Effect Audio x Elysian Acoustic Labs New Release | PILGRIM:NOIR - Dark Sophistication
May 27, 2024 at 8:00 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 23
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Singapore – EFFECT AUDIO, in collaboration with ELYSIAN ACOUSTIC LABS, is proud to announce the launch of PILGRIM:NOIR, debuting on 27th May 2024 at 8pm SGT. This launch marks a new chapter in our partnership, reinforcing our 15-year legacy of audio excellence.

PILGRIM:NOIR

Dark Sophistication​


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Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation

Our "Roots" campaign celebrates 15 years of audio innovation and this time spotlighting the enduring partnership with ELYSIAN ACOUSTIC LABS. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of audio technology, learning from every venture, highlighting the insights gained from GAEA’s project in 2022. This collaborative spirit is at the heart of our second collaborative project, an embodiment of our shared vision and dedication to excellence.

Pilgrim's Immense Potential

Fueled by a spirit of innovation and a commitment to enrich the audio experience for audiophiles globally, the conception of PILGRIM was driven by Lee from ELYSIAN. With an ambitious vision to redefine the entry-level market, Lee's idea presented a challenge to transcend traditional boundaries. Captivated by the promise and groundbreaking capabilities of the original PILGRIM, our collaboration with ELYSIAN was reignited. Together, we crafted an evolved version of PILGRIM, meticulously enhancing it while preserving its core identity. This collaboration has led to a superior iteration that not only upholds the original's essence but elevates it to new heights.


The Dawn of PILGRIM:NOIR

We are proud to introduce PILGRIM:NOIR, EFFECT AUDIO's premier offering in the sub-$1000 category, heralding a revolution in accessible high-fidelity audio. Retaining the addictive 9.2mm LSR Dynamic Driver from the original, capable of delving into the sub-bass regions as low as 10Hz—doubling the depth achievable by conventional PET drivers—PILGRIM:NOIR distinguishes itself with many other enhancements. These innovations not only differentiate it from PILGRIM but also redefine the auditory landscape. PILGRIM:NOIR is thus marked as a distinct journey into EFFECT AUDIO and ELYSIAN’s shared world, setting a new benchmark for what's possible in the realm of audio excellence.

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Preamble: An Alternate Path


He starts his pilgrimage through this mystic land
Guided by a bright ethereal light at its end
Yet, an odd reflection on the ground catches his eye
Drawn in, the world blurs - into a realm that defy

Falling, total darkness engulfs him into an abyss so deep
Below, Greek hymns ascend, secrets they sacredly keep
Enveloped in such power, thick and profound
Entranced by voices so close, he remains in their magical bound


Tuning Concept

EFFECT AUDIO and ELYSIAN ACOUSTIC LABS have collaboratively tuned PILGRIM:NOIR into aversion that’s both smoother, sophisticated and more seductive than the original PILGRIM. This enhanced edition, PILGRIM:NOIR, seamlessly marries soul-stirring musicality with the distinct ELYSIAN House Sound.

PILGRIM:NOIR’s tuning strategy focuses on a harmonious mix of strength and delicacy, resulting in a sound that is now both more powerful and polished. Vocals undoubtedly take center stage, presented with an organic clarity that captures the essence of intense intimacy and breadth. Its expansive soundstage is meticulously crafted, granting each musical component its rightful place, thus ensuring an enveloping listening experience. Excelling in a broad spectrum of genres, from the soulful nuances of R&B to the vibrant energy of Rock and Pop, PILGRIM:NOIR stands as the pinnacle choice for audiophiles seeking unparalleled sound quality.

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New Enhancements Introduced:

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1. Exclusive Hypercore Twin Thrust Module

The midrange frequencies truly shine in the PILGRIM:NOIR, thanks to the new Hypercore TwinThrust Module (HTTM) - a strategic enhancement of doubling up on two Sonion 2300 Balanced Armature (BA) Drivers, both simultaneously firing into a custom sound tube. This deliberate set up amplifies the prowess in midrange sound reproduction, reduced distortion and unwanted tubing resonance.

Each Sonion 2300 driver undergoes precise tuning to accentuate distinct segments of the midrange spectrum: one driver is fine-tuned to enrich the lower midrange frequencies, adding depth and warmth to the sound, while the other is optimized for the mid-high frequencies, introducing clarity and detail. The introduction of HTTM aims to preserve the signature Elysian House Sound while enriching Mids with sophistication, nuanced layers and emotional depth.

2. New Undamped Tubeless Knowles Balanced Armature

The presentation of treble for the PILGRIM:NOIR is enhanced by the integration of a new Knowles Balanced Armature (BA) Driver, notable for its undamped and tubeless design. This design factor greatly reduces resonance and ensures more accurate sound reproduction, resulting in an outstanding high-frequency response that is smoothly refined with exceptional articulation and depth.

