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Elysian Acoustic Labs has a halo standing within the fanatic audio section, and for good motive; the model persistently delivers standout designs with beautiful sound high quality. So when Elysian Acoustic Labs introduced it was making IEMs that can retail for beneath $500, there was appreciable curiosity. The model’s merchandise value 5 instances as a lot, and its most reasonably priced IEMs till now was the $1,699 Diva.
That is altering with the introduction of the Pilgrim. The IEMs retain Elysian Labs’ fanatical consideration to element and construct high quality, they usually’re simply one of many extra distinctive IEMs you may see on this section. However what you may like essentially the most is the pricing; the Pilgrim is offered for $399 at audio retailers like HiFiGo, and that could be a terrific worth.
The design particularly is the place the Pilgrim stands out significantly from the remainder of the pack, in order that’s a superb start line. Most IEMs on this section use resin-based shells, however the Pilgrim is made out of machined aluminum, and the sound nozzle is constructed out of chrome steel.
Clearly, the selection of supplies means the Pilgrim is constructed to final, and to the model’s credit score, the IEMs feel and look like they need to value much more. A number of that’s right down to the design of the faceplate; the reflective rings with the Elysian Labs emblem nestled within the center provides the IEMs loads of design aptitude, and it undoubtedly grabs consideration. I did not discover this in each day use, however the grooves in between the rings decide up a whole lot of mud — that was evident when taking images of the product.
I wasn’t positive in regards to the consolation of the IEMs given the metallic chassis, however that is not a difficulty in each day use. The sizing leans in the direction of the bigger aspect, however I did not see any issues getting a cosy match, and the IEMs did not trigger any fatigue even with prolonged use. The rounded corners make a distinction on this regard, and due to the way in which the sound nozzle is designed, you get actually good isolation.
Then there’s the bundled cable. Elysian Labs features a silver-plated copper cable with the Pilgrim, and it’s wonderful. It has a transparent sheath masking all the size of the cable — giving it higher sturdiness — and the one qualm I’ve with the cable is that it would not have a modular plug. You may select a 3.5mm or 4.4mm connector when ordering the Pilgrim, however there is no solution to change between the 2.
On that be aware, the cable connects to the IEMs by way of Pentaconn plugs, they usually jut out a bit. It might have been higher to see an ordinary 2-pin system as that might have allowed the Pilgrim for use with a wider choice of aftermarket cables, and the connector itself is fragile, so you may should be vigilant whereas plugging within the cable.
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Elysian Labs did an amazing job with the packaging as effectively, and also you get a tough shell case to carry the Pilgrim when not in use. Nevertheless, you simply get three SpinFit silicone ideas with the bundle, and that is not practically ample; I might have appreciated to see a higher choice of choices given the asking value. That mentioned, the bundled ideas ought to present a superb match.
The Pilgrim makes use of a hybrid driver configuration that incorporates a 9.2mm dynamic driver encased in a liquid silicone rubber shell that is designed to ship higher sub-bass, and it is joined by two units of Sonion balanced armature drivers: the Sonion 2300 for the mids, and a pair of the model’s E50 drivers that deal with the treble.
The sound tubes and acoustic chamber of the Pilgrim are crafted by way of 3D printing, and this enables the model to ship higher consistency whereas manufacturing. With an impedance of simply 9Ω and sensitivity of 101dB, the Pilgrim is extremely simple to drive, and you do not want a robust supply to take advantage of out of the sound. I used it predominantly with the Fiio M23 and M15S, and you should use any dongle DAC as a substitute to drive the Pilgrim along with your telephone.
Coming to the sound, what’s instantly evident is the bass shelf; the Pilgrim has a definite sub-bass increase, and also you get a really noticeable rumble that is pleasant. The IEMs pair very effectively with mainstream music, and if you happen to’re on the lookout for a bass-heavy sound signature, it is among the greatest on this section. The exuberance would not prolong as a lot to the mid-bass, however you continue to get wonderful definition and readability.
Fortunately, the bass extension would not affect the mids, and also you get wonderful readability and element retrieval. Vocals are clear and pure, however what’s significantly nice is simply how good devices sound — you possibly can hear each nuance even in an ensemble setting.
The treble has good definition, and whereas it’s a bit vivid, there is not noticeable sibilance. The soundstage is broad and welcoming, and the Pilgrim nails the technical particulars; the tuning lends itself effectively to a whole lot of trendy genres.
Actually, the Pilgrim appears to be like and sounds prefer it ought to value not less than twice as a lot as its $399 retail value, and if you’d like high-quality IEMs with a particular bass-focused sound, it’s a no-brainer. The minor quibbles — lack of a modular cable and restricted equipment — finally do not make a distinction, and the Pilgrim is now my go-to selection within the sub-$500 section.
Elysian Acoustic Labs Pilgrim
Combining a particular design and unbelievable sound, the Pilgrim nails the technical particulars.
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