Empire Ears ESR MKII vs Raven
Introduction
The Empire Ears ESR MKII and Raven are premium IEMs designed to deliver studio-accurate, high-resolution sound. Let's compare both models so you can find the best in-ear monitors for your listening preferences.
Not the right fit? Browse other In-Ear Monitors from Empire Ears.
Empire Ears ESR MKII vs Raven Price Comparison
The Empire Ears ESR MKII and Raven sit at two very different price points.
The ESR MKII comes in at $1,099.00.
The Raven comes in at $3,599.00.
The Raven costs over 3x the ESR MKII. Let's dive deep into the specs, design, sound signatures, and features of both so you can get a better idea of what each IEM brings to the table.
The Empire Ears ESR MKII
The ESR MKII is Empire Ears' studio-reference IEM. It features a five-driver hybrid setup with three BA and two Electrostatic drivers. In terms of features, the ESR MKII packs SynX, EIVEC, and A.R.C technology for enhanced sound and reliability.
Empire Ears ESR MKII Features:
- Anti-Resonance Compound (A.R.C.)
- SynX Crossover Technology
- Proprietary Drivers
- UPOCC Cable
- EIVEC Module
Empire Ears ESR MKII Specs:
Driver Configuration: 3x Balanced Armature Drivers + 2x Electrostatic Drivers
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 100kHz
Sensitivity: 111dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
Crossover: 4-Way synX Crossover Network
Impedance: 3.9 Ohms @ 1kHz
The Empire Ears Raven
The Raven is Empire Ears’ ultra-flagship in-ear monitor, blending cutting-edge tech with a bold, musical tuning. It’s designed for those who want visceral bass impact, immersive soundstage, and life-like clarity in their listening experience.
Empire Ears Raven Features:
- Quadbrid driver system with Dynamic + BA + Electrostatic + Bone Conduction
- Weapon IX+ dynamic subwoofers for thunderous bass
- W10 Bone Conduction for rich tones and crisp detail
- synX Crossover Network for a cohesive sound
- Premium materials and a sleek, blacked-out design
Empire Ears Raven Specs:
Driver Configuration: 12 Drivers (2 Dynamic, 5 Balanced Armatures, 4 Electrostatic, 1 Bone Conductor)
Frequency Response: 5Hz–100kHz
Impedance: 2 Ohms @ 1kHz
Sensitivity: 99dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
Connector: 2-pin, 0.78mm
Design and Build Quality
The Empire Ears ESR MKII and Raven are high-end, premium IEMs, boasting exceptional build quality, design, and ergonomics.
The ESR MKII is a departure from Empire Ears’ bold design language, featuring a sleek resin shell with smooth contours that sit flush in the ear. Its lightweight build makes it easy to wear for hours, and the snug fit ensures excellent isolation. The understated faceplate design complements its role as a studio-reference IEM rather than something that draws everyone's attention.
The Raven is a completely different story. Built as Empire Ears’ flagship in-ear monitor, it uses premium materials with a bold, futuristic aesthetic that instantly stands out anywhere. Its multi-driver housing is larger but surprisingly ergonomic, distributing weight comfortably across the ear for a fatigue-free feel. The striking faceplate design is more than just a pretty face - it features Empire Ears' Harmonic Resonance Core, which enhances the W10 Bone Conductor's performance for a more tactile sound. Finally, the reinforced construction and matching black cable give it the kind of durability and style one would expect from a $3,000+ monitor.
Sound Signature
You're probably looking to see how these IEMs stack up on sound. We'll share our thoughts here, although keep in mind this information tends to be anecdotal and subjective.
ESR MKII Sound Signature
The ESR MKII is designed to deliver absolute accuracy and balance, making it ideal for professionals or listeners who want to hear music exactly as it’s recorded. Its bass is tight and controlled, never overpowering the mix. The midrange is clean and transparent, bringing out vocals and instruments with lifelike clarity - perfect for mixing or critical listening. The treble is extended yet smooth, revealing subtle details without harshness, ensuring long listening sessions stay fatigue-free. This combination gives you the confidence to make precise judgments on recordings while still enjoying natural musicality.
Raven Sound Signature
The Raven, by contrast, is all about immersion and excitement. Its Weapon IX+ dynamic drivers deliver thunderous, physical bass, giving music a visceral impact you can feel, ideal for genres like rock, electronic, or cinematic soundtracks. The midrange is lush and engaging, adding body and warmth to vocals and instruments, making them sound rich and emotional. Treble is impressive - the dual electrostatic drivers provide sparkling highs with incredible air and separation, creating a massive soundstage that feels holographic and immersive. This makes the Raven a perfect choice for listeners who want their music to feel exciting and fun.
Price and Value
At $1,099, the ESR MKII offers tremendous value for professionals, studio engineers, or anyone who wants a reliable reference tool. Its neutral, accurate tuning gives you the confidence to make precise adjustments in your audio projects, making it a reliable tool for critical audio work. The lightweight design and excellent isolation ensures those long hours in the studio remain fatigue-free. For those who want a precise sound for serious audio work, the ESR MKII delivers.
At $3,599, the Raven represents Empire Ears’ pursuit of no-compromise performance. Its 12-driver hybrid system delivers a sound experience that feels cinematic and emotionally engaging, offering a kind of immersion few IEMs can match. The luxury build and bold aesthetics add to its flagship aura, making it an incredible-sounding IEM that looks the part as well. The Raven is for audiophiles who want to experience emotion and soul from their music and don't mind paying for the uncompromising experience.
Our Thoughts
The ESR MKII and Raven represent two very different sound signatures. The former delivers clean, accurate, and detailed sound, while the latter offers an immersive and impactful listening experience.
Get the ESR MKII if you want the most accurate sound in an in-ear monitor. Its flat, studio-reference tuning makes music production, mixing, and editing a breeze. Otherwise, opt for the Raven if you're looking for next-level immersion and excitement in your listening sessions. With its 12-driver setup and cutting-edge features, the Raven delivers a cinematic and emotional listening experience for your favorite music, movies, and games.
Elevate Your Listening Experience With These Related Articles
Enjoyed this article? Check out our other product comparisons!