Elysian Annihilator 2023 VS Aroma Audio Fei Wan
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Elysian Annihilator 2023 and Aroma Audio Fei Wan use 1DD+4BA+2EST and 2DD+10BA driver setups respectively. Elysian Annihilator 2023 costs $2,999 while Aroma Audio Fei Wan costs $4,700. Aroma Audio Fei Wan is $1,701 more expensive. Elysian Annihilator 2023 holds a clear 0.8-point edge in reviewer scores (9 vs 8.1). Aroma Audio Fei Wan has slightly better bass with a 0.3-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has better mids with a 0.8-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better treble with a 2.1-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has better dynamics with a 0.9-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better soundstage with a 2-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better details with a 1-point edge and Aroma Audio Fei Wan has significantly better imaging with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Elysian Annihilator 2023 | Aroma Audio Fei Wan |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.2 | 8.5 |
| Mids | 8 | 7.3 |
| Treble | 9.4 | 7.3 |
| Details | 9.5 | 8.5 |
| Soundstage | 9 | 7 |
| Imaging | 7.5 | 8.5 |
| Dynamics | 8.2 | 7.3 |
| Tonality | 8.6 | 7.6 |
| Technicalities | 8.9 | 8 |
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
9Outstanding
Aroma Audio Fei Wan Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
Reviews Comparison
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
Aroma Audio Fei Wan reviewed by Jaytiss
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Aroma Audio Fei Wan goes for broke with a dual-dynamic + 10BA hybrid and a sticker price around $4,688. The build is striking: a clear yellow shell with visible drivers and a glossy faceplate flecked with gold, though the shell runs large. The stock 2-pin cable is functional but a bit tangle-prone; the retro-styled unboxing and case feel premium. Minor quirks include occasional driver flex on insertion. Overall fit is comfortable despite the size, and the presentation screams boutique.
Sonically this IEM is all about texture, extension, and microdetail. Bass reaches deep with layered rumble rather than brute “slam,” mids are clean with slightly recessed vocals, and treble delivers air and sparkle without poking the 4–6 kHz zone. The graph shows healthy ear-gain and notable bass, but the magic is off-graph: resolution and overtones that feel world-class. Compared with benchmarks, Elysian Annihilator 2023 still wins on tone and vocal focus, while Fatfreq Grand Maestro and others share the “big-boy IEM” experimental flavor. Sets with shout or odd presence peaks (e.g., Dream XLS, E10/E12, Bonneville) don’t fare as well. EQ can nudge tone a touch “better,” but also trims some of Fei Wan’s special sauce—net maybe a 1–2% improvement.
Verdict: a special, statement-level IEM with second-to-none technicalities, deep textured bass, and elegant treble—tempered by a sky-high price and mids that could use more sparkle for vocal diehards. It slots just below Annihilator overall, earns a guarded recommendation, and absolutely warrants a demo before purchase. For value-minded listeners, options like Letshuoer Hype 10 capture a similar neutral-with-weight idea at a fraction of the cost, while many S–/A-tier picks remain safer bets for most.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Smirk Audio
8.4
Reviewer Score
Aroma Audio Fei Wan reviewed by Smirk Audio
8.4
Reviewer Score
Elysian Annihilator 2023 (more reviews)
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Super* Review
10*
* score rescaled + normalized
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 Head-Fi.org
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Web Search
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.
Aroma Audio Fei Wan (more reviews)
Aroma Audio Fei Wan reviewed by Yifang
8.5
Reviewer Score
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:
Aroma Audio Fei Wan Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+10BA
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: Aroma Audio Top Aroma Audio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $4,700
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
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!
Aroma Audio Fei Wan 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 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-Aroma Audio Fei Wan Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.4Gaming Grade
BElysian 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-- This level balances openness and accuracy, showcasing excellent clarity across busy mixes. A great match for analytical listening sessions.
Aroma Audio Fei Wan Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Overall balance feels confident and refined, rewarding long listening sessions. A reliable all-rounder for everyday listening.
Average Technical Grade
A+- You get an articulate, polished performance with immersive stage depth and great control. There's a sense of polish across the whole spectrum.
Elysian 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 reviewAroma Audio Fei Wan 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