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Empire Ears RAVEN IEMs Review: Big, Bountiful Sound | Moon Audio

RAVEN Universal IEMs

$3,599.00
In Stock

Uncompromised bass response, airy upper frequencies and spectacular voicing. More details

Empire Ears RAVEN IEMs Review: Big, Bountiful Sound | Moon Audio

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A New Flagship IEM that is Toe Tapping FUN

These IEMs get your toes tapping and bring excitement to the forefront. It's engaging. It’s incredibly lively and it has hard-hitting articulate bass. It is extremely well-balanced and not shy on the top end. I truly feel like a Rave is going on inside my head between my ears.

The Odin IEMs will still be my go-to for genres such as Jazz, Blues, and Americana but for all else, it is now the Raven that will occupy my ears for these types of music. It truly provides the right grit for Rock & Roll, the right wallop for EDM and Rap, plus all the right moves for shaking it on the dance floor with Pop and R&B/Soul.

Well done, Empire Ears, very well done! You have a new reference IEM that is sure to please the audiophile and music enthusiast for sure, but we feel it will please the masses for most genres of music for an all-around best-in-class IEM and that's tough to do.

Technological Achievement & Design

Empire Ear's gaze is firmly fixed on the horizon as they navigate the realm of audio technology with a visionary spirit, pushing the boundaries of the extraordinary. Their strength lies in our audacity to innovate, to tread paths less traveled. Their relentless endeavor to revolutionize has led to numerous pioneering technologies that have forever altered the landscape of the IEM industry, and the RAVEN IEM stands as the latest testament to their creative prowess.

Designer's Notes

"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," Jack Vang, President of Empire Ears.

Quadbrid Design

Empire Ears' dedication to superiority guides them to develop and build several of their proprietary drivers, even in lower volumes, rather than sourcing them from other manufacturers. This autonomy allows them to break new ground in technology, unencumbered by industry constraints or compromises. The RAVEN IEMs serves as a testament to the extraordinary engineering at Empire Ears.


W10 Bone Conductor

At the forefront of innovation is the W10 Bone Conductor. This groundbreaking driver delivers unparalleled imaging, intricate nuance retrieval, and rich timbre by transmitting sound through bone conduction. The result is an immersive sonic experience that engages the listener on a truly profound level.

Dual W9+ Subwoofers

The heart of the RAVEN's seismic bass response is their custom designed 9mm W9+ subwoofers. These dedicated low thunderous power and unmatched control, laying the foundation for a legendary bass experience.

Five Balanced Armature Drivers

Tasked with reproducing the critical mid frequencies are their bespoke balanced armature drivers, engineered in collaboration with industry leaders Knowles and Sonion. Their unique design and singular focus render a captivating and pure mid-range that truly brings music to life.

Quad Electrostatic Tweeters

Ensconced within RAVEN are Sonion electrostatic tweeters, each featuring an ultra-light moving membrane. These precision instruments offer an extraordinarily accurate transient response, allowing for unrivaled clarity, pristine separation, and breathtaking detail.

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 their 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 optimizes RAVEN's acoustic performance.

The 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, 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.

The Eve of Odin

With a nod to the mythical EYE of ODIN and the iconic Empire Ears wingspan, RAVEN’s industrial 316L stainless steel faceplates becomes a mesmerizing canvas, skillfully crafted through precision CNC techniques. The meticulous process continues with hand-polishing and perfecting every detail, culminating in a lavish physical vapor deposition coating that exudes opulence.

In a limited run of just 400 units, the exclusive launch edition will showcase resplendent gold plating, while the standard edition boasts a sleek and alluring gloss black finish.

PW Audio R7 (Stock IEM 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 IEMs.


EIVEC MKII

The EIVEC MKII engine 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.

ARC

In their pursuit of perfection with RAVEN, they'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 their 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.

synX (Crossover Network)

Genetically dissimilar from the rest of the IEM world, their synX crossover network truly stands out with countless bespoke methods and technologies protecting it as a unique masterpiece. A marriage of 4 distinct driver technologies is symphonized via a proprietary multi-point synX crossover network, ensuring maximum performance from all 12 drivers.

Dual Tri-Port 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.

Designed, Engineered & Proudly Handcrafted in the USA

A select group of Empire's visionary artisans undertakes the prestigious task of handcrafting the illustrious Raven at our state-of-the-art facility in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Every stage of Raven's meticulous production is an artisanal masterpiece, painstakingly crafted by one master technician and engineer. Each pair embarks on an enchanting journey through ten intricate stations, guided by the hands of these skilled artisans, devoting a remarkable 9 hours of meticulous attention to detail per set.

Raven stands as the pinnacle of Empire's technological prowess, a testament to their ceaseless pursuit of the extraordinary. Beyond its unrivaled technical capabilities, Raven exudes an aura of exclusivity, making it a rare gem cherished by discerning professionals and audio enthusiasts alike.

What's in the box?

  • RAVEN In Ear Monitor
  • PW Audio P7 OCC Copper Litz Cable
  • Empire Pandora Case
  • Empire Cleaning Cloth
  • Empire Cleaning Tool
  • Final Audio Type E Tips - SS, S, M, L, LL
  • 12-driver Quadbrid: (x2) W9+ Dynamic, (x5) BA, (x4) EST, (x1) Bone Conduction
  • Launch Edition features Gold-plated Stainless Steel faceplates, Saffiano leather case, personalized thank-you card from Dean and Jack Vang
  • Specially designed Raven Challenge Coin included in 1st batch
  • Designed, engineered and handcrafted in Atlanta, GA USA, 9 hours of devoted, meticulous attention per pair!

Technical Specifications

  • 12 Driver Quadbrid, Dual Conduction Flagship
  • Dual W9+ Subwoofers
  • 5 Proprietary Balanced Armature Drivers
  • Quad Electrostatic Drivers
  • W10 Bone Conductin Ultra Driver
  • Proprietary Multi-Point synX Crossover Network
  • EIVEC MKII - Empire Intelligent Variable Electrostatic Control Technology
  • HRC - Harmonic Resonance Core
  • ARC - Resonance Mitigation Technology
  • Impedance: 2 Ohms @ 1kHz
  • Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 100kHz
  • Sensitivity: 108.1dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
  • Premium Empire X PW Audio R7 OCC Dual Gauge Cable X 4.4 Rhodium Termination

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