Elysian Apostle VS Ice Lab Spectrumica
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Elysian Apostle and Ice Lab Spectrumica are in-ear monitors. Elysian Apostle costs $1,799 while Ice Lab Spectrumica costs $2,000. Ice Lab Spectrumica is $201 more expensive. Elysian Apostle holds a decisive 1.1-point edge in reviewer scores (8.8 vs 7.6). Elysian Apostle has significantly better mids with a 2.7-point edge, Elysian Apostle has slightly better treble with a 0.3-point edge, Elysian Apostle has significantly better dynamics with a 1.4-point edge and Elysian Apostle has better soundstage with a 0.6-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Elysian Apostle | Ice Lab Spectrumica |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.6 | 7.6 |
| Mids | 8.7 | 6 |
| Treble | 8.3 | 8 |
| Details | 8.5 | 7.6 |
| Soundstage | 9.1 | 8.5 |
| Imaging | 8.6 | 7.6 |
| Dynamics | 8.4 | 7 |
| Tonality | 8.7 | 7.4 |
| Technicalities | 8.6 | 8 |
Elysian Apostle Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.8Excellent
Ice Lab Spectrumica Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.6Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Jaytiss
9.4
Reviewer Score
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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Ice Lab Spectrumica reviewed by Jaytiss
8.4
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Ice Lab Spectrumica is a nine-driver hybrid with dynamic bass, ESTs, and a bone-conduction driver, priced around $2,100. Build is exceedingly premium: a semi-custom, well-contoured shell with vents and an anti-tragus wing, a tidy flat 2-pin socket for easy cable swaps, and a straight-behaving stock cable terminated in 4.4 mm. The metallic puck case looks neat—nothing wild, but solid. Fit is comfortable if a touch large, and the faceplate has real visual flair.
Tonally this comes across as a colored, high-energy listen: sizzly cymbals, crisp treble with plenty of air and extension, and impactful mid-bass that favors warmth over subterranean rumble—there’s less sub-bass slam than expected at the price. Vocals sit a bit soft and recessed, while staging spreads wide with good clarity. Graphs reflect a noticeable lower-mid/mid-bass rise that can read as slightly muddy depending on taste; still, treble quality and spatial rendering are genuine highlights.
Against peers, Spectrumica feels “good but not greatest.” It’s cleaner and airier than the Prismatica (which skews muddier), yet the Glacier makes a stronger case overall; sets like Symphonium Giant deliver a fun boom-tilted flavor with similar trade-offs. For alternative value and balance, AFUL Dawn-X around $1,300 is a compelling pick. Call the bass a solid 8, with treble and soundstage being the stars. Overall: a beautifully built, distinctive tuning that earns a cautious recommendation at its price—absolutely worth a demo for listeners who crave sparkle, space, and a warmer mid-bass tilt, even if it won’t be the universal endgame.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Head-Fi.org
9
* score rescaled + normalized
Ice Lab Spectrumica reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Elysian Apostle (more reviews)
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Paul Wasabii
9.6
* Score computed by IEMRanking.com
Youtube Video Summary
End game material that does not rely on a single party trick; the whole presentation clicks. The custom LSR dynamic driver delivers tactile, fast, and tightly controlled bass that covers pop, rock, and hip-hop without bleeding, while the overall balance stays natural and unforced. There is a clear gap in polish and realism versus sub-$500 sets, making this a true no-skip listen across most genres.
The mids are the star: a Sonion + Knowles blend yields transparent, weighty, and lifelike vocals with equal poise on male and female timbres. Separation from the bass lets the mids breathe, projecting convincing room cues; staging and imaging approach a wow-level sense of space with depth, placement, and layering that feel convincingly in-the-room.
Treble from the ESTs is linear, airy, and laser-defined without grain or peaks, sitting just under the mids to keep detail constant to the edge of hearing. Driver integration is cohesive from DD through BA to EST, reading as a single transducer. Minor notes: the mid-centric balance prefers flat amplification, V-shape fans may want more treble bite, and very bass-light classical can feel slightly weighted. Overall, a benchmark execution of the tribid formula.
Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
9
Reviewer Score
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
8.5
Reviewer Score
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Jays Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.7
Reviewer Score
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Web Search
8.5
Reviewer Score
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.
Ice Lab Spectrumica (more reviews)
Ice Lab Spectrumica reviewed by Super* Review
7*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The Ice Lab Spectrumica targets the “why spend $2,000” question with a mix of story and sound: ornate yet understated aluminum shells, a substantial but usable cable with 4.4 mm termination, and a stuffed accessory kit (tips in three styles, metal case, cleaning tools, even a metal warranty card). It’s a quad-brid build—4 BA + 2 EST + 1 DD + 1 bone conduction—that wears lighter than it looks and fits securely thanks to a short, ~6.4 mm nozzle and modest semi-custom shaping. Ergonomics aren’t flawless (the chunky Y-split and loose chin slider), but overall presentation feels premium and purposefully different.
Sonically, Spectrumica goes esoteric: a very warm, bass-forward balance with recessed vocals and treble that reads a touch dark yet extends cleanly for a gentle sparkle. The heavy low end creates a big, sometimes diffuse headstage—that “concert-hall” vibe—delivering weight and ambience more than taut impact; attack definition on kick and bass notes is softer. Detail focus leans macro over micro, so microcontrast and vocal clarity can slip on busy mixes, even as the treble avoids harshness.
Against peers, Moondrop Solis 2 sounds more neutral with tighter bass but lacks the immediate wow factor (and its comfort quirks don’t help), while 64 Audio Volür brings a more assertive V-shape with crisper, more tactile lows but less of Spectrumica’s enveloping stage. Spectrumica ultimately feels like a deliberate one-trick specialist—a unique, lush presentation backed by standout build and accessories. For listeners chasing that warm, cinematic, laid-back signature, it’s compelling; for neutral and vocal-centric tastes, less so. Final verdict: 3 stars—pricey, distinctive, and memorable, with clear trade-offs.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelElysian Apostle Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+2EST
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: Elysian Top Elysian IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,799
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Ice Lab Spectrumica Details
Driver Configuration:
Tuning Type: Warm
Price (Msrp): $2,000
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Elysian Apostle User Review Score
Average User Scores
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Ice Lab Spectrumica User Review Score
Average User Scores
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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-Ice Lab Spectrumica Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.3Gaming 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.
Ice Lab Spectrumica Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Tuning lands in a pleasing sweet spot with mostly coherent frequency integration. Tonality stays consistent from track to track.
Average Technical Grade
A+- The tuning feels expertly organized, marrying agile dynamics with well-defined spatial cues. Technical listeners will appreciate the poise.
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