Elysian Apostle and Moondrop Psyche use 1DD+2BA+2EST and 2DD+4BA+4Planar driver setups respectively. Elysian Apostle costs $1,799 while Moondrop Psyche costs $1,999. Moondrop Psyche is $200 more expensive. Elysian Apostle holds a decisive 1.3-point edge in reviewer scores (8.8 vs 7.5). Elysian Apostle has significantly better mids with a 4-point edge, Elysian Apostle has significantly better treble with a 1-point edge, Elysian Apostle has significantly better dynamics with a 3-point edge and Elysian Apostle has significantly better soundstage with a 1.5-point edge.
Insights
Metric | Elysian Apostle | Moondrop Psyche |
---|---|---|
Mids | 9 | 5 |
Treble | 8 | 7 |
Soundstage | 8.5 | 7 |
Dynamics | 8 | 5 |
Tonality | 8.7 | 7 |
Technicalities | 8.7 | 7.8 |
Elysian Apostle Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.8Excellent
Moondrop Psyche Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.5Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Jaytiss
Youtube Video Summary
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 Youtube Channel
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Moondrop Psyche reviewed by Jaytiss
2025-08-09Youtube Video Summary
Moondrop Psyche shoots for flagship prestige with a dual-DD, 4BA, and 4 planar array at roughly $2,400, dressed in an unusual faceplate and a metallic shell that sits large but contoured in the ear. Fit and finish feel sturdy yet quirky—visible drivers, a faint seam line around the shell, and minor scuffs on the sample. The stock cable terminates in 4.4 mm and includes a chin slider, but feels stiff and not especially premium; the familiar Moondrop case and basic tips (plus a USB-C adapter) don’t elevate the unboxing to summit-fi expectations.
Sonically, Psyche reads thin, bright, and heavy on upper-mid/air energy, yielding hollow vocals, a plasticky/cuppy timbre, and lightweight bass. Graph views normalized around 500 Hz (and at ~3 kHz) highlight a pronounced upper-mid rise that pulls the rest of the spectrum down perceptually, reducing dynamics and natural midrange body; impedance adapters don’t meaningfully change that behavior. While upper treble isn’t offensive and stage is merely okay, EQ only helps marginally. The tuning feels closer to an eastern-market flavor than Moondrop’s usual crowd-pleasers and diverges from targets like JM1, recalling sets such as KZ Symphony or NDX12 more than the brand’s own high points.
Against internal benchmarks, Meteor, Variations, and even the Dusk DSP come off more balanced and enjoyable; Daybreak already pushed upper mids, but Psyche goes further in a way that’s fatiguing rather than fun. As a collectable design piece with a very specific V-tilted emphasis, it may click for treble die-hards who enjoy that glare-forward presentation (think budget TRN Medusa tonality scaled up). For most, especially at this price, the package feels harsh, underdynamic, and outclassed by alternatives—ultimately earning a firm no-recommendation for general listening.
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Elysian Apostle reviewed by Web Search

The Elysian Apostle delivers a V-shaped signature with a powerful, sub-bass-focused low end that offers substantial rumble and physicality, though some listeners might find it occasionally overwhelming or lacking in tight control. Its dual electrostatic drivers provide crisp, extended treble with good air and minimal harshness, while the midrange remains clear and natural despite slight recession, particularly excelling with vocal clarity and emotional delivery.
Comfort is mixed due to the large nozzle diameter, which demands extensive tip-rolling for a secure fit, though the lightweight aluminum shells are ergonomic for extended wear once settled. The Pentaconn ear connectors offer stability but limit third-party cable options, and the included accessories like the Divinus Velvet tips are functional but basic for the price tier.
Positioned as an "Annihilator Junior", the Apostle captures much of Elysian’s energetic house sound at a lower cost, offering strong technical performance like wide staging and solid resolution. However, its bass dominance and fit quirks make it less versatile across genres, appealing mainly to those seeking a fun, dynamic listen rather than strict neutrality.
Moondrop Psyche reviewed by Web Search
2025-08-09
The Moondrop Psyche impresses with a remarkably detailed and smooth treble response, thanks to its four miniature planar-magnetic drivers, which deliver lower distortion and a sense of **airiness** unmatched by conventional balanced armatures . Combined with dynamic and armature drivers, the sound signature offers a clean, **fast bass performance** that doesn't feel overly boosted, making it suitable for listeners who prefer precision over warmth .
On the craftsmanship side, the Psyche stands out—or divides opinion—with its hand-engraved faceplate featuring inlaid gold and silver. While the artistry is undeniably **bold and distinctive**, some users have pointed out that build quality and aesthetic choices may polarize potential buyers, especially at its price tier (notably around $1,999 USD) .
Elysian Apostle (more reviews)
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
Youtube Video Summary
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
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelElysian Apostle reviewed by Yifang
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Jays Audio
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Head-Fi.org
Elysian Apostle Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+2EST
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: Elysian Top Elysian IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,799
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Moondrop Psyche Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+4BA+4Planar
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,999
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Elysian Apostle User Review Score
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Moondrop Psyche User Review Score
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Elysian Apostle Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.2Gaming Grade
A-Moondrop Psyche Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6Gaming Grade
BElysian Apostle Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S-- Tonal balance reaches a highly refined state, sounding seamless from lows to highs. Everything locks together with satisfying coherence.
Average Technical Grade
S-- The presentation is crisp and expansive, handling complex passages with impressive ease. Low-level details remain audible in quiet passages.
Moondrop Psyche Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- The tonal character feels settled and versatile, with just a few gentle bumps. You can listen for hours without fatigue.
Average Technical Grade
A- Overall technical control is strong, presenting instruments with clarity and sensible staging. Textures are portrayed with satisfying clarity.
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