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Odins Raven Magic - Empire Ears Raven
Good things come to those who wait...
Empire Ears has been quiet for a long time. The only new product in 2023 was a collaboration with Astell & core called Odyssey and also only available in limited quantities.
Empire Ears have taken their time to release their latest flagship, but now it is finally here. Let me introduce: The Empire Ears Raven.
It has been almost 3 years since the legendary Odin released in 2008, and yet Empire Ears' flagship product remains one of the best in-ear monitors (IEMs) in the world—and one of the best-selling. The Odin was and is said to have near-perfect tuning, which continues to delight many musicians and audiophiles.
Of course, there were also points of criticism: In particular, the upper midrange and lower treble ranges were "too sharp" or overemphasized for some audiophiles. Others complained that the bass, while excellent, could definitely be a bit more powerful. Of course, these impressions are very individual and also depend on the source used (DAP/amp). Nevertheless, there is room for improvement and perfection. Not an easy task for Empire Ears!
There The boys and girls from Norcross in the state of Georgia USA, however, did not rest on its laurels; in the background, it was diligently developed, tested and tuned in order to exceed its own milestone and further push the boundaries of what is possible.
Or how Jack Vang, Vice President at Empire Ears puts it:
"At Empire Ears, we've always been guided by a singular vision—to create experiences that transcend the ordinary. Now, as we unveil our latest masterpiece, we look forward to inviting you into its refined world."
As the official launch partner, we at Audio Essence feel obligated to properly present this exceptional product, and as always, we'll start with a short unboxing photo session.
This time the packaging is not based on Empire Ears' compact standard boxes, but on the EExAK Odyssey packaging, which is significantly larger.
In simple matte black, the front is decorated with the silver Raven logo and the back already reveals a few technical details.
The three-part interior contains the IEMs and the cable in the middle, as well as a metal warranty card, manual and accessories such as ear tips and a cleaning cloth.
Instead of the usual aluminum transport case, the Raven comes with a much more comfortable leather case including leather cable ties.
But let’s take a closer look at the object of desire.
With the Raven, Empire Ears is using, for the first time, not a pure polyacrylic construction, but polyacrylic shells with an inlaid faceplate made of anodized stainless steel with a stamped Raven or Empire Ears logo.
The new design was apparently also one of the reasons for the two-month release delay, as a supplier had to be found that could produce the faceplates in the desired quality. Furthermore, combining the polyacrylic shell and metal faceplates is apparently not entirely trivial.
The result is impressive: elegant understatement is probably the appropriate term here. Although the Launch Edition differs somewhat in this regard, but more on that later.
Here's the new leather case in detail. According to Empire Ears, Saffiano leather was used here.
The cable was - as with the Odin or EVO - specially developed by PWAudio developed for the Raven and comes in simple black. 
The splitter and connector use aluminum components, while the connector itself appears to be rhodium-plated. Precise information is not yet available at this time, but will be provided as soon as possible.
The previous images show the standard edition of the Raven. Empire Ears has come up with a few special features for the Launch Edition.
Launch Edition
The Limited Launch Edition from Raven is an exclusive offer of only 400 pieces. This special Version gives the standard edition a special touch, perfect for demanding customers who who long for a touch of uniqueness.
This edition features luxurious gold-plated stainless steel faceplates, a testament to our commitment to the highest craftsmanship. The Launch Edition also comes with an elegant Saffiano leather case, tastefully decorated with a gold-embossed logo.
To make this experience truly unforgettable, each device is accompanied by personalized thank you cards - Cards signed by our CEOs Dean and Jack Vang.
As a bonus, we Our specially designed Raven Challenge coins are included in the first batch of these introductory editions.
Sound impressions
Naturally, I immediately subjected the Raven to a first listening session. The source of choice was a Hiby RS8 DAP.
I haven't had enough time to break in the Raven sufficiently (usually 100+ hours). Nevertheless, I'd like to share my first impressions, comparing it to the Odin, so here goes...
The Empire Ears Raven is characterized by a full-bodied, very detailed, and spacious sound. It is less "bright" than the Odin, but delivers at least the same Detail and resolution. Even with critical titles, I didn't notice any hissing or unpleasant highs.
The Bass reproduction Reminiscent of the EVO, but a bit less brutal. The bass punch is still massive and significantly stronger than the Odin.
Voices are presented vividly, sonorous, and emotionally. Overall, I find the Raven's vocal reproduction to be one of the best I've heard so far.
What also distinguishes the Raven from the other Empire Ears flagships is its particularly spatial sound characterDepending on the piece of music, I'd say the sound is almost three-dimensional. This, in turn, results in improved soundstage compared to the Odin.
Channel separation and layering are excellent and of the highest standard.
The Odin sounds "thinner" in direct comparison, and while the godfather mercilessly exposes poorer recordings, I have the feeling the Raven is a bit more forgiving here. As I said, that doesn't mean you have to forgo detail—the tuning is simply more forgiving than the Odin.
I hear the South Korean "Alchemy of Souls" " Soundtrack: Pure goosebumps. Incredibly haunting and intense. Incredible dynamic capabilities. Voices literally get under my skin and make the hair on my arms stand on end.
Then a work made for the Raven: "Odin's Raven Magic" as an orchestral work interpreted by Sigur Ros. Composed in the 14th or 15th century, "Odin's Raven Magic" is an Icelandic poem in the Old Edda tradition. The performance honors the poem, dramatic and beautiful, classical and contemporary.
A bombastic piece, and the Raven seems perfectly suited for it, and not just because of its name. It's the first time I've been able to feel a storm of bass in my body with an IEM—as if I were listening with an external subwoofer. Absolutely insane!
This is probably the most emotional music experience I've ever had with in-ears. When I think about it, it's perhaps the most emotional music experience outside of a live concert that I've ever had. Incredibly haunting and intense.
Raven isn't an IEM you can just casually listen to music with. Raven demands my full attention and doesn't give me a break. Listening to music becomes an experience, a rollercoaster ride.
Empire Ears had big plans for 2023 but they decided to put all other ongoing projects on hold and focus fully on Raven. I can now understand why and take my hat off to this certainly difficult and daring decision.
Raven is the culmination of concentrated audio experience, passion, and dedication. I can't explain the result any other way.
synergy
EE Raven only shows its full potential with a truly first-class source (DAP/Amp). While the sound image on the excellent Hiby R6 Pro II was already very good, it was given a Hiby RS8 or Cayin N8ii to the real
Experience. This gives me hope that—just like with the Odin—future, even better DAPs and amps will catapult the Raven to new, unimagined heights. But this speculation is pointless. If you have a top-of-the-line DAP or amp at home,
you will hardly think about it, but simply enjoy what is offered in the HERE AND NOW.
Preliminary conclusion
The EE Raven currently represents the pinnacle of in-ear monitor technology, without reaching astronomical prices like some (very good) competitors. Of course, the price isn't cheap. But the sound you get is simply the best. Period.
I have a new favorite and it's called Empire Ears Raven.
Order && delivery
- Available for pre-order now. (Only a few units available)
- Delivery from 1 September
- Available for pre-order from August 18
- Delivery end of September
More blogs on the topic
Empire Ears Raven - Review by Joshua Chan
Truly divine - Empire Ears Odin
The Empire Strikes Again: Empire Ears Legend EVO