priced summit-fi rivals.
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 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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