EXT MK II Limited Edition

Our limited edition of the EXT MK II comes with a gorgeous shimmering golden faceplate and a matching CNC-milled golden case. Strictly limited to 200 units, it is the last era of the legendary EXT - before it goes into well-deserved retirement.

Also available in a standard edition here

Renowned for its high-performance electrostatic drivers, the EXT has won numerous awards and received high praise from top reviewers worldwide. With the EXT MK II, we've taken this excellence further by refining the low-frequency response for greater accuracy and detail, while enhancing the clarity of the mids. Now, the EXT MK II delivers an even more natural and immersive listening experience, providing unmatched depth and balance across all frequencies. Experience your music like never before with precision that resonates.

Key Features at a Glance

• Exclusive Design: Features a shimmering golden faceplate and a CNC-milled golden case, limited to only 200 units.
• Upgraded Effect Audio Cable (4.4mm): Custom-designed cable with copper, silver, and gold alloy blend for enhanced high-frequency presence and open-back headphone-like soundstage.
• Enhanced Low-Frequency Response: Redesigned 9.2mm dynamic driver for deeper, more impactful bass.
• HALC and STC Tuning for Mids: Second-generation HALC and Side Tuning Chamber (STC) for precise and natural midrange performance.
• High-Precision Electrostatic Tweeters: Four EST drivers deliver airy highs with clarity and detail, providing a lifelike listening experience.
• Premium Materials: Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) surrounds and N52 Neodymium magnets in dynamic drivers for low distortion and increased SPL.
• Machined Aluminium Case: Precision-engineered case with a rubber lining and leather pocket to protect the monitors.
• Technical Aesthetics: Open-back headphone-inspired design with an aluminum acoustic mesh and “X” faceplate.
• Advanced Cable Materials: Proprietary multi-size core bundle Litz blend with EA Ultra Flexi™ insulation for optimal flexibility and durability.
• Unmatched Sound Precision: Combines electrostatic, dynamic, and tuning technologies to deliver immersive, balanced sound across all frequencies.

Upgrade cable by Effect Audio (4.4mm)

With our good friends at Effect Audio, we developed a special, gold-detailed black cable specifically for our vision of the perfect EXT MK II. The carefully matched mix of copper, silver and gold alloys allows more separation in the upper mids and stronger presence in the high frequencies. This sets the stage for an even more expansive sound, evoking the feel of open-back headphones. Vocals become more immediate and lifelike, instruments settle perfectly into their spaces, and the bass seems to emerge from nowhere - delivering a tighter, more impactful punch.

Technical idea

Based on the idea of the ELYSIUM to create an electrifying detailed but also warm and embracing sound, we wanted to explore what is possible. We wanted more. More lows that make you feel the rumble. More mids that vividly embrace you. And more highs to bring an airy and elated experience. The feeling of an electrostatic headphone is unparalleled and hard to achieve with a small earphone. The EXT MK II will prove it wrong. An easy lightness surrounds this creation, airy, silk-like notes gather around your head, musical areas you never recognized will unfold before your closed eyes, a truly electrifying experience.

The sound

The EXT MK II brings you closer to the true heart of your music. It provides you with a captivating sound experience that takes you to all the secret treasures your music has in store for you. The four EST drivers deliver the widest high frequencies we've ever built, creating a wide, open landscape with lush detail that's never overdone. Combined with a dynamic 9.2 mm driver with plenty of sub-bass power, that we've re-designed for the EXT MK II, and a 6 mm driver for the mids, we were able to reveal the uncompromising beauty and breathtaking power of your music. All in all, the EXT MK II is a virtuoso of music, capable of masterfully reproducing almost any genre.
Exclusively featuring the 2nd generation of the Vision Ears HALC (High Precision Leveling Chamber). Finely tuning the sound of our dynamic Mids driver to highest accuracy.

Bass

Dynamic drivers are known to give a natural performance to the lows, with great depth and decay. For the EXT MK II, we re-designed the 9.2mm dynamic driver to create even deeper, more accurate and impactful lows with an outstanding structure, naturalness and impact. The lows are broad and layered, giving a solid ground to this outstanding sound composition.

