Empire Ears Legend Evo (Universal)
Built for bass devotees, the Legend Evo combines visceral sub-bass with rich vocals, crisp layering and remarkably precise spatial cues. Audio Rabbit Hole highlights its controlled low-end separation, while The Headphone Show praises its exceptional detail retrieval and imaging. This is a warm, immersive flagship IEM that makes dense mixes feel expansive, physical and effortlessly organized.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
94/100
Fit Comfort Isolation
67/100
Build Accessories
84/100
Value for Money
88/100
Pros
Thunderous, deeply extended bass remains tight, textured and clearly separated from the mids.
Exceptional resolution, instrument separation and pinpoint imaging keep complex arrangements intelligible.
Rich, naturally weighted midrange gives vocals and instruments substantial body without shoutiness.
Cons
Large universal shells can be cumbersome, requiring readjustment and causing fatigue or discomfort during longer sessions.
Treble favors smoothness and coherence over maximum upper-octave sparkle and air; one review also noted slight lower-treble glare.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
Reviewers consistently describe a warm, full-bodied flagship presentation built around exceptionally deep, controlled bass and rich, natural vocals. Its technical performance is widely praised for its separation, imaging, and layered presentation, while the main tonal reservation is a somewhat relaxed upper-treble region with a touch of lower-treble glare for one reviewer.
Bass
96/100
The bass receives unusually strong praise across the reviews: thunderous, visceral, deeply extended, textured, and punchy without becoming slow or bloated. MajorHiFi, Audio Rabbit Hole, The Headphone Show, Tone Deaf Monk, and Amplify Audio Reviews all highlight both its huge physical impact and its control.
Midrange
94/100
Reviewers find the midrange rich, clear, and naturally weighted, with lush vocals and substantial instrumental body. The Headphone Show notes that it avoids becoming forward or shouty, while Audio Rabbit Hole hears a close balance between body and transparency.
Treble
88/100
Treble is generally smooth, clean, and coherent, with reviewers praising its natural transition from the mids and lack of harshness. The Headphone Show does note slight glare around 5kHz and would prefer more energy, sparkle, and air above 8kHz, so it is not the most overtly airy flagship tuning.
Resolution Separation
97/100
This is a major strength. Reviewers repeatedly praise razor-sharp layering, highly intelligible busy passages, pinpoint placement, and unusually clear retrieval of vocal and instrumental nuances; The Headphone Show calls it the best detail performance they had experienced from an IEM.
Soundstage Imaging
95/100
The Evo is praised for precise positional imaging, strong stereo separation, convincing depth, and a spacious yet organized presentation. MajorHiFi finds the stage concentrated rather than excessively airy, but still notes highly accurate left-to-right movement and ample room for large images.
Dynamics Coherence
94/100
The reviews portray the Evo as forceful and lively while keeping its substantial bass from obscuring upper-frequency detail. Audio Rabbit Hole and Tone Deaf Monk specifically praise its cohesive integration, while its crisp attack, controlled decay, and powerful low-end impact support an energetic presentation.
FIT COMFORT ISOLATION PERFORMANCE 67/100
Fit is the Legend Evo's clearest practical compromise: its large housings work well for some listeners but caused repeated fatigue and awkward positioning for others. Reviewers provide little direct information about passive isolation, so prospective buyers should audition it or confirm retailer return terms if possible.
Seal Stability
78/100
Fit experiences are mixed. Tone Deaf Monk and Amplify Audio Reviews achieved a good fit, but MajorHiFi says the shell protrudes rather than settling naturally in the concha and relies on its wide nozzle for support, which can make the fit less secure across ear shapes.
Comfort
67/100
Multiple reviews identify the large shell as a limitation. MajorHiFi experienced regular readjustment and stretched ears over longer sessions, while The Headphone Show found the Evo fatiguing and slightly painful after roughly 30 minutes despite its contoured, relatively light shell.
Isolation
50/100
The supplied reviews say little about the Legend Evo's real-world passive isolation. Its fit-dependent shell design means isolation may vary substantially with ear anatomy and tip choice.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Accessories
84/100
The Evo includes useful Final Type E tips, a cleaning tool and cloth, a robust metal case, and a PWAudio Genesis OCC copper cable with 4.4mm termination. The Headphone Show calls the translucent shell sturdy and elegant, although Audio Rabbit Hole found the ergonomics average and did not find the finish especially premium.
