Vision Ears Elysium: What comes after a triple? A homerun! - Ngoshawk reviews
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Vision Ears Elysium: What comes after a triple? A homerun!
Pros.
Fabulous sound.
Gorgeous look.
Presentation.
Clarity.
Detail retrieval. Cons: Harder to drive than others.
Expensive.
For some too bright a sig.
Garish looks to some.
Not mine. Vision Ears Elysium ($3140usd): What comes after a triple? A homerun!
The title of course
refers to the number of different drivers within. The conclusion? Well
when one hits it out of the park. I switched spots with @Ike
since he had obligations and requested to move up. I was in no hurry.
But once he started posting such gushy wordology regarding the liquidity
of the Elysium, waxing lyrical replete with platitudes and such, I
became angry. That was MY spot he took, and I simmered, stewed &
smoldered…OK actually, I did not and enjoyed reading his diatribe as it
inched closer to my time. He lamented that the critter(s) were leaving
his fair state of Kentucky and making the brief safe trip to Missouri at
the end of his time, but to be honest…his loss is my gain!
I am
thoroughly happy that Ike enjoyed his time with an astounding pair of
IEM’s known the world for being amongst the very best, and will do my
best to pay homage to others who came fore with reviews awash with
voluminous verbiage paying tribute to the maker known as VE.
I thank @Barra
for another wonderful tour without which I would not have had the
opportunity to hear the pair. For that I am grateful as ever and will
thoroughly enjoy my week (I’m on day 3).
Tech: Four driver three-way hybrid system with a BA, dynamic, and 2 electrostatic driver
Drivers: 1BA for bass – 1 dynamic for mids – 2 electrostatic for highs
Sensitivity: 105 dB SPL at 1 mW
Impedance: 16.4 Ohms at 1 kHz
Gear Used/Compared:
Empire Ears Legend X ($2299) Vision Ears VE8 ($2544) Clear Tunes Monitor Da Vinci X ($2499)
Cayin N6 mk2 MBP/iFi iDSD Pro Songlist:
Joey Alexander-Warna album and others Mark Knopfler-Laughs And Jokes And Drinks And Smokes Santana w/ Mana- Corazon Espinado twenty one pilots album, Trench Tedeschi Trucks Band Big Head Todd & The Monsters-Beautiful World Mark Knopfler-Down The Road Wherever
Unboxing:
Since
both IEM’s came only wrapped in their respective carrying case, I felt a
tinge of that smoldering anger again, since I had read about the really
cool unboxing affair, which is had by owners. I will admit while
reading that in reviews, I envisioned the coolest cupholder I have ever
seen, but unfortunately was not reliable. The early 2000’s Mercedes has
the “blooming flower” cupholder, which would rise and “open its petals”
upon the push of a button. I had a 2003 C-class loaner (often
unfortunately) while my 2003 Saab 9-5 Aero wagon was being worked on,
and the look on mine and my brother-in-law’s face was pure mechanical
ecstasy. He was a mechanic at heart, and a damn good one (RIP), and we
proceeded to take turns pushing the button over and over, haha. Anyway,
from what I hear the unboxing comes with a “rising platform,” which
would give the owner a similar whimsical fancy I would imagine.
So,
alas, my “joyous unboxing” was limited to opening the small USPS
Priority box and pulling both cases out. It was still neat to see that
both made it just fine. Much has been written about the excellently cool
case of the Elysium, likening it to a blue of oceanic variety, lined
with the finest “Corinthian leather” or whatever. I do like the case,
but if I’m going to spend 3-grand on an IEM, I would expect a better
case. One, which I would not have to worry about being crushed were I
foolish enough to venture on commuter lines with, much like the VE8 or
Legend X. TOTL means case, as well. Again, I like the case, but it is
flimsy and to me not what one should expect at this price.
