Reviews by Neweymatt
I had the pleasure recently to audition the 7th Acoustics Supernova as part of a tour, many thanks as ever to @Damz87 for running these tours!
Supernova arrives in a pretty nice package for the price tier. You get a couple sets of silicone tips including Final E’s, which happen to be my go-to tips for universal IEMs, so this is a win in my book. The cable is also quite good, a tight 4-wire braid that is supple, light, and just gets out of the way. The aluminium puck-style case is alright, but the lid feels just a little bit loose when removing it; maybe I’ve been spoiled by the better quality ones that 64Audio and FiR include with their CIEMs as they feel much more precisely machined.
The IEMs themselves are very nice to look at, I’m a big fan of the blue abalone faceplates. The shells are fairly small, the nozzles are just the right thickness for most tips, and I think the vast majority of listeners will have no problem with fit or comfort with these. Supernova uses 6 balanced armature drivers, and like many all-BA sets it is pretty easy to drive well with any source.
A few notes on sound:
Following a fairly typical “neutral-with-bass-boost” type of tuning, Supernova hit me with a very pleasant first impression of bass that is a bit more mid-bass focussed than sub, a warm midrange and nicely extended treble with no hint of peaky-ness or harshness. My own first preference might be for even more mid-bass, but this is a tuning I’m quite happy with.
Technically, Supernova is good if not quite great. Stage has good height if lacking a bit in width and depth, giving it a more intimate presentation with a strong centre image. Detail retrieval is also pretty good for the price range, and has a kind of effortlessness to it that doesn’t make me feel like I need to strain at all to pick things out. This is an IEM that goes more for a smooth, easy-listening kind of sound rather than something with more incisive details.
A few Comparisons:
Dunu SA6 Mk II - The SA6 MkII digs deeper into sub-bass, especially with its tuning switch set to ‘On’. SA6 MkII stage is notably wider than the Supernova, giving notes a greater sense of space around them, and making details pop out more from the background. SA6 MkII treble is a bit more forward, which gives the SA6 a bit more sharpness and makes it feel more detail-oriented vs the silky smooth Supernova. On the flipside, Supernova's more intimate stage and warmer tuning give it a somewhat more engaging feeling. These are both great IEMs at the price-point, and I’d find it hard to pick between them. However I’d probably lean toward the SA6 MkII for its more technical approach and versatile 2-in-1 tuning options, however the smooth, easy-listening Supernova is also quite nice.
64 Audio U6t - Here again, the U6t is quite a lot better in sub-bass, and has a much larger, grander sense of its stage. The U6t sound image is much closer to a perfect sphere around my head, with a fantastic sense of depth. Dynamics on U6t are also notably better, I hear much more contrast between the quieter vs louder passages in a given piece of music. Detail and resolution are also a step up from Supernova, and the SA6 Mk II as well for that matter. U6t is of course $500 more expensive, and diminishing returns is very real in this hobby, but in this case I think you get what you pay for.
Conclusion
Supernova is a fantastic IEM that is probably only really hampered by its availability. I’m hoping the team behind 7th Acoustics are able to ramp up production and distribution of their IEMs, as Supernova shows they’re making and packaging Quality IEMs that I’d definitely be interested to explore more at this sub-1k level and especially above.
Supernova arrives in a pretty nice package for the price tier. You get a couple sets of silicone tips including Final E’s, which happen to be my go-to tips for universal IEMs, so this is a win in my book. The cable is also quite good, a tight 4-wire braid that is supple, light, and just gets out of the way. The aluminium puck-style case is alright, but the lid feels just a little bit loose when removing it; maybe I’ve been spoiled by the better quality ones that 64Audio and FiR include with their CIEMs as they feel much more precisely machined.
The IEMs themselves are very nice to look at, I’m a big fan of the blue abalone faceplates. The shells are fairly small, the nozzles are just the right thickness for most tips, and I think the vast majority of listeners will have no problem with fit or comfort with these. Supernova uses 6 balanced armature drivers, and like many all-BA sets it is pretty easy to drive well with any source.
