We explore 12 of the most pricey in-ear monitors available today.
In-ear monitors (IEMs or earphones as they are sometimes referred) are an intimate alternative to traditional headphones, in that they insert and transmit sound directly into the ear canal. They create a different reproduction of sound and are far more dependent on proper fit. Many audio enthusiasts and professionals around the world rely on, and prefer, IEMs over full-sized headphones.
Many of the models showcased here on this list are manufacturers’ flagship models, meaning the best they have to offer. They serve as a showcase for innovation, technology, engineering, build quality, and the relentless pursuit of perfection in sound reproduction.
In doing so, they win our fascination, our want, and establish true professional credibility amongst peers and giants in the audio world. Enjoy reading about these astonishing creations! Even better, please share your stories with us if you’re one of the few who have experienced them yourself!
| Model | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | oBravo Ra-c-cu | $12,333 USD |
| 2 | oBravo eamt-1c | $5,808 USD |
| 3 | Vision Ears ERLKÖNIG Limited Edition | $5,117 USD |
| 4 | Noble Audio Khan Prestige | $3,900 USD |
| 5 | ULTRASONE Saphire | $3,653 USD |
| 6 | 64 Audio Fourté | $3,599 USD |
| 7 | Empire Ears Wraith | $3,499 USD |
| 8 | Astell&Kern Layla AION | $3,499 USD |
| 9 | Vision Ears ELYSIUM | $3,048 USD |
| 10 | 64 Audio A18s | $2,999 USD |
| 11 | Audeze LCDi4 | $2,495 USD |
| 12 | UE Live CSX | $2,299 USD |
oBravo Ra-c-cu & Ra Signature Series
- Retail Price: $12,729 USD
After spending twelve years of research and development, oBravo’s results have been extensively awarded in industry. Apart from their technical achievements, oBravo incorporates materials such as wood from acacia confusa (a native Taiwanese tree also known as Formosa wattle) and advanced ceramics to construct their earphones.
The Ra-c-cu version is seen as the epitome of the Ra Signature series and uses a copper chassis, PVD coated for protection.
All Ra models use a huge 16mm driver and patented Air Motion Transformer Tweeter (AMT) II driver, stated to be up to 5 times faster than a normal dynamic earphone. The top three ‘c’ versions indicate that the front cavity is made of precision ceramic. Due to its inert properties, sound is as accurate as possible. Other versions are constructed of either wood or aluminium alloy.
All of the models in oBravo’s Ra series feature a back cavity constructed of Acacia Wood. Here are the variations:
- Flagship Ra-c-cu (Outer Housing – Copper; Front Cavity – Advanced Ceramics)
- Ra-c-ti (Outer Housing – Titanium Alloy; Front Cavity – Advanced Ceramics)
- Ra-c (Outer Housing – Aluminum Alloy; Front Cavity – Advanced Ceramics)
- Ra-w (Outer Housing – Aluminum Alloy; Front Cavity – Acacia Wood)
- Ra-a (Outer Housing – Aluminum Alloy; Front Cavity – Aluminum Alloy)
A new custom cable, called the Newton Signature, consists of high purity copper and silver-plated copper in a litz construction with a quick click release, 4-in-1 connector system (enables quick-swap between 4.4mm, 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4-pole 3.5mm).
Technical tidbits
- Style: IEMs
- Driver: 8mm AMTII tweeter + 16mm neodymium dynamic driver, coaxial design
- Impedance: 182 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 93db
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 45kHz
- Cable Length and Type:
- 1.2m high purity copper and silver-plated copper in a litz construction
- Plug Type: 2.5mm / 3.5mm / 4.4mm / 4-pole 3.5mm straight plug
- Connector: Proprietary
Where to buy
oBravo eamt-1c
- Retail Price: $5,808 USD
oBravo’s eamt Reference series of earphones are similar to the Ra Signature series, sharing coaxial design and the incorporation of their patented AMT tweeter, which is up to 5 times faster than a normal dynamic earphone. Compared to the Ra Series, the eamt models have smaller dynamic drivers and are tuned differently. They are far easier to drive from any source, including mobile phones.
The eamt-1c is the top of this line, employing a combination of thermo-modified acacia wood, aluminum alloy, and advanced ceramics.
