Elysian Acoustic Labs Pilgrim

Elysian has released its first iem in the 400 dollar midfi segment. This is a very competitive segment. Will Elysian manage to dethrone other iems in this segment or will it get dethroned, let's find out in this review.

I want to thank Hifigo for arranging the review tour of this iem in my country, here is the non-affiliate link https://hifigo.com/products/elysian-acoustic-labs-pilgrim

Design, Fit and Accessories Package

The unboxing experience is very good and premium. The accessories provided in the box are spinfit cp100 ear tips, 3.5mm or 4.4mm non-modular cable and a leather case. The spinfits provided are not a good pairing for the iem, I will talk more about this in the sound segment. The cable provided is good but not great. For this price cable is non-modular and for the same price some other iems come with a better cable, for example - Tangzu Nezha. The iem is made out of 304 stainless steel material and it feels very robust and sturdy. This is one of the best-built iem in its price category. The iem features a pentacon connector to connect cable and this is also a con, as most of the people who will buy this iem will not have compatible cable and cable rolling will be an issue.
The fit of the iem is great, it has a stubby nozzle that offers a shallower fit which will be a non-issue for anyone. The isolation is good enough but worse than iems that provide deeper fir.

Frequency Response




Before talking about sound I want to touch on the spinfits provided in the package, these are not the best pairing for the pilgrim. I recommend you tip roll to get the most out of these iems. The spinfits make the bass lose its power and texture to my ears so I used azla sednaearfit max tips and divinus velvet eartips for my sound analysis.

Bass

Elysian, instead of using a more popular 2-DD setup, they are using a 9.2mm LSR Dynamic driver. And oh boy! It is a potent performer. The bass profile is sub-bass over midbass with a smooth glide into the mids. The sub-bass is very well extended. It is rumbly and well-textured. The mid-bass thump and slam are also very impressive, is it for bass heads or those who prefer more mid-bass? No. But still the the quality of the bass present is just awesome. This is one of the bass performance you can find in this price range. I am very much impressed by Pilgrim’s bass performance.

Midrange

The pilgrim’s mid-range gives it the elysian house sound. It is forward and very revealing. The frequencies between 1k to 2.9k are slightly boosted, which pushes the vocals forward in the mix, some people may also find it a bit unnatural, but I don’t mind it that much. Female vocals shine on this iem, they feel very open and extended. Male vocals are also good, they have enough heft and body to sound natural. I have no issues with the midrange on the pilgrim.

Treble

The treble adds to the energetic nature of the iem. It is for sure on the brighter side but it never crosses the line of sibilance for me. The treble is very revealing and extracts every micro nuance from the tracks. The air region is not overly boosted like other iems in the price range it is present where it should be. Overall, all I can say, pilgrim’s treble has that special sauce that may take many audiophiles by surprise.

Technical Performance

The technical performance is the most impressive thing about the iem. The detail retrieval is top of its class and may rival the iems in higher price categories. The detail retrieval is excellent, both macro and micro details are well presented by pilgrim. The stage is also very wide with excellent instrument separation and layering.

Conclusion

Elysian has released an excellent contender in 400 dollar segment. Currently, this is my favorite iem in this price range. For many audiophiles, this can be a great option. Overall I can highly recommend this iem to all people who want a slightly different and forward sound signature.

Disclaimer

These IEMs were sent to me by @EffectAudio and @JordonEA for my honest opinion. These impressions are my subjective experiences and, as always, as it was my daily driver not as I’m doing a surgery into the frequency response or sound. Your experience may vary, so always consider auditioning the gear yourself. Respect the colleagues around the forum and have fun.

Introduction

Elysian Audio has made a significant impact on the audiophile community, and their latest offering, the Pilgrim, is no exception. Known for their meticulous craftsmanship and innovative tuning, Elysian has designed the Pilgrim to show to both new and experienced audiophiles what can be done at this price range (spoiler Mr. Lee did an amazing job). Embarking on a sonic pilgrimage with the Pilgrim is akin to journeying to Santiago de Compostela, seeking wisdom and enlightenment through sound.

The whole listening was done through:

• Luxury & Precision P6 Pro Ti99 High Gain, volume 4-8
• Spin-fit W1
• Stock cable unless compared to others.