A few notes on sound:
Following a fairly typical “neutral-with-bass-boost” type of tuning, Supernova hit me with a very pleasant first impression of bass that is a bit more mid-bass focussed than sub, a warm midrange and nicely extended treble with no hint of peaky-ness or harshness. My own first preference might be for even more mid-bass, but this is a tuning I’m quite happy with.
Technically, Supernova is good if not quite great. Stage has good height if lacking a bit in width and depth, giving it a more intimate presentation with a strong centre image. Detail retrieval is also pretty good for the price range, and has a kind of effortlessness to it that doesn’t make me feel like I need to strain at all to pick things out. This is an IEM that goes more for a smooth, easy-listening kind of sound rather than something with more incisive details.
A few Comparisons:
Dunu SA6 Mk II - The SA6 MkII digs deeper into sub-bass, especially with its tuning switch set to ‘On’. SA6 MkII stage is notably wider than the Supernova, giving notes a greater sense of space around them, and making details pop out more from the background. SA6 MkII treble is a bit more forward, which gives the SA6 a bit more sharpness and makes it feel more detail-oriented vs the silky smooth Supernova. On the flipside, Supernova's more intimate stage and warmer tuning give it a somewhat more engaging feeling. These are both great IEMs at the price-point, and I’d find it hard to pick between them. However I’d probably lean toward the SA6 MkII for its more technical approach and versatile 2-in-1 tuning options, however the smooth, easy-listening Supernova is also quite nice.
64 Audio U6t - Here again, the U6t is quite a lot better in sub-bass, and has a much larger, grander sense of its stage. The U6t sound image is much closer to a perfect sphere around my head, with a fantastic sense of depth. Dynamics on U6t are also notably better, I hear much more contrast between the quieter vs louder passages in a given piece of music. Detail and resolution are also a step up from Supernova, and the SA6 Mk II as well for that matter. U6t is of course $500 more expensive, and diminishing returns is very real in this hobby, but in this case I think you get what you pay for.
Conclusion
Supernova is a fantastic IEM that is probably only really hampered by its availability. I’m hoping the team behind 7th Acoustics are able to ramp up production and distribution of their IEMs, as Supernova shows they’re making and packaging Quality IEMs that I’d definitely be interested to explore more at this sub-1k level and especially above.
I've recently had the privilege to spend a couple of weeks getting to know the Elysian Diva 2023 as it makes its way along the Australian Tour. Many thanks to @JordonEA for the tour kit, and as ever to @Damz87 for organising these fantastic tours!
If I rewind a year or so, any inkling I had of Elysian Acoustic Labs was that it was small niche company in Southeast Asia somewhere that I understood to be making great gear, but with such limited distribution they just were not on my radar at all. When the Gaea collaboration with Effect Audio was announced, I thought maybe I’d get to hear that one, and it was good to get a chance to hear it on a tour earlier this year. But I was genuinely excited when @Damz87 announced a tour of Diva would go ahead, and I'd finally get a chance to hear this elusive sound.
What's in the box:
Diva arrives in a rather large cube-shaped box, with the IEM and all accessories stored in a cabinet-like set of drawers very reminiscent of the Sony IER-Z1R presentation. This gives Diva quite a premium feel from the get-go, making you feel like you've got something special in front of you.
You get the IEMs themselves, Effect Audio Ares S cable, a set of SpinFit tips, cleaning tool, cloth, carry case, and mini screwdriver to adjust Diva's tuning switches. Everything is very nice... except that carry case. It feels cheap, the lid doesn't stay closed properly, and it's too small to comfortably house the IEMs when connected to the stock Ares S cable. I feel it's a bit of a missed opportunity considering Elysian's partnership with Effect Audio who excel with these kinds of accessories. This is about the only real negative thing I'll have to say here, and it's a shame because everything else about Diva is excellent.
The IEM shells are a little on the large side, with rather wide bore nozzles, so they may not be comfortable for smaller ears. The design of these IEMs is fantastic, the way the colourful glitter pattern on the shells catches natural light is quite striking and really adds to the luxe factor of these IEMs.
