Elysian Annihilator 2023 VS Starry Audio Yozora

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.

Starry Audio Yozora is a Hong Kong flagship IEM positioned firmly in the ultra-high-end bracket, using an 8-driver 2DD+6BA hybrid layout with a 3-way crossover and AROMA Audio’s 9.2 mm dual-coil dynamics dedicated to low frequencies. The shells are semi-custom-style 3D prints aimed at broad fit compatibility and come bundled with Rolling Force’s copper “Choco” cable, while the official price of roughly USD 2,169 / HKD 16,880 clearly positions it as a summit-fi offering rather than a value play.

Sonically, Yozora follows a warm, bass-emphasised tuning where sub-bass reach and mid-bass punch are clearly above neutral, but the dual dynamics are controlled well enough that midrange clarity and vocal focus remain intact rather than masked. Review measurements and listening notes describe vocals as relatively intimate and centre-focused, with treble that adds some sparkle and air without aggressive peaks, and a slight softening at the very top that favours fatigue-free listening over maximum brilliance. Technical performance is strong in terms of macrodynamics, bass texture and overall detail, while stage size and imaging are competitive for its class but not clearly class-leading versus the most expansive multi-kilobuck references.

From a value-for-money standpoint, the very high MSRP means Starry Audio Yozora is judged against other summit-fi monitors, and its appeal is strongest for listeners who specifically prioritise powerful low end, strong dynamics and close, impactful vocals over strict neutrality or maximum treble extension. Its comfortable fit, isolation and well-matched stock cable support long sessions, but the bass-forward, characterful tuning makes it less universally adaptable than more neutral flagships, so the overall assessment is of a coherent and engaging high-end IEM whose pricing and tonal focus narrow its target audience to a specific taste profile.

Super* Review original ranking

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Tim Tuned original ranking

Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking