Elysian Acoustic Labs X vs Empire Ears Legend EVO
I wanted to share my comparison of both sets as for me they compete in the same place for the music library.
I only used the N6ii R1 for the A/B testing.
First, the obvious:
The EVO is not uncomfortable, but not comfortable. You will not forget you have something in your ears. But not worse than the Odin. At the opposite, the X have a great fit.
While I like the cable, the chin slide feels cheap and doesn’t stay in place, a bit frustrating.
The Evo doesn’t need power, to volume match I was at 15 with Evo, 25 with X.
Cable wise, it is still a win for the X. The Venom is gorgeous and pleasant to manipulate. However I like the PW audio termination with the rubber sleeve which makes it easy to unplug.
Few songs comparison, I tried to stay away from my rock/vocal collection as the Trailli owns this area for me.
Say my name – David Guetta/Bebe Rexha
The drum is more powerful with the EVO, however it is satisfying enough with the X.
The other instruments are not as forward with the EVO, with a slightly warmer presentation.
Rexha’s voice sounds a bit better with the X.
Island life – Atomic Drum Assembly
With the X, the clapping and higher frequency drives the show while with the EVO you hear the drum more and it is taking the lead.
The song ends up very different between both sets. But no preference.
Conquistador – Thirty Seconds to Mars
With the EVO: Bassy presentation. The vocal really falls behind. Violin is quiet.
For sure when you switch back to the X you feel like you are missing some rumble and bass, but it is much cleaner. That said, I could understand why some would prefer the EVO.
Four Letter Words – K.Flay
The bass saturates with the EVO on this song (more than the X, the song is mixed like that)
On the X, I hear a better balance between instruments. More pleasant listening.
Very interesting how major the difference can be depending of the song.
Palm Reader – Dreamers
On this one, the clean drum is giving an advantage to the Evo.
Male vocal is a bit behind, however the echo of the female singer is easier to catch.
At the end, I guess I prefer the Evo version of this song as it is really bass driven.
Around the World/Harder Better Faster Stronger – Daft Punk (live essentials version)
Excellent with the Evo, definitely the kind of song it is built for. Club electro bass.
Especially 03:05. The same fun you have with a speaker setup (I did not say it sounds the same!)
With the X, you still reach a very fun level and always the clean, more detailed presentation. You will hear the crowd better.
The X fails to be fun at 03:05.
Adrenaline – X Ambassadors
The drum comes a bit too strong with the EVO. Another song where the EVO is pushing too much the bass, sounding harsh, while it comes up very balanced and pleasant with the X.
Lost Cause – Billie Eilish
No surprise, the bass are more present with the EVO. Again, warmer voice for Billie, but not a problem.
Both sets are giving a good experience with this song. No winner.
Ani Mevushal – Infected Mushroom
I was expecting the EVO to win this one easy, but in fact no, It ends up more energized with the X.
Holiday – Green Day
Too warm for my taste. It feels like male singer sounds muffled with the EVO, while female are just a bit warmer. Dunno if I hear it right.
I prefer the drums with the X.
Cyanide – Creeper
I was expecting to have the same as Holiday but not at all. The male’s voice comes up nice, same with instruments. The bass comes up great and carry the song, allowing each instrument to find their places.
Run Boy Run – Woodkid
The drums in the background are more present with the EVO, however it does not change much to the song compared to the X. The percussions will “clap” more with the X as well as the string instruments more vibrant.
Last one, I promise
Love Again – Dua Lipa (Imanbek version)
The Evo will one up the bass, but if I stop A/B testing I will be very happy with the X. And for the voice, I will prefer (slightly) the X. While I can listen in repeat this song with the X. I would probably stop faster with the EVO due to the bass.
Summary?
Hard to say, I would not declare one clearly above the other in enough categories to stop using the other.
They have songs they shine with.
On K Pop, I would go for the X. For House/dance probably the EVO.
I did not mention it before, but of course the EVO won against the LXSE without any real competition. It is a major step up in everything (but the fit) The LXSE is boxed, ready to be sold, no regret.
The EVO is not for all music (for me) but I have to recognize the improvement from the LX.
My heart still goes to the X for multiple reasons, but I will be happy to take the EVO for a ride when I want to discover songs with some bass emphasis.
