Elysian Annihilator 2023 VS Softears Enigma
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Elysian Annihilator 2023 and Softears Enigma use 1DD+4BA+2EST and 2DD+6BA+4EST driver setups respectively. Elysian Annihilator 2023 costs $2,999 while Softears Enigma costs $3,699. Softears Enigma is $700 more expensive. Elysian Annihilator 2023 holds a slight 0.1-point edge in reviewer scores (9 vs 9). Softears Enigma carries a user score of 9.5. Softears Enigma has better bass with a 0.8-point edge, Softears Enigma has better mids with a 0.6-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has better treble with a 0.7-point edge, Softears Enigma has better dynamics with a 0.6-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has better details with a 0.5-point edge and Softears Enigma has significantly better imaging with a 1.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Elysian Annihilator 2023 | Softears Enigma |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.2 | 9 |
| Mids | 8 | 8.6 |
| Treble | 9.4 | 8.7 |
| Details | 9.5 | 9 |
| Soundstage | 9 | 8.8 |
| Imaging | 7.5 | 9 |
| Dynamics | 8.2 | 8.8 |
| Tonality | 8.6 | 8.8 |
| Technicalities | 8.9 | 9.5 |
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Softears Enigma 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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Softears Enigma Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+6BA+4EST
Tuning Type: Neutral with bass boost
Brand: Softears Top Softears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $3,699
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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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Softears Enigma User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
9.5Exceptional
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-Softears Enigma Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.7Gaming Grade
AElysian 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.
Softears Enigma 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- Outstanding resolution and control. Effortlessly retrieves micro-details, with holographic staging and fast transients. Handles complexity with poise.
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Reviews
10*
* score normalized
check links for more info:Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
9.6
Reviewer Score
Treble extension is insane, I always think I'm over it, but I may never be over it. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
9
Reviewer Score
Hands down, my favorite IEM. Powerful, impactful bass, the best treble I’ve experienced in an IEM, endgame-level detail. The bass might be too much for some people.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
8.7
Reviewer Score
More of an all-rounder with better bass compared to the 2021 version, sacrifices some soundstage. Precogvision Youtube Channel
8.5
Reviewer Score
More defined bass than 2021 version 2021 is cleaner and more open sounding Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
8.4
Reviewer Score
Top-tier resolution with world-class treble. Great dynamics. Could use better bass texturing. An exciting listen.
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.
Softears Enigma Reviews
9
Reviewer Score
Endgame-level detail paired with great tonality. Exceptional detail, high-quality bass, balanced tonality, and excellent timbre. The bass has a fast decay.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
8.9
Reviewer Score
The Softears Enigma is a flagship tribrid IEM using a 12-driver array (2DD+6BA+4EST) with a hybrid 5-way/4-way crossover and an aluminum shell; the package also includes a premium Effect Audio cable. Street pricing centers around $3,699 USD and multiple reviews note the surprisingly comfortable fit despite the larger shells.
Tonal reports describe a warm-leaning, neutral-with-bass-boost balance: essentially an RSV-like midrange with extra low-end weight and smooth lower treble, extending well up top. Show impressions from Precogvision characterize it as “RSV with a dynamic driver and some extra bass,” which aligns with long-form reviews calling the Enigma warm, full, and balanced rather than aggressive.
Technical performance is a strong suit: reviewers note clean separation, high detail retrieval, and stable imaging; the EST tweeters can benefit from capable sources, while isolation is average. Factoring in its high MSRP, the Enigma’s execution is impressive but its value proposition is challenged by lower-priced alternatives (including Softears’ own RSV) that deliver broadly similar tonality at a fraction of the cost.
Elysian Annihilator 2023 User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewSoftears Enigma User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewOn one side TOTL Details but on the other side very accurate and non-technical sounding. Softears best but very expensive.