Technical Performance and Sources
When it comes to soundstage, the DIVA 2023 doesn’t expand as much as the Gaea. It has a bit more boxy stage, which feels intimate when compared. The distinct focus on the mid-range creates that feeling. I don’t think the staging performance is bad at all though. In fact, it’s actually surprisingly good considering the presentation of the mid-range, which is a bit close and really focused. Despite that character, you still have a good staging performance. It’s just not vast and big as the Gaea.
In addition to that, the imaging is spot on. The delivery is very sharp in terms of positioning, and there’s absolutely nothing to cloud the positioning of the elements, it’s perfectly crisp and clear. There’s great micro-detail in every second, where you have excellent transparency in the whole spectrum.
The DIVA 2023 is also a cohesive IEM. As I mentioned, the mid-bass section is a bit behind so that could’ve been better, but other than that, the overall presentation is cohesive and nicely balanced. Combining that with this resolution performance and technical strength, the DIVA 2023 is a nice all-rounder to me.
For sources, I can say that you need to have a full-sounding device, with plenty of mid-bass presence. It wouldn’t be desirable to pair this IEM with a lean and bright-sounding source. You need to have something like a HiBy RS6, Sony WM1Z, or the new A&K SE300. That R2R DAC in the SE300 works nicely with the DIVA 2023. iBasso DX320 works well too.
Comparisons
The EA Gaea has a similar shape and fit, and a similar experience overall. When it comes to sound, its bass is leaner with less body and weight. The mid-bass in particular feels pretty lean when compared. The mid-bass body is more apparent in the DIVA, and the mids overall have more body and warmth. The treble is smoother with the DIVA, whilst the Gaea, especially in the lower-treble range, is sharper and brighter. It’s a more spacious and vast sound with the Gaea, with more space between each spectrum. The DIVA 2023 is more rounded and it’s a better all-rounder.
So you should choose based on your expectations and preferences. If you need the best mid-range performance and you need more mid-bass body, the DIVA 2023 is better. If you need a leaner, more spacious and brighter presentation, especially in the treble range, go for the Gaea.
Another special IEM, the VE7 is also an impressive IEM from Germany. The unboxing experience is great on both, but of course, the DIVA 2023 comes with a better cable. They both supply SpinFit tips. Apart from the cable, it’s pretty even. Fit-wise the VE7 is much smaller and it fits perfectly with a low-profile compact body. The DIVA 2023 is quite big when compared.
The sound of the VE7 is brighter, with a definitive treble when compared to the DIVA. It sounds more neutral on the whole spectrum as well. The DIVA 2023 has more warmth and mid-range musicality. They both have great detail and transparency, whilst the VE7 has a slight edge in there. They both have fantastic mid-range, especially for resolution and definition, they just have different delivery. The DIVA 2023 has more body here, with more colouration and musical character. The VE7 stays sharp, a bit bright but it has a more analytical approach against the DIVA.
Treble is impressive on VE7, but the DIVA gives good clarity but it’s very smooth at the same time. The VE7 definitely has more brightness here, whilst the DIVA stays conservative a bit. It’s not easy to choose one here. Both are great IEMs; the VE7’s clarity can be addicting whilst the perfect mid-range timbre of the DIVA is a joy.
The Kadence is one of the best Noble IEMs to me, simply because it’s dead flat and natural. The whole spectrum of the Kadence is like an autobahn where you just go and go straight. No drama, no colour. It’s actually a tool to test different gear.
The Elysian tuning is much different than this particular Noble creation. It focuses on the mid-range, with a coloured and vibrant tuning which is the exact opposite of the Noble. The Kadence is very ordinary in terms of sound when directly compared, and the DIVA is much more fun. However, that of course doesn’t mean that the Kadence is worse, it’s just different tunings for different purposes. They’re both excellent to me so you should choose based on your expectations, gear and music genres.
Conclusion
Elysian Acoustic Labs has become a very popular IEM maker in recent years, and after experiencing the DIVA 2023, I can see why. Its tuning is instantly likeable, its technical performance is good, and the overall experience is very enjoyable.
That’s why it goes to our Best IEM Recommendations. From a 6BA setup, Elysian extracted a great performance. The DIVA 2023 is a competitive performer in its own price range, and it’s been my go-to IEM for a few weeks now. I even brought it to London for listening at the hotel where I was staying.
Pros:
- Enjoyable tuning
- All-around good performance
- Nice vivid mid-range
- Good technicalities
Cons:
- Tuning switch unnecessary
- Staging is not fantastic
- The tuning knob feels flimsy
Page 1: About, Packaging, Design/Build, Fit
Page 2: Sound Quality
