Elysian Pilgrim Noir VS Softears RSV MK II

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Softears RSV MK2 shifts from the OG’s vocal-centric tilt into a bass-forward all-rounder. The sub-bass and mid-bass hit with real slam and weight, giving drums and bass guitars a satisfying, dynamic punch. Upper mids (3–6 kHz) are tamed to avoid shout, while a gentle 1–2 kHz rise keeps vocals open and natural—slightly less pushed than the original but still clear. Treble is smooth with decent air; not super sparkly and there’s no EST “sauce,” but it stays clean and non-fatiguing.

As a package, MK2’s standout is the low-end texture—thunderous yet controlled—making it one of the more engaging bassy sets under four figures. Technical performance is solid for the tier, though some rivals at lower prices bring more raw detail and EST extension. Build and accessories get a tasteful, modern refresh. For best balance, the stock tips work well; bass-boosting or treble-opening tips can shift it toward a more V-shape at the expense of overall smoothness.

On genre fit, MK2 shines with hip-hop, pop, EDM, and R&B, where its punch and warmth bring rhythms to life; for orchestral or leaner acoustic picks, the bass can edge forward depending on the mix. It scales to mid–high volumes nicely (around the 70–80 dB zone) without turning sharp. Compared with the OG RSV—now likely affected by a silent retune in recent units—the MK2 is the safer buy: less shout, more authority down low, and a broader all-rounder appeal. Recommended, especially if found below full MSRP, for listeners craving tasteful bass with natural mids and relaxed, smooth treble.

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Softears RSV MK2 takes the original’s idea and pushes it into a bolder, bass-centric direction. The compact shell is comfortably contoured, isolates well, and uses a slightly recessed 2-pin; the angular faceplate gives off an “evil Voltron” vibe in the best way. Packaging and accessories feel premium—a silky cable terminated in 4.4 mm with a matching 3.5 mm adapter, tip selection, cleaning tools—though the bundled case looks nice while feeling a bit faux-leather and questionable for durability. Under the hood is a 5-BA array around the ~$700 mark, presented with the fit and finish expected at this tier.

The tuning is unabashedly bass-heavy with a warmer rise through ~150–200 Hz and a slightly dark-leaning top end; not super airy, but undeniably full, rich, and musical. That weight can introduce occasional roughness/sibilance in certain vocals and can muddy spoken-word content, so this isn’t for everyone. Within Softears’ catalog it stands out: far more low-end than RSV (OG), Volume S, Twilight or Studio 4, and a different philosophy than Enigma’s vivid upper-mids. Versus sets like Monarch MK4, this goes for a deeper, thumpier shelf with a gentler upper air—trading a bit of “technical” sheen for tonal density and groove.

As a “tactfully executed bass-head” Softears, RSV MK2 delivers: impactful low end, natural mids, comfortable build, and a coherent, down-sloping balance that suits modern music exceptionally well. It isn’t flawless—moments of aggressiveness, plus a case that feels more pretty than tough—but the overall package is compelling. In the $400–$900 bracket it scores a 9.4 on this scale, while strong lower-priced options (e.g., bass-shelf specialists like Punch-tuned sets) may satisfy similar cravings if budget leads. For listeners craving a plush, powerful low end done with intent, this is a distinctive and deeply enjoyable take from Softears.

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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 MK II brings back the all-BA ethos at $700 with five armatures and a promise of “re-engineered BA bass.” Build and accessories feel premium (sleek shells, plush case), while the cable choice is quirky—4.4 mm only with a 3.5 mm pigtail. Fit is outstandingly secure and custom-like but on the larger side with a longer nozzle, so comfort depends on ear size. Softears’ Ultra Clear tips work well; the new metal-ring variant adds little beyond novelty.

On the graph, bass looks like gigabass, yet in ear it settles into a warm, weighty foundation without steamrolling the mids. The midrange follows a “new-meta neutral” tilt—fuller than Harman with forward upper-mids—while treble lands clean and sparkly without fatigue. Imaging is tidy rather than cavernous; separation and delineation are convincing, with the top end executed better than the bottom. BA bass here is among the more physical and satisfying of its kind, though tactility can be track-dependent and turn a bit tubby on very bass-heavy mixes.

Against peers, Symphonium Meteor sounds warmer and more “special” but less all-round; DUNU SA6 MK2 is more colored with janglier treble and the least convincing bass; 7th Acoustics Supernova trades warmth for vivid, bright-tilted imaging; Softears Studio 4 is lighter on bass and airier; and the old Moondrop S8 stays the lively, vocal-centric counterpoint. Net take: a supremely competent, character-light all-rounder that favors bass weight over panoramic staging. Verdict: 4/5 stars—a welcome throwback done right, and notably cheaper than the original RSV launch price.

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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.

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The Softears RSV MK II is a 5BA set at $699 with a sleek, performance-driven look—carbon-fiber “V” and RS badge on the faceplate—paired to an ergonomic shell and fish-mouth nozzle that stays light and exceptionally comfortable over long sessions. The package is solid: a braided 4.4 cable (plus a 3.5 mm dongle), cleaning cloth, two pouches, and two sets of silicone tips; the only nitpick is wishing for a more premium carrying case at this price.

