Softears RS10 VS Elysian Apostle

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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.

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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.

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Softears RS10 targets the top of the detail game at $2,100, but its extras feel dated: a leather hard case, pouch, tips, metal card, and a basic cable—often without interchangeable plugs (current Hangout stock is 4.4 mm). The shell is fully filled resin with a glass-like look that reads premium despite the old-school accessory pack.

Tuning skews a brighter V/U-shape—think JM1 diffuse field (5128) with a bass shelf. Bass is competent, not class-leading at the price; the real draw is the treble: forward, incisive, and surprisingly non-sibilant. RS10 is a detail monster that shoves low-level information to the front and actually has the resolving ability to render it—thrilling for analysis, but intense over long sessions.

Best for listeners who explicitly want maximum resolution and can handle a more energetic top end; less ideal for those seeking a laid-back or warm signature or a luxe unboxing. Price and intensity are the trade-offs; the payoff is one of the most resolving presentations available with a tonality that stays natural-leaning despite its brightness.

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Softears RS10 targets a Harman-leaning reference balance with a clean, studio-grade presentation: bass is tight and linear with modest mid-bass punch, prioritizing speed, texture, and separation over slam. The midrange sits neutral and coherent, giving vocals accurate body without bloom, while treble extends with air and micro-detail that spotlights room cues and trailing reverbs. Staging focuses on pinpoint imaging and layering more than sheer width, creating a precise, microscope-like view into mixes that rewards high-quality recordings.

On the flip side, the tuning’s discipline means sub-bass rumble and warmth are restrained, and the upper-treble focus can read energetic on hot masters. It excels for critical listening, fast genres, and complex arrangements where transient clarity matters, but bass-heads and those seeking plush note weight may prefer a richer set. Build and isolation are solid, comfort is stable for long sessions, and the overall package feels polished and technical—a premium, detail-first monitor for listeners who value accuracy over indulgence.

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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.