[Beh0lder]

New splitter is boss af, however I really liked the compactness of A4 splitter. It was a breathe of relief in the world of gargantuan thicc splitters

 

[subguy812]

Thought I would throw some eye candy up....

 

[JoshWatkins]

Interesting. Didn't realize the Bravado was going from a dual hybrid to 4 driver tribrid. No mention of prices. Are they staying the same as the originals? If so, curious how Bravado is less than half the cost of Valkyrie despite 1 additional EST driver.

Pricing:

Bravado MKII: $799
ESR MKII: $1099
Valkyrie MKII: $1599

Many, many things factor into the cost of our products, including cost of materials, the difficulty of construction and the labor involved, and research and development costs. Suffice to say we always do our best to price things appropriate to their value. Also, as things continue to grow more and more competitive in this market we felt that swinging for the fences with our 'entry level' IEM could help introduce people to our brand and drive home the idea that our entire line-up is competitive and that we're not only in the business of pushing flagships.

New splitter is boss af, however I really liked the compactness of A4 splitter. It was a breathe of relief in the world of gargantuan thicc splitters

The A4 splitter is so clean and so low-profile, you barely notice its there However, I helped design the AH4 splitter and the Valknut splitter on the Stormbreaker so I think you know where my preferences lie

 

[subguy812]

Great job EE! The Bravado certainly looks like a great value.

 

[jwbrent]

Great job EE! The Bravado certainly looks like a great value.

Indeed! Especially if the price remains at $599, but I would think there will be a small price increase.

 

[Tristy]

No EVR introduction?

Edit: also, is there any differences to the Bravado’s mk2’s tuning alongside the faceplate changes? Or just visual?

2nd edit... just saw the previous driver post.

 

[davidcotton]

Indeed! Especially if the price remains at $599, but I would think there will be a small price increase.

Josh posted $799 for bravado ii just now.

 

[riverground]

EMPIRE EARS MKII

In our ceaseless quest for innovation we occasionally stumble upon technologies and methodologies that genuinely shift the paradigm. Typically, these discoveries are made in our pursuit of our next flagship product, but upon their mastery it is only appropriate that they be trickled down into the rest of our lineup.

Debuting recently in a few Asian markets, we are ecstatic to officially introduce the Empire Ears MKII Lineup to the rest of the world!

Bravado MKII



The Bravado has long been a favorite of musicians and audiophiles alike. It's balanced signature and segment leading separation lead to high-performance for any use-case. The Bravado MKII builds upon this foundation, upgrading the dynamic subwoofer to our all-new Weapon IX+ subwoofer and adding dual EST drivers and our EIVEC system to bring a nuanced and layered presentation that heightens the listening experience to new levels of musicality and analytical enjoyment. The powerful and refined low end dances across an enormously increased soundstage while the dual EST array delivers the finest details with a clarity that never dominates.

For the Bravado MKII, the apple didn't fall far from the tree, but it sure got a whole lot tastier. The tribrid architecture of the dynamic Weapon IX+ for the lows, a balanced armature for the mids, and ESTs conquering the highs make for a statement piece that demands attention.

The Bravado MKII has an all new livery, adorned with a suspended metallic glitter faceplate - called Deep Field - that, like the sound signature of the Bravado MKII itself, toes the line between subtle and bombastic.

Technical Specifications
4 Drivers - 1 Sub-Bass/Bass, 1 Mid, 1 High, 1 Ultra-High
4-way synX Crossover Network
EIVEC
A.R.C - Anti-Resonance Compound
Alpha-IV Bespoke 26AWG UPOCC Copper Litz Cable
99 dB SPL @ 1kHz
5Hz - 100kHz Frequency Response
4 Ohms @ 1kHz Impedence





_________________________________________________________

ESR MKII



The Empire Studio Reference - ESR - has invariably found its way into the hands of recording and mixing engineers the world over. Endorsed by professionals from every corner of the globe, the ESR was the detail-king of the Empire Ears line-up, and now the MKII version's inclusion of a dual EST array raises the bar even higher.

Presenting with a much larger soundstage and absolutely ludicrous resolution, the ESR MKII's exceptionally linear sound signature gives the listener a pristine image of every element in the music - every detail is highlighted and positioned with extreme accuracy across the frequency spectrum.

