Empire Ears Raven
Empire Ears Raven delivers visceral bass, explosive dynamics and a vast, pin-pointed soundstage from its ambitious 12-driver quadbrid design. MajorHifi found its warm, detailed presentation especially immersive, while The Headphone Show praised the exceptional resolution and physical impact. This is a boldly cinematic flagship for listeners who crave tactile low end and holographic imaging.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
90/100
Fit Comfort Isolation
83/100
Build Accessories
87/100
Value for Money
70/100
Pros
Exceptional spatial performance, with immersive width, height and highly precise image placement.
Deep, punchy and physical bass delivers substantial impact without bleeding into the midrange.
Highly resolving and dynamic presentation reveals fine details and convincing microdynamic shifts.
Cons
Recessed upper mids and a midrange resonance can make vocals sound distant or unnaturally colored for some listeners.
Lower-treble emphasis may reduce the natural ring and clarity of cymbals, snares and hi-hats.
Large shells remain noticeable over longer listening sessions, despite better-than-expected comfort.
The very snug two-pin connection requires care during cable removal to avoid potential shell damage.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 90/100
The Raven is widely heard as a visceral, highly spacious flagship with exceptional impact, detail and image placement. Its rich bass and smooth treble presentation are compelling, but the very recessed upper mids and lower-treble coloration noted by The Headphone Show make its tuning more specialized than universally natural.
Bass
93/100
MajorHiFi praises bass that is thick, warm, punchy and unusually physical, while remaining free of midrange bleed. The Headphone Show likewise calls it monstrous, significantly boosted and especially effective for impact, although listeners should expect elevated quantity rather than strict neutrality.
Midrange
82/100
MajorHiFi found excellent midrange detail, convincing guitar texture and vocal presence. In contrast, The Headphone Show hears a substantially withdrawn upper-midrange, making voices seem distant and unusually colored; this is the principal tonal caveat.
Treble
84/100
MajorHiFi hears smooth, detailed and sparkly highs with ample headroom and no glare or sibilance. The Headphone Show identifies a lower-treble peak that prevents cymbals, snares and hi-hats from ringing with fully natural clarity.
Resolution Separation
93/100
The Headphone Show describes the Raven as extremely detailed. MajorHiFi also reports fine details distributed clearly throughout the stage and particularly strong midrange retrieval, supporting a highly resolving presentation.
Soundstage Imaging
96/100
Both reviews strongly praise the spatial presentation. MajorHiFi highlights immersive lateral and vertical space with superb placement of tiny details, while The Headphone Show similarly calls its spaciousness and immersive staging fantastic.
Dynamics Coherence
94/100
The Raven is repeatedly described as forceful and physical, with The Headphone Show calling it extremely punchy and dynamic. MajorHiFi also notes impressive microdynamic expression, giving the presentation both large-scale slam and smaller shifts in intensity.
FIT COMFORT ISOLATION PERFORMANCE 83/100
This is a very large earpiece that inserts deeply, yet both reviewers found it more comfortable than its dimensions suggest. Seal stability and passive isolation receive little direct discussion, so prospective buyers should take the substantial shell size and personal fit requirements seriously.
Seal Stability
86/100
MajorHiFi reports that the large shells fit deeply in the ear, which is encouraging for obtaining a secure acoustic fit. Neither review reports seal loss, bass changes with movement, or repeated difficulty maintaining placement.
Comfort
86/100
MajorHiFi says the Raven remains more comfortable than expected despite its large size and deep fit, though it is noticeable over long sessions. The Headphone Show also finds the oversized shell not uncomfortable and reports no personal comfort problems.
Isolation
75/100
The reviews say little about real-world passive noise attenuation. Deep insertion may help in practice, but neither reviewer provides a direct comparison of isolation performance.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Accessories
87/100
Reviewers describe a well-built, premium package with a sturdy-feeling, low-microphonic R7 cable, useful Final Type-E tips, additional tip sizes and a good protective case. One important caveat is The Headphone Show's warning that the very snug pin connection could damage the shell if the cable is removed with excessive force or improperly.
