Elysian Annihilator 2023 VS Subtonic STORM
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Elysian Annihilator 2023 and Subtonic STORM use 1DD+4BA+2EST and 5BA+2EST+2SLAM driver setups respectively. Elysian Annihilator 2023 costs $2,999 while Subtonic STORM costs $5,200. Subtonic STORM is $2,201 more expensive. Subtonic STORM holds a slight 0.1-point edge in reviewer scores (9 vs 9.1). Subtonic STORM has better bass with a 0.5-point edge, Subtonic STORM has slightly better mids with a 0.4-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has better treble with a 0.7-point edge, Subtonic STORM has significantly better dynamics with a 1.3-point edge, Subtonic STORM has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge and Subtonic STORM has significantly better imaging with a 1.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Elysian Annihilator 2023 | Subtonic STORM |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.2 | 8.7 |
| Mids | 8 | 8.4 |
| Treble | 9.4 | 8.7 |
| Details | 9.5 | 9.7 |
| Soundstage | 9 | 9.5 |
| Imaging | 7.5 | 9 |
| Dynamics | 8.2 | 9.5 |
| Tonality | 8.6 | 9 |
| Technicalities | 8.9 | 9.4 |
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Subtonic STORM Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+2EST
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Price (Msrp): $2,999
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Subtonic STORM Details
Driver Configuration: 5BA+2EST+2SLAM
Tuning Type: Neutral with bass boost
Price (Msrp): $5,200
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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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Subtonic STORM User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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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-Subtonic STORM Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.7Gaming Grade
AElysian 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.
Subtonic STORM 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- Outstanding resolution and control. Effortlessly retrieves micro-details, with holographic staging and fast transients. Handles complexity with poise.
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.
Subtonic STORM Reviews
10
Reviewer Score
The best IEM I've ever heard. Best timbre. Super natural. TOTL tech. It's just good. That's all. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Most IEMs inevitably introduce flaws that shatter musical immersion—be it harsh treble, shouty vocals, or unbalanced bass. These imperfections act as chains, binding the listener and preventing that elusive state of pure, uninterrupted freedom within the music. While the OG EJ07 came close, even it faltered on certain tracks, its forward vocals becoming a jarring distraction when pushed hard. The Subtonic Storm, however, shatters this pattern entirely.
Contrary to its name, the Storm represents the eye of the hurricane—a sanctuary of pure, effortless sound. It liberates the music from tuning flaws, presenting it naturally and tranquilly. There are zero distractions or attachments holding the listener back, enabling deep introspection and complete immersion, as if conversing directly with the singer or instrument. This profound, intangible quality—achieving that free state—is why it's considered the best IEM, offering unmatched resolution, separation, and imaging, albeit at an astronomical $5,000 price point.
Value-wise, the Storm is undeniably terrible; the KZ ASF ($250) gets you 80% there, and the Monarch MKII ($1,000) delivers 95%. It's a luxury item, justified only by its unique, unmeasurable ability to dissolve worldly distractions and forge total oneness with the music. Crucially, it's not for everyone: Bass heads, background listeners, or those enjoying J-pop/K-pop/EDM will find far better value elsewhere under $300. Only those deeply seeking musical transcendence, with ample disposable income, should even consider it. For everyone else, stay away—you simply don’t need it.
9.3
Reviewer Score
Comment: TOTL tuning with TOTL technicalities to boot. Perfectly tuned, unparalled detail retrieval, staging, imaging, and proper holographic background as a cohesive package The price I guess
9.1
Reviewer Score
Easily at the top for resolution and dynamic contrast, accompanied by rigid transients and pinpoint layering. Precogvision Youtube Channel
9
Reviewer Score
The most extraodinary normal sounding IEM ever. Amazing all-around big and heavy shell Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
9
Reviewer Score
The most detailed IEM I’ve ever heard. Exceptional resolution, neutral sound signature. Hard to drive.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
8.8
Reviewer Score
World-class resolution and layering. Extreme, almost exaggerated dynamics. Staging is large but not class-leading.
8.3
Reviewer Score
Technical excellence (accuracy). Near perfect tuning. Bass...great Price. Wait.Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube Channel
9.5
Reviewer Score
The Subtonic Storm delivers a balanced sound signature characterized by a generous sub-bass boost, neutral midrange, and an elevated, articulate treble response. Its standout feature is the implementation of proprietary SLAM drivers—custom balanced armatures handling separate sub-bass and mid-bass frequencies—which produce exceptional slam and texture rivaling dynamic drivers. The treble exhibits deliberate, controlled peaks between 5-15kHz, contributing to vividness without harshness, though some listeners may note a slight roll-off past 16kHz.
Technically, the Storm sets a high bar with class-leading dynamics, micro-detail resolution, and driver coherence across its hybrid array. Staging offers strong width and depth but lacks a cohesive center image. Ergonomically, the titanium shells are bulky and heavy, causing fatigue during extended use, and the stock cable is often criticized for stiffness. Additionally, its low sensitivity demands powerful amplification, limiting portability.
Elysian Annihilator 2023 User Reviews
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