3. Upgraded 4 Way Crossover Design

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Empowered by a new 4 way Crossover Design, this blend of dynamic and balanced armature drivers is able to ensure the result is a sound that is lush and cohesively knit together, allowing for dictation and precise control over both intimate nuanced passages and expansive soundscapes.

4. Aesthetic Design

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PILGRIM:NOIR’s faceplate design philosophy is inspired through legendary master architect Zada Hidid’s radical deconstructivist design. This embodies the serene topography of knolls, with each layer purposefully reflecting the gentle, rolling hills, reminiscent of the pilgrim's initial ELYSIAN journey through peaks and valleys in search of enlightenment. A darker matte black color choice represents an alternate path, differing from the bright and white original PILGRIM, with each its own quest for audio nirvana.

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Crafted with an ear for detail, PILGRIM:NOIR boasts a design as profound as its sound. Its six meticulously cut-out holes are not just for show; they’re engineered to enhance airflow, enriching the bass response from the dynamic drivers for a deeper, more resonant experience while reducing driver flex issues. The sleek matte black finish, contrasted with the faceplate’s gleaming gold logos from EFFECT AUDIO and ELYSIAN ACOUSTIC LABS, is a testament to the brands’ united journey in fine-tuning both aesthetics and acoustic excellence. Completing this symphony of design is the gold-plated nozzle - a beacon of quality that guides the lush, layered audio directly to your senses, ensuring that every note is delivered with clarity and warmth.

5. Bespoke EFFECT AUDIO’s Internal Wiring and Custom Eros S:NOIR

I) Bespoke EFFECT AUDIO Internal Wiring Mix

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In crafting PILGRIM:NOIR, each internal component is deliberately selected to achieve auditory excellence. Leveraging EFFECT AUDIO's 15 years of profound expertise in understanding the nuanced characteristics of wiring materials, a bespoke mix of exotic palladium, copper, and silver is strategically employed to maximize the potential of each driver. This expertly curated blend is designed to ensure excellent signal fidelity while creating a sound that is highly detailed and nuanced.

II) Eros S:NOIR - Sonic Approach

As a mini-flagship of EFFECT AUDIO’s Signature Series, Eros S was engineered with a custom ratio of pure copper and pure silver, offering an impeccable warm sound that is engaging and yet crystal clear.

III) Eros S:NOIR Design Notes

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The Eros S:NOIR is our Signature Series’ Eros S adorned with a sandblasted black matte sleeve, selected for its depth and elegance, perfectly complementing the PILGRIM:NOIR IEM. The Y-split’s aluminum surface is treated to present a subtle interplay between spin-brushed and polished textures, enriching the visual and tactile appeal. Moreover, the Y split's facade is enhanced with marbled forged carbon fiber, intricately inlaid with gold accents, embodying sophisticated contemporary luxury and ensuring each piece is unique. We envision the Eros S:NOIR not merely as an auditory masterpiece but as an emblem of design excellence.

6. Full Suite Of Premium Accessories Out Of Box

I) Interchangeable ConX® and TermX™

PILGRIM:NOIR is equipped with EFFECT AUDIO’s interchangeable ConX® and TermX™ system, which grants users the versatility of being able to change their connectors and terminations to suit different IEMs and DAPs.

PILGRIM:NOIR comes with ConX® Pentaconn Ear and TermX™ 4.4mm.
(TermX™ 3.5mm option available as well)

II) PILGRIM:NOIR Premium Suede Leather Case

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PILGRIM:NOIR comes with an exquisite suede leather case, meticulously crafted to mirror the elegance of luxury jewelry containers. The case, in matching black, features rounded corners and black stitching along the edges, exuding a neo-futuristic aesthetic.

The finishing touches highlight the logos of EFFECT AUDIO and ELYSIAN ACOUSTIC LABS, seamlessly presented side by side in black, perfectly complementing the sophisticated all-black design.

III) Medical Grade Spinfit W1 Eartips

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The Spinfit W1’s innovative W-Shaped Design is specifically engineered to enhance the noise-canceling function. Equipped with SpinFit's patented spinnable 3D Axis, these eartips bend to accommodate various ear canal shapes, ensuring a personalized fit. W1 comes with a double-layered core, featuring an outer silicone layer for comfort during extended wear and an inner silicone layer to ensure a stable, secure installation.

Introducing PILGRIM:NOIR

Fall to a dark mirror realm with PILGRIM:NOIR, where shadows weave with power to craft an auditory experience like no other. This collaboration with ELYSIAN ACOUSTIC LABS embodies our commitment to the pinnacle of quality, innovation and design.

Doubling up with dual mid drivers with the exclusive Hypercore Twin Thrust Module and featuring a new 4-way crossover design, alongside a bespoke EFFECT AUDIO internal wiring mix and custom cable, you can expect the PILGRIM:NOIR to provide a more sophisticated, smoother and seductive sound compared to the PILGRIM. Keeping the ELYSIAN signature house sound, PILGRIM:NOIR continues to give center stage to what makes the heart flutter -the soul stirring potency of a human’s voice.

