Softears RSV VS Elysian Pilgrim Noir

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Softears RSV breaks the usual BA timbre stigma with a natural, cohesive presentation that avoids the metallic edge often blamed on poor crossovers. Its tuning lifts the upper-mids/early treble just enough to throw vocals into center stage, creating a lively contrast against an otherwise balanced base. At higher volumes the treble feels smooth and correct—cymbal hits sound “right” without glare—while the midrange stays clean, forward, and free of bleed.

Technically, it’s above average but not a show-off: speed, separation, and imaging are tight, yet sets like SA6 Ultra or U12t resolve a touch sharper. Bass carries typical BA traits—quick, textured, but without dynamic-driver slam—though U12t still edges it for bass texture. Where RSV shines is vocal immersion and timbre, arguably among the best under $1,000; just note its source sensitivity at loud listening—pair it with a clean, capable source to avoid distortion. Not a pick for bassheads, but for vocal lovers chasing a smooth, lifelike top end, RSV feels special.

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Softears RSV brings a 5BA recipe with a shell that’s handsome but larger than average, featuring a recessed 2-pin that can fuss with some cables. Comfort is generally fine, yet the size and wide body may test smaller ears. Sonically it’s a neutral-leaning tuning with clean mids and polite highs, but the presentation trades off texture, sub-bass weight, and upper-air sparkle. Stage feels spacious, extension is more average, and while the technicalities are solid, the current crop of mid-fi monitors has pushed beyond what this 2021 design delivers.

Stacked against today’s options, RSV gets pressure from several directions: Elysian Pilgrim hits harder down low with greater perceived clarity; Supernova offers a more natural tonality and better sub-bass; HiSenior Mega5 EST graphs similarly but adds a touch more air; even value picks like a “super mix”/EM10-style V-tune bring fun, slam, and engagement. RSV remains easy to pair and its upper-mids are tastefully set, yet vocals can feel a bit soft—more “fun and cozy” than pristine. At typical new pricing around the mid-$500s it’s tough to champion; catch it closer to $350–$400 (or a good used deal) and it becomes a very enjoyable pick for those who prize smooth mids over maximum bass grip and airy bite.

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Softears RSV presents as a premium, well-finished all-BA set with five balanced armatures, a secure, slightly deeper fit and above-average isolation. The package feels thoughtful—nice case, multiple tips, cleaning tools—while the shells have a tasteful, dark flake aesthetic. Ergonomically it fills the ear a bit more than comparable models like Moondrop’s S8, but comfort and stability are standouts.

Tonally, RSV opts for a warm, laid-back Harman tilt: elevated sub-bass with restrained mid-bass, even mids with a touch more body than typical Harman, and an upper-mid presence that’s assertive yet not shouty. The treble is notably smooth and controlled—never sharp or sibilant—contributing to an unfatiguing, polished listen. For an all-BA design, the bass is punchy and clean, staying out of the midrange; the main trade-off is a stage that can feel narrower versus more expansive peers.

Against benchmarks, RSV comes across as the “gentleman’s” alternative to the more energetic Moondrop S8 and the livelier, deeper-reaching ThieAudio Monarch, while showing more consistent bass body and smoother treble than DUNU SA6. At roughly $730, it emphasizes balance and refinement over fireworks, earning a solid four-star verdict: extremely competent tuning and execution for those prioritizing maturity, comfort, and smoothness over maximum excitement.

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The Pilgrim Noir is a collaboration tweak on Elysian’s $400 Pilgrim, now at $800 with a darker aesthetic and an Effect Audio cable. The cable feels premium but, with very low impedance, has a negligible impact on sound; IPX connectors remain and hardware styling is a bit blingy. Driver layout stays the same—1DD + 3BA—and while marketing calls out crossover changes, the practical differences show up more subtly.

On the mic, graphs tell the story: when the resonance peak is aligned properly, Pilgrim and Noir measure very similarly, with only a small shift in the upper mids/treble. In listening, Noir presents a touch more relaxed vocal region and a hair more warmth, while bass quantity stays about the same. The original Pilgrim still projects a slightly wider, brighter sense of space, but the Noir pushes ahead on texture—voices and guitars feel a bit more guttural and satisfying.

