Sony IER Z1R VS Elysian Annihilator 2023
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Sony IER Z1R and Elysian Annihilator 2023 use 2DD+1BA and 1DD+4BA+2EST driver setups respectively. Sony IER Z1R costs $1,700 while Elysian Annihilator 2023 costs $2,999. Elysian Annihilator 2023 is $1,299 more expensive. Elysian Annihilator 2023 holds a clear 0.9-point edge in reviewer scores (8.2 vs 9). Sony IER Z1R has significantly better bass with a 1.3-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better mids with a 1.2-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better treble with a 1.6-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has better dynamics with a 0.9-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better details with a 2.1-point edge and Sony IER Z1R has significantly better imaging with a 1.1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Sony IER Z1R | Elysian Annihilator 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 9.5 | 8.2 |
| Mids | 6.8 | 8 |
| Treble | 7.8 | 9.4 |
| Details | 7.4 | 9.5 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 9 |
| Imaging | 8.6 | 7.5 |
| Dynamics | 7.3 | 8.2 |
| Tonality | 8.1 | 8.6 |
| Technicalities | 8.2 | 8.9 |
Sony IER Z1R Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Sony IER Z1R Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+1BA
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: Sony Top Sony IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,700
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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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Sony IER Z1R User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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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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Sony IER Z1R Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.6Gaming 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-Sony IER Z1R 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
A+- Very competent with articulate presentation. Well-defined layers and precise imaging. Soundstage is immersive and handles dynamics well.
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.
Sony IER Z1R Reviews
9*
* score normalized
check links for more info:Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
9
Reviewer Score
Best of the best in most areas, but vocals and mids can be thin due to fit issues. Insane bass texture/detail and HUGE soundstage. One of the best trebles I've heard. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
8
Reviewer Score
Extended yet natural treble, realistic sub-bass focus and spacious imaging capabilities. Crin Youtube Channel
8
Reviewer Score
Recessed mids I can't approved but best bass tactility I've heard. One of the best stage I've heard. Top of the class treble. Fit is a massive problem for most - one of those that needs to be demoed before pressing checkout.
7.9
Reviewer Score
Visceral, hard-hitting bass, sparkly treble, and a large, spherical soundstage with impressive height. Fit may pose a challenge for many. Cons: Poor fit.
7.9
Reviewer Score
Top-tier bass, treble, and soundstage height and width. I don't approve of the midrange these days. Precogvision Youtube Channel
7.9
Reviewer Score
Fun sounding without going overboard with the subbass, organic timbre The fit is atrocious, treble can get spicy on hi-hats
7.5
Reviewer Score
Incredible extensions on both ends Lower midrange Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
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.
Sony IER Z1R User Reviews
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