Elysian Acoustic Labs “X” Flagship IEM Discussion Thread

[efftee]

I should update my initial take on the X. As it turned out, it probably wasn't the lack of power from the SP1000M at my first audition that made both these highly rated IEMS sound restrained and anemic, but more likely a case of the cable/IEM not having been properly burned/broken in. Apparently, the X and Annihilator demos (suspected to be new units) had just arrived the same day as my date with them.

So when I returned with an amp/DAC to retest drive the X (and Annihilator) a week later (after many many hours of usage), I found that the Annihilator sounded very different, even solo on the SP1000M. The transparency, soundstage were audibly much improved; it basically hit all the Chesky Ultimate Demo tracks' sweet spots. On the HM1000 Gold, the Annihilator sounded even better; like Rebecca Pigeon breathing 'Spanish Harlem' into my ears and the shakers distinctly behind her, the crisp piano notes and tautness of the toms on Fred Hersch Trio's 'Played Twice', the impeccable rhythm and pace on Johnny Frigo's 'I Love Paris'. Wow.

I'm sorry, I know this is the X thread, but I was so impressed with the Annihilator that I ordered the custom before moving on to the X. In fact, I didn't even test the X but spent more time with the Annihilator instead. But do let me say this -- a week ago, the X did sound more promising than the Annihilator. Just that, personally, I prefer customs, and I was more motivated to DAP/DAC/Cable-roll the Annihilator at the shop than listen to another IEM, even the X. If you don't mind universals, I'd urge you to give the X a spin, considering it replaces the outstanding Annihilator as the leading IEM in Elysian's line-up.

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

I should update my initial take on the X. As it turned out, it probably wasn't the lack of power from the SP1000M at my first audition that made both these highly rated IEMS sound restrained and anemic, but more likely a case of the cable/IEM not having been properly burned/broken in. Apparently, the X and Annihilator demos (suspected to be new units) had just arrived the same day as my date with them.

So when I returned with an amp/DAC to retest drive the X (and Annihilator) a week later (after many many hours of usage), I found that the Annihilator sounded very different, even solo on the SP1000M. The transparency, soundstage were audibly much improved; it basically hit all the Chesky Ultimate Demo tracks' sweet spots. On the HM1000 Gold, the Annihilator sounded even better; like Rebecca Pigeon breathing 'Spanish Harlem' into my ears and the shakers distinctly behind her, the crisp piano notes and tautness of the toms on Fred Hersch Trio's 'Played Twice', the impeccable rhythm and pace on Johnny Frigo's 'I Love Paris'. Wow.

I'm sorry, I know this is the X thread, but I was so impressed with the Annihilator that I ordered the custom before moving on to the X. In fact, I didn't even test the X but spent more time with the Annihilator instead. But do let me say this -- a week ago, the X did sound more promising than the Annihilator. Just that, personally, I prefer customs, and I was more motivated to DAP/DAC/Cable-roll the Annihilator at the shop than listen to another IEM, even the X. If you don't mind universals, I'd urge you to give the X a spin, considering it replaces the outstanding Annihilator as the leading IEM in Elysian's line-up.

This is the nature of audio. I usually don't fully trust my initial impressions on an audio product. I need to hear it over multiple days and various conditions. Audio memory is fleeting and all kinds of things can affect a given listening session from what you were listening to just before, to fit, to brain adjustments. I like to verify over multiple days what I am hearing so that my brain isn't tricking me to believe I am hearing something I am actually not.

 

[efftee]

This is the nature of audio. I usually don't fully trust my initial impressions on an audio product. I need to hear it over multiple days and various conditions. Audio memory is fleeting and all kinds of things can affect a given listening session from what you were listening to just before, to fit, to brain adjustments. I like to verify over multiple days what I am hearing so that my brain isn't tricking me to believe I am hearing something I am actually not.

It helps to have some reference materials that you are intimately familiar when you do auditions, less likely to be tricked by the brain, ears or more sinister -- hype!

But truth be told, I went back because of the huge discrepancy between the reviews I read about the IEMS and how Lee, the man behind Elysian, had spoken so passionately about them and my own listening experience. I thought it had to be my DAP that didn't adequately do its job and I needed to bring in bigger guns,,,

 

[ayanachibi]

I should update my initial take on the X. As it turned out, it probably wasn't the lack of power from the SP1000M at my first audition that made both these highly rated IEMS sound restrained and anemic, but more likely a case of the cable/IEM not having been properly burned/broken in. Apparently, the X and Annihilator demos (suspected to be new units) had just arrived the same day as my date with them.

So when I returned with an amp/DAC to retest drive the X (and Annihilator) a week later (after many many hours of usage), I found that the Annihilator sounded very different, even solo on the SP1000M. The transparency, soundstage were audibly much improved; it basically hit all the Chesky Ultimate Demo tracks' sweet spots. On the HM1000 Gold, the Annihilator sounded even better; like Rebecca Pigeon breathing 'Spanish Harlem' into my ears and the shakers distinctly behind her, the crisp piano notes and tautness of the toms on Fred Hersch Trio's 'Played Twice', the impeccable rhythm and pace on Johnny Frigo's 'I Love Paris'. Wow.

