Effect Audio Pilgrim Noir Review

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Sound General

The Effect Audio Pilgrim Noir retains the original Pilgrim’s enjoyable sound but adds more warmth, body and overall refinement. The musicality aspect is more apparent, whilst the mid-bass section is better defined, which I found lacking a little in the standard Pilgrim.

The upgraded model also has better tonality, sound-stage width, better separation and better layering. Especially when you listen to complex recordings, it’s evident that the Noir gives you sections of a song with better refinement and separation. The treble performance is also better, with better micro detail performance and definition, although the difference there is not huge. 

The Pilgrim Noir still has key Elysian traits such as good resolution, strong imaging, and impressive clarity. These qualities are typically found in Elysian’s higher-end monitors, so it’s impressive to see them carried over to this mid-range model. Overall, the Pilgrim Noir offers a well-rounded and enjoyable listening experience in an upgraded and refined form.

Sound Classics

Bass

The Pilgrim Noir delivers a distinctive bass response characterized by a prominent sub-bass, creating an atmospheric space that accentuates the mids, typical of Elysian monitors. Its impactful and agile bass enhances clarity and separation from the mids, contributing to a spacious soundstage.

However, the pronounced sub-bass may polarize listeners. While some may enjoy its exciting and engaging sound, particularly for genres like RnB or EDM, others seeking a more neutral bass for a balanced sound might find it overwhelming.

Nevertheless, the Pilgrim Noir’s unique bass, combined with its expansive soundstage and excellent midrange performance, makes it an appealing choice for audiophiles. The upgraded mid-bass presence in the Noir version enhances tonality, addressing the standard version’s diffused mid-bass and offering a more versatile performance overall. This elevates the bass performance and now there’s more texture and depth in the bass, so the Noir version is considerably better here. 

Mids

The Pilgrim Noir’s mid-range offers an immersive sonic experience characterized by good detail and transparency. With a dynamic sound signature that draws listeners into the heart of the music, it’s a true standout.

Compared to the standard Pilgrim, the Pilgrim Noir takes mid-range performance to new heights, unveiling a tonality that is both pronounced and organic. Vocals soar with lifelike clarity, while instruments resonate with a richness and texture that feels palpable.

What truly sets the Pilgrim Noir apart is its ability to unveil layers of detail and nuance, painting a vivid sonic landscape with its expansive soundstage. Each element in the mid-range is rendered with precision and finesse, creating a three-dimensional listening experience that is nothing short of captivating.

In summary, the Pilgrim Noir redefines what’s possible in the mid-range performance of the standard version, offering a blend of natural tonality, enhanced timbre, and refined presentation. For audiophiles seeking a truly immersive and engaging sound signature, the Pilgrim Noir to me worth the upgrade.

Treble

The treble performance of the Pilgrim Noir stands out with its vibrant and detailed presentation, adding a layer of brilliance to the overall sound signature. It delivers a transparent and resolving sound, with each high-frequency element distinctly articulated. While the treble exhibits brightness and openness, there’s a sharpness in the lower treble that demands attention, especially with larger ear tips. Opting for narrower tips helps to achieve a more balanced sound profile, tempering the sharpness without sacrificing detail.

Despite the potential for sharpness, the treble retains its richness and precision, offering sharp definition and control. It strikes a delicate balance between vibrancy and refinement, delivering an engaging listening experience that captures intricate nuances with clarity. While the treble may verge on the intense side with certain tips, its overall tuning caters to enthusiasts who crave dynamic and detailed highs.

In summary, the Pilgrim Noir’s treble performance complements its stellar mid-range, injecting energy and excitement into the audio landscape. It’s a showcase of vibrant highs and nuanced detailing, perfect for listeners seeking a lively and immersive sound signature with a touch of brilliance.

Page 1: About, Packaging, Design/Build, Fit
Page 3: Technical Performance, Sources, Comparisons, Conclusion
4.4/5 - (54 votes)
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A keen audiophile and hobby photographer, Berkhan is after absolute perfection. Whether it is a full-frame camera or a custom in-ear, his standpoint persists. He tries to keep his photography enthusiasm at the same level as audio. Sometimes photography wins, sometimes his love for music takes over and he puts that camera aside. Simplistic expressions of sound in his reviews are the way to go for him. He enjoys a fine single malt along with his favourite Jazz recordings.

3 Comments

  • Reply May 30, 2024

    Luke

    Great review thanks

  • Reply May 31, 2024

    Jonathan

    Hi Berkhan
    How does the pilgrim noir compare to the softears rsv?
    Cheers Jonathan

  • Reply May 31, 2024

    Drake

    Do you think noir is worth the increase price over pilgrim?

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