Value for Money
70/100
At $3,599, The Headphone Show considers the Raven difficult to recommend and argues that no reasonable buyer should spend this amount on IEMs. Its sound performance is described as exceptional in several respects, but the price and highly divisive tuning undermine its value case against flagship peers.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Specifications
- Driver Configuration
- 12 Driver Quadbrid, Dual-Conduction Flagship Dual W9+ Subwoofers Five Precision Balanced Armature Drivers W10 Bone Conductor
- Crossover Network
- Proprietary Multi-Point synX Crossover Network
- Architecture
- DCA - Dual Conduction Architecture
- Electrostatic Control
- EIVEC MKII - Empire Intelligent Variable Electrostatic Control Technology
- Resonance Management
- HRC - Harmonic Resonance Core ARC - Resonance Mitigation Technology
- Impedance
- 2 ohms @ 1kHz
- Frequency Response
- 5 Hz - 100kHz
- Sensitivity
- 99dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
Manufacturer's Description — Empire Ears
In December 2022, we presented the world with Project RAVEN at the prestigious Portable Audio Festival in Tokyo, Japan—a landmark moment in our journey of innovation. Following its grand debut, the RAVEN embarked on a global tour from the bustling metropolis of New York to the vibrant city-state of Singapore, making illustrious appearances at major trade shows such as CanJam and AXPONA. Each stop on this journey was not just a showcase, but an opportunity to shape the RAVEN into an unparalleled IEM, driven by an invaluable variable—customer feedback.
The advanced design of the RAVEN isn't just a testament to our technological prowess, but an affirmation of our commitment to creating products that are truly customer-centric. It encapsulates the ethos of Empire, marking our relentless pursuit of the extraordinary, a journey powered by our core competencies, and shaped by the voices of our esteemed customers.
As we raise a toast, it's to your unwavering support and insightful feedback that we express our gratitude, both of which have been instrumental in crafting the RAVEN into the epitome of exceptional audio experience it is today.
AVAILABLE ONLY FROM OUR DEALER NETWORK
Harmonic Resonance Core
RAVEN, Empire Ears' first venture into metallurgy, marks a pivotal point in the quest for sonic excellence. Far from being a mere aesthetic choice, the incorporation of metallurgy, specifically with the 316L stainless steel plate in the RAVEN's faceplate design, demonstrates our profound commitment to elevating the performance of the W10 bone conductor. This steel plate does more than please the eye; it aids in the resonance, amplification, and dispersion of sound waves, synergizing with other elements to achieve a distinctive sound signature and optimize RAVEN's acoustic performance.
Our meticulous engineering led to the creation of a purpose-built polymer acoustic stage known as the Harmonic Resonance Core (HRC), situated strategically between the shell and the plate. Vibrations reverberate through these structures, culminating within an internal polymer basin that holds the plate. This arrangement, boosted by the metal plate, elevates the vibration effect, resulting in an unmatched enhancement in acoustic reproduction. The vibrations manifest tangibly, enriching the bass and treble with unprecedented depth, extension, and clarity, and thereby redefining the summit-fi segment.
RAVEN represents more than an advancement in traditional IEM technology; it's a daring step towards reshaping the future of in-ear monitor excellence. While the metal plate and clever design interplay are key to this remarkable sound experience, the underlying principle of dual conduction remains central to delivering an unparalleled listening experience.
synX
Distinctively engineered to surpass the conventional boundaries of the IEM world, TRITON features Empire Ears’ exceptional synX crossover network. This unparalleled technology, protected by bespoke methods, ensures a harmonious blend of three distinct driver technologies, orchestrating them into a symphony of sound.
Through the proprietary multi-point synX crossover network, every component is optimized to its full potential, delivering an auditory experience that is nothing short of a masterpiece.