Fit-n-finish:
As one would
expect, the finish is exquisite. Most definitely TOTL stuff, and darn
near flawless. I can feel the edges where the face plate attaches to the
shell, but I do believe it is meant to aid in grasping the whole
critter. It used to be that I did not like seeing the innards of an IEM,
for the construction was usually drab, with wires and miscellany
showing a jumble. Nowadays though, showing one’s guts can be pure art
just like the VE8 or Elysium. I for one really like the look of the
insides here what with the variety of color, shapes and logo-laden
accoutrements. Add the aquarium-colored streaks on the backside, which
all can see, and you have a pretty much stunning critter in which to
look. Like a stunning Swiss mountain sunlit day, the innards are worth
the look.
The Elysium comes with a premium white 8-wire spc 28AWG cable with a
2.5mm OYAIDE balanced connector standard. The 2-pin connectors have no
typical red/not red markings, but the left side does have a circle on
the connector, so one can easily (hopefully) remember. The Elysium only
comes with a 2.5mm balanced termination but the kit also came with two
excellent DD Audio adapters as well. So, using the Elysium in balanced
mode in the N6ii was easy with the included 4.4bal jack. Note: this is
only in the tour kit, this is not part of the Elysium purchase.
Using
the included silicon tips, isolation was much better than I expected,
providing a very good seal, without it being “vacuum-like” in the seal.
Pairing the two, isolation was wonderful and the sound darn near
extraordinary. Everything so far thus exuded TOTL, and quality. This is
among the very best overall presentations including fit and finish of
any unit that has graced my ears. Wonderful indeed.
Sound:
Typically, a review of this
sort goes into the separates of sound, isolating all tenets so that the
user can discern whether each sub-unit fits their bill. Whether the
parts match one’s taste and then meld together for the finale. Here with
the Elysium I do believe it is important to take a backward approach.
Look at the overall, then discern the separates (or not at all because
after the description one may not need it).
Taken as a whole, the
Eylsium is stunning. Amongst the very best I have heard, period. From
memory, the tia Forte might have emitted a bit better detail, but also a
bit more antiseptic in sound. Mind you at the time, I thought the Forte
was the very best “sound” I had ever heard, and still ranks among the
very best. I did like the U18 Tzar more for that sound fit my tastes
better. And here I would rank the Elysium as a melding of the two
64Audio signatures. That luscious, sumptuous virtuosity of emotion,
wrapped in the detail retrieval one would expect from a something having
that precision Germanic influence. Think the bullet-proof solidity of a
Mercedes wrapped around the street cred of an M-class BMW and you would
not be far from the truth. Mind you both marques exude their own
character, but a melding of the pairs determines an excellent character
of each, defining what makes both great. A most definite whole is
greater than the parts anacronym.
Some pick the Elysium apart for having mids that are simply melodious
and clear, laden with the clarity of a Swiss-mountain summer day, but
short on treble sparkle and bass reach. They would not be completely
remised, but to me here is the greatest strength of the Elysium: the
marrying of the parts to bring those “shortcomings” into strength of
fit. On Warna from Joey Alexander, the opening drum take folds
effortlessly into his initial piano solo, followed by the staccato of
precision key stroke impeccably. I am new to Joey Alexander, but
thoroughly devour all he has for they are precise, unimpeachable and
emotive. I do find his fast-paced sound a bit tedious and immature in
the Jazz vein, but that is the beauty of a world-class 16-year-old Jazz
pianist. With sheer precision that cannot be taught, but bred, he drives
Jazz into the modern South American swivel-hipped style effortlessly.
Here the Elysium lays bare any fallacy that might be had within. And
there is none. I can hear his fingers grind on each key. I can hear his
bassist move fingers across string and actually hit the bass itself.
This is extraordinary.
The young man is phenomenal even if he
needs to “mature” into the slower paced Jazz piano setting. But to me
that is where he melds his own style into the reverence of past. And the
Elysium allows that style to exude perfectly in tandem with the music.
Many “TOTL” IEM’s would barge their way in with their own style tacking
target over the music, overriding the author. Not the Elysium. The
perfection of sound, which emits from his playing matches the character
of the Elysium quite well. Not overly warm such and the Legend X, but
not analytically neutral like the Forte leans either. A modern mix of an
excellent sound character, which gives the music the chance to show
what the artist intends. I do thoroughly enjoy that character and
applaud Vision Ears for making a stunning statement in the TOTL lane of
the highway.
