Empire Ears ODIN MKII IEM Review: How Do You Improve on Legendary?
Read Time: Approx. 12 min.
The Flagship that Dethroned Its Own Legacy
The Empire Ears ODIN IEM has long been considered one of the most technically accomplished IEMs of its time. While most products decay over time, the original ODIN IEM defied all odds, maintaining a cult-like following and legendary flagship status for almost five years. So when Empire Ears announced the release of the second-generation ODIN, the ODIN MKII IEMs, the question wasn't whether it would be good–it was whether they could possibly improve on what many considered perfect.
Spoiler alert: Empire Ears just proved that even perfection has room to grow.
PROS
- Emotional depth + visceral bass = The ODIN but BETTER
- Detailed, articulate, and balanced
- Great fit, comfort, and seal
CONS
- Not in love with EE's new shell shape
Design
While the ODIN MKII bears no resemblance to its predecessor, it shares a striking similarity with Empire Ears' most recent models, the NOVUS IEM (a collaboration with Astell&Kern) and the RAVEN IEMs. I have an inkling that the shell design of these three IEMs represents the next generation of Empire Ears Universal In-Ear Monitors. We'll wait until the next IEM release to see if I'm correct. Regardless, the shape of the ODIN MKII is larger than the OG. It's more angular than it is round and curved, but maintains the kidney bean shape on the inside that lends to its comfort and universal fit.
As someone with small ears, I've always had trouble with insertion, seal, and comfort. So much so that when I first started, we had to order special ear tips for me to use. Holding my breath, I inserted the ODIN MKII into my ears, first the left, then the right, and would you look at that, a perfect fit! Needless to say I was thrilled. The ODIN MKII was comfortable, fit snugly, and it even passed the seal test, which is chewing gum and enjoying a snack.
Empire Ears went in a different direction for the ODIN MKII's faceplate design, opting for a 24K gold-plated faceplate with engravings over the laminated polymer on the OG ODIN. I'm not going to lie–I was slightly disappointed when I saw they changed the faceplate, but had they not, they would just be reinventing the wheel. The gold faceplate is flashy and blingy, in the best way possible. If you love bling, you'll love the ODIN MKII. The faceplate itself is 3D with a raised edge engraved with various symbols that I can't quite decipher and two different Empire Ears logos in the center. I believe the symbols are letters in a rune alphabet
The ODIN MKII's shell is composed of solid 6061-T6 aerospace-grade aluminum and anodized in matte black. The OG ODIN used an acrylic shell, which had mixed reviews across the audiophile community regarding its build quality. The CNC-milled shell of the ODIN MKII is prized for its strength-to-weight ratio and natural dampening, making it more structurally sound and acoustically beneficial than an acrylic shell.
Included with the ODIN MKII is KVASIR four-wire Quadbrid cable, Empire Ears black leather ODIN case, cleaning tool & microfiber cloth, final audio type E silicone ear tips (SS, S, M, L, LL), and an Empire Ears black mesh IEM sleeve. Empire Ears never skimps on its included accessories, which is a welcome perk at $4,000 for the ODIN MKII. The KVASIR cable is constructed using four strands of gold, silver, and copper conductors intricately braided. To round it all out, it's adorned with matte black hardware, a Y-splitter, 2-pin connectors, and a balanced 4.4mm termination.
Sound
Natural balance, technical mastery, and perfect bass control. Those are the characteristics of a legendary IEM like the ODIN. With a legendary status and a sound quality that borders on perfect, how do you improve on perfection? That's the million-dollar question.
Empire Ears' Founder and Chief Engineer, Dean Vang, had a clear vision for the ODIN MKII: Create an intimate, visceral listening experience that draws us in and connects us with the sound. Music has this otherworldly ability to take physical form in our bodies. You can feel the bass in your chest as if a tiny drum is thumping alongside your heart. The emotion poured over the keys by the pianist is so palpable that you can almost reach out and touch it. Those are the qualities that make music and audiophilia so intoxicating. As audiophiles, we tell ourselves it's about chasing sonic perfection, pushing that last percentage point toward absolute accuracy. But really? We're pursuing something far more elusive—those moments of pure emotion and magic that great music creates.
What makes the ODIN MKII so impressive isn't its 11-driver configuration, fancy faceplate, or upgraded technology; it's the ability to capture emotional depth while maintaining technical precision. It's easy to create those moments of magic when an IEM is warm, musical, and full of bass. Well, the ODIN MKII isn't warm or full of bass. It's natural, harmonious, and balanced. The bone conduction drivers are the star of the show, delivering those physical sensations that transport us to the front row of the concert or the second seat in command at the recording studio. Capturing emotional depth and magic with an IEM that's natural and articulate like the ODIN MKII is an impressive feat and something worth celebrating.
The ODIN MKII possesses all of the ODIN's best traits–accuracy, clarity, balance, and naturalness–and refines them. The highs are smoother. There's more dynamic range and character in the midrange. The bass is still tight and controlled, but with more physical presentation–i.e., those bone conduction drivers at work. Sometimes a visceral bass is better than a big, bold bass, and this is one of those times.
From pop to hip-hop, country, and more obscure sub-genres, the ODIN MKII reproduced lyrics and instrumentation accurately and clearly. Those seeking the most natural, authentic sound reproduction will be enamored with the ODIN MKII. Empire Ears says the ODIN MKII creates an "ethereal listening experience," and I have to say, I agree.
Daises
By Justin Bieber
(SWAG)
Creatures in Heaven
By Glass Animals
(I Love You So F***ing Much)
Won't Be Possible
By Tiësto, Odd Mob & Goodboys
(Won't Be Possible)
No, I'm not In Love
By Tate McRae
(So Close to What)
Features
- 11-Driver Quadbrid, Dual-Conduction Flagship
- Proprietary 10-Way synX Crossover Network
- Dual Conduction Architecture
- Anti-Resonance Coating for purer, tighter performance
- EIVEC MKII: Empire Intelligent Variable Electrostatic Control
11-Driver, Quadbrid Configuration
All of the sonic improvements in the ODIN MKII IEM wouldn't be possible without its 11-driver configuration. The configuration comprises two W9+ Subwoofers, two balanced armature drivers, three balanced armature drivers, two electrostatic drivers, and two bone conduction drivers, each playing a specific role in enhancing sound quality.
The subwoofers anchor the low end, providing a tight and controlled bass response. The balanced armature drivers control the midrange and treble, adding warmth and clarity. The electrostatic drivers, powered by EIVEC MKII (Empire Intelligent Variable Electrostatic Control), lift the upper registers into open air, bringing ultra-high frequencies to life with breathtaking transparency, spaciousness, and micro-detail. Lastly, the bone conduction drivers add a subtle layer of physical sensation, creating a more immersive listening experience.
Empire Ears upgraded from the original ODIN's 11-driver setup to a redesigned configuration in the ODIN MKII. The biggest difference? The addition of bone conduction drivers. The bone conduction drivers are truly the star of the show in the ODIN MKII's sound quality. The visceral, almost emotive element to the music is unique to the ODIN MKII and one of the most pleasurable aspects when listening to music.
11-Driver, Quadbrid Configuration
Both the ODIN MKII and first-generation ODIN feature Empire Ears EIVEC technology and A.R.C., Anti-Resonance Control. A.R.C., a proprietary anti-resonance coating, is applied to critical internal components and acoustic pathways in the ODIN MKII. This ensures a darker background, tighter transients, and minimal structural coloration. The ODIN MKII uses the second-generation of Empire Ears EIVEC system, which powers the twin electrostatic drivers, delivering upper frequencies with air and resolution.
The 7-way synX crossover network on the ODIN has been upgraded to a 10-way synX crossover on the ODIN MKII. This crossover network seamlessly blends four distinct driver technologies across the 11 drivers, preserving time, phase, and dynamics so each transducer can perform at its peak without compromise.
Comparisons
When Empire Ears announced the launch of the ODIN MKII, the infamous phrase "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" popped into my head. It's not often that you'll find the entire audiophile community coming together with a shared consensus that a product is perfect–manufacturers dream of success like that–and Empire Ears achieved it with the ODIN IEM. So I held my breath and desperately hoped the ODIN MKII would be just as successful. I thought to myself, "This can go one of two ways. It's either night and day different, or it's even better than before." Well, it's the latter.
