Empire Ears – Legend Evo

The Legend EVO is a hybrid universal monitor with eight drivers in three different flavors. Instead of the flagship Odin’s mix of dynamic, BA, and electrostatic, you get a mix of dynamic, BA, and a brand new bone conduction driver system with a 9-Way synX Crossover Network.

The driver configuration consists of a dual Weapon IX+ subwoofer for the lows and five BA for the mids and highs. Then, via Empire Ears’ new Dual Conduction Architecture, you have that Weapon X Bone Conduction Ultra Driver as a ‘layer’ right across the level response curve, 5Hz-35kHz.

The dual stands for air conduction via the regular drivers (5Hz to 20kHz) and bone conduction to produce a deeper, almost tactile tone that dynamic drivers alone may not be able to produce.

The Legend EVO’s Weapon X Bone Conduction Ultra Driver is intended to flesh out the sub-bass, add more reverb, and thus deepen the soundstage. It is a very specific application.

Aesthetic Design with Optimum Comfort 

Consider the Legend X, but on a larger scale, and you have the basic design of the Legend Evo. Its housing is quite large, making it difficult to wear. The initial fit is not very natural and can be irritating at times. Its outer shell does not sit in your concha rather, it protrudes from your ear, supported by its wide spout.

Empire Ears’ build is typical. That’s great news. The shells are black and transparent. On the left side, there is a gold Evo, and on the right, there are gold Empire Ears. They have a nice 3D appearance and are very high quality.

Empire’s Weapon X driver system is back with new bone conduction features and a pure copper voice coil. Its dual conduction architecture also includes five balanced armatures and W9+ subwoofers, which are aided by a nine-way crossover network that organizes Evo’s numerous systems to ensure a coherent signal flow.

Empire Ears – Legend Evo Sound Quality 

The EVO’s overall sound signature is that of a bass-emphasized IEM. Bass is obviously more forward than all other frequencies, and it is far from neutral. It is unquestionably a “fun and engaging” IEM that immerses you in your music.

Bass is very important in Legend Evo’s sound signature. The lows are of exceptional quality, reaching very deep into the sub-bass with outstanding resolution and precision. When looking at the entire frequency response, the overall bass is seated more forward. 

Making it the focus of your attention during your first listening sessions with it. The lows have a great pump and drive, which makes listening to genres like Hip Hop or electronic a lot of fun.

The energy in Legend Evo’s lows is very distinct. It’s exciting and powerful, which is exactly what you want when listening to The Roots, Cypress Hill, or DJ Hell.  Evo’s lows have a lot of weight, punch, and impact.

The EVO’s sound stage and imaging are outstanding. The sound stage is definitely wide, with enough width and height to really appreciate what’s going on within a track. Imaging is also impressive, and the EVO excels at providing a detailed experience to the listener. The EVO is unquestionably a technical IEM.

Final Thought about Empire Ears – Legend Evo

The visceral quality of the sound, and the way you experience it both inside and outside of your body, distinguishes the Legend EVO from other IEMs, including its predecessor, the Legend X. However, the EVO has a large soundstage that allows all instruments to be heard rather than being drowned out by the bass.

The Legend Evo has a natural sound that is complemented by incredible technical performance and a powerful and dynamic low end that will have you bopping your head to the beat.

When you look at Empire Ears’ artist roster, it’s easy to see why they tune their monitors the way they do. These are top-tier audiophile monitors that set the standard for Hip Hop artists. Oh my goodness, that bass!

Empire Ears – Legend Evo TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Dual W9+ Subwoofers
• Five Precision Balanced Armatures
• Weapon X Bone Conduction Ultra Driver
• 9-Way synX Crossover Network
• Dual Conduction Architecture
• ARC Resonance Mitigation Technology
• Impedance: 4.5 Ohms @ 1kHz
• Frequency Response: 5Hz-35kHz
• Sensitivity: 103dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
• Empire X PWAudio “GENESIS” Ultra Pure OCC Copper Cable, 4.4 Pentaconn Termination