Sound Impressions:
The basshead in me went straight to the tuning switches on Diva to ensure they were set to "blue", thereby to ensure I was getting the best experience of Diva's sub-bass extension. A quick listen of Alison Goldfrapp's "NeverStop" confirmed that all of my listening with Diva should be like this. Personally, I reckon Elysian could leave the tuning like this and do away with the switches entirely, I wouldn’t miss them at all.
Diva has a classic U-shaped sound signature, with deep extended bass, somewhat lean midbass and lower midrange, with a strong upswing through the upper midrange. The only real criticism I have of the tuning is that the treble rolls off a bit in the higher frequencies. But overall this is a tuning that I think will please the majority of listeners most of the time. That lean mid bass and lower midrange gives you a very clear and clean presentation that could never be considered in any way “thick” or “muddy”. My personal preference is for a little more warmth in this region, but I got along just fine with Diva regardless.
A few tracks I listened to...
With a name like "Diva", I had a certain expectation of how well this IEM would render vocals, and I have to say I was not disappointed. While I don't much listen to any "divas" in the sense of a Mariah, a Celine, or a Whitney, here are 3 tracks from my 3 of my all-time favourite vocalists. The depth of emotion Diva extracts from each is quite stunning.
Cocteau Twins "Carolyn's Fingers"
Despite this recording showing it's age a little bit, I can't help but get goosebumps hearing this with Diva. Robin Guthrie's guitar work shimmers left-to-right beautifully, Elizabeth Fraser's angelic multi-tracked vocals can be heard with outstanding clarity popping out from all points across the stage, it's just wonderful.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs "Maps"
Once again, Diva gets everything right here from the ringing guitar intro, the powerful rumble of the drums and most importantly Karen O's tender vocals. Diva is the kind of IEM I just want to keep listening to “one more track” after hearing this.
Angel Olsen "Right Now"
I was fortunate to hear this performed live earlier this year, and I have to say Diva does an excellent job of recreating that experience. Instrument placement is once again outstanding from left to right across the stage, with Angel's amazing vocals prominently in the middle. Close my eyes and I'm right back there in the second row.
A few comparisons:
Vs. Campfire Andromeda 2020
So many similarities, and yet enough differences at the same time. Diva set to the middle "white" tuning switch is remarkably similar in the sub-bass to Andro2020, at least when the latter is used with a suitably low output impedance source like the Schiit Jotunheim2 or HiBy RS6. Of course, Diva has the advantage of that tuning switch to give it a leg-up over the Andro. However, the Andro does have a much more elevated mid-bass that gives it significantly more warmth than Diva. Further up the FR, you get an even more forward upper midrange with Diva, whereas the Andro plays it a little safer. There's not a lot in it technically between these two. Both have a nice wide stage at the expense of a bit of depth, with the Diva being a bit taller perhaps, at least with the blue switch. Instrument placement on both of these is great, and detail retrieval is also very similar. Both offer a highly engaging listen and which is "better" will come down to your preference of sub-bass vs mid-bass.
Vs. 64 Audio U6t
I think this is a pretty interesting comparison between 2 IEMs that both implement 6 balanced armature drivers, and provide tuning options either with the Diva's switches, or the U6t's APEX modules. Sub-bass of these similar, with Diva set to the blue switch and U6t using the M15 module. The U6t has more presence and warmth in lower mids, and Diva is more forward in upper mids. U6t’s treble extends more naturally, whereas Diva rolls off a little. U6t has a stronger centre image, and its stage is just a bit deeper, vs Diva feeling a bit wider. Diva does show how well it performs with female vocals, for example Feist's vocals on "Forever Before" pop forward more than with the U6t. Both of these are fantastic all-BA IEMs, and it's really whether you want the smoother warmth of the U6t vs the vibrant glow around vocals of the Diva.
