Empire Ears Raven vs FiR Audio Xenon 6
Introduction
The Empire Ears Raven and FiR Audio Xenon 6 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.
Empire Ears Raven vs FiR Audio Xenon 6 Price Comparison
The Empire Ears Raven and FiR Audio Xenon 6 sit at similar price points.
The Raven comes in at $3,599.00.
The Xenon 6 comes in at $3,899.00
The Raven costs slightly less than the Xenon 6. 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 Xenon 6
The FiR Audio Xenon 6 is a flagship IEM with a 6-driver hybrid configuration designed to deliver high-resolution sound. The XE6 features Kinetic Bass technology for bass you can feel, ATOM XS for variable sound tuning and pressure relief, and Machined Aluminum Shells with Sapphire Glass for a robust and luxurious feel.
FiR Audio Xenon 6 Features:
- Hybrid driver configuration: 1 dynamic (Kinetic Bass), 4 balanced armature, 1 electrostatic driver.
- Kinetic Bass™ technology combines air and bone conduction for impactful bass.
- Open Acoustics™ design with tubeless drivers for expansive soundstage.
- ATOM XS™ interchangeable modules for pressure relief and tuning.
- Rigid™ technology for enhanced durability and serviceability.
- Machined aluminum shells with sapphire glass faceplates
FiR Audio Xenon 6 Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1x Dynamic Driver (Kinetic Bass), 4x Balanced Armatures, 1x Electrostatic Driver
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Impedance: 22Ω.
Shells: Machined aluminum shells with sapphire crystal glass faceplates.
Design and Build Quality
The Empire Ears Raven and FiR Audio Xenon 6 are unmistakably 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 FiR Audio Xenon 6 features machined aluminum shells in a luxurious gold color. Its faceplates feature a black and gold marble design with a gold Xenon 6 and FiR Audio Logos. To complete the look, the XE6's faceplates are covered in premium sapphire glass for enhanced looks and durability. Other aesthetic details include a large Kinetic Bass mesh port at the back and an ATOM XS port on the side of the shells.
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.
Xenon 6 Sound Signature
The FiR Audio Xenon 6 features a warm sound signature, highlighted by powerful and tactile bass, combined with natural vocals and instrument presentation.
The bass is the highlight of the Xenon 6's sound. Bass power, texture, impact - the XE6 has it all, and with Kinetic Bass technology, you can hear and feel the bass simultaneously for a truly next-level sound like no other. Midrange is natural and life-like, offering weighty vocals and instrumentals. You can hear details effortlessly, but music never sounds harsh or fatiguing.
Soundstage on the FiR Audio Xenon 6 is wide and immersive. Vocals, instruments, and other sounds are easy to pinpoint, which makes for a very immersive sound that makes you feel like you're part of the recording.
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 $3,899 Xenon 6 is built with premium materials and offers customization options. The XE6's build is ultra-premium inside and out, featuring machined aluminum and sapphire glass for the shells and faceplates.
It is packed with advanced technologies like Kinetic Bass for enhanced bass and ATOM interchangeable modules for pressure relief and sound customization. In the box, the Xenon 6 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.
The Xenon 6 features a bassy, organic, natural, and fun sound signature meant to make every listening session exciting. The XE6 offers some of the most impressive bass in an IEM, and you can even feel the bass through Kinetic Bass tech. The XE6 features a massive soundstage with a 3D-like presentation that makes music sound alive. Plus, you have the option to tune the sound through ATOM XS modules. If you're looking for an IEM that draws out all the emotion from your music, the XE6 is the one you want.
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