Subtonic STORM VS Elysian Apostle
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Subtonic STORM and Elysian Apostle use 5BA+2EST+2SLAM and 1DD+2BA+2EST driver setups respectively. Subtonic STORM costs $5,200 while Elysian Apostle costs $1,799. Subtonic STORM is $3,401 more expensive. Subtonic STORM holds a slight 0.3-point edge in reviewer scores (9.1 vs 8.9). Elysian Apostle has better mids with a 0.6-point edge, Subtonic STORM has better treble with a 0.7-point edge, Subtonic STORM has significantly better dynamics with a 1.5-point edge and Subtonic STORM has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Subtonic STORM | Elysian Apostle |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.7 | 8.9 |
| Mids | 8.4 | 9 |
| Treble | 8.7 | 8 |
| Details | 9.7 | 8.9 |
| Soundstage | 9.5 | 8.5 |
| Imaging | 9 | 8.9 |
| Dynamics | 9.5 | 8 |
| Tonality | 9 | 8.7 |
| Technicalities | 9.4 | 8.8 |
Subtonic STORM Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Elysian Apostle Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Subtonic STORM Details
Driver Configuration: 5BA+2EST+2SLAM
Tuning Type: Neutral with bass boost
Brand: Subtonic Top Subtonic IEMs
Price (Msrp): $5,200
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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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Subtonic STORM User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Elysian Apostle User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Subtonic STORM Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.7Gaming Grade
AElysian Apostle Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.3Gaming Grade
A-Subtonic STORM Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S- Highly polished technical execution. Excellent frequency synergy creates an immersive experience. Enhances musical content.
Average Technical Grade
S- Outstanding resolution and control. Effortlessly retrieves micro-details, with holographic staging and fast transients. Handles complexity with poise.
Elysian Apostle Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S-- Highly polished technical execution. Excellent frequency synergy creates an immersive experience. Enhances musical content.
Average Technical Grade
S-- Excellent clarity and detail. Precise imaging and expansive soundstage. Manages complex passages with minimal smearing and good transient speed.
Subtonic STORM Reviews
10
Reviewer Score
The best IEM I've ever heard. Best timbre. Super natural. TOTL tech. It's just good. That's all. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Most IEMs inevitably introduce flaws that shatter musical immersion—be it harsh treble, shouty vocals, or unbalanced bass. These imperfections act as chains, binding the listener and preventing that elusive state of pure, uninterrupted freedom within the music. While the OG EJ07 came close, even it faltered on certain tracks, its forward vocals becoming a jarring distraction when pushed hard. The Subtonic Storm, however, shatters this pattern entirely.
Contrary to its name, the Storm represents the eye of the hurricane—a sanctuary of pure, effortless sound. It liberates the music from tuning flaws, presenting it naturally and tranquilly. There are zero distractions or attachments holding the listener back, enabling deep introspection and complete immersion, as if conversing directly with the singer or instrument. This profound, intangible quality—achieving that free state—is why it's considered the best IEM, offering unmatched resolution, separation, and imaging, albeit at an astronomical $5,000 price point.
Value-wise, the Storm is undeniably terrible; the KZ ASF ($250) gets you 80% there, and the Monarch MKII ($1,000) delivers 95%. It's a luxury item, justified only by its unique, unmeasurable ability to dissolve worldly distractions and forge total oneness with the music. Crucially, it's not for everyone: Bass heads, background listeners, or those enjoying J-pop/K-pop/EDM will find far better value elsewhere under $300. Only those deeply seeking musical transcendence, with ample disposable income, should even consider it. For everyone else, stay away—you simply don’t need it.
9.3
Reviewer Score
Comment: TOTL tuning with TOTL technicalities to boot. Perfectly tuned, unparalled detail retrieval, staging, imaging, and proper holographic background as a cohesive package The price I guess
9.1
Reviewer Score
Easily at the top for resolution and dynamic contrast, accompanied by rigid transients and pinpoint layering. Precogvision Youtube Channel
9
Reviewer Score
The most extraodinary normal sounding IEM ever. Amazing all-around big and heavy shell Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
9
Reviewer Score
The most detailed IEM I’ve ever heard. Exceptional resolution, neutral sound signature. Hard to drive.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
8.8
Reviewer Score
World-class resolution and layering. Extreme, almost exaggerated dynamics. Staging is large but not class-leading.
8.3
Reviewer Score
Technical excellence (accuracy). Near perfect tuning. Bass...great Price. Wait.Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube Channel
9.5
Reviewer Score
The Subtonic Storm delivers a balanced sound signature characterized by a generous sub-bass boost, neutral midrange, and an elevated, articulate treble response. Its standout feature is the implementation of proprietary SLAM drivers—custom balanced armatures handling separate sub-bass and mid-bass frequencies—which produce exceptional slam and texture rivaling dynamic drivers. The treble exhibits deliberate, controlled peaks between 5-15kHz, contributing to vividness without harshness, though some listeners may note a slight roll-off past 16kHz.
Technically, the Storm sets a high bar with class-leading dynamics, micro-detail resolution, and driver coherence across its hybrid array. Staging offers strong width and depth but lacks a cohesive center image. Ergonomically, the titanium shells are bulky and heavy, causing fatigue during extended use, and the stock cable is often criticized for stiffness. Additionally, its low sensitivity demands powerful amplification, limiting portability.
Elysian Apostle Reviews
9.4
Reviewer Score
Instrument separation is good, and is a nice darkness, but can be silbilant. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
9
Reviewer Score
Exceptional in every way. Incredibly textured bass, forward vocals, top-tier EST treble, and insane detail.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
8.5
Reviewer Score
Clean, neutral, and clear vocals. Reminds me of a cleaner Volume S or slightly better OG Oracle, but very expensive, maybe if you can find one around $1000 since it's more of a sidegrade to RSV, Mystic 8, and Arcanis vocal wise. If you want clean vocals Monarch MK2 does the same thing but for $700 less. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
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.
Subtonic STORM User Reviews
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