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Massdrop x Empire Ears Zeus Universal IEMs
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Massdrop x Empire Ears Zeus Universal IEMs
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Product Description
A collaboration with Empire Ears, this is a new iteration of the Zeus XIV: an engineering marvel and the first 14-driver in-ear monitor ever made. This version uses the same drivers as the company’s former flagship—two bass, six midrange, and six treble—along with an identical seven-way crossover circuit to tune the drivers’ frequency response Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downCEE_TEE
3480
Sep 20, 2018
Who is stronger than Zeus? This new Zeus.
Empire Ears was on our radar back in 2016, when a couple of community members pinged me and said that Jack was such a great guy and I should really check out their line-up because so many of the models/Gods sounded great.
The overall balance in the original Olympus product line was impressive. Some of the community favorites were the Spartan, Apollo, Athena, & Zeus. A lot of care was taken with the mids and to deliver a linear sound with all of the music and nothing masked.
At 2016 RMAF, I snapped this pic of Jack…with wings:
Speaking of tuning, I asked Dean Vang about his approach to tuning earlier this year at their new facility in Georgia:
After spending time with Zeus, I marvel at how much information the 14 drivers deliver to the brain. Some of it must be attributed to how sensitive they are (how little power/signal is needed get all these drivers moving) combined with the lack of dampers. There is a direct connection from the drivers to your eardrum. It’s hard for me to do complex work while listening to these, the detail is distracting and something to get used to. (Years ago I read ClieOS’ massive earbud comparison thread on Head-Fi.org and he said he liked some earbuds that were not as detailed so he could get some work done at times, ha! I understand.)
When it comes to a top-of-the-line (TOTL) item…you want it to deliver a special experience, to do something extraordinary. The middle of the Zeus presentation has a 3-dimensional quality and a level of resolution that I find very addictive.
Audiophile Ambrosia Same drivers, same crossovers, new construction. · 14 Knowles drivers (6 high, 6 mid, 2 low) per ear! · 7-way Crossover circuit · No dampers · Air/Treble · Holographic headstage · Tons of sonic information- extremely sensitive system IMPROVED Durability · ABS shell & Faceplate · stainless steel nozzle · wax guard · recessed socket for improved cable strain relief & less contamination
EMPIRE EARS…It’s a Family Affair Dean- Engineer/Co-Founder Catherine- CEO/Co-Founder Jack- VP of Sales Victor- Operations Manager Lauren- Shipping/Logistics Richard- Graphic Arts Kay- Technician Made in Georgia
I’ve dreamt for a long time of being able to bring Zeus to our community on Massdrop. Luckily, Jack dreamt with me…many thanks to Empire Ears for making this happen!
Empire Ears was on our radar back in 2016, when a couple of community members pinged me and said that Jack was such a great guy and I should really check out their line-up because so many of the models/Gods sounded great.
The overall balance in the original Olympus product line was impressive. Some of the community favorites were the Spartan, Apollo, Athena, & Zeus. A lot of care was taken with the mids and to deliver a linear sound with all of the music and nothing masked.
At 2016 RMAF, I snapped this pic of Jack…with wings:
Speaking of tuning, I asked Dean Vang about his approach to tuning earlier this year at their new facility in Georgia:
After spending time with Zeus, I marvel at how much information the 14 drivers deliver to the brain. Some of it must be attributed to how sensitive they are (how little power/signal is needed get all these drivers moving) combined with the lack of dampers. There is a direct connection from the drivers to your eardrum. It’s hard for me to do complex work while listening to these, the detail is distracting and something to get used to. (Years ago I read ClieOS’ massive earbud comparison thread on Head-Fi.org and he said he liked some earbuds that were not as detailed so he could get some work done at times, ha! I understand.)
When it comes to a top-of-the-line (TOTL) item…you want it to deliver a special experience, to do something extraordinary. The middle of the Zeus presentation has a 3-dimensional quality and a level of resolution that I find very addictive.
Audiophile Ambrosia Same drivers, same crossovers, new construction. · 14 Knowles drivers (6 high, 6 mid, 2 low) per ear! · 7-way Crossover circuit · No dampers · Air/Treble · Holographic headstage · Tons of sonic information- extremely sensitive system IMPROVED Durability · ABS shell & Faceplate · stainless steel nozzle · wax guard · recessed socket for improved cable strain relief & less contamination
EMPIRE EARS…It’s a Family Affair Dean- Engineer/Co-Founder Catherine- CEO/Co-Founder Jack- VP of Sales Victor- Operations Manager Lauren- Shipping/Logistics Richard- Graphic Arts Kay- Technician Made in Georgia
I’ve dreamt for a long time of being able to bring Zeus to our community on Massdrop. Luckily, Jack dreamt with me…many thanks to Empire Ears for making this happen!
erfan_elahi
32
Jun 9, 2019
got a clear example of cost cut down by not adding ADEL. But thanks for this drop, those who couldn't grab it for $2100, now at least can taste it... :-)
(Edited)
EmpireEars
55
Jack Vang, VP of Sales
Oct 1, 2018
What's going on everyone?! My name is Jack Vang and I'm the Founder of EarWerkz and VP of Sales for Empire Ears. I can't tell you how ecstatic I am for this project and how much it means to me. Christian (@CEE_TEE) has relentlessly pursued this opportunity and I'm glad he persevered because we're FINALLY here! With the help of Massdrop, Knowles, and Final Audio we're proud to present to you all the flagship IEM that put us on the map, the Empire Ears Zeus XIV.
Dean and I have been relentlessly working on this project to ensure that each and every one of you will receive the same Zeus-XIV that the audiophile and HeadFi community has come to love. In order to achieve this we needed to make sure we had the following key components:
Empire Ears spec’d proprietary Knowles drivers
XIV crossover networks
7-strand Estron Litz internal wiring
Premium silver-plated copper (SPC) cable
These are the exact same components that we’ve been using since day one with the exception of the cable. As some of you may know we’ve gone through quite a journey with Zeus-bundled cable pairings. First it was the BTG Starlight (SPC), Whiplash (SPC), and then the Effect Audio Ares II (Copper Litz). We’ve always felt strongly about a silver-plated copper (SPC) cable to enhance the Zeus’ sound signature which is why we’ve partnered with Null Audio to help manufacture a cable that would compliment it.
Ergonomics and durability are also key considerations. The Zeus XIV does feature 14 full-size drivers and a 7-way crossover network on each side, and the drivers must be placed in a very specific place in order to achieve the original FR curve. The comfort and fit should be optimum as we’ve made the shell as small as possible and partnered with Final Audio of Japan to bring to you a complete set of their Type E tips. I encourage you to look into them as they’re some of the best premium silicone tips we’ve ever used and feel quite luxurious, though it may not be very evident in the pictures.
In regards to the shell, it is no longer hand-poured acrylic. ABS is more durable than acrylic, reduces return rates, and the faceplates/shells can be made more efficiently to help reach the price point. Driver/crossover assembly, final assembly and testing, lacquer plus hand-polishing is all completed in our North Atlanta facility ensuring that every Zeus is built to the same standards as every other Empire IEM. Holding these in our hand, side-by-side with the hand-pour…we know you will be happy with the looks and feel of what we are making for you.
I hope this answers a lot of the questions out there and I’ll be around from time to time to answer any other that you all might have! We will be publishing FR soon to showcase comparisons between the original handcrafted Zeus and the MD edition Zeus. I can’t thank the community and Massdrop enough for making this happen. We are STOKED to be building these Zeus’ for you all!
Dean and I have been relentlessly working on this project to ensure that each and every one of you will receive the same Zeus-XIV that the audiophile and HeadFi community has come to love. In order to achieve this we needed to make sure we had the following key components:
Empire Ears spec’d proprietary Knowles drivers
XIV crossover networks
7-strand Estron Litz internal wiring
Premium silver-plated copper (SPC) cable
These are the exact same components that we’ve been using since day one with the exception of the cable. As some of you may know we’ve gone through quite a journey with Zeus-bundled cable pairings. First it was the BTG Starlight (SPC), Whiplash (SPC), and then the Effect Audio Ares II (Copper Litz). We’ve always felt strongly about a silver-plated copper (SPC) cable to enhance the Zeus’ sound signature which is why we’ve partnered with Null Audio to help manufacture a cable that would compliment it.
