Empire Ears Raven
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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
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
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Dandelion777
I cannot sadly. But from what I can tell, Raven is warmer compared to the maestro. They both excell in bass but from what Ive been told, maestro is a bit leaner in midrange with a huge bass shelf
Maximiliano Campo
Good review. Music is music, no such thing as fake music. Don't allow the snobs to say otherwise.
Dandelion777
Thank you so much bro! And you are absolutely right, the computer is just another tool for the sould to manifest musicaly!
The Empire, Ears, Raven has been highly anticipated for a while, and as I had some doubts to how good it could possibly sound.. I was pleasantly surprised
(Resolution)
The resolution of the raven is downright spectacular. Clarity and instrument separation is up there with the best that I’ve heard and I am hearing things in the music that I have not heard before and it goes into every genre so I can attest that the resolution is apparent with added texture on every sound and very easily reaches the standards worthy of the TOTL price tag
(Bass)
The bass is one that you might notice first it is beyond satisfying! Enough to feel it in your body I always enjoyed the sub bass up of the Odin but the raven takes it to another level with some welcoming extra midbass it is extremely detailed and never loose it really adds a big fun factor to this Iem and the slam left me jaw dropped, hip-hop songs, and edm can get really wild on the raven
(Mids)
The mids I thought we’re going to be a weak point due to headphones shows impression but that is far from what I’m hearing. The Mids are beautiful! Not to forward but not recessed whatsoever they are clear as a bell and very emotionally involving certain artists will have easy access to pulling tears from your eyes, or make you sing along. I was pleasantly surprised in this department
Not as forward as a Mason/Phoenix or Bird but not as recessed an Xe6. Fits evenly in the middle
(Soundstage)
The soundstage on the Raven is HUGE and feels like what you would think surround sound would be like but in your ears. Very impressive possibly the most I’ve ever heard but doesn’t sacrifice anything else the soundstage is a big wow factor with this Iem every genre sounded open wide with extreme depth and a musical aura enveloping me in each track I tested
(Treble)
The treble on the raven is detailed airy and sparkly with a very satisfying amount of it and some tracks really made me get chills from the sheer detail of the treble what I personally love is that it was never painful. It got all the way to the point of surpassing satisfaction, but never hit that S or T to make me wince
(Conclusion)
The raven while being very anticipated and hyped, but also polarizing has finally came out and knocked me out of my shoes. I am very grateful to have this one in my collection. It fits beautifully, and I really hope more people can spend some time with it
When compared to the annihilator, not quite matching the amount of treble but it went toe to toe in resolution clarity and instrument separation, but then surpassed it in bass (especially slam) , depth/soundstage and the textures within each instrument I love both of these iems big time
Compared to the xe6 while not having as much warmth and bass the Raven held its own in terms of detail within that bass but clarity separation and mids are a big win for the raven but don’t get me wrong xe6 still has its special sauce
The raven is very special and does infact sound like the proper improvement to the Odin I was hoping for. I’m excited to keep spending more time with it. If you’re looking to get one and have the money I would totally go for it as it is possibly at the top of every totl iem I have tried, which is a lot but don’t get me wrong Most of them are very special in their own way. The raven is really sticking out to me as a champ at this time
(Resolution)
The resolution of the raven is downright spectacular. Clarity and instrument separation is up there with the best that I’ve heard and I am hearing things in the music that I have not heard before and it goes into every genre so I can attest that the resolution is apparent with added texture on every sound and very easily reaches the standards worthy of the TOTL price tag
(Bass)
The bass is one that you might notice first it is beyond satisfying! Enough to feel it in your body I always enjoyed the sub bass up of the Odin but the raven takes it to another level with some welcoming extra midbass it is extremely detailed and never loose it really adds a big fun factor to this Iem and the slam left me jaw dropped, hip-hop songs, and edm can get really wild on the raven
(Mids)
The mids I thought we’re going to be a weak point due to headphones shows impression but that is far from what I’m hearing. The Mids are beautiful! Not to forward but not recessed whatsoever they are clear as a bell and very emotionally involving certain artists will have easy access to pulling tears from your eyes, or make you sing along. I was pleasantly surprised in this department
Not as forward as a Mason/Phoenix or Bird but not as recessed an Xe6. Fits evenly in the middle
(Soundstage)
The soundstage on the Raven is HUGE and feels like what you would think surround sound would be like but in your ears. Very impressive possibly the most I’ve ever heard but doesn’t sacrifice anything else the soundstage is a big wow factor with this Iem every genre sounded open wide with extreme depth and a musical aura enveloping me in each track I tested
(Treble)
The treble on the raven is detailed airy and sparkly with a very satisfying amount of it and some tracks really made me get chills from the sheer detail of the treble what I personally love is that it was never painful. It got all the way to the point of surpassing satisfaction, but never hit that S or T to make me wince
(Conclusion)
The raven while being very anticipated and hyped, but also polarizing has finally came out and knocked me out of my shoes. I am very grateful to have this one in my collection. It fits beautifully, and I really hope more people can spend some time with it
When compared to the annihilator, not quite matching the amount of treble but it went toe to toe in resolution clarity and instrument separation, but then surpassed it in bass (especially slam) , depth/soundstage and the textures within each instrument I love both of these iems big time
Compared to the xe6 while not having as much warmth and bass the Raven held its own in terms of detail within that bass but clarity separation and mids are a big win for the raven but don’t get me wrong xe6 still has its special sauce
The raven is very special and does infact sound like the proper improvement to the Odin I was hoping for. I’m excited to keep spending more time with it. If you’re looking to get one and have the money I would totally go for it as it is possibly at the top of every totl iem I have tried, which is a lot but don’t get me wrong Most of them are very special in their own way. The raven is really sticking out to me as a champ at this time
UTVOL06
If you liked/loved the Raven you would probably be overjoyed by the Astell&Kern x Empire Ears Novus. It's new Dual Sonion BCDs are much stronger and effective than the singular one in the Raven. I also love the Raven. It's tuning is a little different from the Novus. It's different enough that you could own both, but if I had to only pick one it's the Novus every time.
Edit: by the way, both the Raven and Novus are 2 Ohms. They both sound amazing on the Astell&Kern SP3000. No issues whatsoever and a completely dark background with zero noise or interference.
Edit: by the way, both the Raven and Novus are 2 Ohms. They both sound amazing on the Astell&Kern SP3000. No issues whatsoever and a completely dark background with zero noise or interference.