What sets RSV MK II apart is how a generous bass boost/extension coexists with top-tier imaging, separation, and layering. In Valorant, footsteps hit with extra energy and impact yet subtle cues—water steps, micro-movements—cut through even during Vandal spam and 5v5 ability chaos. In Battlefield the set is a standout for immersion (planes, tanks) while preserving precise gunfire placement and the light “clinks” that win fights. The latest mix in Apex plays to its strengths: thermites don’t mask light taps, elevation cues remain clear, slides and shield pops are easy to track; and in Call of Duty, airstrikes and mortar fire don’t swamp critical information. It’s scored as the lowest-priced S-tier on the WallHack-certified list—note the tonality skews a touch dark, so strict reference seekers may prefer something lighter, but for impactful low-end plus elite competitive clarity, RSV MK II is a killer pick.

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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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Effect Audio x Elysian Acoustic Labs Pilgrim Noir takes everything that was fun on the original Pilgrim and turns it into a much more mature, refined hybrid. The familiar dynamic driver still delivers a hard slamming low end, but the bass shelf is rebalanced so that the image sits further back in the head and stage, giving a deeper and more natural presentation at this price. Sub bass weight, mid bass punch and timbre are all improved, and the set now keeps the full slam while better supporting the rest of the tuning instead of overwhelming it.

A key change is the move to an undampened tubeless Knowles balanced armature, which pushes resolution, speed and detail far beyond what the graph suggests. Mids have a richer, more resolving character that blends the smooth sonion style tone with a sharper edge that locks in with the dynamic driver, so vocals and instruments sit more confidently in the mix without sounding flat or veiled. Treble is clearly more extended and forward, matching the marketing talk of a more sophisticated and mature tuning, adding in the room transparency, air and bite that the original Pilgrim never quite managed. Layering, separation, dynamics and micro detail are all on a different level, especially when driven from a higher quality source.

With the rebalance between bass and treble, Pilgrim Noir now projects a proper three dimensional stage with sharp imaging and a convincing sense of space, making it comfortable across genres from R&B and hip hop to classical. The combination of a powerful dynamic driver and lively balanced armatures gives a very engaging, musical yet controlled presentation that can easily serve as a single all rounder set in a collection. Fit and tip selection can still be a little fussy and the price is undeniably high, but for listeners who value a hard hitting low end, strong technical performance and an all genre capable tuning in one hybrid, Pilgrim Noir delivers on what the original was expected to do and feels very well executed for its bracket.

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Elysian Pilgrim Noir arrives as a premium evolution of the original Pilgrim, pairing the matte black shells with a customized Effect Audio Ares S cable and SpinFit W1 tips for a sleek, cohesive package. Sonically it keeps the familiar house sound, riding the line between neutral and V-shape, but with a more refined, relaxed upper mid and lower treble that removes the touch of brightness found on the original.

The bass is sub-bass focused with just enough lift to stay fun without reaching basshead levels, delivering punch, physicality and impressive control with no bass bleed and very good separation. Lower mids gain extra warmth and weight, giving instruments and vocals a richer, fuller body while still maintaining strong detail, and the upper mids and treble come across as smoother and more natural, adding a little extra resolution without introducing sharpness or fatigue. Overall the tuning feels more balanced than the original, with a tactile low end, rich midrange and smooth yet energetic top that many listeners will find close to a neutral-fun sweet spot.

Technical performance is also excellent, with improved detail retrieval over the Pilgrim and stage, imaging and layering that remain competitive with heavy hitters like the IE600 and Shuan Gate around the 600-700 dollar range. Within that bracket Noir stands out as a favorite thanks to its combination of resolving ability and easygoing tonality, even if it does not quite feel like an 800 dollar leap over the original. For listeners shopping in the mid-to-upper tier who value refined tuning and strong all-round technicalities over raw price-to-performance, the Pilgrim Noir comes across as a polished, highly satisfying take on the Elysian house sound.

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The Elysian Pilgrim Noir arrives in a huge, over the top box, but the actual unboxing experience is simple and familiar to anyone who knows the original Pilgrim. The same compact case, SpinFit tips, cleaning brush and paperwork are here, but wrapped in a stealthy matte black aesthetic with gold highlights that makes the shells look like a blacked out BMW. The collaboration with Effect Audio brings a very high quality cable that feels premium in hand, is non microphonic and supports the TermX modular plug system and ConX swappable connectors, so this cable can be used with many other IEMs while keeping things secure with a screw in design.

On the tuning side the Noir keeps the sub bass of the original Pilgrim almost identical, with a very low reaching rumble that is clean, detailed and easily one of the strongest sub bass presentations in this range. The real change is in the mid bass, where a few extra decibels give kicks and drum solos a proper weight so that hits feel punchy and satisfying across pop, hip hop, rock and soundtracks. Lower mids gain some body, making male voices and instruments sound thicker and more podcast like, while the upper mids and treble shift into a more relaxed tuning: male vocals sit a bit further back in the mix, female vocals and some instruments like electric guitars and jazz trumpets step slightly forward, and cymbals and hi hats move a little into the background compared to the airy, sizzling presentation of the original Pilgrim.

In terms of technical performance the Noir stands shoulder to shoulder with the original, offering very high detail retrieval, solid instrument separation and a wide, well defined soundstage that does not really change even when swapping the cables between both pairs. Resolution feels essentially the same, so the real difference is the shift from the original Pilgrim focus on clarity, air and forward midrange to a Noir presentation that is smoother, bassier and more laid back in the mids and treble. For listeners who want more weight in the low end, a mellow tonality for long sessions and a premium modular cable that can serve multiple IEMs, the Pilgrim Noir is a very attractive package, but for pure sound per money and an open, sparkling character the original Pilgrim still comes across as the stronger overall deal.