Mids

The EXT MK II continues to use the 6mm dynamic driver for the middle frequencies, finely tuned by our 2nd generation HALC, a widely praised tuning concept we introduced with our ELYSIUM for the first time. Additionally to the leveling chamber of the HALC we use a STC (Side Tuning Chamber) that allow the midrange to be precisely tuned on the vocal range. The result is a smooth and rich presence to the middle frequencies. Vocals are full and rich, marvelously performing with a vivid and natural tone.

Highs

Four state-of-the-art Electrostatic drivers are powering the highs, unveiling all the micro details with a stunning easiness. The result are lively, airy highs with breathtaking purity, precision and richness. An uncompromising experience which makes you listen to your music like it’s the first time.

The design

The idea was to create a technical but elegant shell with the aesthetics of an open back headphone. The most captivating element of the EXT MK II is the machined faceplate with the prominent and magnificent X design. The complex cnc machining was optimized for this project to realize the delicately shifting lines of the design. A vacuum metalized mesh is elegantly sparkling underneath the open structure of the X design. This special aluminium acoustic mesh is giving the dynamic drivers the air to breathe and unfold their rumbling power, while protecting the internal components from outer influences.
The shell was made of solid black acrylic in a semi-custom shape. A black transparent area is allowing you to have a discreet peek on the green HALC and the four electrostatic drivers.
For the EXT MK II, we have added a beautiful grey to the purple that is already familiar.

Redesigned Nozzle

The newly designed, smaller nozzle offers an incredibly secure and comfortable fit for even more ears, without losing a single note of our signature sound.

The case

The EXT MK II design is prominently covering the finely machined aluminium case. A striking and unmistakable look, showing the remarkable design of the EXT MK II. The machining of this case was made with extraordinary precision, to make the two parts of the case fit perfectly together. The inside walls are all covered with a rubber inlay, so that the earphone is always protected when you are on the go. A premium leather pocket holds the earphones in place, preventing them to collide during transport.

Technical specialties

HALC

An improved HALC tuning concept was exclusively developed for the midrange driver. Additionally to the leveling chamber of the HALC we use a STC (Side Tuning Chamber) that allow the midrange to be finely tuned on the vocal range. This new generation is giving us more abilities for tuning and in the end a significant higher level of realism in the midrange. 

EST

The technology of electrostatic drivers is well known to high demanding audiophile people but they were yet mainly equipped in high class headphones. In the recent time this technology is gaining more and more ground with IEM´s all over the world, making the huge benefits of electrostatic drivers now portable. Due to a voltage transformer inside the earphones shell the electrostatic tweeters don´t need any external power source but only a high quality and powerful amplifier inside your DAP. The first generation of the Sonion EST drivers have been introduced to the market in 2019, now the second generation is state of the art. Due to their higher output spl and using two EST dual drivers, we were able to increase and extend the output to a whole new level. 

Dynamic drivers

Our re-designed 9.2mm for the lows and 6mm dynamic drivers for the mids are equipped with a Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) surround. This technique of making the surround allows the driver to perform with a very low THD (Total Hormonic Distortion). The Al-Mg Alloy diaphragm of these drivers are light but stiff, which makes the performance surprisingly fast, very deep and precise. A Super Strong Rare Earth N52 Neodymium Magnet, allow the driver to perform better in more demanding situations, with less distortion at any operating level. In addition, we have added to our 6mm driver a double N52 Neodymium Magnet, to decrease even more the THD and increase the SPL without increasing the size of the driver.

In The Box

• EXT MKII LE In-Ear Monitors
• Machined Aluminium case
• Effect Audio Upgrade Cable (4.4mm)
• Eartips

Technical specifications

• 3-way crossover
• 1 × 9.2mm Dynamic Driver (re-designed)
  
• 1 × 6 mm Dynamic Driver
  
• 4 x EST, Electrostatic Tweeter
  
• Impedance: 10Ω @ 1KHz
  
• Sensitivity 1mW: 108.5 dB SPL @ 1KHz (100mV)
• Cable with 4.4mm balanced plug

Technical specifications EXT MK II - upgrade cable by Effect Audio (4.4mm)

