Empire Ears Legend X SE VS Elysian Annihilator 2023
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Empire Ears Legend X SE and Elysian Annihilator 2023 use 2DD+5BA and 1DD+4BA+2EST driver setups respectively. Empire Ears Legend X SE costs $2,400 while Elysian Annihilator 2023 costs $2,999. Elysian Annihilator 2023 is $599 more expensive. Elysian Annihilator 2023 holds a decisive 1.9-point edge in reviewer scores (7.1 vs 9). Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better mids with a 1-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better treble with a 2.4-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better dynamics with a 2.2-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better details with a 1.5-point edge and Empire Ears Legend X SE has better imaging with a 0.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Empire Ears Legend X SE | Elysian Annihilator 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8 | 8.2 |
| Mids | 7 | 8 |
| Treble | 7 | 9.4 |
| Details | 8 | 9.5 |
| Soundstage | 7.1 | 9 |
| Imaging | 8 | 7.5 |
| Dynamics | 6 | 8.2 |
| Tonality | 7.2 | 8.6 |
| Technicalities | 7.2 | 8.9 |
Empire Ears Legend X SE Aggregated Review Score
Empire Ears Legend X SE Average Reviewer Scores
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Aggregated Review Score
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Average Reviewer Scores
Empire Ears Legend X SE Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+5BA
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Price (Msrp): $2,400
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Elysian Annihilator 2023 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+2EST
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Price (Msrp): $2,999
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Empire Ears Legend X SE User Review Score
Empire Ears Legend X SE Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Elysian Annihilator 2023 User Review Score
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Empire Ears Legend X SE Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.7Gaming Grade
B-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-Empire Ears Legend X SE Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Pleasing tonal balance with good technical control. Minor quirks present but not distracting. Demonstrates decent genre versatility.
Average Technical Grade
A-- Competent technical presentation. Handles separation and detail well in most tracks, with modest soundstage and acceptable imaging capabilities.
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.
Empire Ears Legend X SE Reviews
Empire Ears Legend X SE reviewed by: Precogvision
7.2
Reviewer Score
Lacks control in the bass, but it's so fun. Excellent imaging performance that belies its tuning. Precogvision Youtube Channel
Empire Ears Legend X SE reviewed by: Crin
7
Reviewer Score
A more upper-mid-forward variation of the original Legend X, which could come off as slightly more mid-recessed. Crin Youtube Channel
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Reviews
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by: Smirk Audio
8.4
Reviewer Score
Top-tier resolution with world-class treble. Great dynamics. Could use better bass texturing. An exciting listen.
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by: Super* Review
10*
* score normalized
check links for more info:Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by: Tim Tuned
8.5
Reviewer Score
More defined bass than 2021 version 2021 is cleaner and more open sounding Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by: Precogvision
8.7
Reviewer Score
More of an all-rounder with better bass compared to the 2021 version, sacrifices some soundstage. Precogvision Youtube Channel
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by: Gizaudio Axel
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
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by: Jaytiss
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
Elysian Annihilator 2023 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.
Empire Ears Legend X SE User Reviews
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