I'm sorry, I know this is the X thread, but I was so impressed with the Annihilator that I ordered the custom before moving on to the X. In fact, I didn't even test the X but spent more time with the Annihilator instead. But do let me say this -- a week ago, the X did sound more promising than the Annihilator. Just that, personally, I prefer customs, and I was more motivated to DAP/DAC/Cable-roll the Annihilator at the shop than listen to another IEM, even the X. If you don't mind universals, I'd urge you to give the X a spin, considering it replaces the outstanding Annihilator as the leading IEM in Elysian's line-up.

...but....how about us that depended on your comparison of the X

For someone from the US I have no way to try it out but depending on kind souls like yourself to offer an A-B comparison.

(And no Precog isn't even close to being the first one trying Annihilator in the US considering I've had mine since 02/21 )

 

[aaf evo]

...but....how about us that depended on your comparison of the X

For someone from the US I have no way to try it out but depending on kind souls like yourself to offer an A-B comparison.

(And no Precog isn't even close to being the first one trying Annihilator in the US considering I've had mine since 02/21 )

I am anticipating to have mine relatively soon. I sent the Annihilator demo over to @Damz87 so he can check it out before it goes back to Mr Lee, but I spent a lot of time with it and know it well. I’ll try provide some comparisons to the best of my ability when I have it.

 

[ayanachibi]

I am anticipating to have mine relatively soon. I sent the Annihilator demo over to @Damz87 so he can check it out before it goes back to Mr Lee, but I spent a lot of time with it and know it well. I’ll try provide some comparisons to the best of my ability when I have it.

That would be much obliged, $4500 is far too much to invest in ad a blind purchase when I barely had the annihilator for 6 months and also eyeing the P6 Pro as well.

Really curious to see if the X actually gives the mids more weight over the annihilator without changing it's technicalities and if the DD foster driver tuning sounds....less dry.

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

That would be much obliged, $4500 is far too much to invest in ad a blind purchase when I barely had the annihilator for 6 months and also eyeing the P6 Pro as well.

Really curious to see if the X actually gives the mids more weight over the annihilator without changing it's technicalities and if the DD foster driver tuning sounds....less dry.

I am probably going to purchase either the Annihilator or the X, but not both. I will be relying on my old trusty Damz, @precog and @aaf evo to direct my blind buy. I need a top tier treble focused IEM in my collection. I think these 2 are among the best so far.

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

It helps to have some reference materials that you are intimately familiar when you do auditions, less likely to be tricked by the brain, ears or more sinister -- hype!

But truth be told, I went back because of the huge discrepancy between the reviews I read about the IEMS and how Lee, the man behind Elysian, had spoken so passionately about them and my own listening experience. I thought it had to be my DAP that didn't adequately do its job and I needed to bring in bigger guns,,,

Hype is the hardest to shake off. It's really hard to go against the popular opinion unless you are darn sure of your ears.

 

[bigbeans]

I am probably going to purchase either the Annihilator or the X, but not both. I will be relying on my old trusty Damz, @precog and @aaf evo to direct my blind buy. I need a top tier treble focused IEM in my collection. I think these 2 are among the best so far.

I see how it is

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

I see how it is

Dang it. I did it again, didn't I? You are Mr Mason FS to me. I've imprinted you there.

 

[bigbeans]

Dang it. I did it again, didn't I? You are Mr Mason FS to me. I've imprinted you there.

haha! True, it's my favorite iem so far, can't get enough of it. But its shortcomings has led me to give X a chance. I hope my Elysian X review (which I hope to receive soon) will play a small role in your (and other prospectives) decision process. I am looking to improve my writings with each review and am slowly building a source chain that can showcase the best of X (DMP Z1 and P6Pro). Lee has used X on DMP Z1 extensively, so I am excited for this pairing.

I am preparing to sell my C9 and A02/N6ii soon though...

 

[aaf evo]

haha! True, it's my favorite iem so far, can't get enough of it. But its shortcomings has led me to give X a chance. I hope my Elysian X review (which I hope to receive soon) will play a small role in your (and other prospectives) decision process. I am looking to improve my writings with each review and am slowly building a source chain that can showcase the best of X (DMP Z1 and P6Pro). Lee has used X on DMP Z1 extensively, so I am excited for this pairing.

I am preparing to sell my C9 and A02/N6ii soon though...

Did you not sell the DMP-Z1? I have my eye on that next.

 

[bigbeans]

Did you not sell the DMP-Z1? I have my eye on that next.

I did sell it...but bought it back lol. My friend who bought it from me in the first place ended up going with the AK2000.

edit: I should note, he's new to the hobby. Technically DMP was his first DAP purchase haha

 

[aaf evo]

I did sell it...but bought it back lol. My friend who bought it from me in the first place ended up going with the AK2000.

Ah okay! I have a little road map planned out in my head if certain things don’t work out for me. DMP is definitely on it, ha.

 

[ayanachibi]

I am probably going to purchase either the Annihilator or the X, but not both. I will be relying on my old trusty Damz, @precog and @aaf evo to direct my blind buy. I need a top tier treble focused IEM in my collection. I think these 2 are among the best so far.

At the very least if you are going for treble the Annihilator will not disappoint...and it isnt sharp or piercing either. I'm somewhat treble sensitive so with my Hyla Sarda as much as I love that DD tuning and texture the piezo treble runs somewhat hot so fatigue sets in in a couple hrs.

Annihilator suffers no such issues. Only if the foster driver can come somewhat close to whatever Hyla uses in theirs.