There are many variations of the eamt-1, including those with smaller dynamic drivers and a wide variety of materials used for enclosures.
Technical tidbits
- Style: IEMs
- Driver: 8mm AMTII tweeter + 13mm neodymium dynamic driver, coaxial design
- Impedance: 16 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 105db
- Frequency Response: 15Hz – 45kHz
- Cable Length and Type:
- 1.2m — 3.5mm earphone cable
- Plug Type: 3.5mm straight plug, 6.3mm with included adapter
- Connector: Proprietary
Where to buy
Vision Ears ERLKÖNIG Limited Black Edition
- Retail Price: $5,117 USD
Predominantly known for high quality bespoke in-ear headphones, the ERLKÖNIG (Elf King) is Vision Ears’ first universal in-ear earphone. Designed and handcrafted in Cologne, Germany, they are the world’s first universal in-ear earphone with interchangeable faceplates – available in silver, gold, rose gold, and black. The ERLKÖNIG Limited Black Edition is made of premium 925 silver. It is finished with a shiny black rhodium finish and is closed by the new faceplate in rose gold with the ERLKÖNIG pattern.
The ERLKÖNIG also offers the choice between four different sound types. There is a rotary switch under the exchangeable faceplate, which means that it remains invisible in everyday use.
Sound is produced by 13 compression drivers per earphone: four bass, four mid-range, four high-frequency drivers and a super tweeter. This power plant is controlled by a passive 5-way crossover to produce an outstanding sound with deeply graduated precision and clarity.
The body is lacquered in black so that the fine structure of the wood is still visible. The cable tie and the carry case are made of the finest Italian calfskin and embossed with a special Lizard pattern, which gives them a unique and luxurious touch.
Technical tidbits
- Style: IEMs, with ear hook cable
- Driver: 13 balanced armature drivers per earphone: 4 low + 4 mid + 4 high + 1 super tweeter
- Impedance: 16 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 105db
- Frequency Response: 15Hz – 45kHz
- Cable Length and Type:
- Black sheathed 8-wire 28 AWG OCC silver cable with 2-pin connectors (unknown length)
- Plug Type: 3.5mm straight plug
- Connector: 2-pin (unknown size)
Where to buy
Noble Audio Khan Prestige (Lot 13.7)
- Retail Price: $3,900 USD
“Instead of beginning with a liquid medium traditionally used to create IEM and CIEMs, Prestige pieces are crafted entirely from solid art mediums such as exotic wood and other aesthetically stimulating materials.” – Noble Audio
The Prestige Lot 13.7 is Noble’s multiple award winning Khan with Afzelia faceplates and Russian Birch shell. There are many options to choose from in the Prestige line at equivalent prices with varying faceplate and shell materials, all visually stunning.
The Khan features tri-level hybrid technology. There are 6 drivers per earphone, consisting of 4 balanced armature drivers, 1 10mm dynamic driver, and 1 10mm piezoelectric driver. Stainless steel nozzles ensure durability and comfort.
Technical tidbits
- Style: IEMs, with ear hook cable
- Driver: 6 per IEM: 4 balanced armature drivers, 1 10mm dynamic driver, and 1 10mm piezoelectric driver
- Impedance: Unknown
- Sensitivity: Unknown
- Frequency Response: Unknown
- Cable Length and Type:
- Multiple 2-pin (.78mm) detachable cable options are available
- Plug Type: choice of 2.5mm, 3.5mm, 4.4mm plugs
- Connector: Standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors
Where to buy
ULTRASONE Saphire
- Retail Price: $3,653 USD
ULTRASONE is a special company, combining exclusive materials, high precision, and a lot of passion. They have a distinct and highly public commitment to environmentalism, with high standards for sustainable product design from start to finish.
The aluminum Saphire earphones are designed and built by hand in ULTRASONE’s workshop in Bavaria, Germany. They feature six drivers per earphone, achieving a uniquely detailed sonic image across the whole frequency spectrum. Deep, concise bass is produced by two BA drivers in the low frequencies, one BA driver for each the mid and high spectrum, and two electrostatic drivers highlighting super-high frequencies. Saphire earphones come with high-quality cables for both balanced and unbalanced operation.