Value for Money
88/100
At about $3,099, the Legend Evo is clearly a luxury flagship purchase rather than an accessible recommendation. The reviews frame its sound as sufficiently exceptional to support that premium for the right listener, with Tone Deaf Monk explicitly calling it worth the money, though there is little detailed comparison against competing flagships.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- Drivers
- 8 Proprietary Drivers, Tribrid Design 5 Proprietary Balanced Armature Drivers Weapon X (W10) 10.9mm Bone Conduction Ultra Driver
- Subwoofers
- 2 Next Generation W9+ Subwoofers
- Crossover Network
- 9-Way synX Crossover Network
- Architecture
- Dual Conduction Architecture
- Resonance Mitigation
- A.R.C. Resonance Mitigation Technology
- Impedance
- 3 Ohms @ 1kHz
- Frequency Response
- 5 Hz - 40kHz
- Sensitivity
- 108dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
- Cable & Termination
- Empire x PWAudio GENESIS Ultra Pure OCC Copper Cable, 4.4 Pentaconn Termination
Manufacturer's Description — Empire Ears
The story of the Legend EVO is one of revolution. Free from the constraints of convention and empowered by the skills gained from decades of experience, we knew that in order to develop a proper successor we had to take extraordinary new measures.
With a pioneering Dual Conduction Architecture and 8 driver tribrid system at its core the Legend EVO emits unprecedented levels of innovation and performance to create a new benchmark in the IEM industry.
The Legend EVO stands as the paragon of technical brilliance and it represents the boldest expression of Empire Ears.
AVAILABLE ONLY FROM OUR DEALER NETWORK - SHIPPING DEC 2021
Genesis
AWhen two companies share a passion for innovation, engineering prowess and constantly improving technology, extraordinary things happen. Introducing GENESIS, a bespoke, ultra premium cable designed specifically for Legend EVO to maximize synergy and performance from its pioneering Dual Conduction Architecture.
CABLE SPECIFICATION
24AWG Ultra-Pure OCC Copper
Quad Conductor, Polypropylene Reinforced Core
Insulated UV-Resistant Polyvinyl Chloride Sheath
4.4mm Balanced Pentaconn Termination
Dual Conduction Architecture
The Legend EVO fully exploits the best of both worlds with its pioneering Dual Conduction Architecture. A full range 5Hz-20kHz frequency response is delivered via air conduction from the dual W9+ subwoofers and 5 balanced armatures while imaging, soundstage, detail retrieval, low frequency extension and reverb is extraordinarily enhanced from 5Hz-40kHz via bone conduction from the W10.
Through the Dual Conduction Architecture and our masterful tuning the Legend EVO reproduces the most immersive, pure and stereophonic sound possible.
The Weapon X
Bone Conduction Ultra Driver
INTRODUCING THE W10 - When designing the most formidable bone conduction driver ever used in an IEM, it was of utmost important to carefully and thoroughly evaluate every facet of the W10 to ensure that no stone was left unturned. Every element of the W10 is hand selected, designed and vigorously tested for optimal bone conductivity performance.
STAINLESS STEEL CHASIS - The W10’s ultra robust nickel plated, sonic welded SPCC chassis is designed to eliminate any coloration that may occur from internal resonance or flex.
THE X FACTOR - The crown jewel and driving force of the W10 is its obscenely potent N52 neodymium magnet. N52 is the highest grade of neodymium currently available and its DNA consists of neodymium, iron and boron. The entirety of the W10’s design revolved around this very magnet.
PURE COPPER VOICECOIL - The voice coil is one of the most important aspects of the W10. When the electrical current of audio signal passes through the coil it creates a varying magnetic field that pushes and pulls against the W10’s magnet. By altering the current back and forth we’re able to generate immense levels of sonic vibrations throughout the W10’s chassis.
The W10 employs a pure copper voice coil optimized for accuracy in frequency and transient response. The consistency of winding tension, density of enamel, adhesive application techniques, dimensions and copper compositions were all factors that were essential for linearity, ultra low distortion and efficient heat dissipation.
