Ambient Acoustics MAD24 VS Elysian Annihilator 2023
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Ambient Acoustics MAD24 and Elysian Annihilator 2023 use 24BA and 1DD+4BA+2EST driver setups respectively. Ambient Acoustics MAD24 costs $3,500 while Elysian Annihilator 2023 costs $2,999. Ambient Acoustics MAD24 is $501 more expensive. Elysian Annihilator 2023 holds a decisive 4.1-point edge in reviewer scores (5 vs 9.1).
Insights
| Metric | Ambient Acoustics MAD24 | Elysian Annihilator 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 5 | 8.6 |
| Mids | 5 | 8.3 |
| Treble | 5 | 9.5 |
| Details | 5 | 9.6 |
| Soundstage | 5 | 9.1 |
| Imaging | 5 | 8.2 |
| Dynamics | 5 | 8.5 |
| Tonality | 4.5 | 8.7 |
| Technicalities | 6 | 9 |
Ambient Acoustics MAD24 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
5Mixed to Negative
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
9.1Outstanding
Reviews Comparison
Ambient Acoustics MAD24 (more reviews)
Ambient Acoustics MAD24 reviewed by Crin
5
Reviewer Score
Elysian Annihilator 2023 (more reviews)
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Super* Review
10*
* score rescaled + normalized
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by ATechReviews
9.8
* Score computed by IEMRanking.com
Youtube Video Summary
The Elysian Annihilator 2023 is described as a highly colored yet carefully judged flagship, combining a tasteful U shaped balance with a very dynamic, big and grand presentation. Bass and treble sit above strictly neutral, but the overall tonality feels cohesive, intensely engaging and far more enjoyable than a neutral tuning for those who enjoy energy and impact. This is the set that holds the number one spot in the ranking list, framed as the best IEM ever heard in terms of pure enjoyment, taking the familiar idea of bass and treble emphasis and executing it with unusually refined drivers and treble quality.
The bass is a clear star, sitting in the top tier of in ear experiences with powerful slam, deep extension and a very physical, woofer like character. It hits with constant punch and visceral weight, turning even lighter pop tracks into something more exciting while preserving texture and detail so notes never blur into mush. The midrange is a touch less prominent than bass and treble yet still forward enough, with added fullness from the low end that makes male vocals, piano and cello sound rich and satisfying, while the treble lift supplies extra clarity and air for female vocals and higher pitched instruments.
The treble is singled out as the most impressive element, called the best treble heard on any IEM, with an effortless, airy and ethereal character that remains completely smooth even when the volume is pushed far higher than normal. Cymbal crashes sound realistic and lifelike without harshness, and overall resolution is described as endgame, on the level of other ultra high end benchmarks like the Anole VX and just a step behind Subtonic Storm for raw detail. Soundstage focuses on width with solid depth and height, and imaging is extremely precise, so there is no obvious weakness in technical performance. It is not a neutral monitor and the strong bass focus will not suit everyone, but for those who enjoy an energetic, fun and technically complete flagship, Annihilator 2023 comes across as a uniquely special experience that demands an audition.
ATechReviews Youtube Channel
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Jaytiss
9.7
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
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.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
9
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelElysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Precogvision
8.7
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
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.
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Tim Tuned
8.5
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Smirk Audio
8.4
Reviewer Score
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Web Search
8.9
Reviewer Score
The Elysian Annihilator 2023 delivers a distinctive U-shaped signature, prioritizing an ethereal, hyper-detailed treble that remains its crown jewel. The dual electrostatic drivers produce a sparkling, linear upper register with exceptional air and micro-detail retrieval, often cited as best-in-class for its effortless extension and lack of harshness. Mids are clear and resolving but lean slightly thin due to a deliberate 1-1.5kHz recession, lending vocals an "ultra-clear" rather than lush character.
Bass performance, while improved over earlier iterations, remains contentious at its $3k price. The single Foster dynamic driver offers good sub-bass quantity and slam but struggles with speed and textural nuance, leading to smearing on complex passages. Technicalities impress with razor-sharp transients and strong macro-dynamics, though soundstage width and layering fall short of flagship expectations, and imaging is merely competent.
Practical considerations include large resin shells that may challenge smaller ears, though comfort is generally good with deep-seating tips. The included Liquid Links Martini cable is well-built but uses proprietary Pentaconn connectors, limiting aftermarket options. Low sensitivity (94dB) demands a powerful source to avoid dynamics compression.
Ambient Acoustics MAD24 Details
Driver Configuration: 24BA
Tuning Type: Warm
Price (Msrp): $3,500
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+2EST
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: Elysian Top Elysian IEMs
Price (Msrp): $2,999
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Ambient Acoustics MAD24 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Elysian Annihilator 2023 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Ambient Acoustics MAD24 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
4.1Gaming Grade
C-Elysian Annihilator 2023 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.4Gaming Grade
A-Ambient Acoustics MAD24 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
C- Uneven emphasis across the spectrum keeps the presentation unsettled and awkward. Acoustic instruments lose their natural body.
Average Technical Grade
B- Technical ability is serviceable, keeping basic detail intact across simpler tracks. It keeps up with acoustic tracks without much fuss.
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S-- The response feels meticulously dialed in, combining neutrality with inviting warmth. Dynamic swings remain tonally accurate.
Average Technical Grade
S- Resolution and control feel outstanding, surfacing micro-details with ease. You'll catch studio quirks you may have missed before.
Ambient Acoustics MAD24 User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewElysian Annihilator 2023 User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewFind your next IEM:
IEM Finder Quiz
newIEM Comparison Tool
newVS