Elysian Acoustic Labs Diva 2023 - Vocal Virtuoso

3.5⭐️

+ Adjustable bass to dial up (or down) the fun factor

+ Some of the best bass extension I've heard from a BA

+ Clear midrange and vocals with a touch of warmth

+ Treble is energetic and crisp but still inoffensive 

+ Natural and organic timbre

- Even great BA bass falls short of a DD for me

- Discontinued and only available on the used market 

- Upper midrange can get shouty on lower bass settings 

- Large shell and nozzle may not fit comfortably for some

- Price to Performance

thaslaya's star rating system:

☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!

☆☆☆☆ - Recommended

☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me

☆☆ - Can't see the appeal

☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer: 

This set was provided for a trial period through the Watercooler tour. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A big thank you to the company for the provided unit and to Rockwell75 for coordinating the tours. 

Gear used: 

●LG v30+

●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra

●Samsung dongle

●Hiby FC4

●Kiwi Ears Allegro 

●Letshuoer DT03 

●Dunu DTC480

●BLON V1

●iFi xDSD Gryphon 

Source:

●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction: 

Elysian Acoustic Labs is a well-known, higher-end IEM manufacturer based in Singapore. Lee, the founder, is responsible for creating its house sound, which many hold in high esteem. The Diva 2023 is an updated version of the original model and it utilizes six balanced armature drivers. Unfortunately, it is now discontinued and can only be found on the used market for around $1000–$1200, based on recent Head-fi sales. Let's break this one down and see if it's worth hunting for.

Build, fit, ergonomics:

Since the Diva was a tour unit, it did not include the original packaging or all stock accessories. The kit included only the IEMs and stock cable. The shells are made of black resin with a subtle, dark blue, glittery faceplate. I find the design quite striking. The name "Elysian" is printed on both faceplates, and I enjoy how the colors change depending on the light. They are quite large and could be better contoured for a more comfortable fit. The insertion depth is average and the Diva features a metal nozzle that measures 6.5mm at the lip. I could see some potentially having fit issues, but I personally found them to be comfortable. Like other Elysian IEMs, the Diva utilizes the Pentaconn ear connection. I do like this connection type for the most part, but it does make cable rolling more difficult due to its rarity. A vent is located next to this connection to help relieve any pressure buildup. There is also an adjustable dial on the back of the shell that controls the amount of bass, with white being the least, then red, and blue the highest. To operate it, simply use a small flathead screwdriver to adjust the dial to the desired setting. The stock cable is the 4N UP-OCC copper litz Effect Audio Ares S. This one retails separately for around $180, and for me, it's just okay. I like the ear hooks and hardware, and it's lightweight with a decent weave. However, it's a bit stiff, with too much memory, and tangles easily. In my opinion, it's not worthy of the Diva's price tag and might be more fitting for something in the lower mid-fi tier. Since I didn't have any stock tips, I used the Dunu orb-like tips that came with the DaVinci. They provided the best fit and seal for me.

Sound impressions:

I would describe the Diva's overall tuning as slightly warm U-shaped with elevated sub-bass, emphasized upper midrange, and rolled-off treble extension. The bass is adjustable, and for my impressions, I chose to utilize the bassiest blue setting. The note weight is a little thin and I would welcome it to be thicker for my taste. Since this is an all-BA set, it is not difficult to drive and can reach very high volumes with just a simple dongle, but I did find that the performance was improved with more power. The Diva's detail retrieval is not the strongest. There are still plenty of nuances but don't expect clinical precision. However, the tuning is very musical first and foremost so its somewhat forgivable. The soundstage is not the widest or deepest, but it does have a good orbital presentation and utilizes the space well, which is more than satisfying for me. The timbre is natural and organic and the imaging is strong with great accuracy. The separation is another strong suit, and it is capable of easily keeping up with busy tracks without getting bogged down. I do find the dynamics to be somewhat lacking and weak. The bass presence drops off quite a bit at lower volumes, and the tuning becomes less lively and engaging. For me, the Diva is a set that sounds quite a bit better at higher volumes. While the technicalities aren't going to win any awards, the overall performance is commendable, and the overall sense of musicality does a lot of heavy lifting.

I found the best pairing for my ears to be with the BLON V1 dongle DAC/amp. The Diva doesn't need much power, but the V1 helps maintain a midrange-focused tuning with a smooth presentation without affecting the overall balance.

●Lows - The Diva has one of the better BA bass responses I have heard to date. Unfortunately, it still does not quite live up to the standard of a well-implemented DD for me. The blue setting on the dial has the most bass quantity and makes for a fun and enveloping listen, but even at the maximum setting, I am still looking for a bit more. On very bass heavy tracks, the drivers can sound like they are pushed beyond what they can handle and hit somewhat of a ceiling. However, to be fair, the bass reaches lower than other all-BA sets I've heard, and the overall sub-bass and mid-bass are well balanced. The texture can come across a touch muddy at times, and the impact and slam are on the softer side, which can sound a little pillowy on some tracks. I sometimes actually prefer a softer-hitting bass, but the Diva's can be distractingly soft, which I attribute to the use of BAs. There is a decent rumble and reverberation, and the mid-bass is well separated from the midrange, showing little to no bleed even on the bassiest setting. The speed is fairly quick, but there is also a faster decay, which can lead to notes sounding unnatural and incomplete. While it is one of the best BA bass responses I have come across, unfortunately, I think the Diva still falls victim to some common tropes of BA drivers.

