# Empire Ears -Official thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Official IEM Model Discussion\ **Created:** [February 15, 2021, 1:55am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800 "2021-02-15T01:55:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Fc-Construct](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/fc-construct/32/61065_2.png) [@Fc-Construct](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Fc-Construct)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 1:00am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800/23 "2023-08-12T01:00:20Z")
Found this on Head-Fi: ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/d/3/d365536b1590051b1489669d363600473700aefd.jpeg) Oh they’re big boys alright ---
**Author:** ![Fc-Construct](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/fc-construct/32/61065_2.png) [@Fc-Construct](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Fc-Construct)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 1:04am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800/24 "2023-08-12T01:04:09Z")
Oh and here’s another one confirming the fingerprint magnet allegations: ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/5/4/54fcb3ce87b4defcdda9790cc8485249a950e56b.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Torq](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/torq/32/16384_2.png) [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 1:11am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800/25 "2023-08-12T01:11:59Z")
Bloody hell … EE were (and are) iffy on doing customs for the Odin due to concerns about how much space they need inside and what that means for exterior dimensions … … makes me think these might not be offered as customs _at all_. Unless, well, you’ve got lug-holes that rival Dumbo’s and don’t mind looking like you’ve stuck the arse-end of a special-edition Toblerone in your ear. … The black looks better … that gold, with the way it fits on the IEM body, looks cheap, nasty, and like an afterthought. Not what I’d expect from EE … hope that’s just a demo/prototype. ---
**Author:** ![SenyorC](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/senyorc/32/13567_2.png) [@SenyorC](https://forum.headphones.com/u/SenyorC)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 7:32am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800/26 "2023-08-12T07:32:20Z")
> [@Torq](#): > > Unless, well, you’ve got lug-holes that rival Dumbo’s and don’t mind looking like you’ve stuck the arse-end of a special-edition Toblerone in your ear. 😂 We need more phrases like this in reviews!! ---
**Author:** ![chrisnyc75](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/chrisnyc75/32/41282_2.png) [@chrisnyc75](https://forum.headphones.com/u/chrisnyc75)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 5:34pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800/27 "2023-08-12T17:34:31Z")
> [@Torq](#): > > EE were (and are) iffy on doing customs for the Odin due to concerns about how much space they need inside and what that means for exterior dimensions … > > … makes me think these might not be offered as customs _at all_. Legend EVO doesn’t have a custom option because of the bone conduction driver implementation. It’s probably fair to assume the same will be true for Raven. ---
**Author:** ![taronlissimore](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/taronlissimore/32/59_2.png) [@taronlissimore](https://forum.headphones.com/u/taronlissimore)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 8:03pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800/28 "2023-08-12T20:03:23Z")
Bone conduction is a pain to measure but here’s a quick measurement of the Raven on the 5128 before @Resolve escaped the dungeon to frolic in the sun this weekend. ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/3/1/3108fd4b237c8c8161c0aa6aa70191e41aa45f26.png) For me personally, I’d put the Odin and Raven as neck and neck with the Odyssey behind those two and the Legend Evo below. If you wanted an Odin with more bass then it will be up your alley. The bass is also more controlled than Legend Evo or X. Yeah the shell is big but its not noticeably more big than the Odin when it’s in your ear. Some pics as well ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/7/9/7944c23c8d4e2bf228dc6d6abf85096a1807a0cb.jpeg) ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/7/e/7e24ea17e4eb63d4ba28092a1a4aaa639f5b3f65.jpeg) ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/c/9/c98ae8b44300a812db02bae307e8d795f44b1758.jpeg) ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/2/9/298b0bae5ccf8aa8cab76a712fb2a4fdd09031d2.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Resolve](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/resolve/32/51647_2.png) [@Resolve](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Resolve)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 8:07pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800/29 "2023-08-12T20:07:22Z")
> [@taronlissimore](#): > > Bone conduction is a pain to measure but here’s a quick measurement of the Raven on the 5128 before @Resolve escaped the dungeon to frolic in the sun this weekend. I must interrupt my frolicking session to mention that as of right now it’s unclear to me if the wibbles in the mids there are due to bone-conduction, an odd crossover implementation or something else entirely. This could just be a measurement artifact with these types of IEMs (since a number of the other EE ones show this kind of behavior in certain conditions as well). I should also note that depending on insertion depth, this feature seems to change a bit. I’ll provide additional info on audibility there when I get a chance. ---
**Author:** ![EmpireZeus](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/empirezeus/32/49435_2.png) [@EmpireZeus](https://forum.headphones.com/u/EmpireZeus)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2023, 6:26am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800/30 "2023-08-15T06:26:32Z")
If you look at build components, it looks to be a clone of the Odessy. The Odessy also has bone conduction. I would be interested in understanding how the Raven is different? Great review. ---
**Author:** ![Resolve](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/resolve/32/51647_2.png) [@Resolve](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Resolve)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2023, 8:43pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800/31 "2023-08-16T20:43:35Z")
Alright, so I’ve spent a bit more time measuring these on both systems, in particular using the GRAS with canal extension for an easier time identifying channel variation. Empire Ears Raven measurements (GRAS): ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/2/9/29e511551196cd3fdd7a0a8dedd47964bc1f94e2.png) Channel matching is good, but you’ll notice that feature in the mids is lessened. That’s because this is using a shallow insertion depth. When I use a deeper insertion depth, that resonance shows up far more strongly. ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/7/8/782178aafb1b2f92c0130ef6b4ccc2d828528ef8.png) This seems to be a common feature for a number of Empire Ears IEMs, and I expect it has to do with the crossover implementation or the bone conduction driver. The problem is… _for me_, this feature is also audible. With music it’s not really all that noticeable, but anytime I’m listening to spoken word, or taking meetings while wearing them, or listening to podcasts, youtube videos etc., I absolutely do hear it. I wonder if this is different depending on the person wearing them. ---
