The slightly warm but mostly neutral sound signature works well on pretty much all of the music to which I listen and I can enjoy it at low volumes. Press J to jump to the feed. These are quite a bit hotter in the treble. These definitely aren't. I finally look forward to my commute every day. Pads are very nice and clean, SE plug connector looks nice and not worn out. The slightly warm but mostly neutral sound signature works well on pretty much all of the music to which I listen and I can enjoy it at low volumes. ... IMO. Focal is a French company that started in 1979 in the home audio world making speaker drivers and loudspeakers (originally, the loudspeakers were released under the brand name JM-lab, named after the Focal founder Jacques Mahul). They keep promoting it as “better” HD600 but I didn’t have one to compare to. Pick the favorite then move to sell the others and get the Elex, There’s been a few comparison reviews from others between all the Focal headphones. Shouldn't $1000 headphones be neutral? Above 10kHz the HD650 has about 1.5dB more output. vs. Sennheiser HD 660 S. vs. Sennheiser HD 650. vs. Focal Elear. $1499. Listen I'm currently rocking a full Focal system in my car and couldn't be happier about it. Inspired by the best technology and acoustic research that went into designing Utopia, our flagship headphones, they offer truly exceptional performance. I haven't heard the Meridian Prime. Too often high-end products neglect appearances; if you’re spending this sort of money, we think you should get a product th… Early serial# in the 4,000's. And they don’t just look expensive, they feel it too. I believe the Elex can be EQed to be less harsh in the treble and make the midrange as present as the Hd600s. Planar’s tend to be what others call “quick” and with a fast decay, especially on the low end in the bassy areas. The frequency response is awfully similar. To my ears, they sound as warm/cold as the HD600, but more nuanced and wider, while the 660s sounds a lot warmer and slightly veiled. On the other hand, the Focal are better-built headphones and feel sturdier. Frankly, we wouldn’t have been surprised to see a price tag twice the size on these over-ears. Suffer though it for the detail for days! A key staple for the most demanding professionals. I currently am using it mostly with the Topping DX7 and the P20. Thanks! The Elex's treble sounds rougher. As can be seen the HD600 has slightly less midbass hump. Im not sure about the tube amp but I know that the topping dx7s has an output impedance of 10 ohms which is a bit higher than ideal for the elex which has an 80 ohm impedence. $500 + fees/ship 2) Sennheiser HD800 - Not mint shape but still decent (I'd say 7/10 for paint chipping ~ I am very picky). Built like a french tank. They seem to be a little closer to the clears than the Elear, which suits me because I've tried the clears and they're the best thing I've ever heard. https://www.antdroid.net/2018/09/focal-elex-dynamic-dynamo.html, https://www.verumsonus.com/focal-clear-vs-focal-elear-vs-focal-elex-comparison-review/. vs. Focal Elegia. Here’s a good review of all of them: https://www.verumsonus.com/focal-clear-vs-focal-elear-vs-focal-elex-comparison-review/, The real question is: Elex vs HD800 vs Clear. Lighter than LCD2/M1060. It’s also far more comfortable for me to wear than the Elex. I think people typically choose the Elex and Clear over the Elear. However, the Elex's dynamics, clarity, and transient response is on another level. Time to save up for a pair of these shitters! 1) Focal Elex - Mint shape, complete with box et. The HD600s are smoother and more natural sounding especially in the midrange with acoustic instruments and vocals. Thanks. The tonal balance is similar, but the HD600 still has smoother treble. I really enjoy it with a warm tube amp (the new Loxjie P20 budget balanced tube amp), and the Monolith Cavalli Liquid Spark for a budget amp. Much better than k7xx, hd650, etc. Pretty much. Yet, clearly spending $1,000 on a pair of headphones isn’t for everyone. They also interact more with the pinna and create a more open soundstage than the Focal. … New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Weight is heavy. Both headphones are excellent options but which one do I prefer? Some people say these headphones are a little on the bright side, but not enough to put you off and not want to use them. I just tried out some Focal Elears and while I loved their dynamics, soundstage and detail, they had an overall warmness to them which I just couldn't get past. First, I want to make a quick comparison between the Elear and the good ol’ HD650. If you have heard the HD650, the Elear is similar in “Thickness” and substance factor. For the Elex, Massdrop have done something similar to my thinking, and made the whole headphone a Sony-esque matte black, including using a darker version of the cable from the Clear. Which means you could possibly build a system with the Elear for not much more cost (or even less cost) than a heroic amp and HD650 combo. Not a fair fight considering the price difference. Yea why so many 6 series Senns? I don't know if I want to spend a thou on headphones, but given my needs, the Elear and the Meridian might be the better match as HS suggests. Do I need to spring the extra $$$ for the 'S'? Damnnnn thanks for the review. I only demo’d the Clear once a few months ago for a bit, but I believe it is more detailed and “clear” since it is brighter than the Elex. Lot’s of people are wondering how the current (silver screen) HD650 compares to the (silver screen) HD600. While some models go for a workmanlike design, you’ll find nothing of the sort here – even at this price. Any suggestions that might get me to what I'm looking for, in that price range? Focal. It could definitely stand to look something like what Massdrop did with the Focal Elex, which I own and love. The Focal Elegias isolate sound really well. The staff is typically recessed, however sometimes there's the occasional