DISCLAIMER
I would like to thank the HIFIGO for providing this review unit.
The Elysian Pilgrim can be gotten here: https://hifigo.com/products/elysian-acoustic-labs-pilgrim (no affiliate links).
SPECIFICATIONS
ACCESSORIES
Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of Spinfit CP100 eartips (S/M/L)
- Cable
- Case
- Cleaning brush
- Cleaning cloth
For a midFI IEM, the accessory line-up is not up-to-scratch; gear at this price point usually incorporates a wider array of tips - foam or other silicone types for example - in addition to perhaps having a modular cable.
Nevertheless, the provided Spinfits are very comfortable and are quite balanced in terms of sonics.
The stock cable is a silver-plated copper one. This is well-braided, but has some tangling and microphonics. There's a chin cinch for grip. During ordering, one can opt for a 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm termination, depending on your source needs. Unfortunately, this cable utilizes a semi-proprietary Pentaconn connector; hence pairing aftermarket cables might be troublesome.
The ovoid carrying case is well stitched, and is rigid enough to withstand compression or a drop. The innards have webbing and a soft material to cushion the contents.
Last but not least, we have a cleaning cloth and brush to remove debris.
The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock Spinfit tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.
BUILD/COMFORT
The beautiful matte housings are fashioned from 3D-printed 304 stainless steel. The faceplate has carved circular alternating panels of a mirror-like finish, which gives the Pilgrim an elegant façade. Unfortunately, these mirror-like portions may be potential scratch or fingerprint magnets, so do take care of these puppies!
Comfort and ergonomics are top-notch. With a lightweight shell and no awkward protrusions on the inner aspects, the Pilgrim can be used for long listening sessions without any discomfort whatsoever.
I did not find any driver flex on my pair. Isolation is average and nothing to write home about.
INTERNALS
The Pilgrim is a 4 driver hybrid:
- 1 x 9.2 mm LSR Mg-Al alloy diaphragm DD settles the bass
- 1 x 2300 Sonion BA takes care of the midrange
- 2 x E50 Sonion BAs handle the treble
These are arranged in a 3-way crossover within a 3D-printed internal acoustic cavity.
DRIVABILITY
I tested the Pilgrim with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Chord Mojo 2
- Fiio KA11 dongle
- Fiio KA17 dongle
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone
This IEM is relatively easy to drive, with no essential requirement for amplification.
However, due to its low 9 Ω sensitivity, the Pilgrim may pose an issue for sources with > 1.125 Ω output impedance (based on the rules of eights), as higher OI sources may skew the sound signature. Thus, it is best to keep the Pilgrim with low OI sources.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
Graph of the Elysian Pilgrim via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.
Tonally, the Pilgrim sports a balanced and clean-sounding U-shaped profile. It sounds very crisp, something reminiscent of the usual Elysian house sound.
The Pilgrim is a sub-bass focused set. This hybrid is not one for bassheads, as the quantity is just north of neutral, with not the biggest bass boom. However, what it cedes in absolute quantity, it aces in quality, espousing a rapid and tight bass which is punchy without any bleed. Texturing of the bass is the chef's kiss.
The midrange is very transparent, with no bass flab to encroach here. With just a 6 - 7 dB ear gain in the upper mids, vocals are forwards without shoutiness or nasality.
The Pilgrim has a well-extended treble with good sparkle. Trebleheads will love the resolution on tap. It may be just at the border for the ardent treble-sensitive amongst us at the lower treble - there's admittedly slight sibilance - but treble perception is quite dependent on hearing health, volume played at (Fletcher Munson curve), source and eartip pairing etc. If one finds the treble a bit jarring here, do consider tip-rolling or even using a warmer source.
In technical aspects, the Pilgrim showcases its prowess, with a spacious soundstage with nimble transients and accurate layering and imaging. Micro-details are in abundance with solid instrument separation. Indeed, the Pilgrim is probably one of the most detailed IEMs at this price bracket.
There's just a small whiff of BA timbre, but it's not the biggest offender in this department amongst the BA containing hybrid rivals. The Pilgrim does not sound overly sterile despite being a technical champ, which is definitely a desirable trait - some technical behemoths do veer to being overly analytical after all!
COMPARISONS
Comparisons were made with other hybrids at the MidFI region. Planars, tribrids, single DDs and pure BA types were left out of the equation as the different transducers have their pros and cons.
ThieAudio Hype 4
Graph of the Elysian Pilgrim versus Hype 4 via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.
