Elysian Annihilator 2023 VS Nightjar Duality

Elysian Annihilator 2023 and Nightjar Duality use 1DD+4BA+2EST and 2DD driver setups respectively. Elysian Annihilator 2023 costs $2,999 while Nightjar Duality costs $3,000. Nightjar Duality is $1 more expensive. Elysian Annihilator 2023 holds a decisive 1.2-point edge in reviewer scores (9.7 vs 8.5). Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better mids with a 2-point edge, Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better treble with a 3-point edge, Nightjar Duality has significantly better dynamics with a 3-point edge and Elysian Annihilator 2023 has significantly better soundstage with a 2-point edge.

Jaytiss Score

Elysian Annihilator 2023

9.7 /10

Jaytiss Score

Nightjar Duality

8.5 /10

Score gap: 1.2

Metric	Elysian Annihilator 2023	Nightjar Duality
Mids	9	7
Treble	9	6
Soundstage	9	7
Dynamics	7	10
Tonality	8.7	7.5
Technicalities	9	6

Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough Elysian Annihilator 2023 and Nightjar Duality reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

Jaytiss Reviews Comparison

Elysian Annihilator 2023 reviewed by

9.7 Reviewer Score

S- Tuning

S Tech

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

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.

Mids: S Treble: S Dynamics: A- Soundstage: S

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel

Nightjar Duality reviewed by

8.5 Reviewer Score

A Tuning

B Tech

Bass thunder, with impedance adapter fun and switches. The 11 is for Z.

Youtube Video Summary

Nightjar Duality presents as a $3,000 dual-dynamic IEM with a focus on premium build and ergonomics: a bespoke shell that seats comfortably, a recessed 2-pin, and user-tunable hardware via onboard switches and an included impedance adapter that can push bass even further. Packaging includes multiple thin, lightweight cables and even a powered dongle option. The craftsmanship feels boutique, and the faceplate aesthetic underscores its luxury positioning.

Tonally, this is a bass-forward set with two personalities: a “normal bass” configuration that retains balance and a “crazy bass” mode that becomes emphatically sub-heavy. Treble carries air and decent detail without chasing a hyper-analytical edge; mids are serviceable but a touch off, responding well to a bit of EQ. Overall dynamics hit hard, staging and clarity remain clean enough for the tuning goal, and the tuning reads as an enjoyable, romantic DD presentation—just not the final word in microdetail at this price.

In context, alternatives frame the value conversation: Grand Maestro is cited for stronger detail/air and driver refinement (though Duality fits better), while options like the Origin, Zen Magrid T Pro (~$500), Effect Audio Quantum, and even the budget Aether planar show that similar or complementary traits exist at lower brackets. Compared with sets such as Scarlet Mini or Maestro Mini, Duality’s bass shelf and presence balance feel more considered. Verdict: a unique, fun bass-head flagship with excellent design and ergonomics; the price is the hurdle, so demoing at events like CanJam is strongly advised before committing.

Mids: A- Treble: B Dynamics: S+ Soundstage: A-

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel

Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+2EST

Tuning Type: U-Shaped

Top U-Shaped IEMs

Brand: Elysian Top Elysian IEMs

Price (Msrp): $2,999

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Driver Configuration: 2DD

Tuning Type: Basshead

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Price (Msrp): $3,000

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Elysian Annihilator 2023 Scorings

Average Tunign Grade

S-

The response feels meticulously dialed in, combining neutrality with inviting warmth. Dynamic swings remain tonally accurate.

Average Technical Grade

Resolution and control feel outstanding, surfacing micro-details with ease. You'll catch studio quirks you may have missed before.

Mids S

You hear a masterclass in midrange fidelity, from tonal balance to micro-detail. It sets a gold standard for midrange fidelity.

Treble S

Treble reaches reference-class perfection with limitless extension and ease. There's limitless extension and clarity.

Dynamics A-

Dynamic performance is excellent, combining sharp transients with strong contrast. Transients snap with authority.

Soundstage S

Spatial cues extend effortlessly in every direction, wrapping you in a boundless sonic dome. Every direction feels accessible.

Nightjar Duality Scorings

Average Tunign Grade

The response is even and composed, lending itself to effortless genre hopping. Voices sit comfortably in the mix.

Average Technical Grade

It offers a competent showing, maintaining cohesion on straightforward arrangements. Complex passages start to challenge it, but never derail the show.

Mids A-

Midrange performance is excellent, with natural timbre and great detail. Vocals feel lifelike and full-bodied.

Treble B

Expect crisp, well-balanced treble that keeps shimmer intact. You hear reverbs decay naturally.

Dynamics S+

This is reference-grade dynamic performance with breathtaking realism. It mirrors live-music intensity perfectly.

Soundstage A-

You hear both the breadth and the altitude of the mix, anchored by accurate positional cues. Immersion improves across genres.

Elysian Annihilator 2023 User Reviews

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