Reviews by Dandelion777

The Empire Ears Triton is an IEM that stands out for its ability to deliver big, powerful bass while maintaining balance in the mids and highs. I feel it's designed for fans of EDM, dubstep, and other bass-heavy genres, the Triton provides a detailed, controlled sound that can be pushed to even greater heights with the right source and gain settings. While its sensitivity makes it easy to drive, the Triton truly shines with extra power to go purely berserk on your ears. ( and I mean this in the most beautiful way possible! <3)

Packaging and Accessories

The Launch Edition of the Triton comes with a premium set of accessories:

-Monarch Cable: A luxury cable made from silver, gold, and palladium. This cable, which will retail for $999, not only adds to the sound quality but also elevates the overall aesthetic with its high-end materials and flexible design. This thing is classy stunning, and comfortable to the skin ( Atleast I thought so ). The area with the 2 pins is a bit weird, not in a bad way, it just feels a bit stiff.

-Pandora Case: A durable, beautiful leather case which provided more utility than I thought. The little clip is a game changer when carrying my bae around.

-Metal Case: Blue and branded, very beautiful too.

-Gym Bag: Pretty self explanatory, just a bag for your smelly gym clothes.

-Final E Tips: These tips are my preferred choice for the Triton, providing a snug fit that enhances the bass response and comfort during long listening sessions. And well... it's a win when it already comes with the set. (All sizes too ;3.)

-Little Cloth Thing: It's alive and I've lost and found it more times than I've wanted to. ( I'm a clumsy Clara :') ). You clean your IEMs with it. (The Triton also has that signature, print magnet resin aesthetic.)

The Sound Breakdown: From the Sub-Bass to the Sparkling Highs

Bass: Big, Bold, with Authority

The W9+ dynamic subwoofer delivers deep, powerful bass that anchors the Triton’s sound signature. Tracks like Hamdi’s remix of Coki’s "Goblin" highlight the Triton’s ability to handle intense sub-bass without losing control. The bass is tight, punchy, and impactful, making it ideal for dubstep and drum and bass fans. With extra power from sources like the SE300 in high gain, the bass takes on even more depth and authority without overwhelming the other frequencies. This is a punch machine, a gentle one that is. I swear the bone conductor also does something here, possibly the mid-bass.

Mids: Immersive and Rich

The Triton’s midrange is equally impressive, offering an immersive experience thanks to its bone conduction technology. Tracks like C. Tangana’s "Un Veneno" showcase how the Triton can bring out the warmth and richness in vocals and acoustic instruments. Whether driven by the SE300 or iFi NEO iDSD 2, the mids remain clear and well-textured, adding emotional depth to the music while never getting overshadowed by the bass. The voices carry out that electric feeling, but they feel a bit recessed in comparison to the Raven for example. Like if the singer was standing just a few steps back.

Treble: Laid-Back but Smooth

The treble on the Triton is present but never harsh, making long listening sessions enjoyable and non-fatiguing. In tracks like Men I Trust’s "Lauren", the highs are smooth and refined, adding clarity without being piercing. The treble is gentle, yet it retains enough detail to ensure that the overall sound remains balanced and engaging. Depending on your tastes you might love or hate this. Personally, I love I can reach the punch of the bass, without having the treble just going up at the same pace with it. It's still beautiful and there, but it's very very laid back.

Technical Specifications: How They Influence the Sound

Driver Configuration: Tribrid design featuring W9+ subwoofer, EMP75 balanced armature, and dual bone conduction drivers. This combination provides a deep, powerful low end while maintaining clarity and detail in the mids and highs.

Impedance: 2.8 ohms @ 1kHz, making the Triton highly sensitive and easy to drive with most sources.

Sensitivity: 99 dB @ 1kHz, 1mW, allowing the Triton to reach high volumes with minimal power. However, it benefits from extra power to fully drive the drivers for maximum performance.

Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 40 kHz, enabling the Triton to deliver deep, rumbling sub-bass while keeping the treble smooth and extended.

Track-Specific Impressions: How the Triton Handles Different Genres

Hamdi’s remix of Coki’s "Goblin":
A track I constantly use to test bass powah. His track showcases deep, wobbling basslines and a modern take on the iconic dubstep sound. The Triton handles the powerful sub-bass with ease, delivering impact and depth without sacrificing control. The rumble during each drop is visceral, making the low end a thrilling experience for bassheads. Despite the bass intensity, the midrange remains clear, allowing the eerie atmosphere of the track to shine through.

