Elysian X VS PMG Audio Apx SE

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

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Elysian X and PMG Audio Apx SE use 1DD+4BA+4EST and 1DD+8BA+1Rectangular Planar+1Round Planar driver setups respectively. Elysian X costs $4,500 while PMG Audio Apx SE costs $6,000. PMG Audio Apx SE is $1,500 more expensive. PMG Audio Apx SE holds a clear 0.7-point edge in reviewer scores (8.2 vs 8.9). Elysian X has slightly better mids with a 0.3-point edge, Elysian X has better treble with a 0.7-point edge, PMG Audio Apx SE has significantly better dynamics with a 1.5-point edge and PMG Audio Apx SE has significantly better imaging with a 1-point edge.

Insights

Metric Elysian X PMG Audio Apx SE
Bass 8.7 8.5
Mids 8 7.8
Treble 8.7 8
Details 9 9
Imaging 7.5 8.5
Dynamics 7 8.5
Tonality 8.2 8.4
Technicalities 8.7 9.2

Elysian X Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Crin
Nymz Tim Tuned Precogvision
Yifang

Average Reviewer Score:

8.2

Very Positive

PMG Audio Apx SE Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Bad Guy Good Audio Smirk Audio Head-Fi.org
Yifang
Z-Reviews

Average Reviewer Score:

8.9

Outstanding

Reviews Comparison

Elysian X reviewed by Yifang

Yifang 9 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
S+ Tech
One of the most technically competent, all tonal qualities are of the highest level, with treble perhaps being the best to ever exist. Low availability, sounds a bit bright and lean, does not work for all genres, likely to be very fatiguing depending on the listener. Important to note preferences.

Yifang original ranking

Yifang Youtube Channel

PMG Audio Apx SE reviewed by Yifang

Yifang 9 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
S+ Tech
Tonally acceptable and one of the most technically competent sets to exist. Surprisingly non-fatiguing listen. Extremely standout stage size AND most notably, huge note size within that stage. Extremely phenomenal in this regard. Timbre and coherency need improvements. Driver coherency issues are somewhat obvious on highly dynamic EDM, particularly the extension in both ends of the frequency spectrum, making technicalities feel unnatural. Treble in particular is more problematic and affects timbre & smoothness, particularly female vocals and anything on the higher pitches. Low availability and high price.

Yifang original ranking

Yifang Youtube Channel

Elysian X (more reviews)

Elysian X reviewed by Nymz

Nymz 8.5 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
A+ Tech
A more sub-bass focused Annihilator without the same level of technicalities and treble.

Nymz original ranking

Nymz Website

Bass: S Mids: A+ Treble: S Details: S Imaging: A+

Elysian X reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 8 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
S Tech
Near excellent timbre, fantastic bass Slight uppermids uneverness

Tim Tuned original ranking

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

Elysian X reviewed by Precogvision

Precogvision 8 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A Tech
Basically a more sub-bass focused Annihilator 2021 with some trade-offs in technicalities.

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel
Bass: A+ Mids: A+ Treble: S Dynamics: A- Details: S Imaging: A-

Elysian X reviewed by Crin

Crin 7.5 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
S- Tech
check links for more info:

Crin original ranking

Crin Youtube Channel

PMG Audio Apx SE (more reviews)

PMG Audio Apx SE reviewed by Z-Reviews

Z-Reviews 10 * score rescaled + normalized
YouTube video thumbnail
Youtube Video Summary

The PMG Audio Apx SE comes out swinging with a $6,000 price tag and a $1,600 cable that looks the part but fights the ear with stiffness and springy memory. The shells flaunt real lapis lazuli and an over-the-top suitcase-and-pillow presentation, complete with certificates and multiple cases—great for show, awkward for daily carry. Ergonomically, the cable’s tension and odd flush/penetrating plug mismatch feel fussy, making this an at-home listening trophy rather than a commuter’s companion.

Under the bling sits a small army: 11 drivers per side (10 mm DD, two planars—one rectangular, one round—and eight BAs) with a seven-way passive crossover, somehow delivering startling cohesion at just 5 Ω. The sound is hyper-resolving and fault-finding; imaging and spatial precision rank among the best heard, revealing hums, edits, and room cues that lesser sets gloss over. Stock silicones lean monitor-flat, but swapping to grippier tips (e.g., “Render” style) adds weight and a touch of warmth, nudging the tuning from sterile to satisfying.

Versus other favorites—Softears Twilight for natural timbre and Dunu Glacier for bass slam—the Apx SE feels like the “full package” of microdetail, stage mapping, and technical swagger, but only by a diminishing-returns margin. It’s arguably the most technically impressive IEM on the desk, yet not the most lovable; the wallet pain and fussy cable sap the joy. Verdict: hear it if you can and crave top-end microdetail, but recommending a used-car-priced IEM to normal humans? That’s a hard no.