Delivering with a mathematical authority more reminiscent of a scientific instrument than a personal listening device, the ESR MKII has set a new standard for those seeking resolution and detail.

The ESR MKII comes dressed to deliver surgical precision with its Brushed Silver faceplate.

Technical Specifications
5 Drivers - 1 Low, 1 Mid, 1 High, 2 Ultra-High
4-way synX Crossover Network
EIVEC
A.R.C - Anti-Resonance Compound
Alpha-IV Bespoke 26AWG UPOCC Copper Litz Cable
111 dB SPL @ 1kHz
10Hz - 100kHz Frequency Response
3.9 Ohms @ 1kHz Impedence




___________________________________________

Valkyrie MKII



The Valkyrie has no shame in its energetic and enthusiastic sound signature, delivering a walloping good time to the listener, and its progeny, the Valkyrie MKII, has refined this approach, presenting the same exciting and engrossing sound signature with a touch more maturity and control. The upgraded Weapon IX+ subwoofer reaches lower, tighter and our all new implementation of EIVEC brings the EST driver and the treble frequencies into play with the smoothness of aged whiskey.

Make no mistake, the Valkyrie MKII will still rock your socks off. It will take your favorite tracks and turn the energy all the way to 11, but now that energy plays across a heightened and broadened sound stage with stronger positional cues and a nuanced top end.

Bearing the same Dragonhide faceplate as its predecessor, the Valkyrie MKII delivers a full spectrum, high energy experience that will thrill the listener from head to toe.

Technical Specifications
3 Drivers - 1 Sub-Bass/Bass, 1 Mid, 1 High/Ultra-High
4-way synX Crossover Network
EIVEC
A.R.C - Anti-Resonance Compound
Alpha Hybrid IV Bespoke 26AWG UPOCC Copper Litz, 26AWG UPOCC Silver Litz Cable
100 dB SPL @ 1kHz
5Hz - 100kHz Frequency Response
3 Ohms @ 1kHz Impedence




_____________________________________________________

The New Cables
In order to increase the usability and lifespan of our cabling we have partnered with Effect Audio to bring to market 2 evolutions of their well loved cables, the Ares II and the Eros II, known as the Alpha IV (A4) and the Alpha Hybrid IV (AH4) respectively.

Rocking new y-splits and over-molded 2-pin barrels, these new cables deliver the same high performance in a package truly built to last.

Alpha IV



Alpha Hybrid IV

​

That Y-splitter on the Alpha Hybrid cable is sexy AF...

Can't wait to have a listen to the new lineup!

 

[olddude]

Don't you guys all feel better now? Christmas has come, you got the prize at the bottom of the cereal box, the guessing game is over.

 

[chickenmcnug]

Those ESR plates look gorgeous..

 

[Deezel177]

EMPIRE EARS MKII

In our ceaseless quest for innovation we occasionally stumble upon technologies and methodologies that genuinely shift the paradigm. Typically, these discoveries are made in our pursuit of our next flagship product, but upon their mastery it is only appropriate that they be trickled down into the rest of our lineup.

Debuting recently in a few Asian markets, we are ecstatic to officially introduce the Empire Ears MKII Lineup to the rest of the world!

Bravado MKII



The Bravado has long been a favorite of musicians and audiophiles alike. It's balanced signature and segment leading separation lead to high-performance for any use-case. The Bravado MKII builds upon this foundation, upgrading the dynamic subwoofer to our all-new Weapon IX+ subwoofer and adding dual EST drivers and our EIVEC system to bring a nuanced and layered presentation that heightens the listening experience to new levels of musicality and analytical enjoyment. The powerful and refined low end dances across an enormously increased soundstage while the dual EST array delivers the finest details with a clarity that never dominates.

For the Bravado MKII, the apple didn't fall far from the tree, but it sure got a whole lot tastier. The tribrid architecture of the dynamic Weapon IX+ for the lows, a balanced armature for the mids, and ESTs conquering the highs make for a statement piece that demands attention.

The Bravado MKII has an all new livery, adorned with a suspended metallic glitter faceplate - called Deep Field - that, like the sound signature of the Bravado MKII itself, toes the line between subtle and bombastic.