Design & Build Quality

The Elysian Pilgrim features an elegant design crafted from high-quality aluminium, providing lightweight durability. The bores are made from 304 stainless steel, known for its corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity while maintaining exceptional sound quality. The faceplate's ring pattern, combined with air-release apertures, adds to the aesthetic appeal and functional design, providing ventilation for the dynamic driver. But be careful that the beautiful shiny rings get scratched easily.

The Pilgrim includes a silver-plated copper cable, which contributes to its overall sound performance. Accessories include three sets of ear tips, a cleaning brush, a carrying case, and a small flannel, making it a comprehensive package.

The Pilgrim boasts a multi-hybrid driver configuration and promises a balanced yet engaging sound signature.

Technical Specifications

• Driver Configuration: 4 drivers hybrid setup with 1 customized 9.2mm LSR dynamic driver for lows, 1 Sonion 2300 balanced armature for mids, and dual Sonion E50 balanced armature for highs.
• System: 3-way crossover
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 101 dB @ 1 kHz @ 100mV
• Impedance: 9 Ohms @ 1 kHz

Sound Signature

The sound signature of the Elysian Pilgrim can be described as balanced with a slight U-shaped tilt. This tuning offers an extended, engaging sound that that feels natural, guiding you through a spiritual journey of auditory enlightenment during the pilgrimage.

Low-End Performance

The Pilgrim’s bass is handled by a custom 9.2mm liquid silicone rubber dynamic driver, delivering a punchy and well-controlled low end. It excels in providing a deep, textured bass that adds weight to tracks without overshadowing the mids and highs. Listening to Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” and Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” the Pilgrim demonstrates its ability to reproduce deep bass lines with precision and impact. The sub-bass extension is impressive, giving hip-hop tracks a satisfying thump, much like the footsteps of a pilgrim on a gravel path.

Midrange Performance

The midrange is managed by a Sonion 2300 balanced armature, offering a clean and neutral presentation. The Pilgrim excels in the upper midrange, providing clarity and details to vocals and instruments. This characteristic makes it particularly well-suited for genres like Hip-hop and Classic Rock. In Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop” and Green Day’s “Burnout” vocals come through clear and full-bodied, guitars sound energetic and drums natural. The mids are neither recessed nor too forward, striking a perfect balance that maintains engagement without overshadowing other frequencies.

High-End Performance

The treble is handled by dual Sonion E50 balanced armatures, delivering a smooth and extended high end. The treble region is detailed without being harsh, making it suitable for long listening sessions. Tracks like Polyphia’s “G.O.A.T.” and Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow” is a good example Pilgrim’s ability to render high-frequency details with precision. The upper treble is airy and well-extended, providing clarity and space without fatigue, much like the clear skies and fresh air encountered on a pilgrimage.



Frequency Response

• Bass: Deep and controlled, with a slight emphasis that adds punch and weight. The dynamic driver’s performance in the low end is impressive, providing a solid foundation that can be felt, akin to the sturdy walking stick of a pilgrim.
• Mids: Clean and detailed, with a focus on the upper mids that enhances female vocal and string instrument presence. The balanced armature driver ensures clarity and uniqueness in the midrange, reminiscent of the insightful conversations shared along the pilgrimage route.
• Treble: Smooth and extended, providing clarity and airiness without harshness. The dual balanced armatures deliver a refined treble response that enhances the overall sound signature, much like the serene vistas and breathtaking landscapes that greet a pilgrim.

My Random Library

Exploring how the Elysian Pilgrim fares across some random genres showing its versatility and remarkable tuning. It’s like venturing through diverse terrains and landscapes on a pilgrimage.

Hip-hop: The Pilgrim’s impactful bass and clear mids make it an excellent choice for Hip-hop. Eminem’s rapid-fire verses in "Rap God" are articulated with precision, each word crisp and clear against the punchy, engaging beats. In Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop,” the Pilgrim captures the deep, synthetic bass with remarkable control and definition. The treble remains smooth, ensuring the highs don’t become fatiguing. Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow” showcases the Pilgrim's ability to render bass lines with depth and texture, making each track an immersive experience, like the rhythmic chants of fellow pilgrims.

