Empire Ears ESR MKII 2021
Best in-ear monitor for professional audio engineers and critical listeners.
The Empire Studio Reference (ESR) MKII represents a significant evolution in in-ear monitor technology, building on the legacy trusted by recording and mixing engineers worldwide. This model enhances detail retrieval with a dual EST driver arrangement, delivering an expansive soundstage and exceptional resolution. Its exceptionally linear sound signature provides a pristine image of every musical element, positioning each detail with remarkable precision across the entire frequency spectrum. Designed for surgical accuracy, the ESR MKII features a brushed silver faceplate and comes equipped with a custom Alpha-IV UPOCC Litz copper cable for superior performance and durability.
$1099.00
More ESR Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
791
/ 6142
#791 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
+87%
Above average
5 Drivers
1112
/ Bass, Mid, Treble, Ultra-High
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking crystalline high-frequency detail and airiness
- Critical listeners prioritizing instrument separation and sonic transparency
- Music lovers desiring a precise, three-dimensional spatial experience
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers avoiding luxury-tier audio investments
- Bass enthusiasts craving a warmer, punchier sound profile
- Casual listeners wanting a plug-and-play experience without extra amplification
Performance breakdown
Detail Retrieval
Dual EST drivers expose microscopic textures in complex studio recordings.
Tonal Neutrality
A surgical, linear signature that prioritizes accuracy over colored sound.
Imaging Precision
Pinpoint placement of instruments creates a remarkably holographic soundstage.
Build Quality
Premium brushed silver faceplates paired with high-end UPOCC Litz cabling.
Driver Integration
The 4-way synX crossover ensures seamless transitions across all frequencies.
Source Sensitivity
Low impedance requires a clean, capable source to avoid background hiss.
Key Specs
5 Drivers
1 Bass, 1 Mid, 1 Treble, 2 Ultra-High
4-way SynX Crossover Network
EIVEC
ARC - Anti-Resonance Compound
Bespoke 26AWG UPOCC Alpha-IV Litz copper cable
Sensitivity
111 dB SPL at 1 kHz
Frequency Response
10 Hz to 100 kHz
Impedance
3.9 Ohms at 1kHz
Features
- Dual EST drivers for enhanced detail and soundstage
- Exceptionally linear sound signature for precise imaging
- Highlights every musical element with extreme accuracy
- Brushed silver faceplate for a premium aesthetic
- Includes Effect Audio's Alpha IV (A4) cable for durability and performance
- Designed for professional engineers and audiophiles
- 4-way synX crossover network for precise driver integration
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Empire Ears ESR MKII 2021 for its exceptional sound quality, particularly its detailed and immersive audio presentation. Many highlight the precise imaging and balanced tonality, creating a captivating listening experience. The design and build quality also receive high marks, with users appreciating the premium materials and robust construction. While a significant investment, the overall consensus points to a product that delivers a top tier auditory journey, justifying its position in the high end market.
Know before you buy
The ESR MKII is designed specifically for studio reference, meaning it prioritizes a linear, neutral sound signature over boosted bass or colored tones. It is built for professionals who need to hear their mix exactly as it is, with surgical precision and detail.
The dual Electrostatic (EST) drivers are responsible for the ultra-high frequencies, providing exceptional resolution and an expansive soundstage. They allow the monitor to capture subtle textures and micro-details that standard balanced armature drivers might miss.
While they will produce sound, the ESR MKII has a very low impedance of 3.9 Ohms, which makes it sensitive to the noise floor of lower-quality sources. To get the most out of their technical performance, we recommend pairing them with a dedicated high-quality DAC or amplifier.
The 4-way synX crossover acts as the brain of the monitor, ensuring that the signal is split perfectly between the five drivers. This prevents frequency overlap and phase issues, resulting in a cohesive, seamless sound across the entire spectrum.
ARC (Anti-Resonance Compound) is a proprietary material applied to the internal components to dampen unwanted vibrations. By eliminating these resonances, the monitor delivers a cleaner, more controlled sound with less distortion.
While they are engineered for professional engineers, they are excellent for audiophiles who prefer an analytical, uncolored sound. If you enjoy hearing every nuance of a recording exactly as the producer intended, these are a great choice for personal listening.
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$1099