Dive into the full premium experience that PILGRIM:NOIR offers.

PILGRIM:NOIR IEM TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
  • 4 Drivers Hybrid Configuration
  • 1 × 9.2mm LSR Dynamic Driver for Lows
  • 2 × Sonion Balanced Armatures for Low-Mid and Mid-High
  • 1 × Knowles Balanced Armatures for Highs
  • 4-Way Crossover
  • HTTM - Hypercore Twin Thrust Module
  • Bespoke EFFECT AUDIO Internal Wiring Mix
  • Impedance - 8.3Ohms @ 1khz
  • Frequency Response - 10hz~ 20kh
  • Sensitivity - 103db @ 1khz @ 100mV

Eros S:NOIR TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
  • Selected Premium UP-OCC Pure Copper Litz and Pure Silver Litz Hybrid
  • Septuplet Multi-sized Core Bundle
  • 26 AWG 8 Wires
  • EA Ultra Flexi™ Insulation
  • ConX® Pentaconn Ear Interchangeable Connector
  • TermX™ Interchangeable Termination in 3.5mm or 4.4mm
  • Custom NOIR Sandblasted Black Matte Sleeve
  • Marbled Forged Carbon Fiber Y-Split with Golden Mosaic Accents

What Is In The Box
  • PILGRIM:NOIR In Ear Monitor
  • EFFECT AUDIO Special Edition Eros S:NOIR Cable
  • Founders' Note
  • Premium Suede Leather Carrying Case
  • Spinfit W1 Eartips
  • Owner's Manual
  • Cleaning Kit
  • Warranty Card

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PILGRIM:NOIR MSRP: $799
Note from Founders:

“Building on the success of Gaea, Mr. Lee and I were inspired to embark on another visionary project. PILGRIM:NOIR emerged as a daring extension of the holy PILGRIM, offering an alternate interpretation that stretches the concept and execution to its limits. Our ambition was to elevate Pilgrim into its ultimate form, infusing it with everything it needed to achieve our highest standards. PILGRIM:NOIR stands as a beacon of our unwavering commitment to innovation, capturing the essence of EFFECT AUDIO’s core vision: Sound, Design, and Perfection.”

-EFFECT AUDIO Founder, Suyang-​

“I admire EFFECT AUDIO for their obsession with perfection, from the minutest internal wiring details to the art of cable pairing. The PILGRIM:NOIR special project was an exhilarating one as we challenge ourselves to push the boundaries of what my PILGRIM could sonically achieve. The process was incredibly stimulating, and I must confess, seeing our collective vision come to fruition with PILGRIM:NOIR has been immensely gratifying. I have no reservations in saying that we've outdone ourselves, and I'm confident you'll share in our enthusiasm.”

-ELYSIAN Acoustic Labs Founder, QM Lee-​

Find out more here:
https://www.effectaudio.com/pilgrim-noir
 
Effect Audio Stay updated on Effect Audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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May 27, 2024 at 7:03 PM Post #2 of 23
probably the only set I’m interested in at the moment. classy looks to match its apparent classy tuning. One day…
 
May 28, 2024 at 1:06 PM Post #5 of 23
Very interested in hearing this one! The Noir graph looks great!
 
May 28, 2024 at 6:43 PM Post #7 of 23
Nice review ▲

I've got to say that the Noir is starting to grow on me over here as well...
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An imo beautiful/classy design, superb (Eros S Noir) cable and a (most important part of course) very addictive, balanced sound signature :)
Really, what's not to like about the result of this Elysian + EA collaboration?
 
May 29, 2024 at 5:57 AM Post #10 of 23

The Dawn of PILGRIM:NOIR


Preamble: An Alternate Path

He starts his pilgrimage through this mystic land
Guided by a bright ethereal light at its end
Yet, an odd reflection on the ground catches his eye
Drawn in, the world blurs - into a realm that defy

Falling, total darkness engulfs him into an abyss so deep
Below, Greek hymns ascend, secrets they sacredly keep
Enveloped in such power, thick and profound
Entranced by voices so close, he remains in their magical bound




What a load of pretentious drivel!

If it's a well-designed & well-engineered product, then I wish it well, but pretentious marketing like this just makes me cringe.
 
May 29, 2024 at 12:37 PM Post #11 of 23
pretentious marketing

It is a very efficient marketing trick. You overblown every aspect with a tech or historical content.
A tip with a bevel becomes 'distortion absorbing field' and a copper cable can be 'inhabited by the muses of gods'
Influenceable people, in unconscious ways, will love every white lie, they expect it and build status around it.
Pilgrim is one of a great mix of both with a spiritual traveler and pseudo differentiable drivers.
Combine that with the same for a specific cable and you become a very special person :D
When you says 'it sound great' it means nothing.
 
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May 29, 2024 at 9:12 PM Post #12 of 23
It’s very common in Asia to use such clever poetry to showcase their products. I personally like the way they put mysterious descriptors to their products :)
 

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