**Author:** ![Rhodey](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/rhodey/32/63535_2.png) [@Rhodey](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Rhodey)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2023, 9:20pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800/32 "2023-08-24T21:20:01Z")
I’ve never heard the Odin or raven. Are these close to something like a utopia on a technical level? Best iem I have is the SA6 and I just don’t reach for it much. If the Odin or raven was closer to a totl headphone, maybe I would use it more. ---
**Author:** ![taronlissimore](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/taronlissimore/32/59_2.png) [@taronlissimore](https://forum.headphones.com/u/taronlissimore)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2023, 9:40pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800/33 "2023-08-24T21:40:45Z")
The Odin is probably what I would compare as the closest to the Utopia in terms of detail and resolution. I don’t think it’s quite on the same level but it gets close. The Raven is quite detailed but it also has a completely different tuning with more pronounced low-end and some slight treble zing (which the Utopia can also have) If you were choosing from the Empire Ears line-up as a comparison point, Odin is where I would point. But there are other IEM’s out there in the world. I haven’t heard the Subtonic Storm yet but I now @antdroid has mentioned multiple times that it has ruined all other IEMs for him so that could be another contender. The 64 Audio tia Fourte is also extremely detailed but the tuning tends to be a bit more niche and it’s a lot more of a 50/50 split of you either love it or hate it. ---
**Author:** ![antdroid](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/antdroid/32/8600_2.png) [@antdroid](https://forum.headphones.com/u/antdroid)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2023, 10:04pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800/34 "2023-08-24T22:04:15Z")
Yes. EE Odin was my favorite iem for a while and it was a step above others, but then the Subtonic Storm came along and blew those expectations out of the water. Both are what I would consider fantastic balanced monitors with great low end and smooth treble. The Storm has dynamics that really do remind you of a Focal Utopia or Elex to go along with the neutral sound. (As stated in @Fc-Construct 's canjam impressions on the [headphones.com](http://headphones.com) site). I haven’t tried Raven yet but definitely interested in hearing it given that I do like some of their products like Odin. ---
**Author:** ![Rhodey](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/rhodey/32/63535_2.png) [@Rhodey](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Rhodey)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2023, 12:32am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800/35 "2023-08-25T00:32:59Z")
@taronlissimore and @antdroid i appreciate the info. I’ll do some more research and thinking on the different options. ---
**Author:** ![taronlissimore](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/taronlissimore/32/59_2.png) [@taronlissimore](https://forum.headphones.com/u/taronlissimore)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2023, 1:27am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800/36 "2023-08-25T01:27:21Z")
The other thing to consider is the fit on the Empire Ears flagships are quite large. Depending on your ear canal capacity and comfort, that can be a dealbreaker for some. Not sure about Storm size but I know 64 Audio IEMs all have small fits. ---
**Author:** ![Torq](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/torq/32/16384_2.png) [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2023, 1:51am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800/37 "2023-08-25T01:51:02Z")
> [@antdroid](#): > > Subtonic Storm came along and blew those expectations out of the water It’s one I’ve heard a lot of hype for. And I’d go somewhat out of my way to hear them based on who is saying some of those seemingly-impossibly-positive things. But I’ve found IEMs are more prone to undeserved hype than anything else in audio (at both ends of the price spectrum) … so it’d definitely be a hear-before-purchase deal for me. My memories of the Oriolus Traillii are still too current … $6K for _that_. There’s stuff I prefer for 1/10th of that … AND that has a name I can type without looking it up … 😉 * * * So @antdroid … they’re worth the effort to audition? ---
**Author:** ![antdroid](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/antdroid/32/8600_2.png) [@antdroid](https://forum.headphones.com/u/antdroid)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2023, 4:34pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800/38 "2023-08-25T16:34:07Z")
The Storm is also large if not significantly larger than EE iems. Its actually roughly the same size as my CIEM, but also fits me perfectly. I have no pain or anything wearing them, which definitely helps my experience. @Torq haha I definitely would recommend auditioning them if you have an opportunity. Their first 50 limited editions are sold out now, and they are preparing their normal production run set with a new look. I haven’t actually seen what they’ll look like yet, but tuning should remain the same. The best opportunities are likely going to be canjams, or if you ever come back to Seattle, I’ll gladly let you try them out! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![EmpireZeus](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/empirezeus/32/49435_2.png) [@EmpireZeus](https://forum.headphones.com/u/EmpireZeus)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2023, 3:46am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800/39 "2023-10-21T03:46:44Z")
The Raven faceplate is uninspiring. You would think they could have come up with something more unique and visually beautiful. I really like the UM multiverse mentor design. Its beautiful and has really good reviews. EE needs to improve the exterior designs. I really like the Odin faceplate, the Raven just falls short on appearance. For 4000 dollars it should look and sound heavenly. ---
**Author:** ![EmpireZeus](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/empirezeus/32/49435_2.png) [@EmpireZeus](https://forum.headphones.com/u/EmpireZeus)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2023, 3:56am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800/40 "2023-10-24T03:56:36Z")
I finally found a good deal on used Odin iems. I was not impressed with the stormbreaker cable. It just sounded like my K10s. I swapped out cable with another PW audio cable and replaced tips with foam pair. This improved sound alot. Really great details and large Soundstage. I got these on the used market for half the price, so i am happy with them. ![20231023_160140](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/1/f/1f5bb00b95f0c84a73d103a7d71f89eec7da4a86.jpeg) [Previous page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/empire-ears-official-thread/10800.md?page=1)