The Hype 4 has more bass and a thicker note weight, but its treble is more recessed.
In technical aspects, the Hype 4 has a more profound bass reverberation, but there is some mid-bass bleed in contrast to the clean basslines of the Pilgrim. The Hype 4 has a deeper soundstage, but is a bit narrower in width. Micro-detailing is a tinge less pronounced on the Hype 4.
Timbre is more natural on the Hype 4. Of note, the Hype 4 has driver flex, which may be a deal-breaker for some users.
Moondrop Variations
Graph of the Elysian Pilgrim versus Moondrop Variations via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.
The measurebator's gold standard of the Variations, follows the Harman curve. The Variations has a scooped-out mid-bass/lower mids, which does cause it to sound a tinge anaemic here. The Variations also has a more shouty upper midrange with less treble extension.
In technicalities, the Variations has weaker staging and micro-details, though it has a hair better imaging.
CONCLUSIONS
The Elysian Pilgrim is a technical masterpiece for lovers of a clean and transparent soundscape. It is quite balanced in signature, with a nimble and textured bass, transparent midrange, and a sparkly and resolving treble.
Amongst its MidFI brethren, the Pilgrim may be considered a technical tour de force, with excellent micro-detailing and clarity being showcased. Soundstage is no slouch, and imaging is also commendable.
Sound-wise, the Pilgrim may be a tinge energetic in the lower treble regions, but this can perhaps be tamed with eartip or source choice. Most of my other quibbles have to do with non-sonic properties, such as the semi-proprietary Pentaconn connector (this limits aftermarket cable pairing), dearth of eartip choices, and its inherent low impedance (sources with high output impedance might skew the sound signature). Thankfully, the Pilgrim is ergonomic and easy to drive.
All things considered, the Pilgrim is a technicalities junkies' best friend, but it doesn't commit the cardinal sin of sounding overly sterile at the expense of just chasing technical chops. I would consider this to be a solid option at the MidFI pricing for fans of the Elysian house sound.
I would like to thank the HIFIGO for providing this review unit.
The Elysian Pilgrim can be gotten here: https://hifigo.com/products/elysian-acoustic-labs-pilgrim (no affiliate links).
SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver configuration: 1 x 9.2 mm Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) Mg-Al alloy diaphragm dynamic driver + 1 x 2300 Sonion balanced armature driver + 2 x E50 Sonion balanced armature drivers
- Frequency response: 10 Hz - 20 kHz
- Impedance: 9 Ω
- Sensitivity: 101 dB
- Cable: Pentaconn connector; silver-plated copper stock cable; option for 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm termination
- Tested at: $399 USD
ACCESSORIES
Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of Spinfit CP100 eartips (S/M/L)
- Cable
- Case
- Cleaning brush
- Cleaning cloth
For a midFI IEM, the accessory line-up is not up-to-scratch; gear at this price point usually incorporates a wider array of tips - foam or other silicone types for example - in addition to perhaps having a modular cable.
Nevertheless, the provided Spinfits are very comfortable and are quite balanced in terms of sonics.
The stock cable is a silver-plated copper one. This is well-braided, but has some tangling and microphonics. There's a chin cinch for grip. During ordering, one can opt for a 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm termination, depending on your source needs. Unfortunately, this cable utilizes a semi-proprietary Pentaconn connector; hence pairing aftermarket cables might be troublesome.
The ovoid carrying case is well stitched, and is rigid enough to withstand compression or a drop. The innards have webbing and a soft material to cushion the contents.
Last but not least, we have a cleaning cloth and brush to remove debris.
The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock Spinfit tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.
BUILD/COMFORT
The beautiful matte housings are fashioned from 3D-printed 304 stainless steel. The faceplate has carved circular alternating panels of a mirror-like finish, which gives the Pilgrim an elegant façade. Unfortunately, these mirror-like portions may be potential scratch or fingerprint magnets, so do take care of these puppies!
Comfort and ergonomics are top-notch. With a lightweight shell and no awkward protrusions on the inner aspects, the Pilgrim can be used for long listening sessions without any discomfort whatsoever.
I did not find any driver flex on my pair. Isolation is average and nothing to write home about.
INTERNALS
The Pilgrim is a 4 driver hybrid:
- 1 x 9.2 mm LSR Mg-Al alloy diaphragm DD settles the bass
- 1 x 2300 Sonion BA takes care of the midrange
- 2 x E50 Sonion BAs handle the treble
These are arranged in a 3-way crossover within a 3D-printed internal acoustic cavity.
