[davidcotton]

ut I would suggest the Bravado if you want a totally forgiving signature. Nothing ever sounds bad on the Bravado!

.

That sounds like a challenge I bet I've got a few recordings that would struggle!

Wasn't it one of Oasis (Uk band) cd's that was recorded so badly that it was used for test purposes for that very reason? The thinking was that if a system could make THAT sound good then anything else would be a cakewalk (please note that I cannot stand Oasis in anyway shape or form!).

 

[davidmolliere]

Nah, it's definitely there. The only reason why I suspected it in the first place was because a green filter is visible when I shine a light into the Phantom's sound bore.

Uh ok, interesting... that’s a new one for Empire, isn’t it?

 

[kubig123]

WARNING: MORE GRATUITOUS PHANTOM PORN... just to celebrate 100 hrs of burn in. Listening-wise, i put in a good few hours on day one and then left them to run in without me over the weekend. Coming back to them this afternoon, wow the soundstage has opened up while conversely the bass feels like its tightened and everything's just more lucid. They sound pretty awesome now, but I think theres probably still quite a bit more to come. Sorry none this is particularly insightful, hence pictoral over compensating

I love the semi-recessed 2Pin connectors, not only they look better but they offer a more secure connection reducing drastically the possibility to bend the pins.

Great pictures!

 

[ctsooner22]

I also have a AK380Cu (RedWine modded one) over here, and just like you I don't notice any improvement when listening balanced compared to SE (SE might even be better indeed) from that dap. On my Opus #1 I also hardly can't tell the difference between SE and balanced. But I also had the Pono (Ayre inside) player in the past and that one scaled up slightly (but absolutely noticeable) with the Sony ZBA-Z5 when going balanced and even enormous with the MDR-Z7. The latter even changed from a mediocre sounding, into a superb sounding headphone imo when used balanced from the Pono. So yeah, I agree with you: balanced can make a difference, when well implemented indeed.

That Pono was the Best Buy in all of personal audio IF you used it in balanced mode. Charlie and his guys designed it that way. I remember hearing about it's design before it was released and I was in heaven. I got so excited about it, but when it had the dual 2.5mm plug for balanced, I told them it was a huge mistake. I talked them a couple of weeks ago and told them to change to a 4.5mm or 2.5 ak balanced connection on their home DAC/AMPs. Even with an adaptor plug it's worth doing. I bet Sunyang would make one up and if not, I know someone in San Diego (Audio Arts cables who will make an adaptor).

Legend X would be the slightly more forgiving model of the two, but I would suggest the Bravado if you want a totally forgiving signature. Nothing ever sounds bad on the Bravado!


Just got Tidal yesterday and I am thoroughly impressed with the step up in quality, imaging, and overall realism. I would highly recommend it and I'm probably going to cancel my Spotify subscription!


I still don't have words to describe all the things I heard there. Diminishing returns are not at all as bad as I thought in high-end two channel audio, and Ayre Acoustics makes the best DACs I've ever heard. I could ramble on for paragraphs upon paragraphs but I have too much work to do lol.

Not going to say I told you ...Ethan, I love your evolution. It's awesome seeing you enjoy and not breaking the bank to do so. That will be the best extra $10 a month you will spend. For any military members, they give us Tidal at 9.99 a month

WARNING: MORE GRATUITOUS PHANTOM PORN... just to celebrate 100 hrs of burn in. Listening-wise, i put in a good few hours on day one and then left them to run in without me over the weekend. Coming back to them this afternoon, wow the soundstage has opened up while conversely the bass feels like its tightened and everything's just more lucid. They sound pretty awesome now, but I think theres probably still quite a bit more to come. Sorry none this is particularly insightful, hence pictoral over compensating

Noting gratuitous IRT the Phantom. Mine are getting better and better and I'm well over 400 hours now. I hear the difference one my Ayre QX5 DAC/Amp. Not as much on my ak380cu/amp unless I really listen closely. I"m just now getting swept up in my music. You know how good these are when you are playing every genre you own (I own nearly all) and playing songs you haven't cared bout for years. To me, that is why this is the best IEM I've ever had in my ears and it's not close. (granted I"M a new guy, but I've been to Japan and stores in larger cities)..>I'm blessed as my wife takes me with her when she travels so that I can get out and enjoy life. ...

Break-in = important
upgrading resolution of the music= important
upgrading source as you can= important.
Ethan blown away by his day with 2 channel at HiFi Buys in Atlanta=priceless

Can the EE line on the whole keep upscaling with better source and better components? NOT EVEN A QUESTION. We now have many of we 2 channel guys on here and I doubt that anyone would refute my words and if so, that's also cool and I'd love to hear their thoughts too. Thanks for letting me play.

 

[Deezel177]

That sounds like a challenge I bet I've got a few recordings that would struggle!

Wasn't it one of Oasis (Uk band) cd's that was recorded so badly that it was used for test purposes for that very reason? The thinking was that if a system could make THAT sound good then anything else would be a cakewalk (please note that I cannot stand Oasis in anyway shape or form!).

