Empire Ears Raven vs FiR Audio Krypton 5
Introduction
The Empire Ears Raven and FiR Audio Krypton 5 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 FiR Audio.
Raven vs Krypton 5 Price Comparison
The Raven and Krypton 5 sit at different price points.
The Raven comes in at $3,599.00.
The Krypton 5 comes in at $2,999.00
The Raven costs slightly more than the Krypton 5. 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 FiR Audio Krypton 5
The Krypton 5 (NE5) is a 5-driver hybrid IEM packed with advanced technologies like Kinetic Bass, Open Acoustics, and ATOM XS for enhanced sound and comfort.
FiR Audio Krypton 5 Features:
- Hybrid configuration with 1 dynamic and 4 balanced armature drivers
- Kinetic Bass technology combines bone and air conduction for impactful lows
- Open Acoustics design with tubeless balanced armature drivers
- ATOM XS interchangeable modules for customizable isolation and bass response
- Machined aluminum shells with sapphire glass faceplates.
FiR Audio Krypton 5 Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1 Dynamic (10mm) + 4 Balanced Armature Drivers
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Impedance: 22Ω
Isolation: 10dB to 17dB depending on ATOM module used
Design and Build Quality
The Empire Ears Raven and FiR Audio Krypton 5 are flagship-classIEMs 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 FiR Audio Krypton 5 features machined aluminum shells in a striking chrome color. The KR5's faceplates feature premium sapphire glass with a subtle brushed fiber design for a unique look and feel. At the back, the Krypton 5 features a large mesh port for the Kinetic Bass technology and on the side, an ATOM XS port.
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.
Krypton 5 Sound Signature
The FiR Audio Krypton 5 delivers a smooth, engaging, and immersive sound.
The bass of the KR5 delivers a powerful punch with sub-bass rumbles you can feel - courtesy of Kinetic Bass technology. The midrange is smooth, offering a clear and natural presentation for vocals and instrumentals. The treble is crisp and detailed - but never harsh.
The soundstage is wide, deep, and accurate. Sounds spread far left and right and can sound distant as well. Imaging is also very precise - pinpointing sounds within the mix is effortless as vocals and instruments are well-defined even in busy tracks.
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.
The $2,999 Krypton 5 offer a premium look and feel with its machined aluminum shells and sapphire glass faceplates. It is packed with advanced technologies like Kinetic Bass for enhanced bass and ATOM interchangeable modules for customizable pressure relief and sound.
In the box, the Krypton 5 comes with a braided 4.4mm cable, a hard leather case, three sets of ATOM XS modules, a cleaning tool, an ATOM module tool, and three pairs of foam and silicone ear tips.
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.
If you're looking for an exciting IEM with flagship-level clarity, detail, and soundstage, then the Krypton 5 is for you. The Krypton 5 boasts an exciting sound with its tactile bass, ultra-detailed midrange, and smooth treble. The KR5's incredible resolution breathes new life into your favorite tracks and unveils details you've never heard before. Technologies like ATOM XS, Kinetic Bass, and Open Acoustics let you enjoy your music like never before in absolute comfort.
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