Audeze is an iconic name in enthusiast audio. Its planar-based headphones provide exceptional clarity and image. With the Euclid, the first closed-back IEMs (IEMs), with planar drivers, the manufacturer hopes to share its expertise with portable audio. The Euclid is the name of one of the greatest Greek mathematicians. Euclid’s pivotal treatise laid a foundation for general mathematics and geometry.
Audeze aims to set the same standard for IEMs as the Euclid and has a lot to share. These IEMs have 18mm planar drivers with a unique design, which includes carbon fiber and all the accessories one could need. The IEMs retail at $1,299 and are clearly intended for audiophiles who want the best portable audio. Let’s now see what they offer and whether they live up to their claims.Â
Audeze Euclid Pricing and Availability
Audeze introduced the Euclid in February 2021. The IEMs can be found in every region where Audeze has a presence. They retail for $1,299(Opens in a new tabYou can find the IEMs on Amazon and at other audio retailers in the U.S.Â
Audeze provides a standard 1-year warranty for parts and 3 years for drivers. They are available in one color.Â
Audeze Euclid – Design and comfort
Audeze loves to make a statement when it comes to its products. The Euclid is no exception. These IEMs feature an unmistakably high-quality design. The shells are made of aluminum and have a heavy weight. They also have a matte finish. The shell’s diameter is rounded off by a gold band that adds an interesting contrast.
There’s no mistaking the Euclid for budget IEMs — Audeze did an incredible job with the design.
Thanks to the inclusion of carbon fiber, the face plate is unique. The Audeze logo is embedded within the faceplate. It is also made from metal, as the rest of this design. The build quality of IEMs, which retail at $1,299 is amazing, is as you would expect. IEMs weigh 7.5g. Although they are heavier than the average earbud, I found them to be very comfortable. I felt no discomfort even when I used them for extended periods of time.
Due to its 18mm planar driver, the Euclid has a unique design. The shell is larger than other IEMs I have used so far. The large size means it protrudes from the ear — like the Wireless earbuds at their best — but you get a snug fit thanks to the contoured design. The nozzle is not too far from the shell. This design also means that the IEMs must be twisted and locked into place inside the ear canal.
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The Euclid comes with a variety of accessories, including Comply memory-foam ear tips, SpinFit and Audeze silicone ear tips, a mesh bag and a hardshell case that is ideal for portability. Audeze includes a standard, 3.5mm cable and a balanced, 4.4mm cable in its box.
The Euclid is larger than many IEMs so they might not fit well if your ears are small. This area was not problematic for me, and their position on my outer ear is similar to the one I used. Galaxy Buds ProOr any other wireless earbuds equipped with a battery.
The medium-sized SpinFit option was the best for me, so that’s what I chose as my standard. Audeze’s bundled MMCX connectors are standard on the IEMs. The 4.5mm and 4.4mm braided cables from Audeze are good quality.
Audeze Euclid: Sound quality
Audeze is known for tuning its products to have a neutral sound signature. This applies to the Euclid as well. I will get into details about the Euclid’s sound below. The 18mm planar drivers create a rich and detailed sound. The soundstage is what really makes the Euclid different from other IEMs I tried. They sound wide and open and I had to remind myself that these were closed-back IEMs. Good job, Audeze.
The Euclid manages to produce a soundstage so large that it belies its closed back design.
I listened to a variety of music over the two months I had the Euclid. The Euclid produced an inviting and wide sound that made listening enjoyable. Stereo imaging and dynamism are the main differences between these IEMs. I can honestly say that the soundstage of the Euclid is one of the best planar-based IEMs I have ever heard.
The Euclid’s sensitivity is 105dB/1mW and can be driven by almost any DAC. I tried the IEMs with a variety sources, including Fiio’s K9 Pro, M11S music player and the KA3 portable DAC. However, the majority of my listening was done over the K9 Pro.
Bass is detailed and tight, with excellent extension for subbass frequencies. You don’t get too much excitement, but there is excellent definition and body. The sound is very engaging. The planar driver will also enjoy a lot of speed. Although the low-end isn’t too loud, you’ll still find good depth and detail. Overall, the Euclid does an excellent job of addressing technical details. Instead of a bass-heavy sound profile it delivers a more nuanced, joy-filled low-end.
The Euclid’s mids have excellent tonality, tonality, and detail retrieval. This is a key feature of the large soundstage. There’s excellent instrument separation — noticeable in orchestral pieces that include wind instruments — and vocals shine through with good energy and presence. This is where IEMs really shine.
Treble is very clear, airy, and has excellent extension. It’s not too harsh or congested. It has a shimmer to it that amplifies the sound of a guitar string, or the clang of a drum cymbal. However, it is not overwhelming. There isn’t any sibilance in the vocals and the overall balance of the sound is perfect. Â
The most important thing here is the soundstage. Audeze somehow manages to produce an incredibly wide- and detailed sound using closed-back IEMs. That’s a testimony to its tuning efforts.
Audeze Euclid: This is the competition
There are few options if you’re in search of high-end planar IEMs. Most of the options available for this market are priced below $500. High-end IEMs are a must-have if you’re looking. ThieAudio’s Monarch MKII, $999. They have an assortment of drivers to produce a powerful sound. I haven’t yet tried the IEMs, but I do like them.Â
The $1,500 Sennheiser IE900(Opens in a new tabAlso, the sound quality is excellent and the design is very comfortable.Â
Audeze Euclid: Should You Buy It?
You should purchase this if:
- IEMs that have exceptional sound quality and tonality are what you want
- High-end planar drivers need a large soundstage.
- You are looking for IEMs which have great stereo imaging and a neutral tone.
If:
- You have small ears
- You want to maximize your value
Audeze’s Euclid has proven that it can produce a closed-back IEM with the same warm, inviting sound quality as its over-ear headphones. That’s an impressive achievement. These IEMs have excellent tonality and technical proficiency across many genres. The design is bold and elegant, with a premium feel. IEMs are among the most durable I’ve ever used. You also get a complete list of accessories.
Audeze was forced to make a meaningful offer to justify the $1299 asking price. With the likes Fiio and other Chinese brands offering great-sounding IEMs under $500, Audeze also had to be competitive. Thankfully, it managed to do just that — the soundstage on offer combined with the excellent tuning makes the Euclid one of the best closed-back IEMs around. These IEMs are not only brand-named; they sound amazing in almost any setting.
The Euclid stands out in the high-end IEM market with its bold design, which includes carbon fiber and large 18mm planar driver drivers. Combine Audeze’s superb tuning to deliver an incredibly wide-sounding and detailed sound and you have one of the most impressive planar IEMs available.Â
