EXT MK II

Introducing the EXT MK II – the next evolution of our already legendary In-Ear masterpiece!

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.

Also available in Limited Edition Gold with Premium Effect Audio Cable here (Limited to 200 Units)

Key Features at a Glance

• Refined Low-Frequency Response: Enhanced 9.2mm dynamic driver for deeper, more accurate bass.
• Electrostatic Drivers for High Frequencies: Four state-of-the-art EST drivers deliver airy, detailed highs with clarity and precision.
• HALC and STC Tuning for Mids: 6mm midrange driver features an advanced HALC and STC tuning for rich, natural vocals.
• Innovative Open-Back Design Aesthetics: Machined aluminum faceplate with "X" design and acoustic mesh for style and function.
• Dual N52 Neodymium Magnets: In the low and mid drivers for low THD and high output SPL.
• Sophisticated Carrying Case: Precision-machined aluminum case with rubber lining and premium leather pocket for protection.
• Dynamic Driver Performance: Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) surrounds for responsive and distortion-free audio.
• Electrostatic Driver Innovation: Second-generation EST tweeters requiring no external power, designed for portable devices.
• Elegant, Durable Shell: Semi-custom black acrylic with purple and gray highlights, transparent areas reveal internal components.
• Balanced Cable Included: Premium 4.4mm balanced cable for improved audio performance.

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.

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 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.

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 In-Ear Montiors
• Machined Aluminium Case
• 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

FAQ

• What makes the EXT MK II different from the original EXT?
  The EXT MK II features refined low-frequency response, enhancing bass accuracy and detail, as well as improved clarity in the mids. This upgrade results in a more natural and immersive listening experience with unmatched depth and balance across all frequencies.

• What drivers are used in the EXT MK II?
  The EXT MK II uses a hybrid setup with one 9.2mm dynamic driver for bass, one 6mm dynamic driver for mids, and four electrostatic (EST) drivers for high frequencies. This configuration allows for a detailed and balanced sound signature with deep bass, rich mids, and airy highs.

• What is the purpose of the HALC and STC technologies in the EXT MK II?
  HALC (High Precision Leveling Chamber) and STC (Side Tuning Chamber) are advanced tuning technologies used to enhance the midrange. They allow precise tuning of the vocal range, delivering a smooth, natural, and realistic presence to the mid frequencies.

• Why does the EXT MK II have an open-back design?
  The open-back design, featuring a unique "X" faceplate, is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides airflow for the dynamic drivers, contributing to a more natural sound with depth and precision. The mesh protects the drivers while allowing optimal acoustic performance.

• Does the EXT MK II require external power for the electrostatic drivers?
  No, the electrostatic drivers in the EXT MK II are powered by an internal voltage transformer, which eliminates the need for an external power source. However, a high-quality amplifier or digital audio player (DAP) is recommended for the best performance.

• What is the significance of the “running-in” period for the EXT MK II?
  A running-in period helps the drivers reach their optimal performance, enhancing sound quality. For faster results, you can play the monitors for 24 hours at a moderate volume on tracks rich in low frequencies.

• What is included in the EXT MK II package?
  The EXT MK II package includes the in-ear monitors, a precision-machined aluminum carrying case with a protective leather pocket, eartips, and a premium cable with a 4.4mm balanced plug.

• What materials are used in the construction of the EXT MK II?
  The shell is crafted from semi-custom black acrylic with transparent elements, allowing a view of the internal components. The faceplate is machined aluminum with an acoustic mesh for durability and style.

• Is the cable replaceable, and what type of connector does it have?
  Yes, the EXT MK II comes with a premium 4.4mm balanced cable, which is replaceable. This type of connector provides improved audio performance by offering a balanced signal path.

• What are the technical specifications of the EXT MK II?
  The EXT MK II has an impedance of 10Ω @ 1kHz and a sensitivity of 108.5 dB SPL @ 1kHz (100mV). It includes a 3-way crossover and a configuration of 1 × 9.2mm dynamic driver, 1 × 6mm dynamic driver, and 4 electrostatic tweeters, designed to provide a balanced, dynamic sound experience.

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.