Elysian Annihilator 2023 VS VOLK AUDIO ETOILE
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Elysian Annihilator 2023 and VOLK AUDIO ETOILE use 1DD+4BA+2EST and 1DD+4BA+4EST MGT driver setups respectively. Elysian Annihilator 2023 costs $2,999 while VOLK AUDIO ETOILE costs $3,999. VOLK AUDIO ETOILE is $1,000 more expensive. Elysian Annihilator 2023 holds a decisive 2.5-point edge in reviewer scores (9 vs 6.5). Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better mids with a 4-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better treble with a 3.4-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better dynamics with a 3.2-point edge and Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Elysian Annihilator 2023 | VOLK AUDIO ETOILE |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.2 | 6.5 |
| Mids | 8 | 4 |
| Treble | 9.4 | 6 |
| Details | 9.5 | 6.5 |
| Soundstage | 9 | 8 |
| Imaging | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| Dynamics | 8.2 | 5 |
| Tonality | 8.6 | 5.5 |
| Technicalities | 8.9 | 6 |
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
9Outstanding
VOLK AUDIO ETOILE Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.5Cautiously Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Jaytiss
9.7
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Elysian Annihilator 2023 arrives with a premium yet pared-back presentation: a compact black felt case, a full set of SpinFit W1 tips, cleaning tool, and cable tie. Build feels meticulous with excellent channel matching, and the faceplate options—titanium, steel, or gold—add flair. Fit sits on the larger side but remains manageable; comfort is mostly solid, though the upper cable segment can create minor pressure. Two practical caveats: the stock cable is fixed to a rare Pentaconn-style IEM connector (not MMCX/2-pin), making swaps tricky, and the termination is 4.4mm only, which limits simple dongle use without an adapter.
Sonically, this is all about extension, clarity, and effortless detail. Treble presents as almost holographic yet controlled, aided by a tasteful dip around 5–6 kHz and invigorating energy near 10 kHz. Bass is more present than its reputation suggests, with a satisfying lift up to roughly 200 Hz that supports a clean, “studio-like” presentation and sweet, well-placed vocals. It can get intense: the combination of high resolution and forward brilliance may read as spicy or mildly fatiguing for some, but for those chasing speed, air, and imaging precision, the payoff is big.
Against peers, the character comes into focus. Compared to sets like the Chopin, Annihilator sounds richer and more authoritative while keeping a similarly ergonomic silhouette. The HiSenior Mega5 EST feels lean in the low end by comparison, and while Monarch iterations bring fun bass (MKIII) or sweeter monitoring vibes (earlier versions), they don’t hit the same engagement. The Fatfreq Grand Maestro complements well but its switchable profiles and extra ~3 kHz energy can be fussier; Annihilator stays consistent and “set-and-forget.” Taken as a whole, this is a confidently tuned, ultra-resolving flagship—pricey and a bit particular on ergonomics and connectivity, but outstanding for listeners who value crystalline treble extension, incisive transients, and no-nonsense reliability.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
VOLK AUDIO ETOILE reviewed by Jaytiss
2025-10-11
6.5
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Elysian Annihilator 2023 (more reviews)
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Super* Review
10*
* score rescaled + normalized
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
9
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelElysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Precogvision
8.7
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Elysian Annihilator 2023 is a boutique flagship from Malaysia built with a clear resin shell, gold faceplate, and uncommon Pentaconn Ear connectors—well finished but on the larger side. The tuning follows a bright V-shape with a forward, energetic presentation. Bass from the Foster dynamic is mid-bass emphasized yet dry and slightly compressed, and persistent driver flex detracts from the low-end quality at this price.
The midrange is striking for its clarity and resolution—one of the cleanest among IEMs—though notes can carry a faint digital edge. Treble is the showstopper: a rare, truly convincing implementation of Sonion EST drivers that delivers exceptional speed, micro-detail, and near-linear extension to the upper limits of hearing. A subtle ~6 kHz dip gives transients an “from-thin-air” immediacy, yielding generous air without crossing into fatigue for most listeners.
On technicalities, detail retrieval sits at least on par with heavy hitters like the U12t and peers, with noticeably wider stage and crisp imaging; height and depth trail the very best, but space and separation are excellent. Macrodynamics are lively, yet overall coherency is the Achilles’ heel—notes lack weight and transient density, giving an occasionally raw, ultra-quick character. As a package, this is one of the few IEMs that genuinely feels world-class; value remains tough at $3,700, but for a reference of state-of-the-art treble and resolution, the Annihilator 2023 sets a formidable benchmark.
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Tim Tuned
8.5
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Smirk Audio
8.4
Reviewer Score
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by Web Search
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.
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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VOLK AUDIO ETOILE Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+4EST MGT
Tuning Type: n/a
Price (Msrp): $3,999
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Elysian Annihilator 2023 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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VOLK AUDIO ETOILE User Review Score
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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-VOLK AUDIO ETOILE Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
4.4Gaming Grade
C-Elysian Annihilator 2023 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S-- The response feels meticulously dialed in, combining neutrality with inviting warmth. Dynamic swings remain tonally accurate.
Average Technical Grade
S-- This level balances openness and accuracy, showcasing excellent clarity across busy mixes. A great match for analytical listening sessions.
VOLK AUDIO ETOILE Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B-- It sounds pleasant overall, with some uneven spots that hint at room for refinement. Vocals remain pleasant despite the imperfections.
Average Technical Grade
B- It offers a competent showing, maintaining cohesion on straightforward arrangements. Complex passages start to challenge it, but never derail the show.
Elysian Annihilator 2023 User Reviews
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