Ergonomics and durability are also key considerations. The Zeus XIV does feature 14 full-size drivers and a 7-way crossover network on each side, and the drivers must be placed in a very specific place in order to achieve the original FR curve. The comfort and fit should be optimum as we’ve made the shell as small as possible and partnered with Final Audio of Japan to bring to you a complete set of their Type E tips. I encourage you to look into them as they’re some of the best premium silicone tips we’ve ever used and feel quite luxurious, though it may not be very evident in the pictures.
In regards to the shell, it is no longer hand-poured acrylic. ABS is more durable than acrylic, reduces return rates, and the faceplates/shells can be made more efficiently to help reach the price point. Driver/crossover assembly, final assembly and testing, lacquer plus hand-polishing is all completed in our North Atlanta facility ensuring that every Zeus is built to the same standards as every other Empire IEM. Holding these in our hand, side-by-side with the hand-pour…we know you will be happy with the looks and feel of what we are making for you.
I hope this answers a lot of the questions out there and I’ll be around from time to time to answer any other that you all might have! We will be publishing FR soon to showcase comparisons between the original handcrafted Zeus and the MD edition Zeus. I can’t thank the community and Massdrop enough for making this happen. We are STOKED to be building these Zeus’ for you all!
jsmiller58
804
May 31, 2019
riseuplightCould be... If that really is the case, I must admit that most cables I get with IEMs go into a drawer and get replaced by third party ones... a great balanced cable can be had for $49 on Amazon... with this set costing $1000, I would hope people are more focused on the sound, but I may be missing something...
VAS007
291
Sep 30, 2018
Why people bail of this drop??? From the day one of this drop there was 55 people that joined, one week later 5 people bailed.
FOBean
125
Nov 16, 2018
Which balanced MMCX Cable have you been using?
And VAS007, I definitely might be interested in selling my Andromedas for a fair price! I can even include an Estron/Linum G2 Bax MMCX Cable if you're interested?
I'm not 100% sure what I'm going to do yet, but if I decide to sell the Andromedas, you'll definitely be the first to know!
VAS007, how about you shoot me an email at (diskobean@gmail.com) so we can discuss the Andromedas further? I hope to hear from you soon!😎🎧👍
FOBean
125
Nov 16, 2018
Jaydunnit,
One last question concerning the Solaris IEM's.
Do they have more low-end than the Andromedas do? Just remember, I'm not listening to mainstream music or regular albums EVER, because I pretty much strictly listen to my own live Recordings, so I'm just trying to figure out if I want to make the switch from Andromeda>Solaris right now. I'm like 99% there, I would just like to hear more about them I guess since you're one of the few people who have actually heard them.
I always wished that the Andromedas had a TAD bit more low-end/bass, and that's the main reason I got the Dorado's. But since the Solaris have a single DD for the lows vs the Andromedas 2x BA Drivers, I'm hoping that the Solaris are basically a hybrid combo of the Andromeda mids and highs, with the punchiness of the Dorado's for the lows.
And even if the low-end of the Solaris is equal or on par with the Andromedas low-end, I can always switch out the stock CA cable for my Linum G2 SuperBax MMCX Cable, since it's really warm and thicker sounding vs the CA MMCX cable, at least IMO. I can always listen to the Dorado's when I want some extra low-end rumble too!!!
And if you're sick of replying to me here on Massdrop, I'd be more than happy to hear from you via my email above, before I spend $1,500 on IEM's I've never heard before!
But I can ALWAYS resell the Solaris and get a brand new pair of the Andromeda S stainless steel IEM's if I'm not happy with the Solaris's. Which I HIGHLY doubt will be the case!
Thanks again for all of your help and information on the Solaris's. You basically pushed me over the fence about buying them, so now I just need to sell my Andromedas and my Linum G2 Bax MMCX Cable, my Sony MUC-M2BT1 LDAC MMCX Bluetooth cable, and my extra right Nuforce Primo 8 IEM I have. Plus some extra stuff like watches and knives I've been meaning to sell. Once I do all of that, I should easily have enough to buy the Solaris's and a brand new Shanling M5s DAP with almost zero money outta pocket 😎👍😇🎧😁
Lowra1nw
79
Dec 24, 2018
Not personally, I have some ppl on the forums with similar taste in sound signatures that have both the Nemesis and the Atlas that said that their Atlas's quickley got listed after picking up the Nemesis. I'll be sure to give an update once I have some head time with them. I was thinking about ordering the Atlas still just to compare but if I did that I'd have to pass here so we'll see.
