Elysian Annihilator 2023 VS Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Elysian Annihilator 2023 and Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS use 1DD+4BA+2EST and 2DD+5BA+4EST+2BC driver setups respectively. Elysian Annihilator 2023 costs $2,999 while Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS costs $5,000. Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS is $2,001 more expensive. Elysian Annihilator 2023 holds a clear 0.6-point edge in reviewer scores (9 vs 8.5). Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS has better bass with a 0.8-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better treble with a 1.4-point edge, Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS has slightly better dynamics with a 0.3-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better details with a 1-point edge and Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS has significantly better imaging with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Elysian Annihilator 2023 | Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.2 | 9 |
| Mids | 8 | 8 |
| Treble | 9.4 | 8 |
| Details | 9.5 | 8.5 |
| Soundstage | 9 | 8.5 |
| Imaging | 7.5 | 8.5 |
| Dynamics | 8.2 | 8.5 |
| Tonality | 8.6 | 8.3 |
| Technicalities | 8.9 | 8.5 |
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+2EST
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: Elysian Top Elysian IEMs
Price (Msrp): $2,999
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Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+5BA+4EST+2BC
Tuning Type: bass-boosted neutral
Brand: Empire Ears Top Empire Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $5,000
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Elysian Annihilator 2023 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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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
7.3Gaming Grade
A-Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.9Gaming Grade
B+Elysian Annihilator 2023 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S-- Highly polished technical execution. Excellent frequency synergy creates an immersive experience. Enhances musical content.
Average Technical Grade
S-- Excellent clarity and detail. Precise imaging and expansive soundstage. Manages complex passages with minimal smearing and good transient speed.
Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Refined execution with coherent frequency integration. Natural timbre reproduction and engaging presentation. Strong versatility.
Average Technical Grade
S-- Excellent clarity and detail. Precise imaging and expansive soundstage. Manages complex passages with minimal smearing and good transient speed.
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Reviews
Reviewed by: Super* Review
10*
* score normalized
Reviewed by: Jaytiss
9.6
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Gizaudio Axel
9
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelReviewed by: Precogvision
8.7
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Tim Tuned
8.5
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Smirk Audio
8.4
Reviewer Score
Reviewed by: IEMRanking AI
2025-07-25
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.
Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS Reviews
Reviewed by: Audionotions
8.5
Reviewer Score
Reviewed by: Smirk Audio
8.4
Reviewer Score
Elysian Annihilator 2023 User Reviews
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