Review: Earsonics EM10 – Emotion

Disclaimer: I was sent the Earsonics EM10 free of charge in exchange for this review. Earsonics is in no other way related to Headfonia and the sample doesn’t need to be returned

 

Earsonics

The French company doesn’t really need an introduction anymore as they have produced a whole series of internationally loved universal, as well as custom IEMs.

Earsonics is a European company which is based in the south of France. The company was founded around 10 years ago by Frank Lopez and Earsonics quickly gained a following in the audio community. How? Simply by making well built, great sounding gear.

This video nicely sums up what Earsonics is all about:

Earsonics however is not only active in the world of Inears but they’re also working on hearing protection and something they call Earpad Control. We’ll of course only be looking at the IEM part of their business on HFN. Their Inear division is divided in four major categories: Custom Inear monitors, Music-series, Signature-series and Classic-series. These last “ are all using universal shells.

In a field where data sheet and race for pure performance are rule, we forget the essential: What drives you to get the best, just to create this emotion that makes you forget everything else. Our headphones are developed in this way, create EMOTION …

Like all the other successful companies, Earsonics is working together with a whole series of famous international artists, and more info about that can be found on their website.

Links to the other IEMs we have reviewed:

S-EM6: https://www.headfonia.com/earsonics-s-em6-the-liaison/

S-EM6 V2: https://www.headfonia.com/review-earsonics-s-em6v2/

EM32: https://www.headfonia.com/earsonics-em32/

Velvet: https://www.headfonia.com/earsonics-velvet-tunably-addictive/

S-EM9: https://www.headfonia.com/review-earsonics-s-em9-shivers/

ES2 + ES3: https://www.headfonia.com/earsonics-es2-and-es3-review-jumeaux/

ES5: https://www.headfonia.com/review-earsonics-es5/

That’s quite the list!

Just last week Earsonics has announced a new unit named Birdy and no it’s not an inear monitor. Birdy is a Bluetooth unit that makes all of your IEMs wireless. It’s not the first device of this kind of course but I have to admit it looks very nice. Maybe I’ll get Nathan – our wireless expert/freak – to review it for you.

EM10

The EM10 is a custom IEM only and it comes with 10 Balanced Armature drivers and a 3-way crossover. Earsonics states that the EM10 is the custom version based on the S-EM9’s fantastic DNA. From what we can read it took about 2 years to develop this unique product and it is Earsonics’ top of the line product.

The Earsonics EM10 product page can be found here: http://www.earsonics.com/in-ear-monitors/en/em10/

The EM10’s configuration for the balanced armatures is particular and it comes in a 2-4-4 combo with a double BA for the lows and two times four drivers for the mids and highs. With this configuration some might expect a mid and treble focused monitor but it’s so much more than that. We’ll get back in to this in the chapter on sound, later in this article.

Pretty particular is the use of the HQ 3-way passive crossover with impedance corrector, but all I can say is that it works like a charm.

Official info

LEGACY

The EM10 results from our expertise and the experience acquired over the past years working with professionals from the audio field.

INNOVATION

More than a simple concentration of our knowledge, the EM10 goes further with the development of new 100% proprietary drivers as well as the exclusive use of our 3-channel asymmetrical output canal profile, always with the aim of improving sound quality and musicality through an ever more realistic sound stage.

PERSONALITY

The EM10 is defined, in terms of sound rendition, by two important adjectives in the eyes of passionate audiophiles : musicality and respect of stamps, EarSonics’ Leitmotiv since its creation.

EXCELLENCE

The EM10 becomes the ultimate flag of our knowledge and passion for music and sound.  The EM10 combines demanding design, custom manufacturing and above all high quality sound restitution.

If you’re looking for the best musicality experience, the EM10 is the earphone you want.

Technical Specifications

Sensitivity: 119 dB/mW
Frequency response : 10 Hz -20 kHz
DCR: 26,6 ohms
Driver: 10 balanced armature drivers,

Crossover: HQ 3-way passive crossover with impedance corrector.

Breakdown

In contrary to a normal review I will use the same breakdown as I always do for my Custom Inear reviews:

  1. Build quality & Comfort
  2. Personalisation
  3. Cable
  4. Price & Accessories
  5. Customer Service
  6. Sound
  7. Comparisons
  8. Synergy

It all starts on Page Two of this article, click HERE or use the link below 

4.3/5 - (28 votes)
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Lieven is living in Europe and he's the leader of the gang. He's running Headfonia as a side project next to his full time day job in Digital Marketing & Consultancy. He's a big fan of tube amps and custom inear monitors and has published hundreds of product reviews over the years.

3 Comments

  • Reply June 14, 2018

    Edward

    Hi Lieven, great review. I’m wondering how would you compare this against Aether? Which according to you has better tone, richer and higher resolution? Thanks

    • Reply June 20, 2018

      Lieven

      let me get back to you on that!

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