(Edited)
FOBean
125
Dec 30, 2018
My CA Andromeda and Dorado IEM's are made of lightweight metal and are most certainly NOT fragile.
I used to be a person who liked headphones better, but after getting some high-end IEM's, I'm a TOTAL convert and believer in IEM's being better than cans.
They isolate MUCH better than soundproofing, which means lower volume levels, use BA Drivers, which has much better details, transient speed and resolution (at least IMO) than ANY dynamic driver is capable of, and they're obviously MUCH smaller and portable than headphones.
I've sold ALL of my headphones and now just own a pair of CA Andromeda and Dorado IEM's, as well as a pair of Westone Second Generation UM Pro 30's (for monitoring my live audio recordings and doing strenuous exercise or work with Comply Sport+ tips), and I couldn't be ANY happier. I don't plan on buying another pair of headphones ANY time soon either, although I'd love to audition some CA Cascade cans!!!
I've now become a strictly IEM user, whether at home or on the go! Obviously EVERYONE is different, but for me, IEM's are king now 😎👍
rantng
845
Sep 29, 2018
Not understanding all the confusion about the lack of reviews/durability/drivers/re-shell options, etc.
It’s already been stated these have the same internals - drivers, wiring, etc. as the non-MD EE Zeus XIV. The only difference is the ABS plastic shell instead of acrylic. I’m sure MD offers at minimum a 1-year warranty and at this point you’re worrying about a problem that may never arise. They’ve actually improved durability in many ways. It’s literally stated in the first paragraph. With new drivers/wiring/etc. they would have to tune the drivers, prepare new crossovers, run tests, etc., all of which would cost more time & money. Using all the same internals allows them to bypass all that. The MD version should sound the same, factors such as fit/cable pairing notwithstanding. We all hear differently, YMMV. With that said, there are many reviews on the EE Zeus XR. Yes, these are the Zeus XIV, but if you read through the reviews you’ll notice that most of the reviews provide separate impressions between the R and XIV, which this basically is. Seriously, GTS (Google that sh). It’s not like the EE Zeus magically appeared overnight and this is some brand new IEM. As to complaints about the ABS plastic in a $1k IEM, it’s already been explained some concessions had to be made to offer this IEM at the MD price, while not compromising on sound quality, which is the most important issue. You’re more than welcome to buy the acrylic version for much more. As for re-shelling, most of the major manufacturers have either never offered this, or have stopped offering it, whatever the reason may be. You just have to accept it. Rant over. Sorry if some of this may sound harsh, but it seems there has been minimal effort made to read the write-up. Help us help you.
It’s already been stated these have the same internals - drivers, wiring, etc. as the non-MD EE Zeus XIV. The only difference is the ABS plastic shell instead of acrylic. I’m sure MD offers at minimum a 1-year warranty and at this point you’re worrying about a problem that may never arise. They’ve actually improved durability in many ways. It’s literally stated in the first paragraph. With new drivers/wiring/etc. they would have to tune the drivers, prepare new crossovers, run tests, etc., all of which would cost more time & money. Using all the same internals allows them to bypass all that. The MD version should sound the same, factors such as fit/cable pairing notwithstanding. We all hear differently, YMMV. With that said, there are many reviews on the EE Zeus XR. Yes, these are the Zeus XIV, but if you read through the reviews you’ll notice that most of the reviews provide separate impressions between the R and XIV, which this basically is. Seriously, GTS (Google that sh). It’s not like the EE Zeus magically appeared overnight and this is some brand new IEM. As to complaints about the ABS plastic in a $1k IEM, it’s already been explained some concessions had to be made to offer this IEM at the MD price, while not compromising on sound quality, which is the most important issue. You’re more than welcome to buy the acrylic version for much more. As for re-shelling, most of the major manufacturers have either never offered this, or have stopped offering it, whatever the reason may be. You just have to accept it. Rant over. Sorry if some of this may sound harsh, but it seems there has been minimal effort made to read the write-up. Help us help you.
