:
Excellent bass response
Warm and musical
Airy with a expansive stage
Energetic involving sound
Good comfort
Superb vocals with great timbre and intimacy
:
Let down by a micro-phonic cable.
Introduction
EarAcoustic Audio and Zoe have provided the G318s Genesis Elysian Fields to Audio Reviews Downunder for assessment and an honest review. We thank them for this opportunity. We have previously experienced several of the companies range which were V shaped tunings of varying competence. Genesis breaks this mold decisively delivering a mildly U shaped tuning with a high degree of fidelity. From a authoritative low end through a clean rich midrange to a well controlled treble this single 8.3mm driver punches well above its weight. The delivery is slanted towards a more analog warm sound elevated with excellent resolution and an open soundstage. The IEMs are presented in a large personalized box with the buyers name! Inside is a good set of two types of silicone tips in a hard case and a largish zippered carry case looking like a high end piece of luggage! The cable is a fairly stiff fabric wrapped cable that I found unpleasant to handle and which gave microphonic sounds when moving about. I switched cables quickly. Approx retail price of this set is $250 USD.
Testing with
As usual I test with favourite track in Flac format with my HiBy DAP. Between the DAP and the KAEI TAP2 portable power amp I have added the Fosi DS3 DAC. I am enjoying this combination with exception clarity and enhanced soundstage. Alternately I used the portable Xduoo XD05 with the same DAP. Remember, I listen with my equipment and my ears and that is how these impressions are formed.
The Sound
Let's focus on what sort of bass we hear. Billie Bosa Nova by the young Billie Eilish chanteuse is recorded with plenty of low bass guitar and Genesis faithfully delivers. The high percussion accents are crisp and sharp and they should be. Nothing Else Matters, Metallica brings snares with a crisp edge and good impact. Kick drums have punch and thickness and decent weight. Cymbals are bright and penetrate well. Switching to some speed metal and double pedaled drums and toms sound suitably epic. The G318S is a great set to rock out to
Onto the midrange which is no clouded from that full warm bass. There is nice air and openness. Guitars ring with great clarity and male voices gain weight from the good bass response. I find both male and female voices nicely poised in the mix and very natural and emotive.Christine by Lucy Dacus demonstrates a very natural vocal with a dose of richness and fullness.
The Elysian Fields Genesis has enough treble extension to bring macro details though with an easy on the ear manner. It's not a treble head or detail focussed set. Imaging is good and the soundstage is very good making this set suitable for most music genres.
Comparison
Tanchjim Origin is also a single DD metal shelled IEM about the same price. Both IEMs using Accustone AEX07 ear tips.
Listening to Screensaver by Melbourne band Quivers.
Origin has tactile bass and drums at a balanced level and more subbass focussed. Genesis lifts the bass level with more mid bass and overall more quantity for the same volume input. Sub bass has that physical feel on the ear drum.
Origin has a midrange that feels pushed out into the acoustic envelope. As such it comes across as more airy and open. Genesis brings the midrange close to the listener with guitars prominently presented with excellent attack and still well placed in the stage and not overly emphasized. The sound is still open and ringing with this track.
Genesis gives the vocals some warmth and richness where as Origin has a neutral natural vocal that's unadorned and true to life. Both sets do a fantastic job with both male and female singers.
Switching to Charlie Patton songs by the band Gomez to have a listen to the treble. This is a treble heavy song with cymbals and bells galore. Origin is delicate and detailed. Restrained yet informative, it's treble is spot on. Genesis reminds me of another reason I like this track. The drumming is forceful and the G318s punches the bass region through strongly which takes the attention away from a treble that's slightly more boosted than the Origin. No hint of sibilance, just a degree more forwardness. Origin is just beautifully neutral and refined. It sucks you in seductively whereas the Genesis wants to tango with you.
Who is this set for?
Certainly rockers and metalheads will have a ball.
Vocal lovers in the more gentle genres will also be pleased with the warmth and expensiveness of vocals.
Classical and jazz aficionados would look elsewhere.
Conclusion
Summing up Genesis is a refined version of a mild V shaped tuning without pushing that tuning envelope. It's bold and energetic but more refined than previous Ear Acoustic have shown. As a single DD IEM it's as competent and enjoyable as any I have heard in its price range. If this sounds like your jam the G318s won't disappoint.
