Elysian Audio Labs – Pilgrim 1 + 3 have captivated the attention of music enthusiasts due to their exceptional sound quality, design, and performance. These high-end earphones deliver a balanced sound across a broad frequency range, promising a rich auditory experience for all music genres. Crafted with premium materials and boasting an aesthetically pleasing design, the Pilgrim showcases why it has become a popular choice by focusing on meticulous sound analysis and user experience.
Sound Quality
My experience with the Elysian Audio Labs – Pilgrim earphones has fundamentally transformed my expectations of balanced and rich sound quality. Every note, chord, and beat was rendered with pristine clarity, offering a comprehensive auditory experience. I noted a perfect harmony between every instrument and vocal across various genres, from classical to electronic music. Even in the most complex compositions, each sound layer complements the others without overshadowing any element. This is especially apparent in live recordings or orchestral pieces, highlighting the Pilgrim’s extensive dynamic range and tonal balance.
Bass
The bass performance of the Pilgrim earphones is remarkably noteworthy. The bass is robust and full-bodied, enhancing the rhythmic structure of the music and injecting an energizing feel. From electronic beats to jazz rhythms, and rock to hip-hop, the depth and suppleness of the bass bolster the dynamics of the music. The bass never feels overwhelming; rather, it supports the natural flow of the music. Each bass note resonates with depth and richness, particularly evident in bass guitar solos or the beats of a kick drum. The Pilgrim ensures that the bass is both powerful and controlled, making the music come alive in an impressive manner.
Midrange
The midrange is perhaps the standout feature of the Pilgrim earphones. Vocals are transmitted with exceptional clarity and naturalness, making it feel as though the artist is performing right beside you. The vocal details effectively convey the emotional nuances of each lyric. The sounds of acoustic guitars, pianos, and even subtler-toned instruments like violins or flutes are remarkably vivid, thanks to the rich details in the midrange. Each instrument’s unique sound is distinctly defined, reaching the listener with clarity. The midrange is filled with transparency and authenticity, allowing vocals and primary instruments to shine in any musical piece.
Treble
The treble performance rounds out the clean and clear timbre of the Pilgrim. High notes, the resonance of instruments, and subtle details are crisply and clearly heard. The trebles never reach an uncomfortable sharpness; instead, they expose the overall richness and intricacies of the music. This trait is crucial for accurately representing each music type from classical to jazz, from pop to electronic music thanks to the clarity and purity of the high frequencies.
The high resolution and clarity in the trebles, particularly noticeable when listening to high-resolution recordings, allow for the nuances and tones to be distinctly perceived. The precise handling of high frequencies unveils the full richness and detail of musical compositions, affirming the Pilgrim’s high-level sound quality. This demonstrates how adeptly the Pilgrim manages the trebles, providing a superior listening experience to its users.
In conclusion, the Pilgrim earphones deliver exceptionally high standards in sound quality. With balanced bass, rich midrange, and clear treble, they comprehensively and satisfyingly present every type of music, showcasing how expertly the Pilgrim handles these frequency ranges.
Comparisons__
Comparison with Yanyin Canon
In comparing the Elysian Audio Labs – Pilgrim with the Yanyin Canon, it’s clear that both earphones offer high-quality sound, yet they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Pilgrim’s soundstage is broader and more detailed, making it superior in terms of spatial representation. This is particularly evident in the midrange, where the Pilgrim presents vocals with striking clarity and naturalness, allowing for an immersive listening experience. Conversely, the Canon offers a warmer sound signature which, while pleasant, might not match the Pilgrim’s precision and balance.
Furthermore, the Pilgrim’s treble performance stands out for its detail and clarity. In contrast, the Yanyin Canon can sometimes offer a softer treble, which might lead to a slight loss in detail, especially noticeable in high-resolution recordings. This can affect the overall crispness of acoustic and orchestral tracks where high frequencies play a crucial role. The Pilgrim ensures that high notes and subtle details are not only preserved but enhanced, making it ideal for listeners who value precision and a vivid presentation in their music.
Comparison with Thieaudio Hype 4
Comparing the Thieaudio Hype 4 with the Pilgrim reveals distinct approaches to sound engineering. The Hype 4 is known for its vibrant and robust bass, which can be thrilling but might seem exaggerated to some, especially those who prefer a more balanced audio profile. The Pilgrim, on the other hand, maintains a more nuanced and controlled bass response, ensuring that the bass complements rather than overpowers the overall mix.
In the realms of midrange and treble, the Pilgrim consistently demonstrates greater transparency and detail. This allows for a more authentic reproduction of vocals and acoustic instruments, providing a clearer and more engaging listening experience. The Hype 4, while energetic, can sometimes introduce harshness in the treble frequencies, which might lead to listener fatigue over extended sessions. The Pilgrim manages these frequencies with finesse, ensuring that the sound remains pleasant and detailed even during long listening periods, which is particularly beneficial for genres that rely heavily on vocal clarity and high-frequency nuances.
Differences Between DAPs
Cayin N8ii and N6ii
Using the Cayin N8ii Source:
When I switch to tube mode, change the amplifier from AB to A, and set it to high gain, I am treated to a stunning performance by the Alboran Trio. Everything sounds so natural and true to its form that words barely do it justice. It’s better to just let go and flow with the music. Moving beyond jazz, even Slipknot has not offered such an open presentation in playback.