RESONANCE & THE VIBRATIONAL MEMBRANE - The vibrational membrane is the exhaustively engineered interface between the magnetic properties and the acoustic capabilities of the W10. Constructed from steel and laser welded into place, each and every variable was critical during design. From the weight, stiffness and elasticity of the steel to the length and angle of the three cantilevered struts, breaking ground on the world’s most comprehensive and resolving bone conduction driver went beyond a labor of love and well into the realm of obsession.
THE EVOLUTIONARY DIFFERENCE - The Legend EVO is Empire through-and-through. Every element was designed and engineered from the ground up to deliver only the most exceptional listening experience. Unlike the competition the Legend EVO does not utilize bone conduction "vibration" cover plates, piezoelectric ceramics, ceramic layers/coatings, voltage boosters, electrostatics, a faceplate vent, metal vents, metal bending plates, metal nozzle nor a frequency divider circuit board of any kind to transmit vibrations via bone conduction.
The W10 is the most innovative and advanced bone conduction implementation in the IEM industry.
FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION - The Legend Evo pays homage to its predecessor, donning its minimalist appearance and classic color scheme but a closer look at the details reveals that all was honed around extraordinary, groundbreaking performance.
DUAL TRIPORT EXHAUSTS - Due to the nature of the W10’s extreme output the enclosure’s air volume and vent design were especially crucial for proper tuning. Even the slightest change in diameter and positioning had a dramatic effect on sound quality and performance.
By mastering the W10’s volume requirements we’re able to harness its optimal output, capabilities and potential.
ARC TREATED CHASSIS - Any flex in the enclosure walls will have unequal resonant frequencies and by treating the internals in critical areas with ARC we gain control of the room, allowing what gets reflected and/or absorbed. This eliminates any unwanted sound and allows the tone of the drivers to be as pure as possible.
PRECISION MOUNTED WEAPONS - The W10 is strategically ceiling mounted in a specially designed cavity at the top of the shell. This cavity is engineered to keep all sonic vibrations internal, maximizing bone conductivity transfer through the solid-filled ear canal.
SOUNDPROOF BARRIER - Low frequency energy causes even some of the most stable materials to resonate which is why we’ve sealed the shell with a custom spec cast polymer to channel the internal sonic vibrations towards the listener while reflecting any unwanted energy from the outside.
THE MIDAS TOUCH - The Legend Evo dons two significant logos in gold: The timeless Empire Wing span to signify our never-ending pursuit of extraordinary and the EVO logo which marks the evolution of IEM technology from Empire Ears.
What's in the box?
From the very beginning of our history, IEMs have represented dreams, hopes and aspirations. For Empire, a brand that aims to provide customers enlightened moments of pure listening euphoria, the development of Odin and Hero was an indispensable step. As a further highlight of over 30 years of excellence and our 5th anniversary year, we’re ecstatic to present the Founder’s Editions as a sincere, heart-felt Thank You to all those whom helped us come this far in The Pursuit of Extraordinary.
What's In The Box
Included in each box:
- In Ear Monitor
- The first 400 units come with a beautiful hand-crafted leather case
- Empire Cleaning Cloth
- Empire Cleaning Tool
- Final Audio Type E Tips - SS, S, M, L, LL
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Empire Ears Legend Evo (Universal)
- Audeos — online and in-store — Żywiec, Województwo śląskie (website)
- Audio essence — online and in-store — Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland (website)
- Audio Magic - EU — online and in-store — Wola, Województwo mazowieckie, Poland (website)
- Audio Sanctuary — in-store — London, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Aural HiFi — online and in-store — Denver, Colorado, United States (website)
- Bloom Audio — online and in-store — Gibbsboro, New Jersey, United States (website)
- HeadAmp — online and in-store — Charlottesville, Virginia, United States (website)
- Headphone Zone — online and in-store — Laxmi Industrial Estate, Maharashtra, India (website)
- Headphones.com — online and in-store — Portland, Oregon, United States (website)
- LP Gear — online and in-store — Henderson, Nevada, United States (website)
and 9 more verified dealers