Empire Ears Triton - Ride the Wave

 4.5⭐️

+ Energetic and captivating tuning yet warm and non-fatiguing 

+ Bombastic bass without being overbearing 

+ Clear, warm, and forward midrange

+ Tame yet still present treble with just the right amount of sparkle and air

+ Large and immersive soundstage

+ Musical without sacrificing clarity and resolution

+ Price to performance 

- Might be too bass oriented for some

- Shell size might cause fit issues

- Driver Flex

- Limited quantity

thaslaya's star rating system:

☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!

☆☆☆☆ - Recommended

☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me

☆☆ - Can't see the appeal

☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer: 

This product was loaned to me by a friend for a review period. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A special thanks to Enigma Photos for this opportunity!

Gear used: 

●LG v30+

●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra

●Samsung dongle

●Hiby FC4

●Kiwi Ears Allegro 

●Letshuoer DT03 

●Dunu DTC480

●BLON V1

●iFi xDSD Gryphon 

Source:

●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction: 

Empire Ears is an IEM manufacturer based in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States. They are big players in the higher-end market and offer some well-received products such as the Odin, Raven, Bravado, and Legend X/EVO. The Triton is Empire Ears' latest IEM and it features a tribrid configuration of a single dynamic, one balanced armature, and two bone-conducting drivers. This launch edition is priced at $1,799 on their website and is limited to 350 units worldwide, 83 of which are for the US market. Let's break down the Triton and see what it's all about.

Build, fit, ergonomics:

The Triton has a pretty nice unboxing experience. The packaging is small but the quality of inclusions is among the best I've seen. The shells are made of black resin and are very lightweight. The faceplate is really gorgeous and unique, with a rainbow of green, blue, and orange that changes hue depending on the light. The left shell features the Triton symbol, and the Empire Ears logo is on the right. The shell size is very large, but the nozzle itself is about average and measures 6 mm at its widest point. The nozzle is smooth, though, and does not have a lip to help tips stay in place. The fit is a little weird for my ears. The angle of the nozzle is more straight and doesn't seem to match the shape of my ear canals very well. Initially, I had a hard time getting them to fit comfortably, but eventually found a good seal, although I do wish the insertion depth was a little deeper. There is a small vent located near the flat 2-pin connection that helps alleviate pressure buildup. Unfortunately, I did experience some driver flex upon insertion which is something to note. The launch edition comes with the Monarch cable, which features a blend of five materials (solid core 4N silver, silver-plated over 6N OCC, solid core 5N OCC silver, gold-plated over 4N silver, and palladium-plated over 4N silver). It is thick and tightly woven but still lightweight. It stays tangle-free, and the fabric sheath exhibits no microphonics. The Y-split sports the Triton symbol and adds a nice touch that helps it feel very premium. It's a really fantastic cable and the best I've ever seen included with any set. The Triton also includes one of my favorite cases to date. It's a blue metal puck-style case that's very solid and supremely well-built, although it's a bit small inside. I don't typically like puck cases, but this one is an exception. I love the branding on top and the weight and feel in hand. This set also includes a round leather zipper case, leather cable tie, and a branded drawstring bag (all of which did not come with the loan). Every accessory to this point has been absolutely stellar, so it is a bit disappointing to find that there is only one full set of Final Type E tips included. I tried these, as well as several of my usual tips, and found the Final E tips to provide the best fit and seal for me. Overall, the Triton's accessories are extremely premium and put to shame many sets in the same price bracket and far beyond.

Sound impressions:

I would describe the sound signature of the Triton as somewhat V-shaped, with boisterous bass, accentuated upper mids/lower treble, and rolled-off high-frequency extension. It is exciting and fun but also non-fatiguing. It has a certain warmth matched with a good amount of energy, making for a lively and dynamic tuning. It is quite unique and completely immersive, giving the sensation of floating within the music itself. It is truly one of the most musical sets I have ever heard, though it's definitely not lacking in detail. The note weight is in a great spot, as it is not thin but neither is it overly thick and syrupy. The Triton is fairly easy to drive and can get to moderate volumes with a simple dongle, but it thrives on power, so feed it well and it will pay off. The detail retrieval is good, but it won't blow away most sets in this price bracket. There's still plenty of detail for me, and I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. The soundstage is not the biggest, but it might be the most spherical and well-utilized I've heard. There's no wasted space within the stage. The timbre is fantastically natural and organic. Again, some of the best I've heard at any price. The imaging has great pinpoint accuracy and is very three-dimensional, but could be a little better at conveying distance. The dynamics are very impressive. The tuning absolutely holds up despite the volume level and it never feels like any part of the mix is missing. The Triton is not the last word in separation, but still exhibits a cohesive tuning where nothing is overly congested or crowded.