Resonance Manipulation
In our pursuit of perfection with RAVEN, we've elegantly reimagined the application of our renowned ARC (Anti-Resonance Control) technology. No longer confined to the chassis, ARC now targets other key elements such as specific internal components, aligning flawlessly with the Harmonic Resonance Core (HRC). This adaptation eliminates unwanted vibrations and flex, refining and enhancing the sound in a way that feels both revolutionary and inherently Empire. The synergy between ARC and HRC is a testament to our relentless innovation, a sublime interplay that delivers an audio experience unparalleled in purity and depth.
ARC (Anti-Resonance Control) is a proprietary conformal coating that virtually eliminates unwanted vibrations and resonance.
Dual Triport Exhausts
Due to the nature of the W10’s extreme output the enclosure’s air volume and vent design were especially crucial for proper tuning. Even the slightest change in diameter and positioning had a dramatic effect on sound quality and performance. By mastering the W10’s volume requirements we’re able to harness its optimal output, capabilities and potential.
EIVEC MKII
EIVEC MKII was developed to ensure optimal timing, phasing and control between the electrostatic and bone conductor – a monumental achievement.
Empire Intelligent Variable Electrostatic Control – EIVEC - is Empire’s approach to incorporating electrostatic EST drivers into IEMs. For all the incredible range and resolution, electrostatic drivers are notoriously hard to control, often overpowering other drivers. EIVEC is our solution to that, and the degree of control provided by EIVEC is so precise that the electrostatics can operate independently, performing disparate tasks within the sound stage to deliver layer upon layer of detail and texture for unparalleled performance.
R7 Cable
At the heart of the RAVEN's custom-designed R7 cable, crafted in collaboration with PWAudio, is the Limerence 60's proprietary OCC structure copper conductor. This masterful combination delivers unparalleled purity of signal, enriching every auditory nuance. Thoughtfully designed, the conductor gauge melds a 26 AWG core with a 25 AWG 2nd layer, harmonizing together in a symphony that unlocks the full potential of RAVEN. Boasting 4 core conductors integrated seamlessly with 4 additional 2nd layer conductors, the R7 elevates the audio journey, orchestrating a sound experience that must be heard to be believed.
Adorned with a premium 4.4 rhodium connector and Satin Black finish, the R7 cable's elegance transcends mere function, offering a touch of refined aesthetic to the listening experience. The “7” in its name signifies the meticulous journey of creation, marking the seventh iteration of versions and tuning, a testament to the rigorous development process that went into crafting a cable worthy of the Raven.
What's in the box?
From the very beginning of our history, IEMs have represented dreams, hopes and aspirations. For Empire, a brand that aims to provide customers enlightened moments of pure listening euphoria, the development of Odin and Hero was an indispensable step. As a further highlight of over 30 years of excellence and our 5th anniversary year, we’re ecstatic to present the Founder’s Editions as a sincere, heart-felt Thank You to all those whom helped us come this far in The Pursuit of Extraordinary.
What's In The Box
Included in each box:
- In Ear Monitor & Cable
- IEM Case
- Empire Cleaning Cloth
- Empire Cleaning Tool
- Final Audio Type E Tips - SS, S, M, L, LL
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
Zoom out the map to see more dealers
Authorized dealers for Empire Ears Raven
- Audeos — online and in-store — Żywiec, Województwo śląskie (website)
- Audio essence — online and in-store — Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland (website)
- Audio Magic - EU — online and in-store — Wola, Województwo mazowieckie, Poland (website)
- Audio Sanctuary — in-store — London, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Aural HiFi — online and in-store — Denver, Colorado, United States (website)
- Bloom Audio — online and in-store — Gibbsboro, New Jersey, United States (website)
- HeadAmp — online and in-store — Charlottesville, Virginia, United States (website)
- Headphone Zone — online and in-store — Laxmi Industrial Estate, Maharashtra, India (website)
- Headphones.com — online and in-store — Portland, Oregon, United States (website)
- LP Gear — online and in-store — Henderson, Nevada, United States (website)
and 9 more verified dealers