DRIVABILITY
I tested the Pilgrim with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Chord Mojo 2
- Fiio KA11 dongle
- Fiio KA17 dongle
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone
This IEM is relatively easy to drive, with no essential requirement for amplification.
However, due to its low 9 Ω sensitivity, the Pilgrim may pose an issue for sources with > 1.125 Ω output impedance (based on the rules of eights), as higher OI sources may skew the sound signature. Thus, it is best to keep the Pilgrim with low OI sources.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
Graph of the Elysian Pilgrim via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.
Tonally, the Pilgrim sports a balanced and clean-sounding U-shaped profile. It sounds very crisp, something reminiscent of the usual Elysian house sound.
The Pilgrim is a sub-bass focused set. This hybrid is not one for bassheads, as the quantity is just north of neutral, with not the biggest bass boom. However, what it cedes in absolute quantity, it aces in quality, espousing a rapid and tight bass which is punchy without any bleed. Texturing of the bass is the chef's kiss.
The midrange is very transparent, with no bass flab to encroach here. With just a 6 - 7 dB ear gain in the upper mids, vocals are forwards without shoutiness or nasality.
The Pilgrim has a well-extended treble with good sparkle. Trebleheads will love the resolution on tap. It may be just at the border for the ardent treble-sensitive amongst us at the lower treble - there's admittedly slight sibilance - but treble perception is quite dependent on hearing health, volume played at (Fletcher Munson curve), source and eartip pairing etc. If one finds the treble a bit jarring here, do consider tip-rolling or even using a warmer source.
In technical aspects, the Pilgrim showcases its prowess, with a spacious soundstage with nimble transients and accurate layering and imaging. Micro-details are in abundance with solid instrument separation. Indeed, the Pilgrim is probably one of the most detailed IEMs at this price bracket.
There's just a small whiff of BA timbre, but it's not the biggest offender in this department amongst the BA containing hybrid rivals. The Pilgrim does not sound overly sterile despite being a technical champ, which is definitely a desirable trait - some technical behemoths do veer to being overly analytical after all!
COMPARISONS
Comparisons were made with other hybrids at the MidFI region. Planars, tribrids, single DDs and pure BA types were left out of the equation as the different transducers have their pros and cons.
ThieAudio Hype 4
Graph of the Elysian Pilgrim versus Hype 4 via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.
The Hype 4 has more bass and a thicker note weight, but its treble is more recessed.
In technical aspects, the Hype 4 has a more profound bass reverberation, but there is some mid-bass bleed in contrast to the clean basslines of the Pilgrim. The Hype 4 has a deeper soundstage, but is a bit narrower in width. Micro-detailing is a tinge less pronounced on the Hype 4.
Timbre is more natural on the Hype 4. Of note, the Hype 4 has driver flex, which may be a deal-breaker for some users.
Moondrop Variations
Graph of the Elysian Pilgrim versus Moondrop Variations via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.
The measurebator's gold standard of the Variations, follows the Harman curve. The Variations has a scooped-out mid-bass/lower mids, which does cause it to sound a tinge anaemic here. The Variations also has a more shouty upper midrange with less treble extension.
In technicalities, the Variations has weaker staging and micro-details, though it has a hair better imaging.
CONCLUSIONS
The Elysian Pilgrim is a technical masterpiece for lovers of a clean and transparent soundscape. It is quite balanced in signature, with a nimble and textured bass, transparent midrange, and a sparkly and resolving treble.
Amongst its MidFI brethren, the Pilgrim may be considered a technical tour de force, with excellent micro-detailing and clarity being showcased. Soundstage is no slouch, and imaging is also commendable.
Sound-wise, the Pilgrim may be a tinge energetic in the lower treble regions, but this can perhaps be tamed with eartip or source choice. Most of my other quibbles have to do with non-sonic properties, such as the semi-proprietary Pentaconn connector (this limits aftermarket cable pairing), dearth of eartip choices, and its inherent low impedance (sources with high output impedance might skew the sound signature). Thankfully, the Pilgrim is ergonomic and easy to drive.
All things considered, the Pilgrim is a technicalities junkies' best friend, but it doesn't commit the cardinal sin of sounding overly sterile at the expense of just chasing technical chops. I would consider this to be a solid option at the MidFI pricing for fans of the Elysian house sound.