Elysian Acoustic Labs - Diva 2023

Yea, I [returned](https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/1gjeo4f/thin_cracks_along_faceplate_edges_on_recently/) a Diva 21 and nearly returned this DIva 23 (both used tho)

Out of all the sets I’ve tried to date, it’s probably the Elysian Diva. I think that the bass, even though it’s all BA, is phenomenal on the max setting. Very elastic, bouncy and textured. The vocals are some of the best I’ve heard, period and the treble is nicely extended without being harsh in the slightest. I would choose the Annihilator 2023 but I felt the bass was lacking in that set for the money being asked. But the treble on the Anni 2023 is by far my favorite, while not objectively “the best” it was stunning to my ears.

IEMs photographed left to right in first two photos: Unique Melody Mest MkII, Moondrop Variations, Moondrop x Crinacle DUSK, TSMR Halo, Thieaudio Monarch MkIII, Elysian Annihilator 2023, Elysian Diva 2023. I’ve also put a close-up photo of each IEM in the order they appear in photo one. Photography is not my skill so the photos are awful; whoops! This is just update post for my collection. Again, the post is mostly for me to look back on myself in the future (for example, I said in my last post I was looking for Diva 2023 and I finally got it courtesy of a Head-Fi seller). I’m not expecting anyone to care or be interested. But on the off-chance someone cares I’ll list a few rankings off here. You can also see the driver configurations of each IEM in photo three, listed top to bottom in the order I acquired the sets. My rankings are coming from the point of view of someone who values detail and treble extension primarily, with bass a secondary concern. Sound (most important of course): 1. Elysian Annihilator 2023 2. Elysian Diva 2023 3. Unique Melody Mest MkII 4. Thieaudio Monarch MkIII 5. TSMR Halo 6. Moondrop Variations 7. Moondrop x Crinacle DUSK Comfort/Fit (essential for long listening sessions): 1. Unique Melody Mest MkII 2. Elysian Diva 2023 3. TSMR Halo 4. Elysian Annihilator 2023 5. Moondrop Variations 6. Thieaudio Monarch MkIII 7. Moondrop x Crinacle DUSK Stock Cable (maybe interesting, maybe not): 1. Unique Melody Mest MkII 2. Elysian Diva 2023 3. Thieaudio Monarch MkIII 4. Elysian Annihilator 2023 5. Moondrop Variations 6. TSMR Halo 7. Moondrop x Crinacle DUSK (both cables) Finally, not photographed except for the boxes are my two DAPs. The iBasso DX340 is clearly the better of the two but I hesitate to say it’s ‘worth it’ as an upgrade to the R4. They’re both fantastic but as a value proposition I think the R4 is great. To conclude, clearly the IEM hobby is something of a chase for perfection which you will never achieve. There are tradeoffs to every IEM, DAC, DAP, cable and eartips. If you’re seeing this post and thinking about things like diminishing returns and these sets being nowhere near ‘worth’ their price – I’d say I agree. Diminishing returns (not a phrase I like much because everything has diminishing returns but I digress) set in quite early imho. For an all-rounder that you can use with practically any device the DUSK (as an example from my sets) could easily be the pinnacle of what you’re looking for and there’s really no need to chase the latest releases or constantly be looking to upgrade. Then again, I also disagree with people who look down on someone for owning more than one set – do we limit ourselves to one pair of shoes just because we only have two feet? (Bad example but maybe you get my point.) At the end of the day, yes, the IEM hobby is rife with consumerism, as are all similar tech products, but I think the craftsmanship and the various different designs, sound signatures and so on make it a fascinating hobby to be involved in. And on second-hand sites like Head-Fi (where I got my Mest, Diva & Halo from) or even r/AVexchange you can sometimes snag yourself a bargain, or at least meet more people to talk about this great hobby with. I’d be happy to discuss anything photographed if anyone has any questions (and made it all the way to reading this)! Take care and all the best, Rob

I have the Supernova as well but my partner uses it mostly. It's lovely but I prefer more subbass and better staging. The iem that I use the most is the Elysian Diva 2023, as it aligns incredibly well with my preference and its just great at everything. I'm saving up for the Alpha Omega Omega, and keeping an eye on the Mysticraft Myth and the upcoming sets from Symphonium (another favorite of mine). I also have a Hercules Noah incoming in the next couple of weeks.

Not sure which graph you're looking at but the 6k dip in the Diva I actually like and it's primarily the 6-8k region to be exact, which some are sensitive to. The Supernova is definitely more present in the lower treble. One of the best things about the Diva 2023 is that you have a tuning switch with three settings, all of tunings being extremely well done. I primarily use the max bass setting but the medium one has an absolute killer midrange. https://squig.link/?share=IEF_Comp_Target,Elysian_Diva_white,Elysian_Diva_red,Elysian_Diva_blue I am indeed interested in the Annihilator, especially with rumours of a 2025/2026 version. But maybe a bit too warm, too much mid-bass for me, too v-shaped. I'm actually waiting more for a discount on the Elysian Apostle.. Regarding u12t vs Supernova, the u12t absolutely wins when it comes to imaging and Soundstage. It's one of the best parts of the u12t and one of the weaker parts of the Supernova. The u12t I remember as deep, wide, spherical and immersive. Supernova has a very clear center channel and clear stereo channels, but a feeling of some slightly weird empty space in-between. It's definitely a more intimate/confined presentation with voices coming straight in front of you. What Supernova has going for it is smoothness and tonality (and looks). I would argue the Supernova has better midrange. They're both easy to like and seem to have a general appeal. Never heard someone hating either of them.