I found the best source pairing to be the iFi xDSD Gryphon with the STD filter applied. It does a great job showcasing the vastness of the soundstage and preserving the impact and depth of the bass while slightly smoothing the upper midrange and treble.

●Lows - The Triton's low end is the star of the tuning and is entirely handled by EE's own custom-designed 9mm W9+ subwoofer. The amount of bass on display is just plain fun and definitely not recommended for balanced or neutral enthusiasts. The bass is big and impactful, but it does not come close to being overbearing. That single dynamic driver is doing great work pushing the bass without any strain or fatigue. It presents more outside the head, like full-sized headphones, and it is one of the more unique bass responses I have ever heard with IEMs. It's equal parts dominant, enveloping, and forward, yet somehow tempered and well-balanced. There's a great balance of sub-bass and mid-bass, but I feel the latter is slightly more accentuated. The texture is great—not dry and definitely not muddy, but maybe just a tiny bit wet, which isn't a bad thing for me. The impact and slam are fantastic without being overbearing or detracting. The sub-bass has great extension and a visceral rumble and reverberation. It has a great subwoofer-like effect in that its decay is well-controlled, and notes cut off when they are supposed to without lingering too long. The bass can really be felt when a track calls for it, but otherwise, it's not overzealous. There is a tiny bit of bleed into the midrange, but not terribly so. It's not the outright quickest bass I've heard, but it can easily keep up with double bass kicks. The Triton's bass is like slipping into a hot tub: the initial intensity can be a bit much, but after settling in, it becomes comfortable and relaxing, yet still invigorating.

●Mids - The midrange has a nice, warm presentation, which is exactly my preference, and it's a good contrast to the accentuated bass and lively treble. Vocals are clear and forward, with fantastic timbre and enough presence to not get overshadowed or be too recessed in the mix. They are positioned perfectly on the stage to stand out without coming across as overemphasized. Vocals are definitely not shouty or nasally, but very smooth and emotive, with just the right amount of warmth. These might be some of the best vocals I've heard in any set. They never sound exaggerated or forced, but are effortlessly natural and organic. Female artists do cut through the mix a little better than their male counterparts, in part due to the bold bass presentation. However, male vocals do not sound recessed or impeded; they are just not quite as forward. The lower midrange could use just a little more presence to help bring a better overall balance to the midrange, especially with things like cello and lower brass instruments. Overall, the midrange is done exceptionally well for those who enjoy a smooth, warm, and emotionally charged take on their favorite tracks.

●Highs - Like the bass, the treble is energetic, fun, and decently accentuated to match the bold bass response. Without this treble boost, the overall tuning would sound too unbalanced and dark. It is definitely not a laid-back presentation that fades into the background. It is aggressive and in-your-face, and it does not take a back seat to other frequencies, but it also does not steal the spotlight. The extension and air are somewhat rolled off, but they are still decent enough for my preferences. Cymbals can be a tiny bit splashy, but are mostly well-controlled. Snares have a good amount of energy and bite, and notes have a nice edge without sounding harsh or wince-inducing. There is no harshness with "s" or "sh" sounds, and really no sibilance at all. Overall, the treble is lively, animated, and dynamic, which may not be my usual preference, but with the Triton, it is a good counterpoint to the big bass and is done very well. I would like to see just a touch more air and extension, but otherwise, I am very happy with the Triton's treble.

Comparisons:

●Aroma Audio Fei Wan ($4,700) - Here we have the tribrid configuration of the Triton (1DD, 2 BA, 2 BCD) versus the hybrid Fei Wan (2DD, 10 BA). The quality of the accessories is better on the Triton due to the fantastic case(s) and cable. The Fei Wan offers a fit that is more comfortable for me. The Triton's tuning is more musical and much more heavily bass-oriented, whereas the Fei Wan sounds more balanced and technically proficient. The Triton's bass is quite elevated but not overbearing. It sounds more engaging and enveloping, with a unique stage, better sub-bass extension, and superior rumble and reverberation. Fei Wan's bass is quicker, more tactile, and more resolving, with superior balance across the frequency response. It can reach low frequencies when needed, though not to the same degree as the Triton. Lower midrange instruments, such as cello and lower brass, have more presence and better separation on the Fei Wan. The Triton's bass slightly infringes on this area, but it is not egregious; those instruments are still well-represented, though less resolving and lacking some weight. The upper midrange is more forward and accentuated on the Fei Wan, but the Triton is also strong in this area. For a purely enjoyable vocal experience, the Fei Wan has a slight advantage due to a more natural timbre and a smoother, more emotionally charged presentation. In comparison, the vocals on the Triton are just a bit recessed and lack some heart and soul, but are still very enjoyable. The higher frequencies are where these two sets deviate most. The Triton has a very smooth and laid-back treble presentation with just enough sparkle and extension for my preferences, but some may find it too tame or dark. The Fei Wan, on the other hand, can be quite bright, with great extension, air, and a little harshness to my ears. Overall, the Triton has a more unique tuning and is the more fun and musical choice, whereas the Fei Wan is well-balanced, energetic, and takes the cake in just about every technical category. In my opinion, the X factors here are the Triton's bolder bass response and the enveloping quality of its soundstage. These trump the Fei Wan's superior technicalities, balance, and treble extension, which can be bright and fatiguing. The fact that the Triton is less than half the price of the Fei Wan makes this decision a little easier, too, if cost is a limiting factor.