Not the widest of sound stage, but just about what one would expect
with the character emitted. Thoroughly inviting and encompassing, the
stage fits the personality of the Elysium perfectly. I will admit that
on artist such as Tedeschi Trucks the sound stage does feel a bit
pinched in the middle. Midnight In Harlem is such a wonderful
song just to listen to, but using it to judge layering and
instrumentation can show a devices true limitations. And here the
Elysium does feel a bit tight. But, if that is the only shortcoming,
then I for one can listen and “live with that.” The sound is superb. On
par with the best I have had and heard. It is an extraordinary critter
of top-class quality as one would expect (and hope) from the price.
If
I had to break the individuals down, I would do so in a short paragraph
as such below. The overall to me is much more valuable than the parts,
but if you must…Bassis a bit shy to me. I
prefer a weightier bass with better feel and punch. That said, the
quality of this bass is as good as one can have. Tight, “punchy” with
excellent quickness, and a nice tautness to it that I much appreciate. I
do miss the decay of my Legend X though. Mids simply
put are amongst the very best I have heard. Weighted perfectly (to me),
with enough emotion to emit that sensuous nature when needed without
being syrupy. Succinct, with excellent control and vocal representation
show through like few I have heard. And I appreciate hearing the
separation of the vocal into a distinctness, which allows vocals to come
forth with impunity. Good stuff indeed. The treble
comes across clear and crisp, but without being crispy, crystalline or
thin. There is no feigning of hand here. Where some such as my CTM Da
Vinci X present excellent treble, but with a degree of brittleness, none
is had in the Elysium. It’s those darn parts working together again for
the whole…
Comparison:
Vision Ears Elysium ($3140) vs Empire Ears Legend X ($2299):
After
another excellent Barra tour of TOTL IEM’s, I took the plunge and
purchased the Legend X. Not wanting to fuss with a CIEM, I “settled” for
the universal and do not regret it in the least. That sumptuous,
sensuous double W9 bass took me in cuddled in those boosom’s and
caressed my soul. I do not regret it in the least. Matching my want, or
need for a warm, rich bassy sound; the LX fits my listen perfectly. Even
after hearing the Wraith and Phantom, I still held the LX in its
highest regard. That bass is the best I have heard, even if some call it
bloomy and bleeding into the mids. I do not care what others think, I
love this sound. Listening the Tedeschi Trucks in this comparison as
well as Joey Alexander reaffirms my choice. As good and pure, and
wonderful as the Elysium is, I come home to those boosom’s. They hold me
tight and tell me everything will be all right. And they would be
correct.
But if I must, the Elysium has more clarity of sound.
The mids come across as more controlled and distinct. There is no
denying that the Elysium mids are exemplary. One in which all TOTL
makers should shoot for, should their signature preference lean that
way. In this regard, I am a bit jealous that the LX does not emit that
distinctness. But in the overall sound, I still prefer the LX. The
Elysium is astonishing, and emits almost perfection, but the LX has my
soul.
Vision Ears Elysium ($3140) vs Vision Ears VE8 ($2544):
I
will admit that upon first listen, I liked the VE8 more than the
Elysium. And I would not be battered and feathered for that opinion, as
many consider it one of the best TOTL IEM’s out there and responsible
for raising other companies’ game. I would agree that it should be
considered there and worth the challenge.
The first difference
would be that the VE8 is easier to drive. It also has a brighter sound
(to me), but not analytical. Just brighter across the spectrum. Using
Tedeschi Trucks again, the volume difference on my N6ii is about 5-7 to
attain the same volume. And no, I did not test it with my sound meter,
just seat of the pants. I also feel that as good as the VE8 is, the mids
take a more frontal approach to the mids than I like. I do really like
the sound, but those mids would prevent me from raising the volume too
much. Bass is extraordinary, but a bit untamed when compared. Deeper
reach by a smidge, but with a bit of bloom; this keeps the “quality” of
bass behind the Elysium. So, based upon that, who would like the VE8?
