Astell&Kern
Astell & Kern Empire Ears Collaboration Odyssey
Best high-end in-ear monitors for discerning audiophiles seeking immersive sound.
Experience unparalleled audio fidelity with the Astell & Kern x Empire Ears Odyssey In-Ear Monitors. This collaboration merges Astell & Kern's pursuit of pure sound with Empire Ears' cutting-edge IEM technology. The Odyssey features a revolutionary Quadbrid 10-driver system, including dual W9+ subwoofers, five balanced armatures, and dual electrostatic drivers, all managed by a 7-way synX crossover network. Its unique dual-conduction architecture utilizes both air and bone conduction to deliver an immersive soundstage with a remarkable frequency response from 5Hz to 100kHz. Crafted with precision and passion in the USA, these monitors offer an extraordinary listening experience.
$4200.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
74
/ 5533
#74 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
+615%
Above average
Model
Aura LTD
/ Aura LTD
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking expansive soundstages and high-resolution clarity
- Discerning listeners valuing premium craftsmanship and long-term durability
- Collectors wanting a unique, expertly engineered sonic signature
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners lacking high-end source equipment
- Casual listeners deterred by ultra-premium luxury pricing
- Listeners preferring a neutral or customizable sound profile
Performance breakdown
Soundstage Immersion
Dual-conduction architecture creates a remarkably expansive and three-dimensional listening environment.
Driver Cohesion
The 7-way crossover network seamlessly blends ten drivers into one voice.
Frequency Extension
Unrivaled range captures everything from deep sub-bass to delicate ultrasonic detail.
Build Craftsmanship
Meticulous American handcrafting results in a premium, high-performance aesthetic.
Signal Integrity
High-quality Effect Audio cabling ensures pristine signal transmission from source to ear.
Ergonomic Customization
Final Audio ear tips provide a secure, personalized fit for long sessions.
Key Specs
Model
Aura LTD
Impedance
3 Ohms
Frequency Response
5Hz-100kHz
Driver System
Quadbrid 10-driver (Dual W9+ Subwoofers, 5 Balanced Armatures, Dual Electrostatic, W10 Bone Conductor)
Crossover Network
7-way synX
Engine
EIVEC MKII
Cable
Effect Audio Ares II UPOCC Litz 26 AWG
Connector
Pentaconn 4.4mm
Features
- Revolutionary Quadbrid 10-driver system for comprehensive sound reproduction.
- Unique dual-conduction architecture (air and bone) for enhanced immersion.
- Proprietary 7-way synX crossover network for seamless driver integration.
- EIVEC MKII engine ensures precise control of electrostatic and bone conduction drivers.
- Includes premium Effect Audio Ares II cable with Pentaconn 4.4mm connector.
- Handcrafted in the USA with meticulous attention to detail.
- Includes a variety of Final Audio E-Type ear tips for a custom fit.
- Comes with a durable, CNC-machined aluminum carrying case.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Astell & Kern Empire Ears Collaboration Odyssey for its exceptional audio quality and exquisite design. Reviewers frequently highlight the meticulous craftsmanship and premium materials, noting the stunning aesthetic appeal. The sound reproduction is often described as incredibly detailed and immersive, delivering a rich and expansive listening experience. While the price point is significant, many users feel the unparalleled sonic performance and luxurious build justify the investment, positioning it as a top tier product for discerning audiophiles. The overall sentiment reflects profound satisfaction with its high end attributes.
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, detailed mids, and ultra-high frequencies with greater precision than a single-driver design.
The bone conduction driver works alongside traditional air conduction to deliver sound directly through the inner ear. This adds a physical, tactile quality to the bass and lower-mids, creating a more immersive and realistic soundstage.
With an impedance of 3 Ohms, these monitors are highly sensitive and benefit from a high-quality, low-noise digital audio player or DAC/Amp. Because they use a 4.4mm balanced Pentaconn connector, you will need a source device that supports balanced output to get the best performance.
The Odyssey comes with a variety of Final Audio E-Type ear tips, which are designed to provide a secure and comfortable seal for different ear shapes. While the monitors are substantial due to their 10-driver configuration, the ergonomic design helps distribute weight evenly for extended wear.
Yes, the Odyssey uses standard 2-pin connectors, allowing you to swap the included Effect Audio Ares II cable for other aftermarket cables if you prefer a different sonic signature or material.
The EIVEC MKII engine is a proprietary control system that manages the timing and output of the electrostatic and bone conduction drivers. It ensures these specialized drivers integrate seamlessly with the rest of the system, preventing phase issues and maintaining sonic clarity.
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$4200