Additionally, the large scale of its sound, assisted by its semi-open design, gives me the impression of a live stadium performance. The stage feels wide and high, adding depth, almost akin to a TOTL (top-of-the-line) performance atmosphere. If the recording is already good, an eargasm is guaranteed. Even in the most problematic recordings, the absence of sibilance demonstrates its professionalism. Even if I said nothing else, the natural and Ohio-tinged rock music in “Gold on the Ceiling” is captivating enough. Not to mention the next Middle Eastern symphony by Sami Yusuf – “Karitas,” and even the commanding presence and controlled sharpness in Riverside deserve commendation.
P+ Mode:
In AB amp mode, with high gain and tube on, the performance I hear could not be better. There’s a leap in clarity, and it gains points for freshness. Now, it feels like the instruments are playing right in the middle of an open space. In symphonic metal, it seems to freely shower all its dynamism on me. But truth be told, it does not forgive the darker-toned songs. However, this power upgrade in electronic bass provides a livelier playback. And it delivers strikes like a semi-hard mallet. In “Gold on the Ceiling,” fast-paced fun finds its form!
Using the Cayin N6ii Source:
The Elysian Audio Labs – Pilgrim IEM, when paired with the Cayin N6ii, deliver an impressive auditory experience. These earphones excellently showcase the rich details and texture projection in darker-toned music like smooth jazz. The tension on the strings of the instruments indicates just how detailed and accurately the sound is being transmitted. The robust 1+3 driver configuration offers a dynamic experience with quick recoveries and escapes. Additionally, the transitions between sound layers and the natural emergence of vocals from the lower layers highlight the high-level sound performance offered by the Pilgrim.
In energetic genres like rock and prog rock, the Pilgrim provides a dynamic stage where each instrument asserts its presence distinctly. The transitions between the upper mids and the trebles add joy to the music, while the dynamics and resolution of the electronic bass are notable. The Pilgrim, with its advanced DD driver reminiscent of BA drivers’ responsiveness, captures excellence in visceral bass and PRAT factors. The organic bass avoids unnecessary heaviness while providing high resolution, adding a delectable flavor to the listening experience. The performance of Goksel Batkagir, thanks to 3D imaging, allows me to imagine the artist alone on stage, completing the Pilgrim’s immersive and detailed sound experience.
Pros
1. Exceptional Sound Quality: The Pilgrim earphones deliver an audiophile-grade sound experience, characterized by its balance, clarity, and depth across all frequencies.
2. Expansive Soundstage: These earphones provide a wide and immersive soundstage that makes listening feel like a live performance, enhancing the spatial representation of instruments and vocals.
3. Detailed Midrange: The midrange is a standout feature, where vocals and instruments are rendered with exceptional clarity and naturalness, making each listening session a true auditory pleasure.
4. Controlled Bass: Unlike earphones that can overpower with their bass, the Pilgrim offers a strong yet controlled bass that enhances rather than dominates the music, suitable for a wide variety of genres from classical to electronic and hip-hop.
5. Crisp Treble: High frequencies are treated with precision, ensuring that high notes and subtle details are sharp and clear without becoming harsh, ideal for detailed listening of high-resolution tracks.
6. Premium Build Quality: Constructed with high-quality materials, the Pilgrim earphones are not only durable but also boast an elegant design that matches their premium sound output.
7. Comfort and Fit: Designed for extended listening sessions, these earphones come with Spinfit ear tips and are shaped to fit comfortably and securely in most ears.
Cons
1. High Price Tag: The premium features and quality come at a high cost, which might not be accessible for all budgets, making them a significant investment.
2. Size and Weight: Due to the robust build and sound technology, these earphones might be bulkier than average, potentially uncomfortable for users with smaller ears.
3. Complexity for Casual Listeners: The high fidelity sound might be more appreciated by audiophiles than casual listeners, who may not find the sound signature dramatically different from less expensive models.
4. Requires Good Source Equipment: To fully benefit from the Pilgrim’s capabilities, high-quality source equipment and recordings are necessary, which could mean additional investments for some users.
5. Potential Overkill for Some Genres: For listeners who primarily enjoy vocal-heavy tracks or less complex music, the extensive capabilities of the Pilgrim might not always translate into a noticeably better listening experience.
The Pilgrim earphones by Elysium Audio Labs provide a truly high-end listening experience with few drawbacks, primarily related to cost and personal preference in style and fit. For serious audiophiles, these drawbacks are often overshadowed by the earphones’ superior sound quality and performance.
Elysian Audio Labs Pilgrim Review Conclusions
In summary, the Elysian Audio Labs – Pilgrim earphones stand out in the competitive market of high-end audio equipment. They deliver an exemplary auditory experience that caters to a wide range of musical preferences and genres, thanks to their balanced sound profile and meticulous attention to detail. While they come with a premium price tag, the quality of materials, design, and performance they offer make them a worthwhile investment for serious audiophiles. Whether it’s the expansive soundstage, the rich and detailed midrange, or the crisp treble, the Pilgrim earphones demonstrate a profound understanding of what it takes to create a truly immersive and satisfying listening experience.
If you want to purchase: https://hifigo.com/products/elysian-acoustic-labs-pilgrim