I am excited to share my experience with him. empire-eared raven In-ear monitors. After hearing rave reviews from my audio circle, I'm diving in to see what sets these premium IEMs apart. Priced at $3,599, they promise an exceptional listening experience. Join me as I explore their features and performance to find out if they really live up to the hype!
What you get
Empire Ears Raven In-Ear Monitors
Premium Empire X PWaudio R7 OCC Dual Gauge Cable with Rhodium 4.4 Termination
5 pairs of silicone eartips in sizes: Small, Medium and Large
cleaning tool
User manual
Black Rounded Carrying Case
look and feel
When my RAVEN arrived, it felt like a special occasion from the beginning. The box was large and meticulously packaged, giving off a luxurious feeling. When I opened it up, I couldn't help but notice the size of the IEMs: they were larger than I'm used to, but surprisingly comfortable once I put them on. Despite their size, they fit perfectly in my ears without feeling too heavy. The black version immediately caught my eye for its sleek look, which added to the excitement when unboxing it. Learning about the inspiration behind their design, with nods to Empire's mythos and signature style, made me appreciate them even more. Knowing that each pair undergoes such a detailed and time-consuming manufacturing process by expert craftsmen further increases its appeal. Beyond being technically impressive, RAVEN represents Empire's commitment to excellence, making them more than just a pair of headphones: they are a symbol of extraordinary experiences waiting to be had.
Design and functionality
The RAVEN IEMs are more than just a pair of headphones – they are a masterpiece of audio engineering that really impressed me. From the moment I saw its 12-driver Quadbrid design and learned about its flagship dual-drive technology, I knew I was in for something special. As I delved into its specifications, I couldn't help but be impressed by the dual W9+ subwoofers and five proprietary balanced armature drivers, each contributing to a rich and immersive sound signature. The addition of quad electrostatic tweeters and a W10 ultra bone conduction driver took high frequencies to a whole new level, revealing layers of detail I never knew existed. What really surprised me, however, was how seamlessly it all came together: the synX Crossover and DCA multipoint networking ensured that each driver worked in perfect harmony, resulting in a cohesive and impressive soundstage. And with innovative features like EIVEC MKII, HRC and ARC, RAVEN not only delivers exceptional sound quality but also elevates the entire listening experience to new heights. In short, these headphones aren't just for listening: they're for experiencing music in its purest form.
sound stage
During my testing across various genres, the Raven IEMs consistently delivered exceptional sound quality. However, it was when I queued up EDM tracks like Martin Garrix's “Carry You” that I was truly impressed. The vibrant bass lines and soaring synths seemed to come to life, transporting me to the heart of an EDM festival. It was an experience where I could literally feel the music running through me, reaffirming Raven's prowess in delivering an unforgettable listening experience. The Raven IEMs have a bass-focused tuning, prioritizing the mid and sub-bass frequencies, while the low-mid range is placed further back. This tuning imparts a warm timbre to the sound signature, mainly attributed to the emphasis on the low mids. What really impresses is the wide soundstage that Raven offers. With remarkable depth and breadth, the soundstage creates a captivating 3D effect, enveloping listeners in a rich and immersive audio experience. Every note resonates within this spacious soundscape, whether it's the powerful bass or the intricate treble, ensuring a truly dynamic and engaging listening journey.
Low Ends
The RAVEN's bass is nothing short of phenomenal – it's easily the best I've ever experienced in an IEM. At the heart of this seismic bass response are custom-designed 9mm W9+ subwoofers, delivering thunderous power and unparalleled control. These subwoofers lay the foundation for a legendary bass experience, delivering deep, resonant bass that you can feel in your core. Listening to tracks like ARTBAT's “Take Off” was an incredible experience: the bass added a whole new dimension to the music, making each beat feel like a sonic journey. Whether you're a bass lover or simply appreciate the richness of well-defined bass, RAVEN delivers an audio experience that sets a new standard for excellence.
media
The Raven's midrange brings a noticeable change to the sound. It focuses more on the upper mids, making vocals and instruments sound really clear and detailed. This gives the music a nice depth, putting the midrange front and center. While the boosted mid-bass adds a nice richness, it can sometimes drown out the low-mids. Overall, I think it's great.
Highs
The Raven's treble offers a nice sparkle, although I personally wish they were a little brighter. At times the tracks seemed a bit unmastered due to the heavy influence of the impressive lows and mids. However, overall, the treble presents slightly above neutral with a touch of brightness, extending excellently with notable details. High hats and cymbals sound crisp and clean, achieving a balanced tone. Overall, the treble rounds out the soundstage very well, contributing to a complete and satisfying listening experience.
Summary
After spending time with him Empire Ears Raven in-ear monitors, I can confidently say are a standout option in the world of premium IEMs. From its stunning design to its immersive sound quality, every aspect of the Ravens exudes excellence. Whether you're a bass lover, a fan of detailed mids, or crave a full sound, these IEMs offer a rich and dynamic listening experience. The Ravens' overall performance is top-notch, making it well worth the investment and a solid choice for discerning audiophiles.
empire-eared raven Is available in Audio46
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