●Mids - This is where the Diva scores a lot of points with me. In my opinion, the midrange is really the star of the show, and there is good reason this set has a reputation among midrange enthusiasts. Vocals are really fantastic. They are clear, well-separated, and present forward in the mix. Both vocals and instruments exude a rich and natural timbre and a slightly warm tonality. They are very well-balanced with the bass and treble when utilizing the blue setting. However, when the bass is dialed down, they can be too forward for my taste and come across as somewhat shouty without the additional bass to balance them. Both male and female artists are well-represented, but the latter are slightly more prominent. I do feel like the lower midrange could benefit from a small boost to lend a bit more weight to lower-registered instruments, but that's a small nitpick. Overall, the midrange is a strong aspect of the Diva's tuning, and for my preferences, it sounds best when paired with a big bass shelf to help keep it smooth and balanced.

●Highs - Even though the extension is rolled off, there is a nice energy and crispness to the treble. I concede that I would like a little more air, but as a treble-sensitive listener, I am very satisfied. Cymbals and hi-hats are just about perfect for my preferences. They are slightly recessed, clean and crisp, and have just the right amount of bite to sound correct without venturing into splashy territory. Snares and claps, on the other hand, are just a touch more energetic, and I would prefer them to be dialed back a bit. The overall energy level of the treble is just the right amount of fun without any hint of harshness. There really is no sibilance or truly troublesome notes to my ear, which is appreciated. In the end, the Diva's treble is great for those who are sensitive, yet it has a small spark of excitement without pushing it too far.

Comparisons: Credit to Jaytiss, Elise Audio, and tgx78 for the graphs. 

●Elysian Annihilator 2023 ($3,000) - This matchup pits a 6 BA configuration versus a 1DD, 4 BA, 2 EST tribrid. The Annihilator's shell is slightly larger than the Diva's, but otherwise, both have almost identical shapes, nozzle sizes, insertion depths, and fits. I am unable to compare accessories since both are tour units and did not include all stock items. The Annihilator's tuning is much more V-shaped, with big bass and emphasized upper mids/treble, whereas the Diva has a more mid-centric tuning with an adjustable amount of bass and somewhat rolled-off treble. The Annihilator's low end is much fuller and more prominent, with deeper extension, greater reverberation, and slower decay, leading to a more natural presentation. The Diva's BA bass is less full-sounding and cannot reach as low, even on the bassiest setting. I prefer the texture, reverberation, and impact of the Annihilator's dynamic driver driven bass, but the overall quantity can be overly dominant on some tracks. The midrange of these two is quite different. The Diva is smooth and more forward, with better note weight and musicality. Vocals shine and are allowed much more of the spotlight. The Annihilator's midrange sounds more recessed and forced behind the bold bass and crisp treble. Vocals are clear and well-separated, but they take a back seat to the heavy bass emphasis. Also, the lower midrange of the Diva is more prominent and better represented. On the upper end of the frequency response, the Diva has a treble that is more in line with my preferences. It is present but fairly tame and rolled off. I especially like the way cymbals and hi-hats sound natural and crisp, but slightly recessed. On the Annihilator, those same notes can be quite incisive. It also has a tendency to sound thinner and exhibit some slight harshness and fatigue. However, it does offer more air and extension for treble enthusiasts. As far as technicalities go, the Diva has a more organic timbre, thicker note weight, and a slightly more intimate soundstage. The Annihilator takes the win in dynamics, imaging, detail retrieval, and separation, which comes as no surprise. This matchup really comes down to tuning preference, and these two are quite different. For me, the smoother and more mellow mid-centric tuning of the Diva plays right into my wheelhouse. The Annihilator is more energetic and fun and offers better technical performance, but the dominant bass and recessed midrange sound unnatural for my music library and preferences. This is an easy decision for me, but I'm sure many would opt to go the other way, considering the amount of love the Annihilator 2023 has.

