Elysian Acoustic Labs Annihilator 2023 Review

Technical Performance and Sources

In terms of soundstage, the Annihilator 2023 doesn’t expand as much as some of the TOTL monitors available in the market. However, I don’t think the staging performance is bad at all. In fact, it’s surprisingly good considering the presentation of the mid-range, which is a bit close and focused. Although the stage is not very wide and deep, there is no feeling of squeezing since it is quite spacious and airy. The soundstage may vary slightly depending on the cable and source device used, but I cannot say that it has an incredibly huge soundstage, but still a reasonably big one. 

The imaging is precise and accurate. The delivery is incredibly sharp, and there are no distractions to disrupt the positioning of the elements. The image is perfectly crisp and clear, with excellent micro-detail in every second. This results in exceptional transparency throughout the whole spectrum.

The presentation of the Annihilator 2023 is well-balanced and cohesive. It boasts impressive resolution performance and technical strength, making it an excellent choice for those who demand top-notch performance. It’s a great all-rounder that brings everything together in a harmonic presentation. 

For sources, I can say that you need to have a device that has a strong output power. The Annihilator delivers even better when you pair it with good power, so I can say that it’s a demanding IEM. Shanling M9 Plus and HIBY RS8 are great options with their strong amplifier circuits and maximum output modes. You can also use powerful DAC/Amps like iFi xDSD Gryphon. Another option is to use an IEM amp separately, such as what I did with the Brise Audio TSURANAGI. The price of this amplifier is eye-watering but the performance is too!

Comparisons

The VE Phönix is a recommended IEM on our site, and for good reason. It has a more ergonomic shape and better fit and isolation without a doubt. When it comes to sound, its bass is leaner with more emphasis on the mid-bass in particular. It doesn’t have the engaging and rumbling bass of the Annihilator. It’s much more a mid-bass IEM when directly compared. The Annihilator feels bigger in the bass with more air. 

The Phönix has a very smooth and easy-going performance in the rest of the spectrum, and it somewhat sounds shier and distant against the Annihilator, which has a dominating style with a vivid, bright and attacking mids & treble. The Phönix has a very good soundstage, and when compared, the Annihilator has a bit smaller one. The treble performance however is superior in the Annihilator, and it has an airier presentation. Phönix is a relaxed-sounding unit whilst the Annihilator is stunningly engaging. Overall I think it also has a better resolution. 

Another very special IEM, the Viking Rangar is also a superb performer in the TOTL range. The unboxing experience is great on both, but of course, the Ragnar comes with a better cable in my opinion. Apart from the cable, the unboxing experiences are similar, except for the Nanuk case that Noble provides, it is incredibly durable and safe to store your IEM. Fit-wise the Ragnar is better in my case, with a lower-profile more compact body. The Annihilator is bulkier when compared. 

The sound of the Ragnar is brighter, and analytical with even more brightness. It sounds more neutral and leaner on the whole spectrum as well. The Annihilator 2023 has more warmth/body and mid-range musicality.  They both have great detail and transparency, whilst the Ragnar has a slight edge in there and offers more resolution/transparency. They both have fantastic mid-range, especially for resolution and definition, they just have a different delivery. The Annihilator 2023 has more body here, with more colouration and musical character. The Ragnar stays sharp, a bit bright but it has a more analytical approach against the Elysian.

I find the Ragnar technically superior, especially in terms of bass texture and control, and overall resolution/separation. But the dynamism and liveliness that the Annilihator brings is second to none. The clarity factor of the Ragnar is extremely good, but the Annihilator is certainly more enjoyable and has the fun factor. If you listen to the Ragnar for the first time, you wouldn’t be impressed, as I stated in its own review, that it needs time to show its qualities. However, the Annihilator impresses right from the get-go and it has the wow factor for sure. 

Another IEM in the 3K$ range, the RN6 compares similarly to the Phönix-Annihilator comparison above. The RN6 has great packaging and it fits more comfortably with a smaller footprint. The Elysian offering looks more eye-catching though.

In sound, the RN6 also has a stronger-than-neutral bass in my view, but the emphasis is more on the mid-bass when compared. Its mids are drier and don’t have the vividness of the Annihilator, and the treble is less sharp but has the top technical performance without a doubt.

The RN6 has a wider soundstage, more correct timbre and better coherency. The RN6 reminds me of the single dynamic driver monitors since its cohesiveness is fantastic. It just flows, flows and flows. The Annihilator has a better treble, a more vivid presentation and more sub-bass rumble. If you’re looking for an IEM that you can listen to all day, the RN6 is better. If you’re listening to music an hour or two a day, -after work for instance- for those few hours, the Annihilator may steal your heart. 

Conclusion

The Elysian Acoustic Labs Annihilator 2023 is one of the best in-ear monitors that you can buy today, without any doubt in my view. From the first moment you hear it, it hooks you up and you want to listen to more. The top-level technical performance can go against any IEM, and the vivid mid-range & treble are just a bonus to have an engaging, life-like, enjoyable experience. The treble performance probably is the most notable feature, which is simply excellent. 

That’s why it goes to our Best IEM Recommendations. The Annihilator 2023 is a formidable performer in its own flagship price range, and it’s a strong recommendation from us if you have the budget to get a TOTL monitor that can give enjoyment and technical performance together.

Pros:

• Premium design and packaging
• All-around fantastic resolution
• Vivid, life-like mid-range
• Great technicalities and imaging
• Incredible treble performance

Cons:

• The carrying case is a bit small
• Nozzles are huge
• Shells are bulky
• Staging is not incredible
• Bass could use a bit more control

Page 1: About, Packaging, Design/Build, Fit

Page 2: Sound Quality