As a package, this is still a safe tuning with no sharp treble or boomy bass, just a more opinionated flavor than the regular Pilgrim. Preference leans Noir for that added texture and nuance, but the value case is harder at 2× the price. Verdict: a solid 3-star set at $800—worth it for those chasing the Pilgrim’s core sound with a touch more character, not for anyone expecting a wholesale upgrade.

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Softears RSV delivers a rare combo for a full-BA set: organic timbre without the plasticky edge. The bass carries sufficient weight with a mid-bass emphasis—tight and tasteful rather than earth-shaking, and understandably shy of a DD’s thump. Midrange separation from the bass is clean yet never thin; male vocals keep their body, while female vocals and instruments sound natural, relaxed, and true-to-life. Treble sits neutral and tame—enough sparkle to animate vocals and instruments, but not tuned to spotlight microdetail. Detail retrieval is above average for the price, though not a detail monster, and staging plus imaging sit comfortably slightly outside the head with competent placement. The overall takeaway is a beautiful all-rounder that prioritizes realism and balance over fireworks.

Against peers, RSV squares up closely with Thieaudio Oracle: choose Oracle for more dynamic bass, pick RSV for more organic mids and vocals. Versus sets like Moondrop Variations, RSV trades a touch of separation/analytical edge for fuller lower mids and a more lifelike tonal weight. It won’t chase the widest stages or the sharpest micro-etch, but the tuning and timbre are so dialed that technical trade-offs fade into the background. As the most affordable Softears model, RSV feels like a love letter to musicality: realistic tone, versatile tuning, and a presentation that simply sounds right across genres.

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Elysian x Effect Audio Pilgrim Noir takes the original Pilgrim’s 1DD + 3BA foundation and dials it up with an upgraded 4-way crossover, a stealthy all-black finish, and Effect Audio’s cable. There’s a switch to the micro-Pentaconn connector that feels more secure than on the OG, plus a suede case (smells like vintage sneakers) and a bigger-than-necessary box. Accessories are sparse for the price—some tips and a cloth, but no pile of extras or modular plug kit in the package—so the appeal leans hard on build and tuning rather than trinkets.

Sonically, Noir comes across as warmer, fuller, and smoother than the standard Pilgrim, with instrument placement that clicks into a “just right” stage—not hyper-wide, not cramped, simply balanced. Bass has satisfying body without bloat, mids are enhanced and buttery, and treble stays tasteful, giving the set clear character—a deliberate flavor rather than sterile perfection. Track after track hits the “ooh” button, delivering a genuinely flagship experience under $1k and feeling like a refined take on sets in the “Nanna” vein. Score wise, it gets the headline 10, with a “heart says 9.5” caveat only for the light accessory load; in pure sound, it’s a clear step beyond the original Pilgrim and absolutely the one to keep in ears.

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Elysian Pilgrim Noir pairs a 3BA + 1DD hybrid setup with the Effect Audio Eros S cable, whose interchangeable terminations and connector modules keep it versatile without coloring the sound. The tuning comes across as reference-leaning bright: crisp and detailed, but with a treble edge that can flirt with harshness on certain material. At around $800, it targets clarity and speed over warmth or heft, positioning itself more for precision than for cinematic thump.

In competitive play, that profile is a mixed bag. In Valorant, the elevated upper range pulls out light cues—footsteps, surface taps, metal pings—with excellent imaging and depth perception, making it a solid B+. Shift to Apex Legends and the brighter gunfire, grenades, and wideband chaos create occlusion; despite a larger stage, separation suffers, settling around a B–. In Call of Duty, imaging and verticality remain competent, but bass-weighted effects can mask detail, putting performance near a B to B–.

Overall, for pure competitive gaming the Pilgrim Noir isn’t the most compelling value at its price; several cheaper sets deliver cleaner separation and easier cue extraction. It still earns “wall-hack certified” status, yet the Tigerism Sunflower generally scores higher across titles and offers a warmer, more intimate presentation for music. The Noir suits listeners who favor a lighter, brighter, reference tilt and prioritize micro detail—just be mindful of the treble bite and genre- or game-dependent occlusion trade-offs.