silentdisko
100+ Head-Fier
I will probably wait with getting the Noir. I do have a $50 discount code for it though from effect Audio, PM me if interested.
Elysian Pilgrim
- Thread starter atechreviews
- Start date
Greetings, everyone!
I just posted my full review of the Elysian Pilgrim and I would really appreciate it if you had some time during your busy days if you'd drop by and leave some feedback! Thank you so much
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/authors/domq422.391282/reviews
I just posted my full review of the Elysian Pilgrim and I would really appreciate it if you had some time during your busy days if you'd drop by and leave some feedback! Thank you so much
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/authors/domq422.391282/reviews
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:
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
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
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.
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.
voicemaster
Headphoneus Supremus
Absolutely. When changing from Foam tips to silicone tips, you can immediately tell the difference right away. Wider nozzle to narrow nozzle will also change the sound a little bit.
Yes, and I’m also trying to find out if there actually was a nozzle change.
Fantastic review! I can't wait for my ConX ear connector to arrive to try code 24 on Pilgrim.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.
On the other hand, the Pilgrim is very sensitive to the eartips, at least in term of bass response. So far with the best tips I found, I still have to adjust and try several times before I reach a perfect seal. Unfortunately, with or without a perfect seal, the difference is huge, which is unlike most of the IEMs I tried. Right here, I am talking about a perfect seal, not just a good seal since when the seal is not perfect, you don't feel lit, but you can try to push the Pilgrim further into your ears to see if the bass response significantly improves. If it does, meaning you still need to try. Without a perfect seal, the bass is really lacking.
BTW, Penon Liqueur Silicone Eartips are pretty good for Pilgrim, much easier to achieve a perfect seal than the stock tips.
Last edited:
PixelSquish
Previously known as idiotekniques
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2005
- Posts
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I think according to the graphs on Elysian's own website, the Pilgrim has slightly more sub-bass than the Noir. perhaps the Noir sounds bassier as their overall presentation is warmer?
Thanks to @JordonEA and HiFiGo for sending me the Elysian Pilgrim to listen to.
Priced at $399 I believe this is Elysian’s first move into the entry level of IEMs. I own the Annihilator 2023 and I’ve had a bit of time with both the X and the Diva and so I have some familiarity with the type of sound that Lee at Elysian goes for. I was intrigued then to hear something at a more entry level price from him.
I’ve been listening to the Pilgrim now for a good few hours. I let it play before hand for a few days before jumping in. I was using the 3.5mm stock cable and my source was the SP3000 using Tidal masters. I didn’t use the included tips with these but instead went with the SednaEarfit Lights. These proved a good match for my ears. First thing I noticed was that I had to put the volume up on the SP3000 to 62. I don’t normally have to go past 50 for harder to drive IEMs but these seemed to need just a bit more. Not a problem as this didn’t affect anything, more an observation.
Straight to the sound, and immediately I can hear some impressive separation on the soundstage. The stage appears to have a fair width on it to. On a number of songs I listened to there was a holographic feel to the sound. I could certainly picture myself standing in the middle of everything and indeed floating around the singer and musicians. There is good clarity and detail, and the whole sound coming at me is very clean and crisp. I couldn’t detect any background noise albeit the SP3000 has a very good black background anyway.
The highs/treble on these are very good and I was quite impressed. As I mentioned I have the older sibling the Annihilator 2023, which kind of sets the bar on treble. I would say that the treble on the Pilgrim OG veers towards going for that same feel. I’m not saying it’s at the same level but perhaps a more mini version of it. That’s my personal take on it anyway.
I can see reading the threads that a lot of people are worried that the treble is too bright or too brittle. Now I’m someone who is quite sensitive to high treble, and I’ve had a lot of trouble listening to IEMs that had a treble focus in some way or another. Lee at Elysian though has a way of tuning the treble on his IEMs to make them exquisite without any harshness to them. I feel he has looked to do exactly that with the Pilgrim too, relevant to its price point of course. I personally do not find these harsh or too bright to listen to. Now of course we need to factor in that we all hear things differently. What we hear can depend on a number of things and so my take on what is bright might not be similar for everyone. I would go amiss if I didn’t say there was some brightness to the sound but for someone who has issues in this area I was actually fine with the Pilgrim.
The mids is where I find a bit of air around the instruments and vocals. It depends on the quality of the track of course, but I always like to test this area out with a bit of classic Rock or guitar based music. I’m generally looking for how everything fits together on the soundstage and how that translates to the sound I’m hearing. Clarity and detail are present and are impressive; the presentation is lively and enjoyable. Guitars on the Pilgrim sound rather divine. This is for both electric and acoustic. Electric guitars have that necessary crunch, and acoustic guitars have that clean pick of the strings (the guitar work on Nils Lofgren’s ‘Keith Don’t Go’ is pretty amazing). Drums hit well and each hit of the drum feels well defined. Vocals come across well for both male and female. I did a few tests to see if vocals got a bit harsh as they moved up into the highs, but I didn’t have any issues. I would say that vocals are positioned slightly forward on the soundstage.
