This review put a smile on my face! Your comparison to guitars is spot on. Tonewoods impart a different character to the sound. So does the shape of the body, top bracing and all the other details of construction. Marrying all those together well is what gives each guitar it's own characteristic sound, and is the mark of a great luthier. I also like your comparison of a collection of drivers in an IEM, to a band or orchestra with a number of different instruments all contributing to the total sound. Does the sound of the Elixer have a similar musicality as the Tipsy TTROMSO? If so, I'm definitely interested!

Thank-you so much for the complements. Truly I wasn't sure if I should go to such depths regarding the IEM/guitar parallels, but it looks like you related. Many may not care for an exploration of such sidetracks before making a purchase. Yet I decided to go for it, as if there was a place or such nonsense it was here.

The Elixir is more centered and mainstream in comparison to the Tipsy, thus its technicalities are way better where the Tipsy is good, but just ever so slightly strange. If that strangeness is your bag then cool. The thickness of the Elixir somehow holds the vocals. Meaning that it's a paradox to me how it can do both the thick part surrounding everything, and the vocal part? Still it truly is an advancement in overall size for the money!

Really liked the review - glad you went as in-depth as you did! I'm really interested in picking up this earphone, but you mentioned in your review its sensitivity to the quality of input that is being used. I don't have a very high quality DAC or DAP (I just use an Apple Dongle, which seems to be a great relatively cheap option for mobile listening), but I am looking to make steps into the audiophile world with the purchase of a nicer pair of IEMs. Do you think that this sensitivity you mentioned is enough to warrant the purchase of another (more quality-indifferent) set of IEMs? If so, any recommendations?

Thank-you so much for your complement. It's uncharted waters at times going in to detail as some are into the detail some are not, and would rather have a simplistic short "fun" read. Audiophile listening is all in comparison to what you are used to. Due to my use of DAPs (now) it's really hard to get a phone perspective. What I have to do is go back to the IEMs and iPod I used in 2016 to get contrast to what sound IEMs are putting out now. The Elixir will sound great from a regular phone. It's designed to get balance with a phone. There is no sensitivity issues. It's easy to drive. But......there is a scalability that you don't tap into unless you bring the Elixir to a good desktop or DAP. That's really all I'm saying. The Elixir is so true to source that it simply responds with what ever signal you give it.

It should be noted that some IEMs will sound thin and flat from a phone. The Elixir is not like that at all, it's warm and big sounding from a phone, it's just that DAPs make it sound even bigger!

Perfect! Thanks exactly what I was hoping to hear. Thank you so much for your response.

Impressive writing skills!

For those that follow Precogvision's tier list, he added the Elixir around a few hours ago and gave it a 6 on detail and dynamics which is excellent, especially given Precog's very high standards.

Elixir FR curve is super close to my own preference. Yeah, this one is an easy buy when I have the chance to pick one.

Looks like the 3-Dimensional Velocity Transducer tech is not a marketing gimmick after all.

Thank-you.
In hindsight this is maybe (written) slightly too involved for most. Though a few may get what I'm doing?

One thing is the DD is not like anything I have ever heard. So that might be the 3DVT technology in action? I just listen and report. The subjective understanding of the Elixir still is subjective, no matter what score is given. It can't be judged by everyone on simple detail metrics.............IMO. Reason being is it's not trying to be detailed, you will know what I'm talking about when you hear it.

It's more than an IEM on someones list. IMO Why do we always pigeon hole, I know......to help those about to spend money.........spend money wisely. Still I know nothing of this Precog fellow's methodology? So? I rate on a sound per dollar metric, which my score is above. Thanks for reading.

This was a fascinating and educational read. Simply perfection, thank you!

This is probably the most emotional IEM I have owned. The sound is big, bold and expansive and goes straight to the heart! It is one of the few that surrounds ones space with pure music and emotion! I recently attended the new TopGun/Maverick movie. The soundtrack really took me back to my days of scrapping in the sky; when I listened to the soundtrack album at home with the Elixir, it took me right back to the emotions I felt at the theatre!
I can't begin to improve on the review done my Redcarmoose as it was spot-on and I totally agree with his descriptions.
Regardless of how many megabuck flagships you own, do yourself a favor and buy the Elixir. Your ears will thank you!!

Thank-you.
The Elixir is one of a kind.

Great review!Thank you!!!

Thank-you, it was a fun one to do!

Good job right there with the review. Quick one is elixir a straight upgrade to s12? After reading your review I'm so interested in it

I have never heard the S12. But I have the HOOK-X, the TINHIFI P1 Max and the Dioko. All of those have planar personality, which is tighter, faster bass. Single full-range DD has an unmistakable decay, which is different. Really it’s comparing Apples to Oranges? I would off-the-top of my head say the two more or less would be complementary purchases. Where the Elixir is more laidback and relaxing, just a guess, from what I have read about the S12......it’s more bright and detailed?

Yeah s12 is bright. I guess this one is not for me. Elixir us like a sidegrade to s12. Have you by chance listened to acoustune rs1?

I haven’t heard that one. One of the fascinating things is adding a silver/copper hybrid cable like the ISN S8. Such an addition brings up the pace/imaging just slightly. But you have to be careful as some silver hybrid cables like the ISN SC4 will take too much bass away, which in-turn takes away the life of the Elixir, as the overall sound is very much connected to the low frequencies for soul.

Noted, thanks for your responses man

I think you have confirmed what I have read in other reviews and to an enthusiastic level. I'ma gunna have to get me a set! Thanks