VAS007
291
Sep 24, 2018
I am surprised here such a "technological marvel" and it's still encased in this "rather cheap clear plastic". There are few multiple driver IEM in this price range on the market and most of that iem encased in more appealing materials then "clear plastic".
jsmiller58
804
Oct 3, 2018
VAS007That is AWESOME! Congratulations!! I probably won't go in on this one, but I will be checking back to see what folks think about it... And I have a feeling that if they pass your standards I can take that as a huge endorsement!! :-)
I mentioned elsewhere on this thread that I actually go to Norcross (where EE is located) now and then to visit family, so I can always drop by and see if they have a prototype I can listen to. If I get to listen to these I will post impressions here!!
I mentioned elsewhere on this thread that I actually go to Norcross (where EE is located) now and then to visit family, so I can always drop by and see if they have a prototype I can listen to. If I get to listen to these I will post impressions here!!
Diesel
48
Mar 30, 2019
Got mine today.
I hooked them up to my Hiby R6 using a Forza AudioWorks Hybrid IEM balanced cable. I also have the Massdrop MEE balanced 2-pin cable I can try out.
Initial impressions: They're pretty bright out of the box. Uncomfortably so, almost sibilant. I'm hoping (!) that should mellow a bit with some break-in.
Other than the brightness, the rest of the spectrum sounds pretty even. Bass isn't as plentiful as the CCA C16, but it's plenty punchy without being boomy.
There is an absurd amount of detail and resolution. Strings and piano sound particularly great, and female vocals really shine.
Soundstage and imaging are also excellent.
(As I'm writing, and continuing to listen, the harsh brightness is already easing up.)
Isolation isn't the best I've heard, using the SpinFit tips they included. I have a couple sets of extra tips to try (Comply, SpiralDots, the stock tips they included, etc.), so I'll have to see how they affect the sound, fit, and isolation.
I'll give it a few days and update via reply.
Diesel
48
Sep 15, 2019
I have, but I feel at this point like I'm either jumping through hoops and dumping money into trying to salvage them, or I'm cutting my losses and moving on.
Like I said, I've kinda given up on them.
I've already spent probably close to an extra $100 (if not more) on various tips trying to get these to fit. And if I do have them reshelled, not only can't EE help me, but I'm also cutting Drop out by voiding the warranty. A reshell is going to run me $250-400, and I feel like it's throwing money at trying to fix a sinking ship.
As I've said a few times, I really want to love these, because they do sound great (when I'm able to appreciate their sound at it's full potential). They've just been a headache since day 1 and I'm ready to move on. It just makes more sense to me to sell them, and use the funds towards a CIEM that won't give me problems that a $1,000 universal shouldn't.
erfan_elahi
32
Sep 26, 2019
DieselToo bad, now you have to give a big fraction on re-sale. Nobody want's to pay even 70% of RP even you still have them in mint condition and you only used for 6 months. But still I wish you would get a good price which will help you to fund your CIEM.
I don't have fit issue and I can't imagine myself selling, even though I try other flagships of different signatures in the future...
(Edited)
scottsays
22
Sep 25, 2018
I really am struggling with a decision to join this drop. I really do not mind spending the money--it is just the apprehension of the quality of the iem. I know Empire Ears has a sterling reputation and the quality will be outstanding...but still. Is there a better IEM for the money--as always personal sound preference is key.
I have spent over 20 thousand dollars on audio equipment the past two years---buying, reselling, upgrading, downgrading...blah blah blah...full size headphones, IEM's, amps, dacs
I get an IEM and just grow disappointed or too critical--always thinking.." Could I sell this and buy something else?"
I guess I should join a support group to address my serious audio equipment obsession.
switchstyle123
27
Sep 26, 2018
I don't think the shell materials should affect the audio quality, but I just feel that the looks and finish can be improved upon, considering that this is basically a $1K product. Other IEMs in the same price range, such as the Campfire Audio ones that people have been posting pictures of in this thread, use vastly better materials that look and (probably) last better over time.
jsmiller58
804
Sep 30, 2018
At the going prices for therapy, spending time and money on Massdrop may actually be cheaper... and, if you have a creative tax preparer might be written off as psychoacoustic therapy... :-)
stormmilk
90
Sep 21, 2018
This blue plastic exterior looks really cheap. It kind of reminds me of a pair of low end earbuds you get for 30 dollars.
jaydunndiddit
3262
Sep 21, 2018
stormmilkI always like being able to see the guts of my IEM personally . People say the same about clear shells but I find them to be the most visually appealing. The Shure 846 is a prime example of a "cheap" plastic exterior being done right.
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