Forte Ears Macbeth VS Elysian Annihilator 2023
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Forte Ears Macbeth and Elysian Annihilator 2023 use 5BA+4EST+2BC and 1DD+4BA+2EST driver setups respectively. Forte Ears Macbeth costs $4,000 while Elysian Annihilator 2023 costs $2,999. Forte Ears Macbeth is $1,001 more expensive. Elysian Annihilator 2023 holds a clear 0.5-point edge in reviewer scores (8.5 vs 9). Elysian Annihilator 2023 has better treble with a 0.9-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has better details with a 0.8-point edge and Forte Ears Macbeth has significantly better imaging with a 1.3-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Forte Ears Macbeth | Elysian Annihilator 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.3 | 8.2 |
| Mids | 8 | 8 |
| Treble | 8.5 | 9.4 |
| Details | 8.8 | 9.5 |
| Soundstage | 9 | 9 |
| Imaging | 8.8 | 7.5 |
| Dynamics | 8 | 8.2 |
| Gaming capabilities | 7 | 7.3 |
Forte Ears Macbeth Aggregated Review Score
Forte Ears Macbeth Average Reviewer Scores
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Aggregated Review Score
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Average Reviewer Scores
Forte Ears Macbeth Details
Driver Configuration: 5BA+4EST+2BC
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Price (Msrp): $4,000
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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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Forte Ears Macbeth User Review Score
Forte Ears Macbeth 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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Forte Ears Macbeth Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7Gaming Grade
A-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-Forte Ears Macbeth 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 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.
Forte Ears Macbeth Reviews
Forte Ears Macbeth reviewed by: Smirk Audio
8.3
Reviewer Score
check links for more info:
Forte Ears Macbeth reviewed by: Shuwa-T
8.7
Reviewer Score
Feels like a remastered VX in terms of clarity and staging The tonality is too off for regular listening, timbre is also off in general
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.
Forte Ears Macbeth User Reviews
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