Heavy Metal: The aggressive nature of Metal is where the Pilgrim may lack a punch, it handles tight bass and detailed mids effortlessly. Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” is a perfect test, with the IEMs keeping up with the fast, complex arrangements, delivering a cohesive and immersive experience. The bass drums hit detailed, but doesn’t give me the aggression I expect, while the intricate guitar solos and Hetfield's vocals remain clear and distinct. In Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid,” the Pilgrim brings out the raw energy of the guitars and a rather flat Ozzy Osbourne’s vocals. All in all, I miss the “heavy” in Heavy Metal, , much like a pilgrim might miss the hustle and bustle of a busy town.



Instrumental Rock: For instrumental rock, the Pilgrim offers a balanced presentation with ample detail. Tracks from Polyphia, such as "G.O.A.T.," reveal the intricacies of guitar work with precision and clarity. The fast-paced, complex guitar riffs are delivered with such accuracy that each note stands out, even when missing the weight of the deeper notes. Similarly, Animals as Leaders' "CAFO" demonstrates the Pilgrim's ability to handle intricate, technical music. The dynamic shifts and rapid tempo changes are well absorbed and reproduced. Showing good dynamics and technicalities.

Soundtracks: The Pilgrim’s balanced sound signature makes it well-suited for soundtracks, capturing the full range of orchestral scores with finesse. Hans Zimmer’s “Time” from Inception showcases the Pilgrim's ability to handle both the deep, resonant lows and the sparkling highs, creating an immersive and emotional experience. Ludwig Göransson’s “Mandalorian Theme” presents a good soundstage with intricate layers, each instrument coming through clearly and contributing to the overall cinematic feel, but not too wide or tall. Thomas Bergersen’s “Protectors of the Earth” demonstrates the Pilgrim’s dynamic range, handling the powerful crescendos and delicate passages with equal quality. Much like the highs and lows experienced on a pilgrimage.

Rock: The Pilgrim’s balanced tuning makes it great for rock music. In tracks like Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” the acoustic guitar intro is played naturally and lifelike quality. With the guitar well separated on the left side. As the track builds, the Pilgrim handles the dynamic shifts with ease, ensuring that the electric guitars, drums, and vocals all have their place within the mix with an amazing imaging. The Pilgrim’s ability to capture the energy and emotion of rock music makes it a great choice for fans of the genre.

Cable Comparisons

Effect Audio Ares S x Cadmus: This cable is impressive for its price, boosting the weight in the mids while improving the soundstage and keeping the sound expanded and slightly W-shaped. When paired with the Pilgrim, the Ares S x Cadmus adds a richer midrange to upper bass presence, making vocals and instruments sound fuller and more engaging. The soundstage also feels more expansive, like discovering new vistas on your pilgrimage.

Effect Audio Eros S: The Eros S increases details and technicalities without altering the sound signature. With the Pilgrim, the Eros S enhances the clarity and resolution. It’s a great option for those who want to maintain the Pilgrim’s natural sound while boosting its technical performance a bit. Like finding a clearer path on your journey. (It still sounds quite different from Pilgrim:Noir, but that is a detail for a future comparison)



Effect Audio Code 24C: This cable increases the weight in the midrange but reduces technicalities and details. Paired with the Pilgrim, the Code 24C adds a richer, more robust midrange, making genres like Hip-hop and Rock sound more impactful. However, it sacrifices some of the finer details and clarity, which might not appeal to detail-oriented listeners. Akin to walking a path that’s a bit less scenic but more grounded.



Effect Audio Code 24: Like the stock cable but on steroids, it improves all points of the sound signature adding body to it. When used with the Pilgrim, the Code 24 enhances every aspect of the sound, from the deep bass to the airy treble, providing a more refined and immersive listening experience. It’s an excellent upgrade for those who love the Pilgrim’s sound and want to elevate it further. much like finding a peaceful resting lookout along the pilgrimage route.



Effect Audio Fusion: This cable adds a natural touch to the sound but pushes the signature even more toward the higher frequencies without making it sibilant. With the Pilgrim, the Fusion cable enhances the treble, making high-frequency details more prominent and airier. It’s a suitable choice for those who appreciate a brighter sound signature while maintaining smoothness down low. Much like a clear bluesky day.



Final Stop of The Long Journey

The Elysian Pilgrim is a well-tuned IEM that can easily be and EDM for someone or a good early entry into Mr. Lee’s fine tuning sound signature. Its deep, controlled bass, slightly pushed-back mids, and smooth, extended treble make it suitable for plenty of music libraries, particularly Hip-hop and Classic Rock.

The premium build quality, comfortable fit, and basic accessory package further enhance its appeal for the price. If you’re looking for a nicely tuned U-shaped IEM, the Elysian Pilgrim is a great choice that delivers one of the best experiences you can get for this price range.

But Pilgrim really asks for an upgraded cable. And, if you want to squeeze a bit more performance without breaking the bank, you can get Ares S x Cadmus 8w or Ares S: Noir.

Foreword
This is my first review, please be gentle.
I may be using the wrong terms and also be neglecting some topics which are usually discussed. I don't feel familiar enough with some of the terminology to really make a well-founded statement.

Intro
I am uncertain why I feel compelled to review this particular IEM as my first. It's not even that I like it best among my collection, but there is something about it.. Anyways, I will try to keep completely failed at keeping this short. Personally I'm a fan of written reviews more than videos, lest it gets out of control and becomes a neverending wall of text. But I guess it helps to understand a little about my preferences to better judge if this is worth anything to you.
What I personally can't stand are peaky sound signatures. Often peaks, especially the prominent 8 kHz one, are reduced to coupler artefacts, but there are very few circumstances where I can't tell it's there when it's visible in a graph. For me it can become kind of smeared out (if not too pronounced) when changing the angle by a bit, but this rarely works, also because the IEM may just not stay at that angle or be uncomfortable then. Some are of the opinion these resonance peaks are intended, I rather suspect they are tough to get rid off as a necessary effect of occluding the ear canal. If the peaks are narrow enough, they won't contribute to percieved loudness (for me, actually put a “for me” in front of everything in my review please, because all of this is highly specific to perception, preference, ear anatomy and so on) but lead to loss of detail (probably because that part of the frequency band is dominated by one particular frequency), an in-my-head sensation, piercing ‘shattering-glass’ like percussions and also some ‘fake clarity’. In short, I won't have it. Tonality-wise, I consider myself very flexible, as long as the whole thing is consistent. To get a better picture, an excerpt of my preferences and non-preferences:

I Like a lot

• Yanyin Moonlight (sadly don't have it)
• SoundRhyme SR5
• ISN Neo 5
• Letshuoer Galileo
• Yanyin Canon II
• Aful MagicOne
• Hisenior T4
• Moondrop SSR/SSP
• Truthear Zero (Blue)
• Moondrop Space Travel
• KZ D-Fi
• Penon Fan 2

Okayish

• Ziigaat Cinno (interesting take at a different kind of tuning)
• Kiwi Ears Quintet (peaky upper treble, but has its charms otherwise)
• Simgot EM6L (high potential but simply too much treble for me)

Cannot listen without EQ (which I usually don't use)

• Truthear Nova (smooth FR, but my definition of lean with too much sub-bass)
• Letshuoer S12 Pro (massive 6 - 8kHz peak ruining everything for me)
• Truthear Hexa (treble peak + treble peak followed by grainy upper-treble)

Disclaimer

• I bought this with my own money.
• My field of work contrasts with me commenting on cable synergies and source pairings other than advising you to have a low output-impedance source for that low impedance IEM, should you get one and want the stock tuning to be unaltered. Assuming impedance is not uniform, which I suppose but don’t actually know.

Hardware notes
I won't go into great detail about the unpacking experience and accessories. Also in a completely unorthodox fashion, I will pass on including product pictures. For one, there are already so many out there and I can't contribute anything new. For another, I'm not really good at this .
As you probably already know, you get a cable, three sizes of Spinfit (supposedly CP100) eartips, a case and some cleaning tools.
What irritated me here was that the ear hooks of my cable were deformed to an opening angle of roughly 30°, tapering to a point. Now, the Spinfit tips do provide a certain flexibility, but with that earhook shape, the IEMs are instantly lifted out of my ear. I know you can mold them with hot air and this is really nitpicking, but nevertheless I was a little disappointed.

Next thing is the PE connector feels sufficiently tight on the left side, while it's pretty loose by comparison on the right and doesn't snap into place with that satisfying click. Again, nitpicking, I know. And it doesn't fall off, so it's alright. Machining looks good, but somehow not as premium as I expected. I can't put my finger on why exactly. Maybe I'm spoiled by artful resin shells? Who knows, and honestly, I don’t care about that part.

Then the tips. Now, I know Spinfit tips are very well regarded and not exactly cheap when acquired separately. But the fact that I was afraid of ripping off the (non-unibody) nozzle while putting them on made me question whether it might not have been a good idea to make the package more consistent with better fitting ones. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they didn't, I like them Spinfits! It just feels a little like an incompatible accessory at first.

Ok, almost done with nitpicking, but I have to get this last one out, sorry. The nozzle filters. Really? Not that long ago there was a discussion in the Discovery thread on why KZ had those mesh filters inside, claiming they did the tuning via crossover, and no protection above. I'd like to ask the same question here. Pretty much all of my other sound-tubed IEMs come with either no termiating filter or a metal grille. One can be of opposing opinions on no filter, but a metal grille would be so much easier to clean than this black mesh. Even worse if it has a tuning effect (which I suspect given the density). At least I didn't find any spares in the package and while I try my best at keeping my IEMs super clean, I don't like the idea that part of this great tuning is based on something so exposed and easily corrupted.
To conclude this with a positive remark, the channel matching on my set is insanely good. There is a very localized < 1 dB difference somewhere in the upper mids, but apart from that, left and right look virtually identical! Very positive result for a hybrid in my book.

Fit
I have to admit, I rarely, if ever, had issues with fit. Some will stay in my ears better than others, some I have to wear at odd angles, sure. But I have none in my collection that I would call ‘uncomfortable’, or where I struggle with seal or nozzle size. That said, I find these to be on the better side. After a little surgery on the crooked earhooks, they stay in place very well. I think these are lightweight for a metal shell - not comparable to e.g. the original Starfields that would shift quite a bit in my ears due to their weight.

Sound

Bass
Now that is some gourmet Bass! Nothing overdone, nothing missing. I’m personally more of a mid bass person, especially when it comes to electronic music. Never liked too much sub bass for that, as many obviously do, as I quickly get nauseated by too much rumble. But _if_ you create a sub bass focused tuning, this is the way. I can’t really say I feel that this driver reaches any lower than others but the way the bass is implemented here sure feels highly tactile, accurate and fast. It operates in its own space but doesn’t feel detached from the rest as it often does with a pronounced bass tuck. It’s emphasized for sure, but tastefully so! If the Nova for instance was too much for you, this is completely different. Maybe slightly similar to the Quintet, but in much better harmony with the rest. Authority yes, dominance no - it is atmospherical and clean without being dry. I haven’t had any instance where it felt out of place and compared to many other IEMs, I caught myself looking forward to the next bass punch.

Mids / Treble
The most controversial chapter for me. In plain terms, mids are too forward for my liking. At least that is one of the first things that came to mind. On more specific terms, some instruments/sounds, for instance electric guitars, synths and claps are quite a bit louder than I anticipate them to be to the point of aggressiveness. Don't get me wrong, everything is still well resolved at that point, just unexpected in loudness given the rest of the spectrum. The weird thing is, swelling sounds crossing from the lows towards pinna gain region have a foreboding of getting too loud - at least for songs I know, I experience the sensation of wanting to “shut my ears” or quickly lower volume due to the expectation of something too intense coming up - only to then progress just fine. I can't say I have this experience with other gear, at least not on this level. Getting technical, I suppose this effect is due to a sudden rise in loudness at around 1 kHz that abruptly drops off after 2.5 kHz. I assume this may hit the perfect balance for some, for me it is definitely not how I am used to hearing things.
Moving up the spectrum, there is another subsequent slight emphasis somewhere between 4-5 kHz and one more somewhere around 8. To be honest, I'm not sure about my thoughts here. I may very well make wrong assumptions based on the fact that I expect this product to be expertly tuned coming from such a brand. Also there is a short video backstory to it and it is highly regarded in general. Willing or not, this will influence how I interpret things. But anyway, somehow I am convinced these are not artefacts Elysian couldn't get rid off or didn't want to care about, but rather deliberately placed accents. And listening to music they do not result in any grain or grizzle-di-sizzle, but lend a beautiful sheen to sounds emanating from those regions, transporting detail and emotion.
And that is where the hot sauce comes in. It's not like everything sounds super smooth, just like eating hot food is not super comfortable. Also, some things you just don't want hot sauce on. But when it fits the dish, it can enhance the experience of flavors and make the whole meal so much more satisfying. There is a downside, though. Just like too much hot sauce can ruin otherwise tasty food, these emphases can get overwhelming with music that responds to all of them at the same time. This goes to the extreme of a collapsing sound stage when opting for instance for some old school punk rock or really complex and technical electronic music. All sounds great and spacious, I feel like I can grab individual shimmering notes out of the air, until too many different sounds enter the stage and the soup gets too hot - to stick with the slightly forced food comparison.
But I should put this into perspective: This is some really highlevel critique. It is still producing exciting, high quality sound in the described instances that is great to listen to, but some of the magic gets lost and I have to lower volume quite a bit to get through these passages.

Upper treble / air
Pure. Bliss. I think this region deserves extra mention, because it is so masterfully sculpted. Nothing stands out, nothing gets left behind. I am _very_ complicated with regard to poorly implemented upper treble, all sorts of things happen there and it is notoriously hard to resolve in measurements. So you’re in for surprises more often than not when you can't demo gear beforehand, which I usually can't. The surprise here is the most welcome one. I can hear things unheard before, up to the highest octaves and what I hear is super smooth with natural decay and not the slightest bit of piercing quality. No peaks, no glare, just beautiful air.

Overall
I am honestly puzzled on how to categorize this tuning. Not that it is necessary, but I’ve heard nothing quite like it. Does it strive to be neutral? In parts maybe, but they way the midrange and treble are at times thrown at me, I don't think that could have been the goal. It just doesn't sound right (in terms of neutrality) there to me. Rather is the Pilgrim confidently presenting some elements of the music to me in a way I did not know I would like to hear it before. On occasion I would like it to back down with the eletric guitar forwardness or not have electronic percussions right in my face. But I just can't stop going over my library just to find out, how this perspective makes my favorite songs turn out. And then there's this heavenly upper treble and satisfying bass. Also, with the right music, the soundscape is immensely spacious, but due to the accents in mids/treble still intimate and emotional. Vocals are mostly superb and are well separated from the mix. All in all, I couldn't put them down ever since I got them. Truly addictive.

Direct Contenders
For me, the direct contender is the Yanyin Canon II. This IEM does so many things right, the midrange and treble are a joy, the bass is similarly well controlled and appropriate, but the shelf starts way earlier in the mid bass. It holds its own magic and I would prefer it any day for electronic music. But even if this wins in the mids/treble and the bass is kind of a draw, it can't compete in the upper treble. It's not even a fair fight. So I have a hard time with acoustic music, let alone metal on the Canon II. Here, the Pilgrim is more versatile.

Would I recommend it?
Not that I imagine anyone will care much, as this is my first review. Still, the answer would be:
If this is not supposed to be your only set and you like a swing at a non bass heavy, slightly colored, somewhat bright sound signature that doesn’t do every track perfect, but worst case still good and excels at many others, then yes. For my _personal taste_, there are better all-rounders at or below this price point - for me the Hisenior T4 is one such - but they won't offer you the magnificence of the Pilgrim in its best moments.

What music would I choose to make this show off
I'd sure go with something not too busy, like Mark Knopfler - Brothers in Arms (Live) - absolutely brought tears to my eyes - or some plain electronic music from artists such as Recondite or Dominik Eulberg.

What music would I choose to make this feel like a mediocre choice
Pretty much anything from the early albums of the Arctic Monkeys.

If you've made it to here, thanks a lot for reading