Technical tidbits
- Style: IEMs, with ear hook cable
- Driver: 6 driver 4-way hybrid technology: 4 balanced armature drivers and dual electrostatic tweeters per earphone
- Impedance: 25 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 106db
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 50kHz
- Cable Length and Type:
- High-quality balanced and unbalanced cables (unknown length)
- Plug Type: 3.5mm straight plug
- Connector: gold-plated 2-pin (unknown size)
Where to buy
64 Audio Fourté
- Retail Price: $3,599 USD
64 Audio’s mission is to inspire musicians and music lovers to unearth a deeper connection with music through extraordinary sounding products and meaningful relationships. They are one of the most innovative in-ear monitor manufacturers in the industry.
tia™ is a tubeless design that reduces resonance for a transparent and lifelike sound signature. There are three major elements: open balanced armature tia drivers, the tia single-bore design, and tia acoustic chambers. Fourté features the complete three-part tia™ system housed in an ergonomic shell, machined from a solid piece of aluminum and finished with elegant, copper patina faceplates.
An open balanced armature speaker design is used for realistic resolution and transparency. By doing so, the diaphragm becomes fully unobstructed, reducing resonance in the IEM and allowing sound to travel more naturally to the ear.
The Fourté uses a large bore that serves as a sound-shaping chamber and aids the tia high driver in delivering a linear and coherent frequency response. The short sound path provides remarkable high-frequency extension and smoothness while eliminating unwanted tube resonance.
Apex, or Air Pressure Exchange, is a pneumatically interactive vent that releases air pressure from a sealed ear canal. Apex comes in two variations, m15 (-15dB) and m20 (-20dB). Freely moving air extends the soundstage and provides a more natural listening experience. It also preserves bass frequencies and helps the listener distinguish individual instruments.
Technical tidbits
- Style: IEMs, with memory wire ear hook cable
- Driver: 3 precision balanced armature drivers (1 high, 1 high-mid, 1 mid) + 1 dynamic driver (low) per IEM
- Impedance: 10 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 114db
- Frequency Response: 5Hz – 22kHz
- Crossover: integrated 4-way passive crossover
- Isolation: -20dB internal apex technology
- Cable Length and Type:
- 48” detachable premium cable
- Plug Type: 3.5mm right-angle plug
- Connector: 7-pin (proprietary)
Where to buy
Empire Ears Wraith
- Retail Price: $3,499 USD
Empire Ears has long prided itself for home-grown craftsmanship, with artisans donning lab coats and honing years of OEM factory experience before being entrusted to handle the Empire lineage. Empire Ears in-ear monitor is proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in Norcross, Georgia USA.
The Wraith is the world’s first Quad Electrostatic IEM. The Wraith utilizes a number of proprietary balanced armature drivers by Knowles and Sonion, each one purpose built for a specific target response. In total, there are 11 drivers per earphone.
Furthermore, each Empire driver utilizes a NASA-born ferromagnetic liquid technology, Ferrofluid, to dampen acoustics peaks and reduce vibrations in combination with our A.R.C. technology. The end result is extraordinary clarity and increased shock durability.
The extreme level of detail achieved by The Wraith is possible through the innovation of EIVEC – Empire Intelligent Variable Electrostatic Control – technology. This utilizes two transformers to bring the Quadruple Electrostatic Drivers into order, dividing the duties of the EST drivers, and blending them seamlessly with the seven balanced armature drivers which fill out the rest of the robust sound profile.
The Wraith comes standard with their new and exclusive “Amethyst Infused Carbon Fiber” faceplate and a handcrafted Cleopatra cable by Effect Audio.
Technical tidbits
- Style: IEMs, with ear hook cable
- Driver: 4 electrostatic drivers + 7 proprietary Empire balanced armature drivers (2 low, 3 mid, 2 high, 4 super-high) per IEM
- Impedance: 4 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 117db
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 100kHz
- Cable Length and Type:
- UPOCC (Ultra Pure Silver) 26AWG Handcrafted Cable by Effect Audio (unknown length)
- Plug Type: 3.5mm, 24k Oyaide gold-plated right angle plug (2.5mm and 4.4mm balanced terminations are available at no additional charge)
- Connector: gold-plated 2-pin (unknown size)
Where to buy
Astell&Kern Layla AION
- Retail Price: $3,499 USD
Astell means ‘Stars’ in Latin and Kern means ‘Center’ in German. Astell&Kern’s pursuit is to provide the natural and original sound without distortion. Layla AION universal fit earphones are manufactured in Orlando, Florida.
