Vision Ears EXT MKII Review

The EXT MKII In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) aim to build upon the foundation laid by their predecessor, offering refined performance and improved comfort for audiophiles seeking an elevated listening experience. With its hybrid driver configuration, meticulous design, and ergonomic updates, the EXT MKII is positioned as a strong contender in the premium IEM market. This review explores how these updates translate into sound quality, fit, and overall value, helping you decide whether these IEMs deserve a spot in your audio arsenal.

What You Get

• EXT MKII In-Ear Montiors
• Machined Aluminium Case
• Eartips

Look & Feel

Not much has changed between the EXT and EXT MKII in terms of design. The MKII keeps the same style of housing and shell structure, with its typical front grilles and elongated spout that has a form-fitting cavity. However, the very end of that spout has been changed to a smaller nozzle endpiece. It’s supposed to make the fit more comfortable, and I find that ear tips attach over it a lot easier too. You get two color options in purple and grey, with a limited gold edition also available for a higher price.

No matter the color, the materials are the same, with CNC machining achieving an aluminum acoustic mesh that makes the faceplates really pop. In terms of fit, the EXT MKII can be a bit cumbersome but ultimately sit well in your ears. The new nozzle helps a bit to make the spout not feel like it’s going too far deep in your ear, but I ended up readjusting them a few times to get the perfect fit. It’s an isolating fit that will never feel loose, and the body doesn’t feature any considerable weight to feel fatiguing.

Design

There is a lot going on underneath the shell of the EXT MKII. The highs, mids, and lows have corresponding driver configurations that help the signal flow separate evenly. This is a hybrid system that sports both dynamic and electrostatic units. It combines two dynamic drivers, a 9.2mm, and a 6mm driver that has been re-tuned from the last model. These control the lows and mids, with a special HALC tuning concept for the mids that is combined with a new Side Tuning Chamber(STC) for even more control. Then there’s the electrostatic drivers, which the MKII has four of. These drivers aim for unparalleled retrieval of micro-detail so let’s see what the results are.

Soundstage

Some IEMs in this price range extend beyond what is typical for soundstage and imaging ability. The best of them try to replicate the soundstage of high-end open-back headphones, but the EXT MKII doesn’t do that. This is not a negative though, as the MKII features some stellar layering and scale. It’s just that these IEMs always feel like an IEM soundstage, featuring a close headspace that appears intimate. It has its own level of immersiveness though, with pointed movement and precise positioning. The separation is excellent, especially between sections of mixes that stack over each other in complex ways. With that said, the soundstage never takes on a holographic shape. Everything comes to you with an identifiable stereo field that grounds the sound signature.

Low End

At first, the lows might not jump out at you, but the variety of tracks I tested revealed just how deep it goes. When called for, the EXT MKII can slam down hard. That’s not the only way to characterize the bass though, as the MKII expertly weaves in dynamic textures that make it super exciting to keep listening to. With the bass being so separated from the low mids, it’s able to reveal its detail more directly in some spots. For example, the bloom of the sub-bass establishes a grave foundation where the lows can vibrate with authority without overpowering the specific notes. Individual notes also give tons of flavor and groove, offering clear performances that establish just how even the response really is without coming off as too neutral.

Mids

Compared to how lively some of the high-mids and treble get, most of the midrange takes it easy. This dip isn’t significant to ultimately enjoying the midrange clarity of the instruments and vocal performances, but the upper end does more to accentuate and bring liveliness to the performances than the low-mids and fundamental frequencies. The jump in quite jarring, but that doesn’t make the mids any less significant to the sound signature. It does a good job of balancing the flatter regions with the grand extension of the mid-treble.

Highs

This is where those state-of-the-art electrostatic drivers work their magic. If you like to hear tons of sparkle and shimmer in your highs, the EXT MKII has that for days. There’s brightness here, but it never feels like anything that isn’t handled with control. Vocals have the most noticeable peaks, but still never reach anything resembling harshness. That’s not to say the highs don’t feel dominant though, possessing all of the connotations that come with. The highs are super crisp, with glistening qualities that make cymbals, shakers, and tambourines almost intoxicating to listen to. What brings the highs to another level is just how much definition there is in these performances, it’s not just a blanket texture. Every inch of high-frequency detail feels covered, and it brings out the best extension the MKII has to offer.

Summary

The EXT MKII is a worthy successor to the original EXT, offering subtle yet meaningful upgrades that enhance both comfort and sound performance. From the sparkling highs rendered by its electrostatic drivers to the textured and dynamic bass, these IEMs provide a well-rounded listening experience for discerning audiophiles. While the soundstage remains intimate, the EXT MKII excels in separation and detail, making it a reliable choice for those who prioritize precision and immersion. Whether you’re upgrading from the original EXT or exploring high-end IEMs for the first time, the MKII stands out as a versatile and engaging option.

The Vision Ears EXT MKII is available at Audio46.