Frequency graphs rarely tell the whole story, but in the case of Thieaudio Elixir, it is not so. Let’s dive down the sound details, comparisons and balanced results off dx300.
Thieaudio, a new long term endeavor from Linsoul audio, was started in 2019. Thieaudio was started so that audio professionals and fans could work together to make cutting-edge audio technology. Thieaudio products’ design, engineering, and production are all overseen by highly regarded industry professionals who are specifically chosen for each project based on their innovative ways of thinking and stellar track records in terms of quality.
Pros__
Balanced
Comfortable listening
Driving is easy
Cons__
Lack dynamics and slam in result
Genre specific
Vocal oriented
The Sound
The sound is overally smooth (without spikes) with only so so texture and layering, but the vocals are near you and singing with their emotions. The soundstage is wide, almost to the level of immersion. This is especially welcome in live recordings. This is a very nice sight in genres like metal and post-hardcore. Did anyone mention Slipknot’s Solway Firth or Question of Heaven Live? But here is the first caveat. You get tonality rich sibilance free vocals, wide to the immersion level soundstage, and the weighty basses and soft thumps of the drums, but you give away a little bit of clarity (in favor of fun), layering that makes it hard to hear the keyboard or synthesizer beneath (and miss the whole point) and control in chaotic moments (and strings can get messed up). This needs some fine tuning.
However, you can live pretty nice moments with it if you forgo its lack of dynamics and slam. And get some OK experience with the three guitars and broken rhythms of math rock. This is not about the presentation style. Its drivers should have been more capable..I prefer tango violins or dubstep with tiny slams of their main instruments. This was the second caveat I hardly let go due to its price.
Balanced
I used a dx300 with a 2.5mm balanced output with my meticulously hand picked tracks, and it’s full of life in smooth jazz live, despite the fact that it’s now in the higher price range and isn’t an aggregate.
IF ONLY it had better technicalities as well. However, being simply good at live stadium recordings evolved into being magnificent especially in symphonic recordings.
But no matter what, balanced connection is the key to enjoy dubstep out of it. It adds dynamic factor and juicy energic playback. Okay, it’s not a Rosefinch or a KATO, but it broadens the genres that can use it and give you eargasm.
Comparisons
The world is full of happy accidents. The similarities and differences between Elixir and two chifi-wide popular iems, Dunu Kima and Moondrop Kato, will be discussed.
Vs Kato
Moondrop’s latest model, the KATO is every basshead’s wet dream. The basses are plentiful and of high (question mark here) quality. The feeling of solid, rumbling bass beneath you is unique to some iems. But good things aside, you be sacrificing technicalities for the fun
Vs Kima
From the very first live smooth jazz notes, Kima displays its superior quality. It focuses on clarity, instrument separation, layering, details, stage depth, attack, and slam. AND those are the areas in which it shines. This makes Kima an easy target for people looking for technicalities below the $150 threshold. Live performances, however, are where Elixir appears to have discovered the elixir of life.
Thieaudio Elixir Review
Verdict
Therefore, we have a winner in the hearts of audiences who adore tunings that are smooth and balanced. And those with balanced connector INs, as it has become legendary when used with a powerful and clean source and either a 2.5 or 4.4mm connector.
It is well-balanced, has a sound that is very clear, and boasts one of the most powerful drivers that is available in its price range. All of these characteristics contribute to the overall quality of the product. The word “safe” has gotten a bad reputation, but I don’t see how that’s a bad thing. The Elixir is similar in that it doesn’t have any polarizing qualities. A more in-depth look shows that the midrange and treble aren’t quite as open as the best examples and are, overall, not as good. But the fact that there are no modular cables or tuning should not be taken as a sign. The Elixir has a clean and clear sound, which makes it a good choice for people who value these qualities more than anything else. It also has a natural charisma that puts it on par with the best in its class.