Softears Cerberus VS Elysian Apostle
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Softears Cerberus and Elysian Apostle use 1DD+4BA+2EST and 1DD+2BA+2EST driver setups respectively. Softears Cerberus costs $2,100 while Elysian Apostle costs $1,799. Softears Cerberus is $301 more expensive. Elysian Apostle holds a decisive 1.6-point edge in reviewer scores (7.2 vs 8.8). Elysian Apostle has significantly better bass with a 2.9-point edge, Elysian Apostle has significantly better mids with a 2.2-point edge, Elysian Apostle has significantly better treble with a 3.1-point edge, Elysian Apostle has significantly better dynamics with a 4.4-point edge, Elysian Apostle has significantly better soundstage with a 2.6-point edge, Elysian Apostle has significantly better details with a 2.5-point edge and Elysian Apostle has significantly better imaging with a 2.6-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Softears Cerberus | Elysian Apostle |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 5.8 | 8.6 |
| Mids | 6.5 | 8.7 |
| Treble | 5.3 | 8.3 |
| Details | 6 | 8.5 |
| Soundstage | 6.5 | 9.1 |
| Imaging | 6 | 8.6 |
| Dynamics | 4 | 8.4 |
| Tonality | 7.1 | 8.7 |
| Technicalities | 7 | 8.6 |
Softears Cerberus Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.2Generally Favorable
Elysian Apostle Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.8Excellent
Reviews Comparison
Softears Cerberus reviewed by Yifang
8.5
Reviewer Score
Yifang Youtube Channel
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Yifang
8.5
Reviewer Score
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Softears Cerberus reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
6.5
Reviewer Score
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 ChannelSoftears Cerberus reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.8
* score rescaled + normalized
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Head-Fi.org
9
* score rescaled + normalized
Softears Cerberus (more reviews)
Softears Cerberus reviewed by Kois Archive
8.6
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Softears Cerberus hits that rare mix of mellow, relaxed listening with just enough fun to avoid boredom. The 1DD+4BA+2EST array keeps the bass mostly neutral with a tasteful sub-bass lift; it arrives when called, disappears when not, and shows off excellent texture with deep reach—easily one of the better dynamic drivers for low end in a tribrid. Mids stay true-to-tone and unforced; a touch of missing lower/mid-treble “focal” energy keeps vocals from getting shouty, trading bite for a soft, laid-back presence that matches the whole vibe.
The treble is the headline. It’s a dark, smooth take that still sprinkles in the right sparkle and extension from the ESTs—far better than the graph suggests—and it’s tailor-made for the treble-sensitive who still want real performance. Raw technicalities aren’t chasing summit-fi trophies (think competent hybrid/tribrid levels in the $500–$1,000 crowd), but the soundstage stretches impressively wide, among the widest heard on an IEM at home. That choice fits: a set tuned to relax shouldn’t turn analytical or clinical.
Recommended for listeners who want to chill, unwind, and enjoy a refined, non-fatiguing top end; not for those seeking maximum detail shove and fireworks—there are brighter, more forward options for that. As a high-end “kick back” piece, Cerberus stands out as a kilobuck set that invites getting lost in the music rather than dissecting it, and that’s exactly its charm.
Kois Archive Youtube Channel
Softears Cerberus reviewed by Shuwa-T
6.9
Reviewer Score
Softears Cerberus reviewed by Crin
6
Reviewer Score
Softears Cerberus reviewed by Precogvision
4.8
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
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 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
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.
Softears Cerberus Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+2EST
Tuning Type: Neutral, Dark
Brand: Softears Top Softears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $2,100
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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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Softears Cerberus User Review Score
Average User Scores
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Elysian Apostle User Review Score
Average User Scores
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Softears Cerberus Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.5Gaming Grade
B-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-Softears Cerberus Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Expect an inviting tonal blend that adapts well to genres while staying largely composed. It strikes a nice blend of warmth and clarity.
Average Technical Grade
A-- A competent technical showing keeps separation intact while delivering modest staging. It feels tidy even when recordings stack layers.
Elysian 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.
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