Elysian Annihilator 2023 VS Letshuoer Cadenza 12

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Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel

Treble extension is insane, I always think I'm over it, but I may never be over it.

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Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel

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.

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Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel

More of an all-rounder with better bass compared to the 2021 version, sacrifices some soundstage.

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Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel

More defined bass than 2021 version 2021 is cleaner and more open sounding

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Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel

Top-tier resolution with world-class treble. Great dynamics. Could use better bass texturing. An exciting listen.

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Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

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.

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A better version of the U12T vocal/tuning wise, no mid scoop and wonkiness. (#1 or #2 vocals for me). Vocals are sweet, extended, open, airy, but also never fatiguing, and naturally weighted. No BA timbre, very natural. Perfect amount of treble detail and air while allowing it to scale at higher volumes. Super smooth dynamics and incredible coherency. TOTL resolution, detail, layering, imaging, and staging. Bass is fine, but not a basshead set - still has a nice slam to it. 07 still scales better and more 3D, but CAD12 stage is more open and better tech. If you don't blast your brains out like me then this is it (although I'm not sure if they're selling this version - maybe request it specifically/ask Joseph?)

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Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

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Z-Reviews original ranking

Z-Reviews Youtube Channel

Great timbre good on classical. Detailed and analytical, but too Safe.

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Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel

Bouncy, liquid-like bass. Well-bodied, analogue mids and extended highs. Great staging on all axes. Decent resolution. Excellent all-rounder.

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Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

One of the best treble-head set. Lots of micro details Treble will be too much for some

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Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel

More 'musical' tonality with a touch of spice in the treble. Technicalities could use work for the price.

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Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel

The Letshuoer Cadenza 12 delivers a balanced sound signature with a slight warmth in the low end, providing clean and textured bass that avoids overwhelming the midrange. Its midrange presentation is natural and resolving, though some listeners noted a recession around 1-2kHz that could thin male vocals slightly, while the treble offers good extension but exhibits a noticeable peak around 10kHz that occasionally introduces harshness or an "echo" effect on certain instruments . Technical performance is a strength, with precise pinpoint imaging and an expansive, holographic soundstage that excels in complex orchestral passages, though some critics felt its resolution doesn’t fully justify the price against established flagships .

Comfort is generally strong due to the surprisingly lightweight titanium shells and ergonomic shape, allowing for extended listening sessions despite their size, though some users reported eventual ear fatigue . The mirror-finish shells attract fingerprints and scratches easily, and the included hybrid cable, while versatile with modular terminations, is often criticized for its stiffness and unwieldy handling . While the packaging and accessories—including a functional leather case and customizable ear tips—are premium, the overall value proposition is debated, particularly when comparing its technical performance to competitors near its $2,300 price .

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