Technical Specifications
4 Drivers - 1 Sub-Bass/Bass, 1 Mid, 1 High, 1 Ultra-High
4-way synX Crossover Network
EIVEC
A.R.C - Anti-Resonance Compound
Alpha-IV Bespoke 26AWG UPOCC Copper Litz Cable
99 dB SPL @ 1kHz
5Hz - 100kHz Frequency Response
4 Ohms @ 1kHz Impedence





_________________________________________________________

ESR MKII



The Empire Studio Reference - ESR - has invariably found its way into the hands of recording and mixing engineers the world over. Endorsed by professionals from every corner of the globe, the ESR was the detail-king of the Empire Ears line-up, and now the MKII version's inclusion of a dual EST array raises the bar even higher.

Presenting with a much larger soundstage and absolutely ludicrous resolution, the ESR MKII's exceptionally linear sound signature gives the listener a pristine image of every element in the music - every detail is highlighted and positioned with extreme accuracy across the frequency spectrum.

Delivering with a mathematical authority more reminiscent of a scientific instrument than a personal listening device, the ESR MKII has set a new standard for those seeking resolution and detail.

The ESR MKII comes dressed to deliver surgical precision with its Brushed Silver faceplate.

Technical Specifications
5 Drivers - 1 Low, 1 Mid, 1 High, 2 Ultra-High
4-way synX Crossover Network
EIVEC
A.R.C - Anti-Resonance Compound
Alpha-IV Bespoke 26AWG UPOCC Copper Litz Cable
111 dB SPL @ 1kHz
10Hz - 100kHz Frequency Response
3.9 Ohms @ 1kHz Impedence




___________________________________________

Valkyrie MKII



The Valkyrie has no shame in its energetic and enthusiastic sound signature, delivering a walloping good time to the listener, and its progeny, the Valkyrie MKII, has refined this approach, presenting the same exciting and engrossing sound signature with a touch more maturity and control. The upgraded Weapon IX+ subwoofer reaches lower, tighter and our all new implementation of EIVEC brings the EST driver and the treble frequencies into play with the smoothness of aged whiskey.

Make no mistake, the Valkyrie MKII will still rock your socks off. It will take your favorite tracks and turn the energy all the way to 11, but now that energy plays across a heightened and broadened sound stage with stronger positional cues and a nuanced top end.

Bearing the same Dragonhide faceplate as its predecessor, the Valkyrie MKII delivers a full spectrum, high energy experience that will thrill the listener from head to toe.

Technical Specifications
3 Drivers - 1 Sub-Bass/Bass, 1 Mid, 1 High/Ultra-High
4-way synX Crossover Network
EIVEC
A.R.C - Anti-Resonance Compound
Alpha Hybrid IV Bespoke 26AWG UPOCC Copper Litz, 26AWG UPOCC Silver Litz Cable
100 dB SPL @ 1kHz
5Hz - 100kHz Frequency Response
3 Ohms @ 1kHz Impedence




_____________________________________________________

The New Cables
In order to increase the usability and lifespan of our cabling we have partnered with Effect Audio to bring to market 2 evolutions of their well loved cables, the Ares II and the Eros II, known as the Alpha IV (A4) and the Alpha Hybrid IV (AH4) respectively.

Rocking new y-splits and over-molded 2-pin barrels, these new cables deliver the same high performance in a package truly built to last.

Alpha IV



Alpha Hybrid IV

​

Once again, folks, if the ESR MKII sounds how I think it's going to sound, it may very well be the dark horse of EE's entire line-up. Keep your eyes peeled.

 

[KuroKitsu]

I've been super hyped for the ESR MKII.

Here's hoping that the numbers go down enough that I can go demo.

 

[subguy812]

The Valk retune is very interesting. I love the shell, ala ODIN, and the W9+ upgrade. The treble appears to be more tamed relative to the things I read about the OG. Stage is fairly large and the bass does hit hard. I think utilizing the ODIN shell provides more space for the W9+ to have more volume. More to come...

 

[KuroKitsu]

The Valk retune is very interesting. I love the shell, ala ODIN, and the W9+ upgrade. The treble appears to be more tamed relative to the things I read about the OG. Stage is fairly large and the bass does hit hard. I think utilizing the ODIN shell provides more space for the W9+ to have more volume. More to come...

But but how about the mids? I can live with the minor bleed and the treble from the OG Valk and they really don't need fixing. Really need the Dragonskin in my hands.

I really like how nice and snug Empire's shells get with each iteration though.

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

Which reviewers have demo units and will be publishing reviews?