Empire Ears ESR MK II
Best reference monitors for professional studio mixing and critical listening.
Experience unparalleled audio fidelity with the Empire Ears ESR MK II in-ear monitors. Designed for professional studio environments, these headphones deliver exceptional detail and accuracy. Their advanced hybrid driver system features five proprietary drivers, including dual electrostatic units, creating a vast soundstage and remarkable resolution. The 4-way synX Crossover Network ensures seamless driver integration for a pristine, true-to-source sound, making them perfect for critical listening and mixing.
$1099.00
More ESR Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
791
/ 6142
#791 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
+87%
Above average
Drivers
51112
/ ( Low, Mid, High, Ultra-High)
Who it's for
- Audiophiles craving delicate, airy treble and micro-detail retrieval
- Music lovers wanting punchy, clean bass without sacrificing midrange clarity
- Critical listeners seeking pinpoint instrument separation and spatial depth
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level or mid-tier pricing
- Casual listeners wanting a plug-and-play experience without extra gear
- Bass-heads preferring a warm, colored, or fun sound signature
Performance breakdown
Analytical Precision
Surgical imaging reveals every nuance in complex studio recordings.
Soundstage Depth
Electrostatic drivers create an expansive, holographic sense of space.
Frequency Linearity
A remarkably flat signature ideal for critical mixing and mastering.
Driver Integration
The synX crossover ensures a seamless transition across all frequencies.
Build Quality
Premium materials and anti-resonance technology ensure long-term professional reliability.
Source Sensitivity
Low impedance demands a high-quality dedicated amplifier for optimal performance.
Key Specs
Drivers
5 (1 Low, 1 Mid, 1 High, 2 Ultra-High)
Crossover Network
4-way synX
Technology
EIVEC, A.R.C - Anti-Resonance Compound
Cable
Alpha-IV Bespoke 26AWG UPOCC Copper Litz
Sensitivity
111 dB SPL @ 1kHz
Frequency Response
10Hz - 100kHz
Impedance
3.9 Ohms @ 1kHz
Cable Termination
3.5 mm, 2.5 mm
Features
- Exceptional detail and accuracy
- Hybrid 5-driver system
- Dual electrostatic drivers
- Wide soundstage and resolution
- Seamless driver integration
- High-resolution audio support
- Professional studio reference sound
- Premium copper litz cable
- Exceptionally linear sound signature
- Surgical precision in sound imaging
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Empire Ears ESR MK II for its exceptional sound quality, often highlighting its detailed yet natural presentation. Many reviewers commend the meticulous craftsmanship and premium design, noting the robust build and luxurious feel. While the investment is significant, users frequently express satisfaction with the overall audio experience, finding it a worthwhile upgrade for discerning listeners. The consistent high praise for its sonic performance and build quality underscores its position as a top tier audio product.
Know before you buy
These are designed specifically for professional studio environments. Their linear sound signature and surgical precision make them ideal for critical listening, mixing, and mastering rather than casual, colored playback.
The electrostatic drivers are responsible for the monitor's exceptional high-frequency extension and resolution. They allow for a vast soundstage and a level of detail that standard balanced armature drivers often struggle to replicate.
With an impedance of 3.9 Ohms, these monitors are very efficient and can be driven by most portable devices. However, using a high-quality source or dedicated amplifier will ensure you get the cleanest signal and full performance from the hybrid driver system.
The synX Crossover Network manages the signal distribution between the five drivers, ensuring each one handles only the frequencies it is best suited for. This prevents phase issues and creates a seamless, cohesive sound across the entire frequency range.
A.R.C., or Anti-Resonance Compound, is applied to the internal components to dampen unwanted vibrations. This results in a cleaner, more controlled sound by eliminating internal resonance that could otherwise color or distort the audio.
Yes, the monitors feature detachable cables. The included Alpha-IV Bespoke UPOCC Copper Litz cable is high-quality, but the standard connection allows you to swap it out for balanced or aftermarket cables if needed.
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