Those who appreciate a forward-based sound, with crisp vocals and
treble, which exudes more sparkle than the Elysium. This is definitely a
more in-your-face sound. I really do like the VE8 and would consider it
for my personal TOTL had I not have the Legend X in the stable. But
when compared to the Elysium, the overall package just fits better with
the Elysium.
I will add that on Midnight In Harlem, the
sound is of a sublime quality that I truly appreciate. The stick of drum
hitting is perfection, and precise. Susan’s voice is heavenly and
appreciated. Wonderful stuff. Just not enough when compared to the
Elysium.
Vision Ears Elysium ($3140) vs Clear Tunes Monitor Da Vinci X ($2499):
The
Da Vinci X was pretty much a buy after a tour. I still do not regret it
as I consider it my baseline “neutral” with a bit of bassy-note to it.
Shoving all those drivers in it (all 10), the shell is quite small and
fits very well. It is all metal and can be cold until warmed up, but the
sound it quite good. The biggest difference between the two would be
how the mids are presented. With the Elysium the mids are sumptuous and
distinct. The piece that holds the signature together. On the Da Vinci,
the mids are more brittle and forward. A bit piercing, they are not as
delicious as the Elysium. But they are crisper and more detailed. Where
the Elysium melds, the Da Vinci separates into distinctness. The Elysium
marries all together, giving sound in the mids its own space, but works
effortlessly together. The Da Vinci separates and isolates, allowing
the distinct mid tone to show off individually. Not bad mind you and an
excellent judge in which to judge individual sound character of music,
and thus in comparison. But not as harmonious as the Elysium. I
thoroughly enjoy the Da Vinci and use it much less than I would like,
but it provides me with an excellent complement to the Legend X, and I
do believe it really is an unsung hero of the TOTL talk. Just wonderful
tonality on the individual level where the Elysium harmoniously pulls
all together.
Sources:
I could write this in one sentence: The Elysium sounds wonderful with any source I used. Period. Using the adapter for the N6ii,
the pairing is magical. One in which the term “end game” would be
pictured in the dictionary. But of course, end game is thrown around
like money to a professional soccer player during the transfer
window…too often. Using the warmer A01 module, the Cayin warms a touch
that distinctness of the Elysium sound. But I do not mind as it really
shines with the music. Harmonious would be an excellent descriptor.
Moving to the iFi Pro iDSD/MBP/XDuoo x10t ii
iterations, that warm, rich sound moves a bit further what with the
tube sound emanating. The XDuoo is an extraordinarily clean honest sound
in its own right. And when paired with the iFi, make for a magical
sound. One in which I listen often. Combine that with the Elysium and
you have a fantastic trio. One in which you could happily spend your
hours while working and forget about the world. Productivity in that
vein would increase markedly as the sound extraordinaire would emanate
from your ears. You would thus win company productivity awards and
promotions abound. Soon you would become company CEO as a result of the
trio, and corporate would then purchase the trio for all employees,
while you lead the company to the very top of the Forbes list, become
famous, buy a Ferrari, and a house in Monaco and happily work from your
ocean view. That would be an extraordinary tale were it true, but the
sound to back that story up is legit, honest and true, so there’s that.
Finale:
My time is up, and I am
glad. Why? Because the next lucky person will get to listen, while I
remember. I will remember pecking out these words as music streams
through my cranial and be glad. Glad that I had the opportunity to
listen to an excellent pair such as the VE8 and Elysium. I had heard one
iteration of a Vision Ears and it was good. These are truly excellent
and deserving of top spot TOTL status. They cost a decent percentage of a
good college education’s year. But that is the nature of this TOTL
hunted beast. One in which we strive for the best. One in which some
will get there, while others such as myself will only give a brief
listen. And this makes me glad that I was given that brief window with
which to compare to my other wares. There truly is not a winner here,
but only differing purveyors of company visions. And that makes me glad.
I
thank Barra and VE for the loan of the wonderful pair. They are
wonderful examples of a company’s forward thinking, while still relying
on the past. They are good, truly good and should you have the
opportunity; do not pass it up for that listen. You will be glad as
well.
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