Astell&Kern
Astell & Kern x Empire Ears Odyssey
Best in-ear monitors for audiophiles seeking an immersive, high-fidelity sound experience.
The Astell & Kern x Empire Ears Odyssey represents a pinnacle of audio engineering, born from a shared passion for the extraordinary. These universal-fit in-ear monitors are the result of a collaboration between Astell & Kern's pursuit of pure sound and Empire Ears' innovative IEM technology. Featuring a proprietary Quadbrid system with 10 drivers, including dual W9+ subwoofers, five balanced armatures, dual electrostatic tweeters, and a W10 bone conduction driver, the Odyssey delivers an unparalleled sonic experience. Its dual conduction architecture, combining air and bone conduction, creates an immersive soundstage with exceptional detail and depth, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in personal audio.
$4200.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
74
/ 5533
#74 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
+615%
Above average
Model
Odyssey
/ Odyssey
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking an expansive and highly detailed soundstage
- Collectors valuing premium materials and unique, high-end aesthetics
- Discerning listeners craving a rare and refined sonic signature
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners wanting a simple, plug-and-play audio setup
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking value-oriented audio equipment
- Shoppers frustrated by limited-run availability and scarcity
Performance breakdown
Sonic Immersion
Dual conduction technology creates a tactile, three-dimensional soundstage unlike any other.
Driver Integration
The synX crossover network blends ten drivers into one cohesive, seamless performance.
Build Craftsmanship
Hand-crafted construction and the unique ENIGMA faceplate define luxury personal audio.
Frequency Range
Extends from sub-bass depths to ultra-highs with breathtaking, clinical precision.
Source Sensitivity
Extremely low impedance requires a high-quality dedicated amplifier to truly shine.
Ergonomic Comfort
Substantial driver array results in a larger shell that demands proper fitting.
Key Specs
Model
Odyssey
Driver Configuration
10-driver Quadbrid system
Dual W9+ Subwoofers
Five proprietary balanced armature drivers
Dual electrostatic tweeters
W10 Bone conduction ultra driver
Frequency Response
5 Hz - 100 kHz
Sensitivity
100 dB @ 1 kHz
Features
- Proprietary Quadbrid 10-driver system
- Dual conduction architecture for immersive, tactile audio
- Custom-tuned drivers including W9+ subwoofers and W10 bone conduction
- synX 7-way crossover network for seamless driver integration
- EIVEC MKII engine for precise control of electrostatic and bone conduction drivers
- Unique ENIGMA faceplate with dynamic color-shifting properties
- Hand-crafted in the USA with meticulous attention to detail
- Includes premium Effect Audio ARES II cable and Final Audio E-Type ear tips
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Astell & Kern x Empire Ears Odyssey for its exceptional sound quality, often describing it as incredibly detailed and immersive. The premium design and robust build quality also receive high marks, reflecting the product's luxury positioning. While the price point is significant, many users feel the unparalleled audio experience and exquisite craftsmanship justify the investment, positioning it as a top tier choice for discerning audiophiles.
Know before you buy
The Quadbrid system combines four different driver technologies—dynamic, balanced armature, electrostatic, and bone conduction—to cover the entire frequency spectrum. This allows the Odyssey to handle deep sub-bass, intricate mids, and ultra-high frequencies simultaneously without losing clarity or detail.
The W10 bone conduction driver transmits sound vibrations directly through the cartilage of your ear rather than just through the air. This adds a tactile, physical dimension to the bass and lower-mids, making the soundstage feel more immersive and grounded.
With an impedance of 2.1 Ohms, these are very sensitive and efficient. While they will produce sound from a phone, they are designed for high-end digital audio players or dedicated DAC/amps to fully realize their potential and avoid background hiss.
The 7-way crossover acts as a traffic controller for the 10 drivers, ensuring each one receives only the specific frequency range it is designed to handle. This prevents overlap and distortion, resulting in a seamless, coherent sound signature across the entire 5 Hz to 100 kHz range.
The Odyssey uses standard 2-pin connectors, so you are free to use any compatible aftermarket cable. However, the included Effect Audio ARES II is a high-quality UPOCC Copper Litz cable specifically chosen to complement the Odyssey's sonic profile.
Final Audio E-Type tips are widely regarded for their ability to provide a secure, comfortable seal, which is critical for bass response in IEMs. A proper seal is essential to ensure the bone conduction driver can effectively transfer vibrations to your ear.
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$4200