Empire Ears Raven vs Noble Audio Spartacus
Introduction
The Empire Ears Raven and Noble Audio Spartacus 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 Noble Audio.
Empire Ears Raven vs Noble Audio Spartacus Price Comparison
The Raven and Spartacus sit at two very different price points.
The Raven comes in at $3,599.00.
The Spartacus comes in at $1,800.00.
The Raven costs significantly more than the Spartacus. 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 Noble Audio Spartacus
The Noble Audio Spartacus is a high-end universal in-ear monitor designed to deliver a bold and immersive listening experience. Its hybrid driver setup combines balanced armatures with bone conduction technology for powerful yet refined sound reproduction.
Noble Audio Spartacus Features:
- Six-driver hybrid design with Sonion balanced armatures and bone conduction drivers
- Dual bone conduction drivers for enhanced bass depth and realism
- Sonion ultra-high BA driver for extended treble clarity
- Handcrafted resin shell with organic fiber composite faceplates
- Stainless-steel wax guard for protection and longevity
- Detachable 0.78 mm 2-pin cable with interchangeable 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm, and 4.4 mm plugs
Noble Audio Spartacus Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1× Sonion Ultra-High BA, 1× Sonion Mid-Bass BA, 2× Sonion Bass/Ultra-Bass BA, 2× Sonion Bone Conduction Drivers
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: 104.9 dB @ 1kHz
Impedance: 35 Ω
Crossover: Passive hybrid crossover
Design and Build Quality
The Raven and Spartacus are premium 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 Noble Audio Spartacus is built to deliver both style and function. Its handcrafted resin shells with organic fiber composite faceplates not only give each pair a one-of-a-kind look but also ensure a lightweight, comfortable fit for long listening sessions.
The stainless-steel wax guard protects the drivers from debris, extending the life of the IEMs. Durable 0.78mm 2-pin connectors provide secure cable swaps, letting you tailor your setup to different sources.
Overall, the design combines everyday practicality with premium craftsmanship, giving you an IEM that feels as refined as it sounds.
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.
Overall, the Raven is a perfect choice for listeners who want their music to feel exciting and fun.
Spartacus Sound Signature
The Noble Audio Spartacus is tuned to balance musical engagement with technical precision. Its dual bone conduction drivers add physicality and depth to the bass frequencies, giving bass notes a natural weight that you can both hear and feel without overwhelming the mix.
The dedicated mid-bass and midrange drivers deliver clean, textured mids, producing intimate and life-like vocals and instruments. On the top end, the Sonion ultra-high driver extends treble for crisp detail and air, ensuring clarity in cymbals, strings, and ambient effects.
Together, the hybrid driver design creates a spacious, layered presentation, making Spartacus equally great for analytical listening and emotional enjoyment.
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 $1,800, the Spartacus features a hybrid six-driver design with handcrafted shells. Dual bone conduction drivers add physical depth to the bass, while Sonion balanced armatures deliver clarity across mids and highs for a rich, engaging presentation.
The resin shells with organic fiber composite faceplates make each unit unique, blending lightweight comfort with premium aesthetics. A stainless-steel wax guard and durable 2-pin connectors further reinforce the build, ensuring both long-term reliability and standout aesthetics.
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 Noble Audio Spartacus if you want a high-end IEM that delivers impactful bass and refined detail. It’s a great IEM for those who find all-BA setups too lean, as the dual bone conduction drivers bring a sense of weight and physicality to the low end.
Audiophiles who value a natural midrange and treble that’s detailed but never fatiguing will appreciate its engaging yet balanced sound signature. With its excellent sound and handcrafted resin shells with unique faceplates, the Spartacus delivers a blend of sound and style you can enjoy anywhere.
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