Each Layla AION begins as a carbon fiber block formed by compressing hundreds of layers of resin-infused carbon fiber fabric. After undergoing an initial machining process, and then a secondary hand shaping process, Layla AION are precision tuned using state-of-the-art equipment and assembled by hand. A striking faceplate design of red and black pearloid with oversized chrome logos makes Layla AION one of the most visually appealing universal fit earphones.
Each earphone’s 3D-printed chamber, known as the Sonic Tube Chassis™, houses a proprietary 12-driver configuration. A patented technology, freqPhase™, ensures the correct phase and time alignment of all frequencies, resulting in the most accurate music reproduction of any earphone available.
Technical tidbits
- Style: IEMs, with memory wire ear hook cable
- Driver: 12 proprietary balanced armature drivers per earphone (quad low, quad mid and quad high)
- Impedance: 20 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 117db
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 30kHz
- Cable Length and Type:
- High purity OFC 4N silver-plated litz wire cable (length unknown)
- Plug Type: German-made, military grade, iridium connector; 2.5mm 4-pole balanced straight plug, plus a 2.5mm to 3.5mm silver-plated OFC litz wire cable adapter
- Connector: 7-pin (proprietary)
Where to buy
Vision Ears ELYSIUM
- Retail Price: $3,048 USD
For the ELYSIUM, VIsione Ears did something highly counterintuitive, using a single balanced armature for full, yet precise bass, and a dynamic driver for midrange frequencies. The dynamic driver is optimized with a “High Precision Acoustic Leveling Chamber“ (HALC), finely tuning the sound of the driver to the highest accuracy possible. For high frequencies, dual state-of-the-art electrostatic drivers are employed.
Technical tidbits
- Style: IEMs, with ear hook cable
- Driver: 1 dynamic driver (mids), 1 balanced armature (lows), and dual electrostatic tweeters (highs) per earphone
- Impedance: 16 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 105db
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40kHz
- Cable Length and Type:
- Premium custom-made 8-wire, 28AWG balanced silver-plated copper cable with 2-pin connectors (unknown length)
- Plug Type: 2.5mm Oyaide balanced connector straight plug
- Connector: Standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors
Where to buy
64 Audio A18s
- Retail Price: $2,999 USD
Designed for professionals on stage and in the studio, the A18s is the final authority on flagship in-ear monitors that boast elite performance. Based on the world’s first 18-driver per earphone, they provide the clarity and precision necessary for sound engineering with the warmth, power, and headroom demanded by musicians taking the stage.
In addition to technology used in the Fourté, the A18 feature LID (Linear Impedance Design), enabling a consistent, reliable sound regardless of source. This proprietary circuit corrects the non-linear impedances of the drivers, restoring proper interaction with the source and preserving the desired sound signature. The result is an IEM that can work well with both high-impedance professional equipment and low-impedance audiophile equipment.
3D-Fit technology preserves the detail of your ear impressions using a new process of digital rendering and 3D printing. Final shells are created using a state-of-the-art 3D printer with hypoallergenic hard acrylic. Compared to conventional wax-dip molding, this process reduces distortion in the impression for the most precise and comfortable custom in-ear monitors available.
Technical tidbits
- Style: IEMs, with memory wire ear hook cable
- Driver: 18 precision balanced armature drivers per earphone (1 tia high, 1 high-mid, 8 mid, 8 low)
- Impedance: 8 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 106db
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 20kHz
- Crossover: integrated 4-way passive crossover
- Isolation: -20dB with m20 module, -15dB with m15 module
- Cable Length and Type:
- 48″ or 64″ detachable professional cable
- Plug Type: 3.5mm right-angle plug
- Connector: Choice of 2-pin or IPX connectors
Where to buy
Audeze LCDi4
- Retail Price: $2,495 USD
Audeze is a high-end audio headphone manufacturer founded in 2008. Their technology has set the standard for planar magnetic headphones and earphones. Their Double Fluxor™ Magnetic Array set the record as the most powerful open magnetic circuit ever created, ensuring that their Flagship drivers are able to reproduce any audio signal with unrivaled accuracy and power.
