Elysian Pilgrim VS Letshuoer S15

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Hyped for good reason, Elysian’s Pilgrim pairs a sleek, carved metal shell with a genuinely upgraded cable and a refined, clean-balanced tuning. Technicals punch high for the price—resolution sits a notch above sets like Hype 4 and Dusk, while the bass shows tight texture, tidy decay, and neat separation. The low end isn’t as forward or “full” as Hype 4, trading slam for a more neutral and organized presentation that suits listeners seeking clarity over thump.

Vocals are naturally placed: not shouty, not distant, with a touch of air on the tail that avoids harshness. Compared with Dusk, the Pilgrim carries better upper-mid extension and a more complete, detailed midrange; it’s also a bit smoother and more natural up top, and adds a hair more sub-bass for engagement. As a package—sound, build, and unboxing—the Pilgrim reads like a polished, modernized take on that classic balanced recipe.

Context matters, though. As an all-rounder around $300–$400, Pilgrim would be an easy pick, but the Supermix 4 at ~$150 offers roughly “90% of the experience” with an even smoother tilt, pressuring its value case. On the horizon, Simgot EM10—if priced around $399–$450—promises more air, detail, punchier mid-bass, and a wider wrap-around stage, potentially overshadowing Pilgrim’s more chill, laid-back vibe. Practical notes: no obvious channel imbalance was heard, but the ring plating can scratch quickly, the fit is a bit shallow, and wider-bore tips help. Net: a beautifully made, balanced performer for those who value refinement and design, but with fierce competition today, some shoppers may prefer to wait or choose something more specialized (e.g., Hype 4 for bigger low-end).

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Letshuoer S15 takes the planar recipe in a more natural, neutral direction, dialing back the upper-mids/treble glare that made earlier S12 variants feel “planar.” The result is a heavier note weight, smoother edges, and a timbre closer to a good dynamic driver—without the etched, floaty thinness common to many planars. Vocals sit forward with less Harman-style shout, bass carries satisfying sub-bass rumble with tight mid-bass separation thanks to planar speed, and overall fatigue is low. The trade-off is a presentation that’s more relaxed than hyped: treble sparkle and micro-detail aren’t spotlighted, and those craving sizzle may find it a touch polite.

Against its siblings, S15 is the cleanest, most neutral option—more open and balanced than the darker, ultra-chill S08, and more refined/grounded than older S12 iterations that pushed treble energy. The newer S12 2024 brings back liveliness and air while staying smoother than previous S12s, but S15 remains the pick for a reference-leaning planar with convincing timbre. It costs a bit more than S12 2024, yet what you’re paying for is timbre quality, note density, and a fatigue-free listen that still carries enough low-end punch. For listeners prioritizing naturalness over fireworks, S15 feels like the most mature expression of Letshuoer’s planar line.

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Elysian’s Pilgrim shows up with a small, comfortable shell and a tidy, premium-feeling case—white on the outside, a bit papery inside, but practical. Fit leans shallow; a grippy tip helps keep things steady. The unit measured with excellent channel matching and tracks closely to a preferred target, setting the stage for a confident first impression.

On sound, Pilgrim delivers punchy bass with real note weight and slam, natural mids, and imaging that locks in place. There’s a touch of metallic/lush timbre and an ear-gain region that can feel a bit forward, but the overall tonality stays engaging. It’s not a “baby Annihilator”: the big sibling still brings deeper sub-bass and a cleaner upper register, while Pilgrim feels a little more fun and lively. Versus Hype 4, the two trade blows—late vs. early ear gain—with Hype 4 getting a slight nod for some tastes; against the Mega 5 EST, Pilgrim is the more exciting listen and, at roughly $150 less, the stronger value.

Ranking wise, Pilgrim sits among the best at its price, even sparring with costlier sets, though it stops short of heavy hitters like Grand Maestro, Annihilator, Jupiter, or Velour. Assuming the rumored $350–$450 bracket, the package—sound, cable, and case—is compelling. Minor quirks in the ear-gain area aside, this is an exceptional IEM with a full recommendation, and there’s even a Noir version on the horizon for those curious about variants.