Empire Ears Raven vs 64Audio Nio
Introduction
The Empire Ears Raven and 64Audio Nio are flagship IEMs designed to deliver a clear, impactful, and detailed sound experience. We compare both models to help you find the best in-ear monitors for your listening preferences.
Not the right fit? Browse other In-Ear Monitors from Empire Ears and 64Audio.
Raven vs Nio Price Comparison
The Raven and Nio sit at two very different price points.
The Raven comes in at $3,599.00.
The Nio comes in at $1,699.00.
The Raven costs more then 2x the Nio. 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 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
The 64Audio Nio
The Nio is a 9-driver hybrid in-ear monitor featuring a large 9mm dynamic driver and eight Balanced Armatures per side. It features Apex Technology, Linear Impedance Design, and tia for unmatched sound and comfort.
64Audio Nio Features:
- 9mm dynamic driver for impactful bass
- Eight balanced armature drivers for mids and highs
- tia™ high-frequency driver for extended treble
- Apex® modules (mX, m15, m20) for adjustable isolation
- LID® (Linear Impedance Design) for source consistency
- CNC-machined aluminum shell with blue abalone faceplate
64Audio Nio Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1 tia High Driver – 1 High-Mid Driver – 6 Mid Drivers – 1 Dynamic Low Driver
Frequency Response: 10hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW Sensitivity @1kHz
Crossover: Integrated 4-way Passive Crossover
Impedance: 6Ω Impedance @1kHz
Apex Technology Isolation: -20dB, -15dB, -10dB
Design and Build Quality
The Raven and Nio are high-end IEMs with exceptional build quality, design, and ergonomics.
The Empire Ears Raven features build quality and aesthetics befitting its flagship status. 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 premium durability and aesthetics you would expect from an in-ear monitor costing over $3,000.
The 64Audio Nio features a striking aesthetic, with its stunning faceplate design and eye-catching chrome accents.
At the front, the Nio sports a chrome faceplate with a blue abalone design, while the back shell features a sleek black color that contrasts with the chrome faceplates. The Nio looks and feels similar to other 64Audio Universal IEMs. It is relatively small and offers an ergonomic fit.
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.
Raven Sound Signature
The Empire Ears Raven is tuned to deliver a crisp, immersive sound for a more exciting listening experience in a wide variety of genres.
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.
Nio Sound Signature
The Nio moves from the reference tuning of other U-series IEMs in 64Audio's lineup to deliver a powerful but smooth sound.
The bass stands out in the Nio, offering a natural rumble, slam, and impact - perfect for audiophiles who prefer a bass-heavy sound signature. The midrange on the Nio is thick and weighty - this gives vocals and instruments a smooth and relaxing sound.
The soundstage on the Nio is wide and delivers excellent positional accuracy for an immersive listening experience - you can easily pinpoint where each sound is coming from. The Nio's overall sound is smooth, relaxing, and immersive.
Price and Value
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 $1,699 Nio combines a powerful dynamic driver with eight Balanced Armatures to give you an engaging yet smooth listening experience. It comes with swappable Apex Modules, so you can customize sound and noise isolation to your preferences.
Inside the box, you get a premium leather case, foam and silicone ear tips, a 3.5mm Black Premium Cable, and three Apex Modules.
Our Thoughts
The Empire Ears Raven is built for listeners who want energy and excitement above all else. Its quadbrid 12-driver system, with dual dynamic drivers and bone-conduction, delivers sound you hear and feel, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tracks with life-like clarity and impact. With its sleek and robust build and premium PWAudio R7 cable, the Raven blends flagship performance with bold design for audiophiles who want to hear their favorite music with next-level impact and excitement.
Get the 64Audio Nio if you like bass but prefer a smooth-sounding IEM that you can listen to for extended periods. The Nio is solid and lightweight, allowing you to listen comfortably for hours fatigue-free. Apex technology lets you fine-tune tuning and noise isolation so you can find the perfect sound for you.
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