C. Tangana’s "Un Veneno":

This track blends traditional flamenco with modern production, and the Triton does a fantastic job at highlighting the guitar's warmth and richness. Vocals are emotional and intimate, while the midrange feels full, making the acoustic elements come alive. The bass supports the track without overpowering the softer elements, adding a modern, rhythmic touch that complements the flamenco style.

Men I Trust – "Lauren":
Dream pop relies on soft, airy vocals and lush instrumentation, and the Triton excels at giving this track a delicate but engaging feel. The smooth treble ensures that the vocals are clear but not piercing, while the midrange offers a comforting warmth. The bass is present, adding depth to the track without distracting from the ethereal quality of the music.

Amoss – "Remember Kelly":

This fast-paced drum and bass track demands tight bass and quick transitions, and the Triton delivers. The sub-bass remains powerful without becoming overwhelming, while the mid-bass is tight and punchy, driving the energy of the track. The detail in the percussion is well-preserved, making the rapid, complex rhythms come through with clarity and precision.

Carloh’s "La Libertad" (Remix):

In this tech house remix, the Triton creates a spacious, immersive soundstage that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the club. The deep bass grooves are emphasized without becoming muddy, and the track’s dynamic build-up is accentuated by the clear separation between instruments. It’s a perfect example of how the Triton can deliver both powerful bass and detailed sound.

Source Pairing: SE300 vs. iFi NEO iDSD 2

The Empire Ears Triton is highly sensitive and performs well with a variety of sources, but it benefits from a bit of extra power to fully unleash its drivers. Here’s how it performs with different sources and gain settings:

Astell & Kern SE300 (High Gain Mode):

In high gain, the SE300 delivers more power to the Triton, bringing out the full potential of its W9+ subwoofer. The result is a more authoritative bass response and greater depth, particularly in bass-heavy tracks like Hamdi’s remix of "Goblin". High gain enhances the fullness and energy of the sound, making the Triton feel more alive without losing control over the mids and highs. Sound is neutral but on the warmer side.

iFi NEO iDSD 2 (Medium Gain/Water Droplet Setting):

In medium gain (water droplet or rain or, whatever they say it is), the iFi NEO iDSD 2 provides just enough extra power to give the Triton that added weight and fullness, particularly in the low end. The XBass feature combined with the Triton's sensitivity allows for deeper, richer sub-bass, making tracks like Amoss’s "Remember Kelly" feel more immersive and tactile. The extra power also helps maintain control over the treble, keeping it smooth and non-fatiguing while adding warmth to the overall sound. The Xbass feature is to me amazing in what it does to the low end, very very mythical stuff. More neutral, less warm than SE300, The bass is fuller and more dynamic, very yummy stuff.

Comparing the Triton with the Empire Ears EVO and Raven

Empire Ears EVO
In terms of pricing, the EVO is comparable to the Triton, especially on the second-hand market. The EVO is known for its overwhelming bass power, making it ideal for listeners who prioritize low-end impact. However, this can sometimes feel too intense during long sessions, making it less versatile compared to the Triton. While the Triton also excels at delivering bass, its bone conduction drivers help balance the mids, giving it a more refined and immersive sound. The EVO is a true basshead IEM, but the Triton provides a better overall balance across frequencies, making it more suitable for extended listening. (The Tuning is also noticeably better than the EVOS)

Empire Ears Raven

The Raven brings an electrifying energy to its bass, offering a similar visceral feel to the Triton but with an added intensity. The Raven’s bass is more aggressive, making it perfect for genres like dubstep and drum and bass, where you want the low-end to dominate. However, the Triton is more relaxed and balanced in its approach. While the Raven can be more fatiguing due to its forward bass and treble (which tbh to me, are one of the most beautiful things I've heard, and not fatiguing at all...but comparing it to the Triton...yeah, lol.) the Triton is tuned to be smoother and more forgiving for long sessions. If you crave energy and intensity, the Raven is the choice, but for a more laid-back and immersive experience, the Triton wins out. The Raven also has a more expansive soundstage, while the Triton provides a more intimate, club-like sound. (AKA The Raven mini) (nah)...(sort of?)

