iBasso Epitome 20 Driver In Ear Monitors

The iBasso Epitome is iBasso’s flagship in-ear monitor, “music and art realised”: 20 drivers per side, eight Sonion electrostatic drivers and twelve balanced armatures, joined by a five-way crossover. It combines the ethereal air of electrostatic drivers with the precision of balanced armatures for beautiful, natural melodies and a realistic soundstage. Its 3D-printed resin shells shimmer like a starry sky, and the modular cable comes with 3.5mm, 4.4mm and USB-C plugs.

20 drivers, five ways

• Above 10kHz: four dual Sonion electrostatic drivers (8 in total) for a greater sense of air and spatial openness.
• 6–12kHz: one dual Knowles high-frequency balanced armature, a natural transition into the electrostatics.
• 3–6kHz: two dual Sonion mid-high armatures, for clear, powerful instrument separation.
• 400Hz–3kHz: two dual Sonion mid armatures, for rich, emotionally expressive vocals.
• 20–400Hz: one dual Sonion low-frequency armature, for dynamic, controlled bass.

The complex five-way crossover uses through-hole resistors and other premium parts so each frequency band is passed on accurately, with smooth transitions and a seamless, unified sound, from the layers of a classical recording to the delicate emotion of a singer’s voice.

A shell like a starry night

The hypoallergenic shells are 3D-printed, with a three-dimensional faceplate, yet light and comfortable to wear. iBasso evenly blends countless ultra-fine metallic flakes into the resin, drifting like the night sky: as the light changes, the surface flickers and sparkles like meteors streaking across it.

Two cables, three plugs

The Epitome uses standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors, so it works with any cable of the same type. The supplied 5N mono-crystal copper cable has a Litz structure and iBasso’s replaceable plug system, with 4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm single-ended and USB-C plugs, so you can listen balanced, single-ended or straight from a smartphone.

Before the launch, iBasso also developed a new alloy, a special silver-plated wire made with its partner conductor laboratory, which sounds excellent. As it hadn’t been through full durability testing, iBasso includes the alloy cable as a free extra alongside the standard cable; it is not a warranty part.

Good to know

• This is an order-on-demand item: we order it in when you place your order.
• In the box: Epitome, round metal storage case, yellow magnetic case, standard and alloy cables, 4.4mm, 3.5mm and USB-C plugs, six types of eartips, warranty card and quick start guide.