Sound
Compared to the Gaea, which is the sole Elysian IEM I’ve reviewed until this came out, the DIVA 2023 sounds similar and different in some ways. Whilst the Gaea is airy, a bit v-shaped and bright, the DIVA 2023 holds its own with a more balanced, more all-rounder sound which has more fluidness.
The mid-range of the DIVA 2023 is particularly impressive, with good extension and detail in both the bass and treble. The overall sound presentation is musical, airy, and coherent, with emphasis on the mid-range. The technical qualities are solid overall, but the most remarkable aspect is the spaciousness of the mids.
Bass
The bass response you get from the DIVA 2023 depends on the tuning switch. With the blue setting you have the most bass rumble, and especially the sub-bass area becomes very apparent. The middle setting (white) is the most balanced, and the red setting has the leanest bass. Unsurprisingly, I decided to stick with the middle setting, as I like listening to the most natural and realistic sound.
In the middle setting, the DIVA 2023 has a very good bass performance, but I would also say that it doesn’t have a distinct character here. I think the sub-bass is also a bit elevated, so it’s not flat in the bass. That’s fine for the fun factor, and it works really well with popular music too.
The range of mid-bass sounds is distributed quite evenly, whereas the sub-bass range is more accentuated. The outcome of this audio configuration is a broad and expansive soundstage that creates an optimal environment for the mid-range frequencies to shine.
The lows have good speed and quick decay. Of course, different listeners may prefer varying presentations. For instance, some may prefer a longer decay in the bass, which enhances the mid-bass presence and produces a fuller sound. However, DIVA’s decay is shorter, which may be preferable or not depending on one’s taste and preferred music genre.
For having a flatter/balanced bass I think you should go with the default tuning setting. Nevertheless, it could’ve had a better balance in the bass section with more mid-bass presence in my opinion. The sub-bass excels in its rumble, response, quality, and control.
The final question would be; is DIVA 2023 a bassy IEM? I would definitely say no, especially if the bass tuning switch is not pointing to the blue dot.
Mids
If you’re in the market for a top-notch mid-range, the DIVA 2023 is definitely worth considering. With its exceptional mid-range quality, it offers clear definition, impressive transparency, a sense of airiness, and remarkable layering. The tonality is vibrant and nuanced, giving your music depth and richness. And when it comes to dynamism, it also delivers – you’ll feel like you’re right there in the recording studio with your favourite artists.
Perhaps most impressive of all is the level of openness that the DIVA 2023 provides – it’s truly remarkable how much detail and clarity you’ll hear in your music. Overall, if you’re serious about getting the best possible mid-range experience, the DIVA 2023 is definitely worth checking out.
DIVA’s mid-range is undeniably captivating, particularly when it comes to female vocals. The instruments have great timbre, especially notes played on classic or electro guitars. While the default sound is a bit warm, the exceptional detail in the mid-range and impressive overall presentation more than make up for it. The mid-range is well-separated from the rest of the sound spectrum, allowing for good space and airiness and giving it room to truly shine. Overall, the mid-range performance is highly impressive and not to be overlooked.
Treble
The DIVA 2023 has a conservative approach in the treble region. It has energy and presence, but this is delivered in a smooth and controlled manner, without being too aggressive. While it may not have an incredibly long extension, it does have a good presence and definition. The treble still has a decent extension and the level of detail is excellent. When paired with a good source device, you will be able to hear great details and superb micro performance.
The sonic profile here exhibits a pronounced emphasis on being smooth. However, highs are rendered with good clarity and a sense of expansiveness. The tonality is refined, and the overall delivery is relaxed but transparent. The layering and separation of the highs are successful, resulting in a cohesive and well-structured treble with a strong sense of rhythm and timing.
I personally expected a sharper and brighter treble performance, but this presentation is quite good for long listening periods. It’s not extremely impressive as the mid-range though.
Page 1: About, Packaging, Design/Build, Fit
Page 3: Technical Performance, Sources, Comparisons, Conclusion
