64 Audio Tia Trio VS Elysian Annihilator 2023

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The tia Trio comes across as a hybrid with personality: rich, thick, and warm, with slightly forward treble that adds air without tipping into the harsher edge heard on the U18t. Vocals are pulled back, yet the presentation feels cohesive and surprisingly natural given its unconventional response. What really stands out is the depth and head-stage—a wraparound sense of space that feels more immersive than most peers, making guitar strums and ambient cues pop in a way that’s immediately engaging.

Despite the 1DD + 2BA configuration, bass isn’t a simple upgrade over the U12t’s BA low end; it carries a touch more body and plosive weight but can feel a bit slower and less refined. Still, detail retrieval punches well above the driver count, and the overall tuning—while relaxed in the mids—stays clean and exciting. With the usual 64 Audio caveats (no apex swapping here and a mediocre stock cable), the tia Trio earns a five-star verdict for its intoxicating stage and atmosphere, even if it’s not the safest all-rounder at its $2,300 price.

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The tia Trio mirrors 64 Audio’s flagship DNA at a lower price point ($2,299) with the same compact, lightweight aluminum build, generous tip selection, and a comfortable shell that suits smaller ears. Sonically it carries a present but well-judged bass shelf, adding a touch of warmth by settling around ~180Hz rather than the usual sub-bass focus. Crucially, the midrange corrects the Forte’s biggest flaw: upper mids aren’t hollowed out here. There’s a mild 1.5–3k dip (about 1–2dB), yet vocals and instruments remain properly contoured and far more natural and engaging without requiring EQ.

Up top, the Trio shows recognizable treble landmarks—an emphasis near 5k that can sound a bit shouty and another at 8k adding slight sizzle—tempered by the healthier mids, so the presentation is lively without becoming harsh. Treble extension is excellent, with “air” above 10k running a tad hot depending on taste. On technicalities, detail retrieval and image clarity track surprisingly close to both the Forte and Legend Evo; the soundstage is expansive for an IEM (strong depth and layering) though not as outsized as Forte, and imaging is accurate for music but not surgical enough for competitive FPS. Taken as a whole—and especially without EQ—the tia Trio feels like the more complete listen: a high-end IEM that preserves the fun while fixing the midrange, trading only a slice of stage grandeur for a much more balanced, recommendable experience.

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Elysian Annihilator 2023 is a boutique flagship from Malaysia built with a clear resin shell, gold faceplate, and uncommon Pentaconn Ear connectors—well finished but on the larger side. The tuning follows a bright V-shape with a forward, energetic presentation. Bass from the Foster dynamic is mid-bass emphasized yet dry and slightly compressed, and persistent driver flex detracts from the low-end quality at this price.

The midrange is striking for its clarity and resolution—one of the cleanest among IEMs—though notes can carry a faint digital edge. Treble is the showstopper: a rare, truly convincing implementation of Sonion EST drivers that delivers exceptional speed, micro-detail, and near-linear extension to the upper limits of hearing. A subtle ~6 kHz dip gives transients an “from-thin-air” immediacy, yielding generous air without crossing into fatigue for most listeners.

On technicalities, detail retrieval sits at least on par with heavy hitters like the U12t and peers, with noticeably wider stage and crisp imaging; height and depth trail the very best, but space and separation are excellent. Macrodynamics are lively, yet overall coherency is the Achilles’ heel—notes lack weight and transient density, giving an occasionally raw, ultra-quick character. As a package, this is one of the few IEMs that genuinely feels world-class; value remains tough at $3,700, but for a reference of state-of-the-art treble and resolution, the Annihilator 2023 sets a formidable benchmark.

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The Elysian Annihilator 2023 arrives with a premium yet pared-back presentation: a compact black felt case, a full set of SpinFit W1 tips, cleaning tool, and cable tie. Build feels meticulous with excellent channel matching, and the faceplate options—titanium, steel, or gold—add flair. Fit sits on the larger side but remains manageable; comfort is mostly solid, though the upper cable segment can create minor pressure. Two practical caveats: the stock cable is fixed to a rare Pentaconn-style IEM connector (not MMCX/2-pin), making swaps tricky, and the termination is 4.4mm only, which limits simple dongle use without an adapter.

Sonically, this is all about extension, clarity, and effortless detail. Treble presents as almost holographic yet controlled, aided by a tasteful dip around 5–6 kHz and invigorating energy near 10 kHz. Bass is more present than its reputation suggests, with a satisfying lift up to roughly 200 Hz that supports a clean, “studio-like” presentation and sweet, well-placed vocals. It can get intense: the combination of high resolution and forward brilliance may read as spicy or mildly fatiguing for some, but for those chasing speed, air, and imaging precision, the payoff is big.

Against peers, the character comes into focus. Compared to sets like the Chopin, Annihilator sounds richer and more authoritative while keeping a similarly ergonomic silhouette. The HiSenior Mega5 EST feels lean in the low end by comparison, and while Monarch iterations bring fun bass (MKIII) or sweeter monitoring vibes (earlier versions), they don’t hit the same engagement. The Fatfreq Grand Maestro complements well but its switchable profiles and extra ~3 kHz energy can be fussier; Annihilator stays consistent and “set-and-forget.” Taken as a whole, this is a confidently tuned, ultra-resolving flagship—pricey and a bit particular on ergonomics and connectivity, but outstanding for listeners who value crystalline treble extension, incisive transients, and no-nonsense reliability.