Symphonium Audio x Elise Audio: Helios SE - First Impressions
Frequency Response Graph:
2023 has been the most boring year for me, audio wise. The plethora of (insert random negative adjective here) IEMs has been over the roof. First, I feel the manufacturers are either apreensive on new/different releases or completly uninspired uninspired. Lately all we’ve been getting is either gargatuous and undeserved price tags or simply ultra budget sets, that let’s be real, most are beaten by a very small margin by next week, for 5 dollars less.
As a costumer, this is great. You can basicly ignore every release and come back for the final scraps by the end of the year, and pick whatever it’s best for your budget - which, depending on, might be the same set you almost bought by the start of year.
Now, as a reviewer, this rollercoaster gets too booring too fast. It’s no secret that most reviewers have been pouring out way less content because, let’s be honest here, there’s not much to talk about. And then stuff like the Helios SE appears out of the the blue. And you stay pragmatic as always. And then you try it. And then you crash on the floor. And then the faith gets restored.
The Helios OG wasnt my thing. The bass was too recessed and the fit was, most likely, top 3 of worst fits I’ve had. In the end, I left it bittersweet: one of the best trebles ever (if not the best), a true technical performer and with some magic… and I just couldnt love it. Needless to say that when SE was introduced to me (everyday for months, thanks @Xavilaw), I was skeptical, to a point I didnt buy it in the first batch. But oh boy was I wrong.
There’s no easy to say this but objectively, the SE is a top performer just like the original Helios, with a more palatable tuning and a way more welcoming fit. The OG still has a slight technical advantage due to the tuning tilt. Still being objective, the SE is one of the best iems of the year, and one people should aspire to demo, although it is limited to 50 units.
Now, I won’t turn this into an actual review, but I gotta feed the ducks in the people are on the fence. Let’s start with the cons, I guess:
- It’s the hardest iem to drive I’ve ever tried, beating it’s predecessor. And I don’t mean on a meme take, but rather on holy jesus you need some power to get to a listening volume. As an actual example, i usually run U12T on - 53db on my L70. SE goes to - 36db. Lol.
- While the fit is much better, it’s still not small and not ergonomic, so earlets might have problems.
- If you live in the EU, you will get tax striked. Thanks Brexit.
- If you need midbass emphasys or you prefer warm tunings, move along.
- You might find yourself playing a lot with tips.
But why is it so good for me, you might ask?
- In a sum, it is very balanced. It clearly reminds me of the original, but Meteor doesn’t leave the back of my mind. To me, it’s clearly in its DNA.
- Insanely well achieved sub-bass shelf. Leave your shoes and preconceived ideas at the door - BA or not, this sub-bass is good.
- Great neutral mid-range with a well cut pinna-gain. Pianos and female vocals are greatly accurate and transparent, without feeling weightless.
- Best in class treble with extension to back it up.
- Great imaging chops, detail retreval and dynamics. Only a step below the front-runners in these departments.
- Fixes the plasticness of the original.
- If you are into sources, you will appreciate this set.
I ain’t gonna sugar coat it. Subjectively speaking, the Helios SE is one of my favourite iems ever, with my favourite treble to date. I have no problem calling it the IEM of the year, and we havent finished the first half yet. And I’m not saying this lightly, as it been trading blows back and forth with Gaea and U12T non-stop.
By the time I’m writing this post, there’s a couple units left. For those who seem attracted and its price is just okay to be paid, you have my obvious recommendation. If nymz paying 350€ of taxes additionally to the asking price doesn’t scream a recommendation, I don’t know what does.
To end this ramble on a high note, while I may have not been in the first batch, @SoundJedi was kind enough to let me choose my S/N.
50/50, like everything in life - either you do or you don’t.
Personal Rank: 9/10.