The Nano-scale diaphragms used in the LCD Flagship series, including the LCDi4, are some of the thinnest in the world, providing extremely fast and accurate transient responses which capture every musical detail with precision and near zero distortion.
The LCDi4 is clearly unlike any other earphone on this list or anywhere. Audeze refers to them as semi-open in-ear headphones. The flagship open-back planar magnetic LCDi4 is essentially a scaled-down version of Audeze’s flagship over-ear LCD-4 headphones. They use the same super-thin diaphragm and magnet materials, plus the same Nano-scale Uniforce™ technology. Audeze believes that the single planar driver design produces a greater level of coherency than multi-driver IEMs and retains the benefits of an open-back headphone.
Technical tidbits
- Style: Semi-open-back in-ear headphones, with ear hook attachment options
- Driver: Single 30mm planar magnetic (Fluxor™ magnet array); neodymium N50 magnet
- Diaphragm type: Nano-scale Uniforce™
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 110db
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 50kHz
- Maximum SPL: >130dB
- THD: <0.1% @ 100dB
- Minimum power requirement: >50mW
- Maximum power handling: 500mW RMS
- Cable Length and Type:
- 1.2m OCC silver-plated, premium braided cable, with .78mm 2-pin connectors
- CIPHER Bluetooth module included
- Plug Type: 3.5mm gold-plated TRRS plug
- Connector: Standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors
Where to buy
Ultimate Ears Live CSX
- Retail Price: $2,299 USD
The Ultimate Ears journey began in the back of a Van Halen tour bus in 1995, when they developed the first in-ear monitor to help drummer Alex Van Halen protect his hearing and improve his performance. Over the last 25 years, their relentless pursuit of innovation and craftsmanship has led UE to become the monitor-of-choice for thousands of legendary artists and music enthusiasts.
The UE LIVE CSX is the pinnacle of Ultimate Ears’ product line for non-professionals. The special design of the CSX series uses the same exceptional technology as the Pro series and extends access to those who want extraordinary professional sound and total comfort that supports everyday use. They feature high passive noise isolation and a unique driver configuration: 8 balanced armature drivers, 1 “True Tone Plus” driver, and 1 6mm neodymium dynamic speaker per earphone.
After you place your order, you will receive a universal at-home “UE Fitkit” that uses cutting-edge technology to make an impression of your ears in minutes. This DIY process creates a highly accurate impression of your ears and bypasses the need to see an audiologist to get a professional mold (used for UE PRO). Then, mail back the Fitkit with the included prepaid shipping label and UE will handcraft your bespoke earphones from scratch.
UE guarantees that the result will be all day comfortable and provide an ideal experience for everyday listening. Not only are UE CSX earphones customized to the shape of your ears, you can choose from a wide range of custom faceplate colors and premium materials like wood and mother of pearl. You can even upload your own custom artwork or switch up your style any time you want with UE SWITCH interchangeable faceplates.
Technical tidbits
- Style: IEMs, with ear hook cable
- Driver: 8 balanced armature drivers, 1 “True Tone Plus” driver, and 1 6mm neodymium dynamic speaker per earphone
- Impedance: 10 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 105db
- Frequency Response: 5Hz – 40kHz
- Noise Isolation: -26db of ambient noise
- Cable Length and Type:
- Swappable IPX auxiliary cable with microphone, IPX Bluetooth cable with microphone, plus an extra battery for Bluetooth cable (unknown length)
- Plug Type: 3.5mm
- Connector: Standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors
Where to buy
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this journey into the exotic. All are state-of-the-art and represent the finest of engineering and craftsmanship. Each of these IEMs and earphones endeavor to recreate the realism of live music and sound. If this is your personal ambition – seek these out, experience them for yourself, and invest in these exclusive pieces of art and technology.
Remember to please share your stories with us if you’re one of the few who have experienced them or fortunate enough to be an owner!
