In this feature, Nihal reviews the Elysian Acoustic Labs APOSTLE, a new 5-driver tribrid dynamic, dual BA, and dual EST driver high-end IEM. It is priced at $1799.00.
Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or services. I thank Elysian Acoustic Labs and Effect Audio for their support.
Click here to read more about Elysian Acoustic Labs gear previously reviewed on Headfonics.
This article follows our current scoring guidelines, which you can read in more detail here.
Elysian Acoustics Labs, hailing from Malaysia, has made a strong mark in the community with several notable releases. The ANNIHILATOR 2023 has been one of the most talked-about IEMs in recent years.
Additionally, releases like the DIVA 2023 (now sadly discontinued) and Pilgrim have been highly praised and well-received. The Elysian tuning has developed a dedicated fan following, becoming a recognized “thing” in the community.
Personally, apart from the PILGRIM and PILGRIM:NOIR, I haven’t tried other Elysian IEMs, but they’re on my bucket list. Luckily, I got the chance to review the new APOSTLE and eagerly took it.
In this review, we will explore what this latest IEM from Elysian Acoustics has to offer and whether it lives up to the coveted Elysian tuning. I will also compare it with some of its peers, including the Kinera ThorKing and the LETSHUOER Cadenza 12 (2024 version).
Features
The Elysian APOSTLE builds on the core architecture of the ANNIHILATOR 2023. It features a 5-driver tribrid IEM setup, including one custom dynamic driver, one Knowles and one Sonion balanced armature driver, and two new-generation Sonion electrostatic drivers.
The custom-tuned Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) dynamic driver delivers deep, controlled bass with minimal distortion. Meanwhile, the new-generation Sonion ESTs enhance high-frequency details with greater efficiency than their predecessors.
Additionally, a newly designed 4-way crossover ensures quick and precise frequency distribution among the drivers.
Design
Elysian APOSTLE stands out from conventional designs, featuring a more avant-garde and mechanical approach. I find the design bold and distinctive, deviating from many other metal-shell IEMs.
The shells are built from aluminum alloy and feel very robust. Despite this, they remain on the lighter side. I prefer the smooth matte grey surface over polished finishes, which are more prone to scratches.
The faceplate is designed in a tri-cornered structure with a circular black accent at one end. This circular accent has intricately cut out the brand’s logo, revealing a fine mesh underneath, adding to the depth and detail of the faceplate. A cutout pattern is positioned near the upper corners of the faceplate.
The nozzle is relatively wide with an average length and is protected by a mesh filter. The IEM connects via a Pentaconn connector socket.
Comfort & Isolation
Owing to its average shell size and lightweight build, the APOSTLE does not pose any challenges. However, where it tests your patience is with the nozzles. I have seen bigger nozzles, but it requires a lot of tip-rolling to get the best fit. Once you find the perfect ear tips, the APOSTLE fits flawlessly.
Additionally, shells are very smooth and ergonomically designed, so there is not much to worry about once they are in your ears.
They never cause fatigue, even during longer sessions. On multiple occasions, I took them out on my morning walks, and they never came out or required frequent readjustment.
The isolation could be better, but in most cases, I am not too bothered by outside noise. During my time with the APOSTLE, I did not encounter any driver flex or pressure buildup either.
Ear Tips
APOSTLE only comes with a single type of ear tip: Divinus Velvet ear tips. These ear tips are available in five different sizes, with a mix of wide and narrow bore ear tips, catering to a wide range of ear types.
They are among the best ear tips and have remained my favorite for a long time. They have a smooth texture and a stable build and structure.
Many people prefer a wide variety of ear tips, but trust me, these really work. The problem lies with the big nozzle on the APOSTLE, due to which many ear tips do not fit properly.
I tried several aftermarket ear tips, and nothing came close to the snug fit these provided. So, there is no point in adding too many ear tips if they do not work.
I always advocate for brands to provide the best-matching ear tips, and this is where collaborating with third-party providers helps.
Stock Cable
The stock cable on the APOSTLE is a customized 19 AWG copper, hybrid silver, and gold-plated copper cable.
I love this cable because of its excellent build quality and how well it matches the overall design scheme of the IEM. The outer coating of this 4-wire cable is made of soft PVC with a soft matte texture.
The outer layer of the cable feels like the Eros S II cable from Effect Audio. It is effortless to wrap up and store, as there is hardly any stiffness.
The adapter, Y-split, and slider are all made of metal with a gray matte finish. The Y-split holds an Elysian logo on it. I do not mind it being non-modular, as most of the sources we use have a 4.4 mm balanced termination.
It seems like Elysian has moved entirely to Pentaconn connectors. I find the connectors very stable, but they hinder experimentation with other third-party cables. The last releases from Elysian, the PILGRIM and the PILGRIM:NOIR, also feature a Pentaconn connector.
Overall, the cable is very functional, and I find it to be one of those few cables that truly complement both the design and the sound.
Packaging & Accessories
I don’t intend to overly praise fancy and grand packaging of IEMs, but since many brands focus too much on packaging and the unboxing experience, expectations naturally rise.
I appreciate how APOSTLE has been packaged, utilizing space efficiently with a minimalist approach.
