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Odin's Raven Magic - Empire Ears Raven
Which takes a long time...
It was quiet around Empire Ears for a long time. The only new product in 2023 was a collaboration with Astell & Kern called Odyssey and was only available in limited quantities.
Empire Ears have taken their time releasing their latest flagship, but now it's finally here. Let me introduce: The Empire Ears Raven.
It's been almost 3 years since the legendary Odin was released and yet Empire Ears is still the flagship 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 almost perfect tuning, which continues to delight many musicians and audiophiles.
Of course there were also points of criticism: the upper midrange and lower treble range in particular were “too sharp” or overemphasized for some audiophiles. Some others complained that the bass was excellent, but there was definitely a bit more to it. Of course, these impressions are very individual and also depend on the source used (DAP/Amp). Still room for improvement or perfection. Not an easy task for Empire Ears!
Since the boys and girls from Norcross in the state of Georgia USA are not resting on their laurels, they have been diligently developing, testing and tuning in the background in order to achieve their own milestone exceed and further push the boundaries of what is possible.
Or as Jack Vang, Vice President at Empire Ears puts it:
"At Empire Ears we have always been guided by a unique vision - we want to create experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Now as we unveil our latest masterpiece, we look forward to introducing you to its sophisticated Invite the world."
As an official launch partner, we at Audio Essence feel obliged to properly present this extraordinary product and, as always, it starts with a small 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 matt black, the front is adorned 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, a metal warranty card, manual and accessories such as ear tips and cleaning cloth.
Instead of the usual aluminum transport case, the Raven has a much more comfortable leather case including a leather cable tie.
But let's take a closer look at the object of desire.
With the Raven, Empire Ears are for the first time not using a pure polyacrylic construction, but rather polyacrylic shells with an inlaid faceplate made of anodized stainless steel with a stamped Raven or Empire Ears logo.
The new construction was apparently also one of the Reasons for the release postponement of 2 months, because a supplier had to be found who could produce the faceplates in the desired quality. In addition, the combination of polyarcyl shell and metal faceplates is apparently not entirely trivial.
The result is impressive: noble understatement is probably the appropriate term here. The Launch Edition is slightly different here, but more on that later.
Here again 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 for the Raven and is presented in simple black. 
The splitter and plug use aluminum components while the plug itself is apparently rhodium-plated. Exact information is not available at this time - but will be provided as soon as possible.
The pictures so far show the standard edition of the Raven. Empire Ears have come up with a few special things for the Launch Edition.
Launch Edition
Raven's Limited Launch Edition is an exclusive offering of just 400 pieces. This special version adds a special touch to the standard edition, perfect for discerning customers who long for a touch of uniqueness.
This edition features luxurious, gold-plated stainless steel faceplates, a testament to our commitment to the highest level of craftsmanship. The Launch Edition also comes with an elegant Saffiano leather case that is tastefully decorated with a gold-embossed logo.
To make this experience truly memorable, each device is accompanied by personal thank you cards - cards signed by our Managing Directors Dean and Jack Vang.
As a bonus, we are including our specially designed Raven Challenge coins with the first batch of these introductory editions.
Sound impressions
Of course I immediately gave the Raven a first listening session. The source of choice was a Hiby RS8 DAP.
There hasn't been enough time to break in the Raven sufficiently (usually 100+ hours). Nevertheless, I would like to describe my first impressions in comparison with the Odin, so here we go...
The Empire Ears Raven is characterized by a full-bodied, very detailed and spatial sound. It is less "bright" compared to the Odin, but delivers at least the same detail and resolution. Even with critical tracks, I didn't notice any hissing sounds or unpleasant highs.
The bass reproduction is reminiscent of the EVO, but is a bit less brutal. The bass pressure is still massive and significantly stronger than with the Odin.
Voices are portrayed urgently, sonorously and emotionally. In general, I think the Raven's voice reproduction is one of the best I've heard so far.
What also sets the Raven apart from the other Empire Ears flagships is its particularly spatial sound character. Depending on the piece of music, I would like to talk about an almost three-dimensional sound. The whole thing consequently also results in an improved stage image compared to the Odin.
Channel separation and layering are excellent and at the highest level.
The Odin sounds "thinner" in direct comparison and while the father of the gods mercilessly reveals worse recordings, I have the feeling that the Raven is a little more good-natured here. As I said - that doesn't mean that you have to forego details - the tuning is simply more forgiving than with the Odin.
I listen to the South Korean "Alchemy of Souls" " Soundtrack: pure goosebumps. Incredibly haunting and intense. Insane dynamic capabilities. Voices literally get under my skin and make the hairs on my arms stand on end.
Then a work made for the Raven: "Odin's Raven Magic" interpreted as an orchestral work by Sigur Ros. Composed in the 14th or 15th century, "Odin's Raven Magic" is an Icelandic poem in the ancient Edda tradition. The performance honors the poem, dramatic and beautiful, classic and contemporary.
A bombastic work and the Raven seems made for it, and not just because of its name. It's the first time I can feel bass thunder in my body with an IEM - like I'm listening with an external subwoofer. Absolutely crazy!
This is probably the most emotional music experience I've had with in-ears so far. 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 is not an IEM with which you can just listen to music casually. Raven demands my full attention and doesn't give me a break. Listening to music becomes an experience, a rollercoaster ride.
Empire Ears had a lot planned for 2023 but they decided to put all other ongoing projects on hold and concentrate fully on Raven. I can now understand why and take my hat off to what was certainly a 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 fully exploits its capabilities with a really first-class source (DAP/Amp). While the sound on the excellent Hiby R6 Pro II was already very good, it became a real
experience with a Hiby RS8 or Cayin N8ii. 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 DAP or amp at home,
you will hardly think about it, but will simply enjoy what is available HERE AND NOW.
Preliminary conclusion
The EE Raven currently represents the pinnacle of what is possible in in-ear monitors without reaching astronomical price levels like some (very good) competing products. Sure, the price isn't a fool's errand. But what you get in terms of sound 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 pieces available)
- Delivery from September 1st
- Available for pre-order from August 18th
- Delivery end of September
More blogs on the topic
Empire Ears Raven - Review by Joshua Chan
Warlike divine - Empire Ears Odin
The Empire Strikes Again: Empire Ears Legend EVO