For the bass I would say that sub bass has much more prominence than mid bass. I tried it out with some ‘drum n bass’ music and the Pilgrim certainly digs deep to give you that dump of bass rumble that’s needed for that genre. Mid bass can thump well and it’s certainly there if a track calls for it. There is no bass presence though if there is none in the music and so there is not the added fullness or enveloping feel that you can get with other more bass centric sets. Trying the Pilgrim with some hip-hop and EDM showed me that it can certainly provide some good bass presence to let you enjoy the track. I would say though that I think the sub bass is the more stand out area.
I must confess that I do not have much experience with entry level or mid-fi IEMs. But I have to say that I am very impressed with the Pilgrim and what you get for $399. I am well aware of what Elysian can do and so I think their entry into this area of the market is quite something. Overall, I do actually enjoy this IEM and for $399 I think you are actually getting quite a lot for your money.
Priced at $399 I believe this is Elysian’s first move into the entry level of IEMs. I own the Annihilator 2023 and I’ve had a bit of time with both the X and the Diva and so I have some familiarity with the type of sound that Lee at Elysian goes for. I was intrigued then to hear something at a more entry level price from him.
I’ve been listening to the Pilgrim now for a good few hours. I let it play before hand for a few days before jumping in. I was using the 3.5mm stock cable and my source was the SP3000 using Tidal masters. I didn’t use the included tips with these but instead went with the SednaEarfit Lights. These proved a good match for my ears. First thing I noticed was that I had to put the volume up on the SP3000 to 62. I don’t normally have to go past 50 for harder to drive IEMs but these seemed to need just a bit more. Not a problem as this didn’t affect anything, more an observation.
Straight to the sound, and immediately I can hear some impressive separation on the soundstage. The stage appears to have a fair width on it to. On a number of songs I listened to there was a holographic feel to the sound. I could certainly picture myself standing in the middle of everything and indeed floating around the singer and musicians. There is good clarity and detail, and the whole sound coming at me is very clean and crisp. I couldn’t detect any background noise albeit the SP3000 has a very good black background anyway.
The highs/treble on these are very good and I was quite impressed. As I mentioned I have the older sibling the Annihilator 2023, which kind of sets the bar on treble. I would say that the treble on the Pilgrim OG veers towards going for that same feel. I’m not saying it’s at the same level but perhaps a more mini version of it. That’s my personal take on it anyway.
I can see reading the threads that a lot of people are worried that the treble is too bright or too brittle. Now I’m someone who is quite sensitive to high treble, and I’ve had a lot of trouble listening to IEMs that had a treble focus in some way or another. Lee at Elysian though has a way of tuning the treble on his IEMs to make them exquisite without any harshness to them. I feel he has looked to do exactly that with the Pilgrim too, relevant to its price point of course. I personally do not find these harsh or too bright to listen to. Now of course we need to factor in that we all hear things differently. What we hear can depend on a number of things and so my take on what is bright might not be similar for everyone. I would go amiss if I didn’t say there was some brightness to the sound but for someone who has issues in this area I was actually fine with the Pilgrim.
The mids is where I find a bit of air around the instruments and vocals. It depends on the quality of the track of course, but I always like to test this area out with a bit of classic Rock or guitar based music. I’m generally looking for how everything fits together on the soundstage and how that translates to the sound I’m hearing. Clarity and detail are present and are impressive; the presentation is lively and enjoyable. Guitars on the Pilgrim sound rather divine. This is for both electric and acoustic. Electric guitars have that necessary crunch, and acoustic guitars have that clean pick of the strings (the guitar work on Nils Lofgren’s ‘Keith Don’t Go’ is pretty amazing). Drums hit well and each hit of the drum feels well defined. Vocals come across well for both male and female. I did a few tests to see if vocals got a bit harsh as they moved up into the highs, but I didn’t have any issues. I would say that vocals are positioned slightly forward on the soundstage.
For the bass I would say that sub bass has much more prominence than mid bass. I tried it out with some ‘drum n bass’ music and the Pilgrim certainly digs deep to give you that dump of bass rumble that’s needed for that genre. Mid bass can thump well and it’s certainly there if a track calls for it. There is no bass presence though if there is none in the music and so there is not the added fullness or enveloping feel that you can get with other more bass centric sets. Trying the Pilgrim with some hip-hop and EDM showed me that it can certainly provide some good bass presence to let you enjoy the track. I would say though that I think the sub bass is the more stand out area.
I must confess that I do not have much experience with entry level or mid-fi IEMs. But I have to say that I am very impressed with the Pilgrim and what you get for $399. I am well aware of what Elysian can do and so I think their entry into this area of the market is quite something. Overall, I do actually enjoy this IEM and for $399 I think you are actually getting quite a lot for your money.
Just a quick update, I received ConX ears connector and right now I am listening with OG Pilgrim + Code 24 cable + Penon Liqueur tips, it seems that I have a mini Anni 23, no kidding.
Hey! I noticed it being sensitive to tips and cables quite a lot. I narrowed down to Spinfit W1 for the sound and I had the best fit with it. Fun fact, with Pilgrim the best fit is L on right ear and M on left ear. So don’t lose hope, just keep trying and even mix sizes. Wrong size fit affects a lot fit and seal.
That's funny. The only IEM where I use different sized tips is the Elysian Diva where I also have to go one size up on the right side.