My pick: Triton

●Penon Impact ($2,500) - Another matchup pitting the Triton's tribrid configuration versus the Impact's hybrid (10BA, 4EST). The Penon is a tour set, and I did not receive all the packaging, but the overall accessories easily go to the Triton. It has a better case and a thicker, better-built cable, though the Penon does include more tips. They both have similar resin shell construction, but the Triton's shell is much larger, and I prefer its faceplate design to the Impact's gold aesthetic. The fit is a little better for me with the Impact, but both are comfortable enough. The Impact leans U-shaped, and the Triton leans toward a more V-shaped sound signature. While I would characterize both as having a bass-forward presentation and tuning, the bass responses of these two are quite different. The Impact's BA drivers are more mid-bass focused with an overall thicker and more forward presentation but with less sub-bass extension, slam, and impact. The Triton's bass has more weight, a deeper sub-bass extension, and superior texture. It sounds more enveloping, energetic, and authoritative. The Impact's midrange is a bit smoother and the lower midrange is better represented with instruments like cello and lower brass. The Triton has a more accentuated upper midrange that puts emphasis on vocals. The treble of the Impact is more extended and sounds better balanced and complete. The ESTs are well implemented here and are not bright or harsh. The Triton is more focused on the lower treble and presence region, leaving the air and extension rolled off. Neither set has offensive treble, but the Impact does sound a bit more natural due to the extension. As for technicalities, the Impact has a smoother, more accurate tonality, a more natural timbre, and slightly better detail retrieval. The Triton offers more accurate imaging, a larger and deeper soundstage, and superior dynamics. Overall, these two have quite different tuning philosophies. The Impact is more cohesive, while the Triton focuses more on pushing the boundaries of tonality and offering a very colored yet still detailed sound. While both have bass as their cornerstone, the Triton's DD is far more capable than the Impact's BA drivers at reaching low into the sub-bass and offering a satisfying rumble. However, the ESTs in the Impact push the treble further forward, allowing for a more balanced and even-kilter tuning. For a smoother and more tonally accurate sound, the Impact would be my recommendation. But if you want an invigorating and exciting listen with a warm tone and deep, enveloping bass, the Triton is the way to go. Plus, the fantastic out-of-head experience offered by the BCDs is unmatched by the BA/EST configuration of the Impact. For my usual preferences, I might be tempted by the Impact's smoothness, but in this contest, the Triton's fun factor simply wins out in the end.

My pick: Triton

In conclusion:

The Triton is aptly named, as it is poised to make big waves in the audiophile community. The tuning is warm and engaging, yet also energetic and fun. The bass is strong and bold, but not overbearing. Vocals are warm, emotive, and forward, yet not shouty or thin. They are among my favorites of any set, especially with female artists. The treble is vibrant and lively, with the right amount of clarity and no harshness or sibilance. Suffice it to say, I really love the Triton, and it fits my preferences very well. This one performs fantastically with uptempo pop and rock, as well as singer-songwriter tracks, making it a great all-rounder. I think one reason I connect with this set so well is that it shares some DNA with my all-time favorite IEM, the AME Mousa. Unfortunately, I no longer have the Mousa, so I cannot do any A/B comparisons, but according to my aural memory, these two share more than a few similarities, with a few caveats. The Triton is more lively and V-shaped, with a bolder bass and treble response, and it exhibits less overall warmth, but still has a definitively smooth presentation. Now, there are a few minor tweaks I would make to the Triton if given the opportunity. I would dial the energy level down slightly, tighten the bass a bit with better separation and resolution to better define the lower midrange, and add a slight increase in treble air and extension. This is my first foray into Empire Ears IEMs, and the Triton has made a lasting impression. While $1,800 is a lot of money, the sound quality and accessories are some of the best I've experienced at any price, so I think it is worth the cost. For those looking for a set with bold, enveloping bass, an energetic and musical sound signature without sacrificing detail, and a high-end design with fantastic accessories, look no further. Empire Ears knocked this one out of the park, and I think the Triton is priced to make a huge splash in today's high-end market.