The Bravado is an incredibly forgiving IEM. As far as brands go, Lime Ears used to be my #1 pick as far as IEMs that will make literally any recording sound good. The Bravado challenges that position with... arrogance.

Uh ok, interesting... that’s a new one for Empire, isn’t it?

Exactly. Filter-less IEMs used to be one of their main marketing spiels.

I love the semi-recessed 2Pin connectors, not only they look better but they offer a more secure connection reducing drastically the possibility to bend the pins.

Great pictures!

Yes! One of my absolute favourite parts of Empire's IEMs.

 

[bvng3540]

Someone said that EE no longer reshell their own ciem, is that true?

 

[noper]

Exactly. Filter-less IEMs used to be one of their main marketing spiels.

Is there anything inherently inferior about filters?

 

[Ethan Groover]

That sounds like a challenge I bet I've got a few recordings that would struggle!

Wasn't it one of Oasis (Uk band) cd's that was recorded so badly that it was used for test purposes for that very reason? The thinking was that if a system could make THAT sound good then anything else would be a cakewalk (please note that I cannot stand Oasis in anyway shape or form!).

Well I guess I can't say everything, but almost everything will sound smooth and unobtrusive on the Bravado.

Someone said that EE no longer reshell their own ciem, is that true?

We no longer do transfer of ownership for customs. Reshells can however still be done for repair purposes.

 

[Deezel177]

Someone said that EE no longer reshell their own ciem, is that true?

Yup, my Zeus-XR's were the last thing they reshelled AFAIK. It's officially on the FAQ section of their website now.

Is there anything inherently inferior about filters?

Well, not that I'm aware of; over 90% of the IEM industry uses them. Empire claimed on their old website that filters force drivers to work outside their operating limits/parameters. Either they've since shifted their stance on it, or the bespoke drivers they've asked Sonion/Knowles to produce has a workaround built-in somehow.

 

[Cagin]

Welp, guess my Zeus will never be sold then...

gtz Daniel on beating me to it ^^

 

[Deezel177]

Welp, guess my Zeus will never be sold then...

gtz Daniel on beating me to it ^^

Well, if it's any consolation, companies like Nocturnal Audio are more than willing to take on the challenge. I'd recommend contacting them if you're looking for any reshelling opportunities.

 

[proedros]

We no longer do transfer of ownership for customs. Reshells can however still be done for repair purposes.

not thinking of selling my Zeus , but this is bad for people who wan to sell their EE ciems. curious why/when this happened

 

[singleended5863]

It just magically appeared one day. Thanks again Pete. I am seriously itching to hear these at So Cal CamJam as well as saying hi to Jack & Dean. Looking for a compliment to my Spartan and Bravado sounds like a winner.

The ESR for me reminds a lot like Spartan. I couldn't A/B test them, but I think the ESR has more resolution, showing more details. @Ethan Groover could perhaps correct me. It's a flat, neutral-sounding IEM great for referencing. The extension reach for a 3-driver is amazing. Suits its name, studio reference.

In my situation I just got the Spartan in Jan 2018 and now got an itch for either Phantom or Vantage or Bravado...I have been torn which one will be the best upgrading CIEMs or IEMs to Spartan? I usually listen to mostly vocals, some classical musics and seldomly instrumentals. Thank you.

 

[Deezel177]

not thinking of selling my Zeus , but this is bad for people who wan to sell their EE ciems. curious why/when this happened

A common complaint I've heard among manufacturers is that reshell work often draws too many resources away from developing brand new products. It's a fair and - most probably - true argument, but it is definitely sad to see.

In my situation I just got the Spartan in Jan 2018 and now got an itch for either Phantom or Vantage or Bravado...I have been torn which one will be the best upgrading CIEMs or IEMs to Spartan? I usually listen to mostly vocals, some classical musics and seldomly instrumentals. Thank you.

My #1 recommendation to you would probably be the EVR. It's vocal-focused, intimate and clear ala Spartan. If you don't mind significantly more bass and a warmer timbre, the Vantage is a fine choice as well. I'd only recommend the Phantom if you're ready for a wild shift from the Spartan. The Phantom is warmer, thicker, more vocal-forward, less sparkly, etc. It's an IEM that truly lets you delve into the colours of the recording, unlike the clarity-focused and articulative nature of the Spartan. But, for your choice of genre, you couldn't go wrong with the Phantom either.

 

[singleended5863]

A common complaint I've heard among manufacturers is that reshell work often draws too many resources away from developing brand new products. It's a fair and - most probably - true argument, but it is definitely sad to see.



My #1 recommendation to you would probably be the EVR. It's vocal-focused, intimate and clear ala Spartan. If you don't mind significantly more bass and a warmer timbre, the Vantage is a fine choice as well. I'd only recommend the Phantom if you're ready for a wild shift from the Spartan. The Phantom is warmer, thicker, more vocal-forward, less sparkly, etc. It's an IEM that truly lets you delve into the colours of the recording, unlike the clarity-focused and articulative nature of the Spartan. But, for your choice of genre, you couldn't go wrong with the Phantom either.

Thank you @Deezel177 for your opinion. It is hard to decide now. I hope I will have a chance to listen to them at SoCal CanJam then make the decision.