Elysian Apostle VS Moondrop Psyche
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Elysian Apostle and Moondrop Psyche use 1DD+2BA+2EST and 2DD+4BA+4Planar driver setups respectively. Elysian Apostle costs $1,799 while Moondrop Psyche costs $1,999. Moondrop Psyche is $200 more expensive. Elysian Apostle holds a decisive 2.4-point edge in reviewer scores (9.4 vs 7). Elysian Apostle has significantly better mids with a 4-point edge, Elysian Apostle has significantly better treble with a 1-point edge, Elysian Apostle has significantly better dynamics with a 3-point edge and Elysian Apostle has significantly better soundstage with a 1.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Elysian Apostle | Moondrop Psyche |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 9 | 5 |
| Treble | 8 | 7 |
| Soundstage | 8.5 | 7 |
| Dynamics | 8 | 5 |
| Tonality | 8.4 | 6 |
| Technicalities | 8 | 7 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Elysian Apostle reviewed by
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.
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Moondrop Psyche reviewed by
2025-08-09
7
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Moondrop Psyche shoots for flagship prestige with a dual-DD, 4BA, and 4 planar array at roughly $2,400, dressed in an unusual faceplate and a metallic shell that sits large but contoured in the ear. Fit and finish feel sturdy yet quirky—visible drivers, a faint seam line around the shell, and minor scuffs on the sample. The stock cable terminates in 4.4 mm and includes a chin slider, but feels stiff and not especially premium; the familiar Moondrop case and basic tips (plus a USB-C adapter) don’t elevate the unboxing to summit-fi expectations.
Sonically, Psyche reads thin, bright, and heavy on upper-mid/air energy, yielding hollow vocals, a plasticky/cuppy timbre, and lightweight bass. Graph views normalized around 500 Hz (and at ~3 kHz) highlight a pronounced upper-mid rise that pulls the rest of the spectrum down perceptually, reducing dynamics and natural midrange body; impedance adapters don’t meaningfully change that behavior. While upper treble isn’t offensive and stage is merely okay, EQ only helps marginally. The tuning feels closer to an eastern-market flavor than Moondrop’s usual crowd-pleasers and diverges from targets like JM1, recalling sets such as KZ Symphony or NDX12 more than the brand’s own high points.
Against internal benchmarks, Meteor, Variations, and even the Dusk DSP come off more balanced and enjoyable; Daybreak already pushed upper mids, but Psyche goes further in a way that’s fatiguing rather than fun. As a collectable design piece with a very specific V-tilted emphasis, it may click for treble die-hards who enjoy that glare-forward presentation (think budget TRN Medusa tonality scaled up). For most, especially at this price, the package feels harsh, underdynamic, and outclassed by alternatives—ultimately earning a firm no-recommendation for general listening.
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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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Moondrop Psyche Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+4BA+4Planar
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,999
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Elysian Apostle Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- The tonal balance is polished and expressive, highlighting emotion without sacrificing accuracy. It keeps emotional weight without sacrificing accuracy.
Average Technical Grade
A+- Layering is confident and precise, backed by imaging that locks elements firmly in place. Micro-details peek through without sounding forced.
Moondrop Psyche Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B- The tuning leans easygoing, yet occasional unevenness nudges it away from greatness. A bit of EQ polish can smooth things nicely.
Average Technical Grade
A-- It manages detail and layering well enough, even if the stage feels only moderately sized. You get a clear sense of left and right, if not depth.
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