Elysian Pilgrim VS Truthear Nova

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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Elysian Pilgrim and Truthear Nova use 1DD+3BA and 1DD+4BA driver setups respectively. Elysian Pilgrim costs $400 while Truthear Nova costs $150. Elysian Pilgrim is $250 more expensive. Elysian Pilgrim holds a clear 0.5-point edge in reviewer scores (7.3 vs 6.8). Elysian Pilgrim has slightly better bass with a 0.3-point edge, Elysian Pilgrim has slightly better treble with a 0.3-point edge and Elysian Pilgrim has better dynamics with a 0.5-point edge.

Insights

Metric Elysian Pilgrim Truthear Nova
Bass 7.3 7
Mids 6.6 6.8
Treble 6.9 6.6
Details 7.3 7.3
Soundstage 7 7
Imaging 7 7
Dynamics 7.3 6.8
Tonality 7.2 6.8
Technicalities 7.4 6.8

Elysian Pilgrim Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Super* Review
Audionotions Jays Audio Jaytiss Shuwa-T Smirk Audio Tim Tuned
Gizaudio Axel Head-Fi.org

Average Reviewer Score:

7.3

Generally Favorable

Truthear Nova Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Fresh Reviews
Smirk Audio Shuwa-T Tim Tuned Gizaudio Axel Super* Review
Jaytiss Jays Audio Head-Fi.org

Average Reviewer Score:

6.8

Cautiously Favorable

Reviews Comparison

Elysian Pilgrim reviewed by Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 8 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A+ Tech
One of the most resolving IEMs under $1000. Elysian house sound with a balanced tuning, textured sub-bass, smooth mid-range, well extended treble, and excellent resolution. I prefer more bass.

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel

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Price: $399

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Truthear Nova reviewed by Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 6.5 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
B+ Tech
A solid reference. Harman-style sound signature with solid sub-bass, clean forward vocals, smooth treble extension, and great detail. Could use more bass, vocals can feel lean and a bit intense at times.

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel

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Price: $199

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Elysian Pilgrim reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 7.5 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A+ Tech
Clean, clear, all-rounder, similar tuning as the Dusk but with better vocals, bass quality is great as well, aethestically pleasing too. If you want a clean all-rounder, or sensitive in the 3-8K, these are great.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

Truthear Nova reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 7 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A Tech
NEED FOAM TIPS makes the treble smooth and clear. Very clean harman sound with smooth but well extended treble/one of the best treble under $200, no roll-off. The pinnacle of trying not to offend anyone, but light bass/low-end; another harman.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

Elysian Pilgrim reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 7.3 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
C+ Tech
YouTube video thumbnail
Great little set to consider for those after an Elysian Product.
Youtube Video Summary

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.

Mids: B Treble: C+ Dynamics: A- Soundstage: A-

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel

Truthear Nova reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 7.3 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
C+ Tech
Nice set, great bass. Too much upper mids.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: B Treble: C+ Dynamics: A- Soundstage: A-
YouTube video thumbnail

Elysian Pilgrim reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 7.2 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A- Tech
The most chaotic and in your face of the triple threat, more focus to subbass and treble

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: A- Mids: B+ Treble: A Soundstage: A- Details: A+ Imaging: A-

Truthear Nova reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 6.8 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
A- Tech
Overall clean sounding, works well with quicker pop genres (Jpop/Kpop) Male vocals recessed, does not work well with the other half of Jpop/Kpop. Lower midrange suffers from thinner note weight (tuning)

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: A- Mids: B Treble: B+ Soundstage: A- Details: A Imaging: A-

Elysian Pilgrim reviewed by Smirk Audio

Smirk Audio 7 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A- Tech
check links for more info:

Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

Bass: A- Mids: A- Treble: A- Dynamics: A Details: B+ Imaging: A-

Truthear Nova reviewed by Smirk Audio

Smirk Audio 6.9 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
B+ Tech
check links for more info:

Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

Bass: A- Mids: A- Treble: A- Dynamics: B+ Details: A- Imaging: A-

Elysian Pilgrim reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 7 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
S Tech
Most technical sounding IEM under $1000

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Bass: A+ Mids: A- Treble: A+
YouTube video thumbnail

Truthear Nova reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 6.5 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
A+ Tech
check links for more info:

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Bass: A- Mids: A+ Treble: A+

Elysian Pilgrim reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 6* * score rescaled + normalized
Not a bad IEM. Very solid but in this price range it's really competetive. Very safe tuning.

Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

Truthear Nova reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 6* * score rescaled + normalized
A little bit thin and shrill sounding. Hexa costs half as much and it's the better IEM.

Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

Elysian Pilgrim reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 8.1 * score rescaled + normalized
40 community members have rated the Elysian Pilgrim at an average of 4.3/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Excellent.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Truthear Nova reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 7.5 * score rescaled + normalized
12 community members have rated the TruthEar Nova at an average of 4.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Elysian Pilgrim (more reviews)

Elysian Pilgrim reviewed by Audionotions

Audionotions 7.5 Reviewer Score
Elysian signature for the masses in terms of price and intensity. Compared to the rest of the Elysian lineup, the Pilgrim loses a bit of dynamics, techs, and separation and imaging, but it does share some of the same DNA to be found in the Diva and Gaea. Fantastic vocals and very clean mids. Fun, fun, fun right out of the box. Great violin timbre. Great techs - wide stage but lacks a bit of depth. Separation is where it can struggle a bit - can sound congested with more busy passages. Somewhat of a colored, more bright listen but this isn't a bad thing in this case. Bass quality on this set is excellent. When it hits it rumbles and punches like very few others I've heard. And in my opinion, it could actually use a bit more of an elevated bass shelf (or maybe one that extends a bit further into the midbass). This set has me wanting to listen to music all the time and at the end of the day, that's what matters. Would serve well as a great counterpoint to a more neutral/natural sounding IEM. Currently my pick for an energetic IEM under $500, maybe even $1k. Not as technically proficient as its Elysian siblings, and not as incisive, but it's also 1/4 the price. Previously Owned

Audionotions original ranking

Website (Audionotions)

Truthear Nova (more reviews)

Truthear Nova reviewed by Fresh Reviews

Fresh Reviews 5.5* * The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score
Borders C+

Fresh Reviews original ranking

Fresh Reviews Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

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Price: $359.10

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Elysian Pilgrim User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

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Truthear Nova User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Elysian Pilgrim Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

7.1

Gaming Grade

A-

Truthear Nova Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6.8

Gaming Grade

B+

Elysian Pilgrim Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A-
  • It balances warmth and clarity well, showing only minor quirks along the way. Timbre feels believable with most instruments.

Average Technical Grade

A-
  • A competent technical showing keeps separation intact while delivering modest staging. It feels tidy even when recordings stack layers.
Bass A-
Bass is strong and well-defined, delivering slam with admirable control. Electronic drops hit with authority.
Mids B+
The region sounds composed and expressive, giving vocals a natural spotlight. It keeps vocals front and center nicely.
Treble B+
Expect crisp, well-balanced treble that keeps shimmer intact. You hear reverbs decay naturally.
Dynamics A-
The system snaps into action with precision, highlighting every swell. Recordings feel energetic and alive.
Soundstage A-
All dimensions bloom together, producing an expansive venue that feels carefully rendered. You can map the ensemble easily.
Details A-
Micro-details glide to the forefront effortlessly while timbre remains natural. Ambient cues are vivid and lifelike.
Imaging A-
Excellent imaging delivers precise, stable placement with instruments occupying tangible points in space. It locks each element into a steady position.
Gaming A-
Good fundamental spatial awareness for most gaming scenarios. Handles basic positioning well but may lack nuance in complex situations. Value-to-cost may not be optimal for gaming-focused users.

Truthear Nova Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B+
  • It sounds pleasant overall, with some uneven spots that hint at room for refinement. Vocals remain pleasant despite the imperfections.

Average Technical Grade

B+
  • Technical ability is serviceable, keeping basic detail intact across simpler tracks. It keeps up with acoustic tracks without much fuss.
Bass A-
Expect a commanding bass response that reaches deep without clouding the mix. There's both slam and nuance in equal measure.
Mids B+
Expect a confident midrange that keeps details audible without harshness. Acoustic arrangements sound engaging.
Treble B+
The top end is engaging and airy, yet never overbearing. Brass and strings feel energetic.
Dynamics B+
Dynamic expression is good, delivering solid impact and convincing contrast. Percussion lands with convincing weight.
Soundstage A-
Immersion steps up dramatically as width, depth, and height integrate into a cohesive hologram. Everything sounds naturally spaced.
Details A-
Textural subtleties glow, giving each recording a beautifully illuminated character. It exposes mix decisions with precision.
Imaging A-
Depth mapping feels natural and accurate, supporting convincing immersion. Depth mapping feels precise and natural.
Gaming B+
Respectable environmental presentation favors atmosphere over precision. Detects obvious directional cues while conveying game world ambiance.

Elysian Pilgrim User Reviews

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Truthear Nova User Reviews

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