However, I was expecting a more premium touch, at least in the packaging material, which feels somewhat toned down. That said, where Elysian has excelled is in the inclusion of high-quality accessories.
APOSTLE arrives in a normally sized box with an all-black color scheme. The outer sleeve features the brand’s logo and the IEM name in black.
Upon removing the sleeve, you uncover an inner box that opens outward like a door, revealing the IEMs securely placed in a foam cutout. A packet storing the stock cable sits at the lower end.
Removing these reveals the ear tips case and carry case, both securely placed in a foam cutout in the lower compartment. There is also a small packet containing the warranty and documentation.
The carry case houses a cleaning tool and two small pouches for storing the IEMs securely. I love it when brands include mesh pouches, as they add an extra layer of protection for the shells.
The included small IEM pouches are very adorable and practical, allowing the IEMs to be stored independently without needing to remove the cable.
Overall, I feel Elysian has done a decent job of packing an array of practical accessories in very ingenious packaging.
Sound Impressions
The following sound impressions of the Elysian APOSTLE were completed using a mixture of my main sources, Lotoo’s Paw Gold Touch, the Astell&Kern SP3000, and Questyle CMA18 Portable. I also paired the IEMs with the stock cable and Divinus Velvet ear tips, size M.
Summary
I would describe APOSTLE as a fun and musical IEM that balances technicalities very well. The sound is rich and organic, with a slight boost in the lower region that adds to the fun and excitement factor.
There is a strong focus on the bass to lower midrange regions without adding too much thickness. The midrange is very natural, with a touch of sweetness and warmth you’d expect from a mid-centric IEM.
The highs are smooth, without any noticeable peaks or sharpness, yet they do not compromise on detail. APOSTLE offers a decent soundstage and imaging. The IEM demonstrates solid resolving capability and presents plenty of details, but not in an overwhelming way.
For my preference, APOSTLE has got almost everything, from sweet midrange to a satisfying bass range to detailed highs.
Bass
APOSTLE has a bass response that I characterize as lively, rounded, and energetic, with a sense of bounce. The sub-bass and mid-bass both have a satisfactory presence.
Unlike some bass ranges with deep rumbles and strong hits, this one delivers a smoother and less controlled impact but does not shy in the quantity.
At times, the bass feels a touch overwhelming, losing its boundary. You’d miss the tightness and precision.
However, in general, it maintains separation, allowing other frequencies to breathe and preserving the overall clarity of the mix. This is where the beauty of this bass lies. It gives music a fun and engaging quality without filling up the stage.
Furthermore, the bass possesses a satisfactory sense of texture and layering, creating a distinct picture of bass lines coming from various instruments.
The bass decays quite naturally without lingering too much. It does not feel too quick nor overly warm and thick; rather, it possesses the positive elements of a well-tuned dynamic driver.
Midrange
The midrange on APOSTLE is a rich and sweet affair. It is highly detailed and exhibits satisfactory resolution. The midrange tries to stay as neutral as possible without being dry or emotionless. The sound is natural, with a dense and well-bodied quality, free from any harshness. The timbre is very accurate.
One of the best aspects of the tuning is how the strong bass does not affect the midrange. The lower midrange is thick and carries a pleasant weight, adding depth to instruments and male vocals.
There is a slight emphasis on the upper midrange, but it never veers into harsh territory. This provides a pleasantly extended midrange with some forwardness, especially enhancing female vocals, which sound realistic and detailed.
The transition from the lower midrange to the upper midrange and beyond is very accurate and coherent. None of the regions feel exaggerated; everything remains well-balanced.
Treble
The treble on APOSTLE possesses a smooth character and is relatively less emphasized than the rest of the spectrum.
This is evident in the way the lower treble has been tuned. There is a significant dip, which adds smoothness while avoiding harsh or piercing tones. However, it also takes away some extension and airiness, slightly reducing clarity and articulation.
If you’re looking for a bright and lively treble range, APOSTLE may let you down. That said, it does not miss much in terms of detail. I find it to have plenty of sparkle with the right amount of energy and extension.
It resolves treble notes well, with instruments like cymbals and hi-hats carrying decent energy but not taking a front-seat presence.
The overall treble response is refined and smooth, making it enjoyable for long listening sessions without fatigue. The upper treble region lacks some airiness; it is present but does not stand out prominently.
I also feel the treble could be more open and spacious, as it lacks an immersive presence and excitement.
Staging & Dynamics
APOSTLE does an excellent job on the technical front. Starting with the soundstage, it feels highly immersive, offering impressive width and depth. While the vertical height could be improved, the overall stage creates a holographic presentation that spans both wide and deep.
Imaging is another strong aspect of APOSTLE, providing a precise spatial layout. Even with complex tracks and genres like metal and rock, where the mix can get intense, APOSTLE handles them effortlessly. It adapts seamlessly to different genres as well.
The IEM resolves details effectively, presenting a nuanced and intricate sound without being overly aggressive. The finer details are brought forward subtly, maintaining an engaging presentation.
APOSTLE delivers a lively and dynamic listening experience where both micro-dynamics and macro-dynamics are well-represented. I wished for a more open and spacious presentation, but there isn’t much to complain about.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