Non-Fatiguing Listening: Comfort and Sound That Melts Into Your Ears (Seriously)

One of the Triton’s standout features to me is how non-fatiguing it is. Both in terms of comfort and sound, the Triton feels like it melts into your ears. After hours of listening, I often forget I’m even wearing them. The treble plays a huge part in this...it’s present but delivered in such a gentle way that it never feels harsh. Whether I’m listening for a couple of hours or all day, the Triton remains a pleasure to wear. The smooth treble combined with its immersive mids ensures that the sound never becomes tiring, even after long sessions of heavy bass. (seriously)

Incredible Value: Especially for the Launch Edition

The Empire Ears Triton represents incredible value, especially in its Launch Edition with the Monarch cable included. This cable, which retails at $999, significantly enhances the overall package. The attention to detail in both the sound and aesthetics...particularly the stunning faceplate (I feel like a proper sea god) makes it hard not to appreciate the Triton’s full offering. I absolutely love its tuning, and the big, bold sound it brings is highly satisfying for bass lovers. Whether it’s the immersive mids or the controlled, punchy bass, the Triton delivers across the board. For those able to snag the Launch Edition, the combination of the Monarch cable and the Triton’s performance makes it feel like a steal.

Conclusion: A Basshead’s Dream, with Balance and Style
The Empire Ears Triton delivers everything a basshead could want—massive, powerful bass—with the added bonus of clarity and balance in the mids and highs. Whether you pair it with the Astell & Kern SE300 for a more balanced sound or the iFi NEO iDSD 2 for bass that hits even harder, the Triton excels. Its non-fatiguing sound, thanks to the gentle treble and excellent comfort, makes it a joy to wear for hours. Compared to the Empire Ears EVO and Raven, the Triton offers a more balanced and less fatiguing experience, with enough power to satisfy even the most demanding bassheads. The Launch Edition is a standout with its premium Monarch cable, adding value and style to an already incredible IEM. (Really does.)

If you’re serious about bass and want an IEM that can handle it all while remaining balanced and non-fatiguing and very VERY FUN, the Triton is a must-have.

That’s it for now! I’m excited to keep diving deeper into this hobby...it's a wild, dangerous rabbit hole full of big spending and occasional buyer's remorse (so I really try to describe the sound as clearly as possible). Hopefully, this gives you all a better idea of what to expect. But between us, the Triton is definitely staying as a permanent part of my collection.

Peace out and till next one!

DANDELION777

P.S.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! My opinions come from the perspective of an EDM, basshead, electronic, synthwave-loving type of listener. I’ll likely continue exploring IEMs and over-the-ear headphones, preferably closed-backs (since they naturally handle bass better), as well as devices like DAPs, DACs, and amps. I’ll keep sharing my speculations, reviews, and comparisons with all of you. I’d love the community’s help through loans of IEMs, headphones, or any gear that enhances these genres. I’m happy to cover shipping costs and will occasionally ask for specific sets, but any support to help me avoid spending too much on comparisons would be greatly appreciated! If you have anything you’d like to loan me to try, feel free to PM me or reach out directly!

I’ve also written my review on the Empire Ears Raven, and you can check it out here:

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/empire-ears-raven.26742/reviews#review-35737

Following reviews will be on:

-Thieaudio Monarch MK3
-Empire Ears EVO
-Astell & Kern A&F SE300 (By this one, I’ll also have a list of IEMs and devices I’d like to try next if anyone wants to help me out!)
-Astell & Kern PA10
-iFi Neo iDSD 2

Hi! Dandelion here!,

I’m still pretty new to the audiophile world and I'm a total basshead, I thrive on electricity and computers and any monstrosity that they're capable of producing (What some of you call "Fake Music" I guess, hehe); getting into it has been really exciting. My collection for now consists of the Empire Ears Triton, Empire Ears EVO, Thieaudio Monarch MK3, and recently, I added the Empire Ears Raven to it, which has been a complete game changer for me (Will probably do reviews on the other ones if you enjoyed this one). My setup includes the Astell & Kern SE300 ( Class A for real instruments, and AB for anything EDM related ) as my audio player, and I’m using the Monarch cable that came with my Empire Ears Triton Launch Edition IEMs. I love listening to genres like dubstep, drum and bass, and tech house, but I also enjoy music like dream pop and flamenco, and the Raven handles all of them really well. ( Also keep in mind that sound is subjective, and while some may find the Raven's sound as beautiful as me, some may not. )

Comfort and Fit

When I first opened the box, the Raven looked and felt super premium, especially with the gold faceplate on the launch edition...almost did a backflip right then and there. I was a little worried about the size because the IEMs are pretty big, but after some trial and error with different ear tips, I found the Eletech Baroque tips worked best for me, I usually run medium but I had to size down to small. With these tips, I can wear the Raven for hours without any discomfort, which was really important for me since I’m still figuring out what fits best.