• Material Blend A (4 Wires): Selected Premium UP-OCC Copper with Solid Core Design
• Material Blend B (2 Wires): Selected Premium UP-OCC Silver-Copper Alloy & Silver-Plated Copper & Pure Copper
• Material Blend C (2 Wires): Selected Premium UP-OCC Gold-Plated Copper
• Proprietary Multi-size Core Bundle Litz Blend
• 26 AWG 8 Wires
• EA Ultra Flexi™ Insulation
• Flat 2-Pin Connectors & Gold-Plated Brass 4.4mm Plug

FAQ

• What makes the EXT MK II Limited Edition different from the regular EXT MK II?
  The EXT MK II Limited Edition features an exclusive shimmering golden faceplate and matching CNC-milled golden case, limited to only 200 units. Additionally, it includes a custom-designed cable by Effect Audio, combining copper, silver, and gold alloys for an enhanced high-frequency presence and open soundstage.

• What improvements have been made to the sound signature of the EXT MK II?
  The EXT MK II includes a redesigned 9.2mm dynamic driver for deeper bass and enhanced low-frequency response. The mids are tuned with second-generation HALC (High Precision Leveling Chamber) and STC (Side Tuning Chamber) technology for a smooth, natural presence, and four electrostatic tweeters provide airy, detailed highs with clarity and precision.

• How does the Effect Audio cable enhance the listening experience?
  The Effect Audio cable, specially designed for the EXT MK II Limited Edition, features a unique blend of copper, silver, and gold alloy wires, offering greater separation in the upper mids and a more pronounced high-frequency presence. This cable helps create an expansive soundstage, giving the feel of open-back headphones and making vocals and instruments sound more lifelike.

• What drivers are used in the EXT MK II Limited Edition?
  The EXT MK II Limited Edition uses a hybrid driver configuration, with a redesigned 9.2mm dynamic driver for bass, a 6mm dynamic driver for mids, and four electrostatic (EST) drivers for high frequencies. This combination allows for balanced, detailed sound across all frequencies.

• What materials are used in the EXT MK II Limited Edition, and how do they enhance performance?
  The EXT MK II Limited Edition includes aluminum/magnesium domes for rigidity and damping, N52 Neodymium magnets for high SPL and low distortion, and Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) surrounds for dynamic drivers. The gold-plated cable by Effect Audio ensures optimal conductivity and durability.

• What is the running-in period for the EXT MK II Limited Edition?
  A running-in period is recommended to help the drivers reach optimal performance, enhancing sound quality. For faster results, you can play the monitors for at least 24 hours at moderate volume with tracks rich in low frequencies.

• Is the cable replaceable, and what type of connector does it use?
  Yes, the cable is replaceable and comes with a premium 4.4mm balanced plug. It features flat 2-pin connectors for secure attachment and a gold-plated brass 4.4mm plug for optimal sound quality.

• What accessories come with the EXT MK II Limited Edition?
  The package includes the EXT MK II LE in-ear monitors, a CNC-milled aluminum case with a rubber lining, a premium Effect Audio upgrade cable (4.4mm), eartips, and a detailed user guide.

• What is the impedance and sensitivity of the EXT MK II Limited Edition?
  The EXT MK II Limited Edition has an impedance of 10Ω @ 1kHz and a sensitivity of 108.5 dB SPL @ 1kHz (100mV), making it compatible with high-quality amplifiers or DAPs (digital audio players).

• How does the open-back design benefit the EXT MK II Limited Edition?
  The open-back design allows the drivers to breathe, providing a natural, wide soundstage and minimizing sound pressure within the ear canal. The acoustic mesh and distinctive “X” faceplate design contribute to the open-back aesthetic while protecting internal components.

About Vision Ears

VISION EARS is a small, owner-driven company based in the heart of Cologne, Germany. In this beautiful city along the Rhine, they passionately develop and produce custom-made in-ear monitors. This page offers an opportunity to learn more about the company and their craftsmanship. Visitors are warmly invited to their showroom and lab in Cologne, where they can experience the in-ears firsthand, meet the team, and catch a glimpse of the production process—all accompanied by a cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of Kölsch.