Today, we review the Elysian Apostle tribrid IEM, which sells for $1,799 USD.
Disclaimer: Elysian Acoustic Labs is not affiliated with Headfonia in any way. The unit was sent to us in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank Effect Audio for making this happen.
Elysian Acoustic Labs
Elysian is already known for its highly-regarded IEMs, notably the Annihilator, which surfaced in 2019-2020 before the 2023 edition came up. We reviewed that one as below:
Lee Quan Min founded the brand. Lee began his journey in the audio industry through DIY research and refurbishing an Ultimate Ears Triple. Fi 10. He eventually expanded his skills to provide re-shell services and create in-ear monitors, receiving high acclaim for his work. While Elysian is not yet widely known in Europe, the brand enjoys significant popularity in the Eastern market.
Apostle
The Elysian Acoustic Labs Apostle is a five-driver universal in-ear monitor (IEM) featuring a 4-way crossover network arranged in a tribrid configuration. This setup includes:
– One customized 9.2mm Liquid Silicon Rubber (LSR) dynamic driver
– Two Gen 2 high-output dual electrostatic drivers
– Two balanced armature drivers, one from Sonion and the other from Knowles
The founder of Elysian Acoustics, Lee Quan Min, personally tuned the Apostle. The custom dynamic driver utilizes LSR technology, which enables it to reproduce low frequencies that extend down to an impressive 10 Hz—significantly lower than the typical 20 Hz capability offered by traditional polyethene terephthalate (PET) drivers. Elysian is transparent about its design specifications, which are as follows:
– 1 x Custom 9.2mm LSR dynamic driver for low frequencies
– 1 x Knowles ED-30000 balanced armature for low-mids
– 1 x Sonion 2300 balanced armature for mid-highs
– 2 x New Generation Sonion electrostatic drivers for high frequencies
Annihilator 2023 Reference
Elysian notes that the Apostle is based on the Annihilator 2023 model, which is regarded as one of the best in-ear monitors (IEMs) available and has a dedicated fanbase. It utilizes the same tribrid design, and according to Elysian, captures the sonic depth of the Annihilator.
Packaging
The Apostle comes in a medium-sized, reasonably premium box. When you open it, the earpieces are immediately visible on top. Below them, you’ll find a compartment that contains the carrying case, cable, ear tips, and cleaning tools. The ear tips are stored in a plastic case, which is a nice touch; however, they only come in three sizes and are fairly basic, which may be underwhelming for some users.
The carrying case is practical and designed to protect the monitors. In this price range, it is sturdy enough to offer adequate protection for in-ear monitors (IEMs). However, it may feel cramped, as you need to squeeze the cable to fit everything inside comfortably.
Design & Build
The Elysian Apostle is distinguished by its exquisite and modern design. Its luxurious-looking shells present a unique and refined appearance that sets it apart from previous Elysian monitors. The IEM has a sleek, polished, and authentic look that enhances its visual appeal.
Constructed from high-quality materials, the Apostle is both durable and sturdy. The shell is well-made and designed for longevity, while the nicely braided cable offers good tensile strength and a comfortable feel. However, the luxurious design has a drawback: the faceplate area is particularly vulnerable to scratches and dents. Users should handle the Apostle with extra care to keep it pristine.
A key feature of the Apostle is its use of P-Ear (Pentaconn Ear) connectors. These connectors provide a more stable connection with less rotation than traditional MMCX connectors, reducing the likelihood of disconnection and making them easier to attach. However, the IEM socket appears somewhat fragile, with a single pin on top, so careful handling is recommended to avoid potential damage.
Overall, the Apostle is a well-built IEM that combines a luxurious design with high-quality construction. While it requires careful handling to maintain its cosmetic integrity, it offers a durable build without significant flaws.
Fit
The Elysian Apostle offers a potent combination of size and comfort with its compact, non-bulky design that fits well. While the ear tips provided are not as comfortable as those from brands like Spiral Dots, Final E series, and SpinFit, the nozzle length allows for a secure fit in the ears, making it suitable for long listening sessions.
The Apostle’s noise isolation isn’t the best, but its comfort compensates for this, making it enjoyable to wear. Keep in mind that comfort can be subjective. A challenge is the larger nozzle diameter, which can make it tricky to use SpinFit tips. Despite this, the Apostle provides a secure fit. However, a better selection of ear tips would be expected, given the price.
Sound General
The Elysian Apostle upholds the classic traits associated with the brand, such as energy, dynamism, and vibrance. It shares similarities with DIVA 2023 and Annihilator 2023 but sets itself apart through its unique tuning.
The Apostle’s sound is vivid and colourful, embodying the Elysian tuning that many have come to appreciate. Listening to the Apostle is a pleasing, exciting, and musical experience, making it an excellent choice for those who value technical excellence and an engaging, dynamic sound.
Regarding tuning, the Apostle adheres to the Elysian v-shaped sound signature. The lows offer a robust and rumbling foundation for the music, while the mids are less pronounced in the lower range but gain prominence in the upper mids, enhancing the liveliness of vocals and instruments. The bright and energetic treble adds air and excitement to the overall sound. Additionally, the Apostle retains key Elysian technical features such as good resolution, strong imaging, and impressive clarity and detail.
Page 3: Technical Performance, Sources, Comparisons, Conclusion