Finding flaws in the original ODIN is honestly pretty tough. Its natural, transparent, and balanced sound signature nails that "exactly as the artist intended" sound reproduction that audiophiles chase. My only critique? Depending on the track, the upper frequencies can edge toward harshness, sometimes approaching sibilance for sensitive listeners. But even then, it's a minor issue. Between the ODIN MKII's new driver configuration and internal technology, Empire Ears has resolved that issue and delivered us a smoother top end.
The ODIN MKII maintains the technical precision of the OG ODIN, but with more emotion than before. The addition of bone conduction drivers greatly contributes to the added physical presentation you get with the ODIN MKII that isn't present in the ODIN.
There are no true night and day differences between the two models sonically. Sure, the specs have slightly changed, the internal tech's been upgraded, and the shell's been redesigned, but in terms of sound quality, the two IEMs are very complementary–like eyebrows that are sisters, not twins. Where the ODIN was the older sibling who had to walk to school, the ODIN MKII gets to ride the bus. Everything is just slightly better, more enhanced, and refined.
Dragon Cables
So, which Dragon IEM Cable sounds best with the ODIN MKII? For me, the Bronze Dragon IEM Cable was a no-brainer. The warm and musical presentation of the Bronze Dragon IEM Cable enhanced the emotion and character of the ODIN MKII. If you want a little more bottom-end weight, I'd opt for the Black Dragon IEM Cable. It combines the sonic strengths of our Silver Dragon IEM Cable (detail, clarity, and resolution) and the Bronze Dragon IEM Cable. Now, if you're a detailed and analytical listener who loves the ODIN and ODIN MKII's presentation just the way it is, you'll love the Silver Dragon IEM Cable.
Verdict
From design to sound quality and features, the Empire Ears ODIN MKII IEMs prove that sometimes the best way forward is to build upon perfection rather than reinvent it. The MKII builds on the success of the ODIN with key improvements to build quality, internal technology, and driver configuration. But that's not what makes the ODIN MKII so impressive. The ODIN MKII IEMs' ability to capture emotional depth while maintaining technical precision is what makes it truly magical. Dean Vang's vision of creating an intimate, visceral listening experience has been fully realized through the addition of bone conduction drivers and refined engineering.
The addition of our Dragon IEM Cables takes the already impressive sonic performance of the ODIN MKII and upgrades it. For me, it was the added warmth and musicality of the Bronze Dragon IEM Cable, but for our detailed and analytical CEO & Co-Founder, Drew Baird, P.E., the clarity and top-end resolution of the Silver Dragon IEM Cable was his perfect match.
For those wondering if the ODIN MKII IEM justifies its existence alongside the already-perfect original, the answer is clear: Empire Ears didn't set out to reinvent the wheel—they enhanced what was already extraordinary. In a world where flagship IEMs often prioritize technical precision over musicality and emotional depth, the ODIN MKII stands as proof that you can have both.
Whoever said perfection isn't attainable has obviously never heard the ODIN MKII IEMs.
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What's in the Box
- Odin MKII In-Ear Monitors, individually hand-assembled
- Premium Kvasir Four-Wire Quadbrid Cable
- Empire Ears Black Leather Odin Case
- Empire Ears Cleaning Tool & Microfiber Cloth
- Final Audio Type E Silicone Ear Tips (SS, S, M, L, LL)
- Empire Ears Black Mesh IEM Sleeves
Specifications
Driver Configuration:
- 11-Driver Quadbrid, Dual-Conduction Flagship
- Dual W9+ Subwoofers
- Two Precision Balanced-Armature Midrange Drivers
- Three High-Frequency Balanced-Armature Drivers
- Dual Electrostatic Drivers (EIVEC MKII)
- Dual Bone Conduction Drivers
Impedance: 2.7 ohms @ 1 kHz
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 100 kHz
Sensitivity: 105 dB @ 1 kHz, 1 mW