Z-Reviews original ranking

Z-Reviews Youtube Channel

PMG Audio Apx SE reviewed by Bad Guy Good Audio

Bad Guy Good Audio 8.7 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
S Tech
YouTube video thumbnail
Game changer. Most resolving accurate replay in the hobby. No specific qualifier to wave off potential buyer..nada Price is extreme but presentation reflects that. No sonic flaws. 1st set in 10 years that gets that.
Youtube Video Summary

The PMG Audio Apx SE comes out swinging with a $6,000 price tag and a $1,600 cable that looks the part but fights the ear with stiffness and springy memory. The shells flaunt real lapis lazuli and an over-the-top suitcase-and-pillow presentation, complete with certificates and multiple cases—great for show, awkward for daily carry. Ergonomically, the cable’s tension and odd flush/penetrating plug mismatch feel fussy, making this an at-home listening trophy rather than a commuter’s companion.

Under the bling sits a small army: 11 drivers per side (10 mm DD, two planars—one rectangular, one round—and eight BAs) with a seven-way passive crossover, somehow delivering startling cohesion at just 5 Ω. The sound is hyper-resolving and fault-finding; imaging and spatial precision rank among the best heard, revealing hums, edits, and room cues that lesser sets gloss over. Stock silicones lean monitor-flat, but swapping to grippier tips (e.g., “Render” style) adds weight and a touch of warmth, nudging the tuning from sterile to satisfying.

Versus other favorites—Softears Twilight for natural timbre and Dunu Glacier for bass slam—the Apx SE feels like the “full package” of microdetail, stage mapping, and technical swagger, but only by a diminishing-returns margin. It’s arguably the most technically impressive IEM on the desk, yet not the most lovable; the wallet pain and fussy cable sap the joy. Verdict: hear it if you can and crave top-end microdetail, but recommending a used-car-priced IEM to normal humans? That’s a hard no.

Bass: A+ Mids: A+ Treble: A+

Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking

Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube Channel

PMG Audio Apx SE reviewed by Smirk Audio

Smirk Audio 8.5 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
S- Tech
Great resolution and layering. Great bass texture and punch. Mids have a small timbral issue. Refined, resolving highs. Analogue tone. Engaging yet non-fatiguing. Cons: Shells prone to cracking.

Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

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

PMG Audio Apx SE reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 8.5 * score rescaled + normalized
6 community members have rated the PMG Audio Apx SE at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Elysian X User Review Score

Average User Scores

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PMG Audio Apx SE User Review Score

Average User Scores

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Elysian X Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

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

Gaming Score

7

Gaming Grade

A-

PMG Audio Apx SE Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

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

Gaming Score

7.4

Gaming Grade

A-

Elysian X Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A+
  • The tonal balance is polished and expressive, highlighting emotion without sacrificing accuracy. It keeps emotional weight without sacrificing accuracy.

Average Technical Grade

S-
  • The presentation is crisp and expansive, handling complex passages with impressive ease. Low-level details remain audible in quiet passages.
Bass S-
You hear powerful yet disciplined low-end slam that extends effortlessly. It marries sub-bass depth with great texture.
Mids A+
Midrange quality is superb, rich with resolving power and transparency. Micro-details leap out effortlessly.
Treble S-
Treble reaches superb heights, offering effortless extension and crystal clarity. Every cymbal crash resolves into fine mist.
Dynamics A-
The system snaps into action with precision, highlighting every swell. Recordings feel energetic and alive.
Details S
Every recording is presented with forensic clarity that still sounds organic. It reveals the recording environment perfectly.
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. Bad value-to-cost for gaming purpose - not recommended

PMG Audio Apx SE Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A+
  • Tuning feels refined, blending frequencies with convincing realism and engagement. Transitions between registers feel effortless.

Average Technical Grade

S
  • Expect an effortlessly clean presentation that keeps complex mixes perfectly organized. There is zero sense of congestion even at high volume.
Bass S-
The bass digs deep with authority while staying impeccably textured. No sense of bloom muddies the mids.
Mids A
The mid band shines with organic tone and finely rendered textures. Long sessions remain fatigue-free.
Treble A+
Highs sound shimmering and endless, with exquisite smoothness and detail. Air and sparkle feel endless.
Dynamics S-
The presentation feels expansive, letting micro and macro dynamics breathe. There's a sense of limitless headroom.
Details S
Resolution reaches the limit of perception, exposing layers you didn't know existed. Clarity remains pristine regardless of complexity.
Imaging S-
Exceptional imaging with holographic precision that creates a palpable sense of placement. It creates a near-holographic placement.
Gaming A-
Good fundamental spatial awareness for most gaming scenarios. Handles basic positioning well but may lack nuance in complex situations. Bad value-to-cost for gaming purpose - not recommended

Elysian X User Reviews

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PMG Audio Apx SE User Reviews

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