My pick: Diva 2023

●Penon Impact ($2,499) - The Diva is a 6 BA set versus the 10 BA 4EST hybrid of the Impact. The Diva also has three settings to adjust the bass quantity, and for this contest, I utilized the blue option, which has the most bass. Both sets are tour units, and I did not receive all of the accessories, so I cannot make much of a judgment there. I do prefer the dark blue faceplate design of the Diva to the Impact's opulent golden one. Both shells are made of resin, but the Diva has a metal nozzle and a vent for pressure relief. The Diva's shell is quite a bit larger than the Impact's, but both provide a comfortable fit and seal for me, apart from the slight vacuum effect of the Impact. The Diva uses the rarer Pentaconn connection, compared to the Impact's standard 2-pin connection, making cable rolling a bit more difficult. The most obvious difference when A/Bing these two is that the Diva is noticeably less energetic and more laid-back in its presentation. While both sets have a bassy tuning, their philosophies are quite different. The Impact's bass is bolder and more impactful, with an "in-your-face" style. The Diva's bass feels further away, with deeper sub-bass extension and rumble, bigger reverberation, and a softer, somewhat pillowy impact. The midrange presentation of the two is quite similar, with vocals being slightly pushed forward and taking the spotlight. The biggest difference, though, is how the balance of their bass responses affects the midrange. The sub-bass-focused Diva has superior separation between the bass and lower midrange, which allows male vocals to have more presence and be less encumbered. The Diva also has a bit more warmth and note weight, which helps female vocals avoid any wispy, ethereal notes. The Impact's midrange is more energetic and the mid-bass does somewhat encumber the lower mids. For treble, the overall extension and clarity are reduced on the Diva. The Impact's treble is definitely airier, brighter, and more energetic. The Diva isn't dark per se, but can come across as too rolled off when directly compared to the Impact, but it should be less offensive to treble-sensitive listeners. As for technicalities, I'd give a slight nod to the Diva in terms of timbre, soundstage, and separation. The Impact wins in detail retrieval, imaging, resolution, and dynamics. I think these two share a decent amount of DNA, but the crux of the decision will depend on bass quality and the amount of energy and treble emphasis you are looking for. For me, the Impact is more upbeat and fun, with a visceral mid-bass impact, decent vocal emphasis, and lively and extended treble. The Diva has a definitively smooth and somewhat relaxed presentation that better matches my usual preferences; however, I find it difficult to overlook the softer, pillowy bass impact and prefer the Impact's overall balance a bit more.

My pick: Impact

●Letshuoer Cadenza 12 ($2,000) - This comparison pits the Cadenza's hybrid configuration (1 DD, 11 BA) against the Diva's all BA design. I cannot accurately compare the stock inclusions since I did not have the Diva's box, but the Cadenza does include a nice modular cable and great accessories. The Diva sports a resin shell with a metal nozzle, while the Cadenza has a titanium alloy shell. The Cadenza offers a better fit and seal for me due to its smaller nozzle and deeper insertion. I personally prefer the unique blue design of the Diva's faceplate to the Cadenza's mirror-finished shell, but both are very attractive. As for the tuning, the Diva's blue setting offers a bassier and more laid-back, U-shaped profile, while the Cadenza has a well-balanced and more neutral approach. The Diva's sub-bass reaches deeper, is more prominently featured, and has a bigger punch. The Cadenza's bass has better balance with the other frequencies, and although less in quantity, the quality is much better. It sounds cleaner and more refined, with better texture, resolution, and a more natural decay. One of the Diva's biggest draws for me is its midrange, but when compared to the Cadenza 12, it falls a little flat. Don't get me wrong, the Diva sounds great and has a smooth and slightly warm vocal response, but the Cadenza pushes the midrange forward a bit more and strikes a better balance across all frequencies to really help vocals grab the spotlight. The Diva does win some points in the lower midrange, though, due to more representation and note weight. The Cadenza has better treble extension and air, but it is also a bit brighter and more energetic. I would usually prefer the Diva's laid-back treble response, but the lack of air is really apparent when comparing these two side by side. The technicalities go almost entirely in the Cadenza's favor, save for the note weight. When it comes to detail retrieval, dynamics, separation, and timbre, the Cadenza wins handedly. Overall, these two are quite different and have their own strengths and weaknesses. Although the Diva's tuning should be my favorite on paper (boosted bass, smooth mids, rolled-off treble), it somehow fails to stack up against the Cadenza 12's incredible sense of balance, refinement, and correctness. While I might occasionally choose the Diva for specific genres, the Cadenza 12 is truly fantastic and much better suited as an all-arounder.

My pick: Cadenza 12

In conclusion:

I was floored to finally get my hands on the Elysian Diva 2023. I had heard from a few fellow audiophiles that its tuning would resonate with my preferences, and they were right! The BA bass is well done, and the addition of a dial for customizing the amount is great. The blue setting exhibits a bold and fun bass response and is my preference of the three options. The midrange is definitely my favorite part of the Diva's tuning. The natural, warm, and inviting vocal performance elevates this set quite a bit. The treble has a touch of excitement but absolutely no harshness or sibilance, which falls squarely in my wheelhouse. While I really enjoy the Diva and understand its cult following, it does have some flaws that prevent it from scoring higher for me. I personally prefer the more natural low-end presentation offered by dynamic drivers, and I expect better bass quality and resolution at this price. It does extend pretty low for an all BA set, but it is a little soft on impact and punch, and the quicker decay cuts bass notes short. The Diva is also not a particularly great all-rounder for my library, but there is an undeniable synergy with singer-songwriter and orchestral music, in particular, that I thoroughly enjoy. I am also unsure if it is priced competitively in 2025, though that might be a moot point since it has been discontinued. The mid-fi tier has made huge strides in the last year, and I think there are many great sets offering competitive performance at lower prices.