Vs. Elysian Annihilator 2023
At the start of this year, I didn't imagine I could ever be making this comparison, but by good fortune I was able to obtain my own Annihilator 2023 just a few days before the Diva tour kit arrived. Someone said to me that it must be difficult to spend any time at all with Diva with such a wonderful new shiny like Anni around, but I didn't find that the case really. Despite sharing quite a lot of the same DNA, Diva and Annihilator are actually quite different, and give you a very different listen. First of all is the driver configuration, Diva uses 6 BAs vs Annihilator's DD bass, BA mids and ESTAT treble. You immediately notice this in Anni's thumpier, more tactile sub-bass at the low end, and exquisite treble that extends upward seemingly forever. Anni also has significantly more weight in the mid-bass and lower midrange that gives it a lush warm sound that I really just can't get enough of. Detail retrieval, stage size, dynamics are all in favour of the Annihilator.
But….despite all of the clear advantages Annihilator has, Diva is still a fantastic listen in it's own right, and I was pretty well captivated by it for most of the time I listened to it. Sure, if I have the 2 side by side to choose from I'd probably pick Annihilator just about every time, but that doesn’t take anything away from Diva.
Conclusion
It’s probably obvious by now that I had a great time with Diva, and despite it’s tuning not being 100% in line with my first preferences, it gets full marks for giving me a highly engaging listen. I don’t really have room for Diva in my collection at the moment, but if I was building it out in a different way, it would be near the top of my list.
If I rewind a year or so, any inkling I had of Elysian Acoustic Labs was that it was small niche company in Southeast Asia somewhere that I understood to be making great gear, but with such limited distribution they just were not on my radar at all. When the Gaea collaboration with Effect Audio was announced, I thought maybe I’d get to hear that one, and it was good to get a chance to hear it on a tour earlier this year. But I was genuinely excited when @Damz87 announced a tour of Diva would go ahead, and I'd finally get a chance to hear this elusive sound.
What's in the box:
Diva arrives in a rather large cube-shaped box, with the IEM and all accessories stored in a cabinet-like set of drawers very reminiscent of the Sony IER-Z1R presentation. This gives Diva quite a premium feel from the get-go, making you feel like you've got something special in front of you.
You get the IEMs themselves, Effect Audio Ares S cable, a set of SpinFit tips, cleaning tool, cloth, carry case, and mini screwdriver to adjust Diva's tuning switches. Everything is very nice... except that carry case. It feels cheap, the lid doesn't stay closed properly, and it's too small to comfortably house the IEMs when connected to the stock Ares S cable. I feel it's a bit of a missed opportunity considering Elysian's partnership with Effect Audio who excel with these kinds of accessories. This is about the only real negative thing I'll have to say here, and it's a shame because everything else about Diva is excellent.
The IEM shells are a little on the large side, with rather wide bore nozzles, so they may not be comfortable for smaller ears. The design of these IEMs is fantastic, the way the colourful glitter pattern on the shells catches natural light is quite striking and really adds to the luxe factor of these IEMs.
Sound Impressions:
The basshead in me went straight to the tuning switches on Diva to ensure they were set to "blue", thereby to ensure I was getting the best experience of Diva's sub-bass extension. A quick listen of Alison Goldfrapp's "NeverStop" confirmed that all of my listening with Diva should be like this. Personally, I reckon Elysian could leave the tuning like this and do away with the switches entirely, I wouldn’t miss them at all.
Diva has a classic U-shaped sound signature, with deep extended bass, somewhat lean midbass and lower midrange, with a strong upswing through the upper midrange. The only real criticism I have of the tuning is that the treble rolls off a bit in the higher frequencies. But overall this is a tuning that I think will please the majority of listeners most of the time. That lean mid bass and lower midrange gives you a very clear and clean presentation that could never be considered in any way “thick” or “muddy”. My personal preference is for a little more warmth in this region, but I got along just fine with Diva regardless.
A few tracks I listened to...
With a name like "Diva", I had a certain expectation of how well this IEM would render vocals, and I have to say I was not disappointed. While I don't much listen to any "divas" in the sense of a Mariah, a Celine, or a Whitney, here are 3 tracks from my 3 of my all-time favourite vocalists. The depth of emotion Diva extracts from each is quite stunning.
