Today, Marcus reviews the Vision Ears EXT MKII, a second-generation high-end dual dynamic and quad EST multi-driver universal IEM priced at $3400.
Disclaimer: This was sent as a sample in return for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or services. I thank the team at Vision Ears for their support.
Click here to read more about Vision Ears products I have reviewed on Headfonics
Note that this article follows our latest scoring guidelines, which you can read in more detail here.
It is quite rare for Vision Ears to do a ‘Mark II’ of any of their in-ear monitors. There was the Elysium and the Elysium Extended, however, I consider these two to be very different monitors much in the same vein as the Phonix drew inspiration from the Erlkonig.
So, the recent launch of the EXT MKII was not something I was expecting but given a lot was drawn from the original EXT owner’s feedback, it seems to have refined a few key areas.
This new version targets key aspects such as the overall comfort levels of the innovative shell designs, the bass accuracy, and the midrange clarity. We also have a second grey color scheme to complement the original cool purple neon-punk design.
Sadly, the price has gone up from €2650 to €3100 or $3400 in the US though prices have hardly remained static in this hobby since the EXT was launched 3 years ago.
The question is, does the new and more balanced sound signature still retain the incredible weight and power of the original, or has it lost its mojo to the likes of the VE10? I find out in my full review below.
Features
At a high level, the EXT MKII premise is unchanged from the original. This hybrid dynamic and electrostatic driver model can be described as unusual due to the omission of BA drivers, typically the ‘audio glue’ manufacturers use to bridge the dynamic with the EST.
In this instance, we have two dynamic drivers for the lows and the mids and four EST drivers in a dual (2×2) array for the highs and ultra-highs with a 3-way crossover.
A big difference between the old and the new EXT MKII is the re-designed 9mm dynamic driver used for the lows, the results of which I will explain in more detail in my sound impression on page two of this review.
I presume Vision Ears’ Chief tuner, Oliver Marino, used a similar driver since the impedance and SPL are unchanged at 10Ω and 108.5 dB/mW SPL @ 1KHz (100mV).
For the EXT MKII mids, it is the same HALC-chambered 6mm dynamic driver with the STC or side tuning chamber. This one has also been tweaked with a bit more presence than the more neutral sound of the original EXT.
Both drivers still use a Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) surround to reduce distortion, an Al-Mg Alloy diaphragm, and Rare Earth N52 Neodymium Magnets to keep the EXT MKII performance tight, fast, and articulate.
Design
I honestly did not know there was a grey version of the EXT MKII shells before VE shipped out my review sample.
I’m not complaining, but I think the purple is more attractive than the grey alternative. The problem is that I now have two similar-looking shells that can easily get mixed up if I am not paying close attention.
How does one distinguish between an EXT purple shell and an EXT MKII purple shell? The best way is to inspect the nozzle since this is where the most obvious design changes occur.
The EXT MKII nozzle is now narrower, and if my eyes are not deceiving me, the unique perpendicular nozzle angle has also been softened slightly with less aggressive curving.
As you will see below, the nozzle size was one of the main criticisms of the original model. Not only did some complain it was slightly uncomfortable, but rolling ear tips was a torturous process, especially with the stiff stems of the stock AZLA crystal tips.
Aside from that, not much else has changed. If you are a first-time visitor the EXT MKII shells are tiny, some of the smallest in the business aside from Westone’s W-series universal IEMs.
This is a 2-piece design with a mix of classic VE anodized purple for the plate and a highly contoured and elongated smoky transparent black acrylic shell. The nozzle is finished with a wire mesh guard with a quad-bore exit underneath.
The EXT MKII’s CNC machined aluminum plate is finished with an attractive X-style grid with the lines etched deep into the shell rather than printed and a silvery vacuum metalized mesh just underneath for venting. It has a strong 80s cyberpunk vibe and still looks cool and unique in 2024.
Comfort & Isolation
Aside from the revised tuning, this is the most tangible difference from the original EXT. The EXT MKII is slightly comfier and with just a minor tweak to hit the sweet spot, it also isolates just as well as before using the same set of tips.
The reduced nozzle diameter and what seems to be just a hint of additional smoothness on the perpendicular angling of the EXT MKII’s unique shell reduce the outward pressure on my ear canal making it a comfortable yet very secure fitting.
The circular nozzle is most appreciated with the supplied stock tips. On the older model, I had a horrible time fitting the AZLA crystal tips and ended up using the SpinFit CP145 stock tips instead for the last 3 years. The offshoot after 3 years is a warped tip stem that only works with the EXT nozzle and is now too loose for other IEMs.
I had no issues slipping on the new AZLA SednaEarfit SE1500 transparent stock tips to the new EXT MKII nozzle. Out of the two sets of stock ear tips they provide the more secure fit.
However, I still ended up with the SpinFit CP145 as they are more malleable and slightly comfier in the ear. They also produce a more natural tone in the EXT MKII’s mids and highs compared to the SE1500’s which introduced a stronger treble overtone in the vocal and mids timbre.
Stock Cable
The EXT MKII stock cable seems unchanged from the EXT version save for switching to 4.4mm by default instead of the older 2.5mm TRRS termination.
Kudos updating to the modern 4.4mm by default but for some unknown reason, the accessory lineup still includes a 2.5mm to 4.4mm conversion adaptor which must be some oversight when packing. I would have preferred a 4.4mm to 3.5mm or a reverse 4.4mm to 2.5 mm adaptor was included.
For those new to the EXT MKII stock cable this is a 1.2m 28AWG 8-wire SPC insulated in 200d Kevlar for each wire and wrapped in a tightly braided black PVC jacket. The cable has memory coating at the terminations but it’s low profile and barely noticeable.
The color-coordinated matte black connector and jack barrels are unchanged save for a larger 4.4mm version. The splitter in the middle is also made of stainless steel but coated in a matching black color.
The EXT MKII stock cable is slightly thicker than your normal 4-wire version but the 28AWG rating keeps it manageable. This is a flexible cable, entirely memory-free with a low microphonic performance.
Packaging & Accessories
Aside from the changed graphics on the outer sleeve to denote this is the EXT MKII model the packaging and contents of this version are almost an exact duplicate of the original EXT.
This is not a bad thing because Vision Ears always creates some great unboxing experiences and this one is no exception.
Once the sleeve is removed you get a foldout display with everything beautifully organized and protected in their separate slots or mini cardboard containers.
In my opinion, the EXT MKII accessory lineup is premium though not quite as grandiose as the original articulating box of the older Elysium. You get two sets of ear tips, the SE1500s and the CP145s, spare filter guards, a nice document wallet for your warranty card, and a genuine leather key chain.
You also get the adaptor but as mentioned, it’s a bit silly since it cannot be used with the stock cable. Hopefully, VE will change that pretty quickly to something more functional.
You also get this very cool dual leather pocket for keeping the EXT MKII shells safe during transportation inside the matching purple aluminum puck-style carry case.
The leather case will fit in the rather handsomely sized case which is not very pocketable. Further protection is added to the carry case with a rubber inlay to prevent any accidental damage when in use.
Click on page 2 below for my sound impressions and recommended pairings.
