Empire Ears Raven vs FiR Audio Neon 4
Introduction
The Empire Ears Raven and FiR Audio Neon 4 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 Neon 4 Price Comparison
The Raven and Neon 4 sit at different price points.
The Raven comes in at $3,599.00.
The Neon 4 comes in at $2,299.00
The Raven costs slightly more than the Neon 4. 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 Neon 4
The Neon 4 (NE4) is a high-end in-ear monitor from FiR Audio. The NE4 IEM features cutting-edge technologies Kinetic Bass and ATOM to deliver next-level bass and comfort to your listening sessions.
FiR Audio Neon 4 Features:
- Hybrid driver setup: 1 dynamic driver and 3 balanced armature drivers
- Kinetic Bass technology for tactile low-frequency response
- Open Acoustics design for a wider soundstage
- ATOM XS interchangeable modules to adjust tuning and reduce ear fatigue
- Machined aluminum shells with sapphire glass faceplates
FiR Audio Neon 4 Specs:
Drivers: 1x 10mm dynamic driver, 3x balanced armature drivers
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Impedance: 22 Ω
Design and Build Quality
The Empire Ears Raven and FiR Audio Neon 4 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 Neon 4's shells feature machined aluminum in a striking chrome color. Its faceplates feature premium sapphire glass with a black and white marble design for a luxurious look and feel. At the back, you'll find a large port for the Kinetic Bass technology and mesh wax guard for the nozzles.
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.
Neon 4 Sound Signature
The FiR Audio Neon 4 is tuned to deliver a warm sound signature, characterized by impactful bass, balanced midrange, and smooth treble.
Bass is the Neon 4's strong point, delivering strong and punchy impact in bassy music - perfect for genres like R&B, Hip-Hop, and EDM. Kinetic Bass transforms the overall bass experience, delivering rumbles and impacts you can feel. The midrange on the Neon 4 is smooth and slightly recessed. Vocals and instruments sit in the middle of the mix, which gives a more immersive listening experience rather than an intimate and detailed one. The treble is smooth and free of harshness but still detailed.
The Neon 4's soundstage is wide and deep. Instruments are well-defined, and their positioning is easy to pinpoint in the mix.
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 $2,299 Neon 4 offers 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 variable pressure relief and sound.
In the box, the Neon 4 comes with a premium 4.4mm cable, a leather case, three sets of ATOM XS modules, a cleaning tool, and five sets of foam/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.
Get the FiR Audio Neon 4 if you're looking for top-tier bass, premium build quality, and a warm-sounding IEM you can enjoy for extended listening sessions. The Neon 4's warm tuning and powerful bass deliver an enjoyable and immersive listening experience. Kinetic Bass lets you feel every bass impact, while ATOM XS delivers pressure-free listening and the ability to fine-tune sound to your preferences.
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