Cocteau Twins "Carolyn's Fingers"
Despite this recording showing it's age a little bit, I can't help but get goosebumps hearing this with Diva. Robin Guthrie's guitar work shimmers left-to-right beautifully, Elizabeth Fraser's angelic multi-tracked vocals can be heard with outstanding clarity popping out from all points across the stage, it's just wonderful.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs "Maps"
Once again, Diva gets everything right here from the ringing guitar intro, the powerful rumble of the drums and most importantly Karen O's tender vocals. Diva is the kind of IEM I just want to keep listening to “one more track” after hearing this.
Angel Olsen "Right Now"
I was fortunate to hear this performed live earlier this year, and I have to say Diva does an excellent job of recreating that experience. Instrument placement is once again outstanding from left to right across the stage, with Angel's amazing vocals prominently in the middle. Close my eyes and I'm right back there in the second row.
A few comparisons:
Vs. Campfire Andromeda 2020
So many similarities, and yet enough differences at the same time. Diva set to the middle "white" tuning switch is remarkably similar in the sub-bass to Andro2020, at least when the latter is used with a suitably low output impedance source like the Schiit Jotunheim2 or HiBy RS6. Of course, Diva has the advantage of that tuning switch to give it a leg-up over the Andro. However, the Andro does have a much more elevated mid-bass that gives it significantly more warmth than Diva. Further up the FR, you get an even more forward upper midrange with Diva, whereas the Andro plays it a little safer. There's not a lot in it technically between these two. Both have a nice wide stage at the expense of a bit of depth, with the Diva being a bit taller perhaps, at least with the blue switch. Instrument placement on both of these is great, and detail retrieval is also very similar. Both offer a highly engaging listen and which is "better" will come down to your preference of sub-bass vs mid-bass.
Vs. 64 Audio U6t
I think this is a pretty interesting comparison between 2 IEMs that both implement 6 balanced armature drivers, and provide tuning options either with the Diva's switches, or the U6t's APEX modules. Sub-bass of these similar, with Diva set to the blue switch and U6t using the M15 module. The U6t has more presence and warmth in lower mids, and Diva is more forward in upper mids. U6t’s treble extends more naturally, whereas Diva rolls off a little. U6t has a stronger centre image, and its stage is just a bit deeper, vs Diva feeling a bit wider. Diva does show how well it performs with female vocals, for example Feist's vocals on "Forever Before" pop forward more than with the U6t. Both of these are fantastic all-BA IEMs, and it's really whether you want the smoother warmth of the U6t vs the vibrant glow around vocals of the Diva.
Vs. Elysian Annihilator 2023
At the start of this year, I didn't imagine I could ever be making this comparison, but by good fortune I was able to obtain my own Annihilator 2023 just a few days before the Diva tour kit arrived. Someone said to me that it must be difficult to spend any time at all with Diva with such a wonderful new shiny like Anni around, but I didn't find that the case really. Despite sharing quite a lot of the same DNA, Diva and Annihilator are actually quite different, and give you a very different listen. First of all is the driver configuration, Diva uses 6 BAs vs Annihilator's DD bass, BA mids and ESTAT treble. You immediately notice this in Anni's thumpier, more tactile sub-bass at the low end, and exquisite treble that extends upward seemingly forever. Anni also has significantly more weight in the mid-bass and lower midrange that gives it a lush warm sound that I really just can't get enough of. Detail retrieval, stage size, dynamics are all in favour of the Annihilator.
But….despite all of the clear advantages Annihilator has, Diva is still a fantastic listen in it's own right, and I was pretty well captivated by it for most of the time I listened to it. Sure, if I have the 2 side by side to choose from I'd probably pick Annihilator just about every time, but that doesn’t take anything away from Diva.
Conclusion
It’s probably obvious by now that I had a great time with Diva, and despite it’s tuning not being 100% in line with my first preferences, it gets full marks for giving me a highly engaging listen. I don’t really have room for Diva in my collection at the moment, but if I was building it out in a different way, it would be near the top of my list.
