Elysian Annihilator 2023 VS Fir Audio RN6

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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.

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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.

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Fir Audio RN6 brings a six-driver recipe and a limited-edition flair to the tour, dressed in satin black aluminum with a sapphire-glass faceplate and that signature grill exposing the Kinetic Bass dynamic. The stock cable behaves like a less-stiff Code 23, build feels solid and low-profile, and comfort clicks once the right tips are locked in. Priced at an eye-watering $3,300 and capped at 300 units, the RN6 aims squarely at “Stratos-Fi” territory.

On tuning, the RN6 plays it balanced: bass has punch and some rumble but is the tamest of its siblings, not delivering the full “feel-it” effect promised by Kinetic Bass—especially versus NE4 and the poster-child XE6. The midrange is clean with a touch of warmth, pushing vocals center stage while keeping instruments neatly spaced with plenty of air. Treble is energetic, sparkly, and crisp, lifting detail and openness, but may bite for treble-sensitive listeners given the lighter low-end masking. Technical chops are where it shines—imaging, layering, and a spherical sense of stage width/depth make parts easy to pinpoint without turning clinical; it’s revealing yet still musical. Versus Neon 4, this is the more detail-forward, vocal/treble-emphasized choice, though a little extra sub-bass weight would sweeten the deal. It’s trivially easy to drive. As a package, RN6 sits a step above Neon 4 on presentation and refinement, but the “gotta-have-it” factor isn’t unassailable at this price, with alternatives offering similar flavor at lower tiers. Still, for those craving a clean, airy, vocal-focused flagship with strong technicalities, this is a compelling—if costly—ticket.