Custom Art FIBAE 7 VS Elysian Apostle

Elysian Apostle steps in as the spiritual successor to the beloved Diva, mirroring the Annihilator’s driver count at a lower price (~$1,800) while charting its own course. The build is full-metal, compact, gunmetal/black, and notably durable with a comfortable fit. Packaging feels premium—sturdy puck case, plentiful tips—and the two-tone red/black cable impresses with supple handling (minor microphonics, loose chin slider aside). Overall, the accessories and ergonomics are dialed in without unnecessary bling.

Sonically, Apostle is clean, clear, dark and detailed: a neutral with bass boost presentation, subtle 1 kHz energy, and a tasteful 4–6 kHz dip that keeps upper mids smooth. Compared with Annihilator 2023, there’s less upper-treble sparkle and bass quantity, trading flash for tonal correctness and long-term listenability; it simply doesn’t come across as bright. Tip depth shifts perceived treble peaks a touch, and an impedance adapter (e.g., 8 Ω) can add bass heft if desired. The net effect is a “beautiful darkness” with excellent separation, space, and crisp transients.

Against peers, Apostle reads as a next-gen Diva—retaining the charm while improving extension, detail, staging, and overall refinement. Versus Monarch (Mk II/Mk III), it takes a slightly smoother treble contour without dulling clarity. It outresolves sets like Grand Maestro SE (treble timbre quirks noted) and stands strong beside Europa (which offers more bass but fit can vary). Budget-minded listeners might find echoes of its tonality in options like AFUL P7, albeit with spikier upper treble. For those prioritizing mids, technical performance, and a refined, non-fatiguing tilt over sheer bass output, Apostle earns a full recommendation—a top-tier, deeply revealing listen that feels special from top to bottom.

Jaytiss original ranking

Elysian Apostle is a tribrid 1DD + 2BA + 2EST with a four-way crossover priced around $1,800. The package is premium: leather puck case, protective pouches, cleaning tools, and multiple Divinus Velvet tip sets, plus detailed info cards. The stock 4.4 mm Pentaconn cable (mixed copper/gold-plated copper/silver) is medium-thick, supple, and quiet, while the all-metal shells with venting, a secure-lip nozzle (~6.3 mm), and excellent isolation deliver a comfortable, stable fit.

The tuning follows Elysian’s balanced, energetic house sound: bass-boosted yet controlled, vocal-focused mids, and reference-grade EST treble. Low end hits with textured slam and deep sub-bass rumble without bleed; mids are rich, natural, and forward, giving voices and instruments lifelike weight; highs are airy, crisp, and hyper-detailed with zero harshness or sibilance. Technicalities stand out—top-tier resolution, laser-precise imaging, layered separation, and a wide, deep stage that feels immersive without sounding exaggerated.

Against peers, Apostle trades the Annihilator 2023’s bigger slam and extra air for clearer vocals, finer bass texture, and larger stage, and it out-resolves the Diva 2023 while the Diva stays smoother/softer overall. Best for vocal lovers, detail seekers, EST-treble fans, and those wanting a lively but balanced presentation; less ideal for bassheads or listeners preferring darker, laid-back treble. Verdict: an exceptional all-rounder that earns a solid 5-star rating.

Gizaudio Axel original ranking