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
