Empire Ears Raven vs 64Audio U18t
Introduction
The Empire Ears Raven and 64Audio U18t 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 U18t Price Comparison
The Raven and U18t sit at two different price points.
The Raven comes in at $3,599.00.
The U18t comes in at $2,999.00.
The Raven costs significantly more than the U18t. 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 U18t
The U18t is 64Audio's most expensive U-series IEM. It features 18 drivers per side one of which being 64Audio's patented tia driver. The U18t also comes with 64Audio's pressure-relieving Apex technology for enhanced sound and comfort.
64Audio U18t Features:
- Air Pressure Exchange (Apex) for reduced pressure and improved soundstage performance.
- Tubeless In-Ear Audio (tia) for smooth and accurate highs without fatigue.
64Audio U18t Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1 tia High Driver – 1 High-Mid Driver – 8 Mid Drivers – 8 Low Drivers
Frequency Response: 10hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: 111 dB/mW Sensitivity @1kHz
Crossover: Integrated 4-way Passive Crossover
Impedance: 9Ω
Apex Technology Isolation: -20dB, -15dB, -10dB (Variable Isolation (m20, m15, m12, mX modules included in the box)
Design and Build Quality
The Raven and U18t are premium IEMs, boasting 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 2025 U18t features an updated Flame Red Textured Shell with Gold Raised Metal Logos and Chamfered Faceplate Bezels for an eye-catching aesthetic. To match the updated look, the U18t comes with an exclusive gold-plated m20 Apex Module. The new U18t feels premium in the hand and boasts a more elegant look compared to its old design.
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.
U18t Sound Signature
The U18t is known for its clear and revealing sound. It features a pronounced mid-bass tuning, which adds weight and warmth to vocals and instrumentals. Its emphasized treble frequencies bring out a ton of clarity from music, making subtle details easy to pick off. The overall sound is smooth, natural, and accurate.
Soundstage in the U18t is wide and deep, delivering an immersive sound with excellent sound positioning. Voices and instruments are very easy to pick out from even the busiest tunes, which makes for a very immersive listening experience.
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 Raven is for audiophiles who want to experience emotion and soul from their music and don't mind paying for the uncompromising experience.
At $2,999, the 2025 U18t packs 18 balanced armature drivers, updated build and aesthetics, and comes with all current Apex Modules in the box, alongside a pair of brand new 8-braid SPC cables in 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations. The U18t features 64Audio proprietary technologies: Apex and tia.
In the box you get multiple sets of ear tips, a leather case, a cleaning tool, clips, and stickers.
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.
The $2,999 U18t represents 64Audio's best efforts in creating a flagship studio monitor. Music on the U18t sounds smooth, accurate, and detailed. From bass to treble, every note sounds full and detailed - never harsh or fatiguing. If you like a smooth, accurate, and detailed listening experience, this is the IEM to get. With the 2025 version, you're getting the same studio-grade sound, an updated look, a pair of premium cables, and all Apex Modules.
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