The Bass: Unreal and Electric

The first thing I noticed with the Raven is how insane the bass is. I’m a huge fan of bass-heavy genres like dubstep and drum and bass, and the Raven makes everything feel so alive. When I played Hamdi’s remix of Coki’s "Goblin" (2024 remix), I was completely mesmerized by the sound. The sub-bass is so deep, and I could actually feel it, not just hear it. The thing is, it’s not just deep...it has this electric quality, almost like the bass has a charge to it that vibrates through you. It makes each drop feel more intense, like the music is pulsing with energy. This electrical feeling in the bass is something I haven’t felt with other IEMs, and it adds a whole new layer to the listening experience.

But what makes the Raven even more special is how this electrical energy doesn’t stop with the bass—it flows into the vocals too. In C. Tangana’s "Un Veneno" (G-Mix), which blends flamenco with modern sounds, the vocals don’t just sound warm and emotional, they have that same electric charge running through them, almost as if they’re buzzing with the energy of the music. It’s this combined effect of electrified bass and vocals that gives the Raven its unique, immersive sound.

Comparing to My Other IEMs

Since I already own the Empire Ears Triton, Empire Ears EVO, and Thieaudio Monarch MK3, I can say that the Raven offers something totally unique. The Triton is great, but it doesn’t have the same kind of deep, immersive bass that the Raven delivers. The EVO is definitely powerful, especially in the low-end, but the Raven adds more of that electrical energy to both the bass and vocals, which makes it feel more engaging for me. As for the Monarch MK3, it’s fantastic for detail and balance, but I feel like the Raven just hits harder and makes certain genres, like dubstep and drum and bass, come to life in a way the Monarch can’t quite match.

Soundstage and Imaging: A New Experience

I didn’t really understand the importance of soundstage before, but the Raven has a wide soundstage that makes music feel like it’s happening all around you ( Very I'm in the middle of the club-like feeling, but even better lol). When I listen to Carloh’s "La Libertad" (Midnight Mix), the way the bass fills the space is incredible, and at the same time, I can still hear all the little details in the mids and treble. It feels like the music surrounds you.

The imaging is really clear, too. With Men I Trust’s "Lauren", which is a mix of dream pop and indie pop, I can easily tell where each instrument is coming from, and while it's not the perfect example of a song for imaging ( Will probably add later on something like Imogen Heaps - Hide and Seek, which is known to be really layered and spatial ) , the difference is clearly there. It’s made me realize how much more there is to music than I used to notice.

Mids and Treble: Balanced and Clear

Even though the Raven is all about the bass, the mids and treble aren’t left out. In "Un Veneno", for example, the vocals sound rich and emotional, and the guitar has this warm, full texture. I wasn’t expecting the Raven to handle vocals and instruments so well, but it really surprised me.

The treble is nice too! not too harsh, but just enough to add a bit of sparkle to the music. In tracks like La Libertad, I can hear all the high-end details without it feeling too bright or fatiguing, which is a big plus for long listening sessions. The treble in drum and bass is unforgiving using the wrong IEM, but this...is magical.

Versatility Across Genres

While I got the Raven because I love bass-heavy music, I was surprised at how good it sounds across different genres. I listen to a bit of everything, and whether it’s R&B, acoustic, or lighter electronic music, the Raven still delivers. For instance, in "Lauren", the vocals are smooth and the bass is just enough to keep things interesting, but it doesn’t overpower the rest of the track.

Still, where the Raven really shines is with dubstep, drum and bass, and tech house. It just adds so much energy and depth to these genres that I haven’t experienced with other IEMs, even my Triton, EVO, or Monarch MK3.

Conclusion: The Raven Is a Game Changer

As someone still learning about the "in and outs" of this hobby, the Empire Ears Raven has totally changed how I listen to music. The bass is insane, but it’s also balanced out by great mids, clear treble, and an immersive soundstage. Most of all, it’s that electric feeling that runs through the bass and vocals that makes the Raven so different from anything else I’ve tried. I didn’t think IEMs could make such a difference, but now I can’t imagine going back.

In my opinion, If you love bass and any genres I mentioned align with yours, and want an IEM that can handle pretty much any genre, the Empire Ears Raven is a must.


That's all for now folks!

Hope you enjoyed the read, I will add pictures later on tonight and probably update the imaging section with something more intended for it. Hopefully this review is the first of many as I keep exploring this rabbit hole of a hobby <3. Arrivaderci!

DANDELION777