shoutiness and the squeaky sibilance heard over chatter. The Elex has more detail, speed, dynamics, and soundstage. Two cables are included, one with a 6.5mm plug and one with 4-pin XLR, allowing an easy match-up with the variety of desktop amps Massdrop and others make. Currently using a smooth plate Telefunken and really loving it with the Senns. They have measurement comparisons between the Elex, Elear, Clear, and Utopia on the product page on massdrop if you're interested. I'm trying to find a set of cans that sound very similar to my KEF LS50s, which to me sound perfectly balanced across the frequency spectrum. HD 650 – the Reference Class.. The Elegias certainly look like a premium pair of headphones. In summary – the Focal Elear is a great-sounding headphone! Maybe not exactly the same, but close. I guess the question is: how would the Sennheiser HD800 phones compare? I also have the Massdrop Cavalli CTH which works well with it too but is a leaner sound signature. Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by Diver110, Feb 8, 2017. Looking at things that way you can start to justify the Elear as being a better value in terms of headphone system cost than the HD650, even though the Elear costs 2x to 3x more than the HD650. Comparison of the Sennheiser HD700 and Focal Elex. The HD 650 is a genuine masterpiece, which will satisfy even the most demanding listener. The majority of the music I use in my evaluations is in “Red Book” CD format (16 bit, 44.1 kHz), most of which comes from CD rips; an initial playlist for my audition listening can be found here. Ananda vs Focal Elear . I bought a pair used and they came in today, Hot sauce committee part two by Beastie Boys does an amazing job of showcasing the abilities of the Elex imo. As for amp synergies, amps that work well with the HD600 should also work well with the Elex. Will give the HD800 a shot then. High-quality titanium/silver finish. Fairly big and also pricy. Edmond – Prins Thomas: The Ananda requires a tad more volume on the amp, but not much. vs. Sennheiser HD 660 S. vs. Sennheiser HD 599. vs. Focal Elear. The HD650 can do that too, but again, requires heroic amplification to get it to do that. EDM songs with exaggerated treble (distorted treble) can be annoying on it but are annoying in general. Posted full review here: https://www.antdroid.net/2018/09/focal-elex-dynamic-dynamo.html. Detail for days, doesn't matter. Help me remember, is the Elex basically an Elear with Clear pads and a nice... black job? Focal Elear Conclusion. Their walk-in counter door glides open with buttery smoothness. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Can be a little harsh for some songs because it is a neutral-bright sound signature. The HD 660 S offers the low-level detail characteristics that make the HD 800 so highly coveted among TOTL- and kilobuck-seeking audiophiles but with the HD 600's naturalness. Love them both. Thanks guys. However I like the Elex as is. Focal Elex. Better than any Audeze I've listened too. Below the frequency response of the HD650 vs HD600. $575 + fees/ship The Focal Elear are better critical listening headphones than the Sennheiser HD 650, but they are also more expensive. Headphones used, for comparison, include the Sennheiser HD800S, Sennheiser HD650, Focal Utopia, Focal Elear, Massdrop x Focal Elex. I want something semi-portable, which why I am thinking in terms of the Meredian. al. Pretty much spot on with the Elex and my experiences with them. Dynamics and fast transients are awesome. However I like the Elex as is. I havent used an O2 amp, so I cannot say. You want to shoot for at least ten times the impedance on the headphones relative to the amp. Since then, they have gotten their fingers in a number of different pies including studio monitors and car audio. Nearly unlistenably harsh with certain sources. The biggest step up is build quality: HiFiMan cut every corner except the drivers while Focal spared no expense on the frame, hardware, and pads. Sennheiser makes its own amp, which I assume is heroic enough? The HiFiMan Ananda are better critical listening headphones than the Focal Elear. Typically this happens when a disgruntled customer comes in and raises the 1-3KHz region of the frequency response chart for the service center room. Focal Professional headphones meet the expectations of the most demanding artists and sound engineers: precision and neutrality are the guarantee of a perfect mix. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, ZMF Verite | Arya | Viento-B | MEST | more, LCDi4/HD800/Andro/LCDGX/Monarch/Elex/Elegia/95X/EMu-RW/Blessing2, DT 990/DT 770/HD 598/SHP9500/Schiit Fulla 2, Yggy>EC BW2/DNA Stellaris/EC Aficionado>Verite/6XX KISS/Andro, Monolith 788 -> HD600, K240M, M560 | Q1Mk2 -> MD+, P1, Gungnir MB| Saga| First Watt F5| Modded He 6 /5 LE. item 1 Massdrop X Focal Elex Headphones - Black Open-back, Mint 1 - Massdrop X Focal Elex Headphones - Black Open-back, Mint. Amazon.com. Measurements seem to match this. It has a wider soundstage. Systems with narrow tolerances (± 1 dB), hand-picked in pairs. Amplifier: Questyle CMA800R, Source: Audio-gd Master 7. The HD650 can do that too, but again, requires heroic amplification to get it to do that. I use the HD650's with a Bellari tube headphone amp, which I bought because it uses a 12ax7 tube which I have lots of different makes of from owning tube amps. Costing around $700 the focal flex is a significantly cheaper alternative to the HD800s. I don't know how well it drives the HD650. Elear are audiophile open-backed headphones manufactured in France by Focal. From 600Hz up the headphones are very similar. Really love the sound of these. Its like turning the saturation filter up on a photo to make colors pop whereas the HD600 is using the portrait or natural color filter to make it feel lifelike. I am interested in these but I can't live with front sealed headphones like Audeze's. I've also got an edition x 2 and I gotta say the elex has brought back some much needed treble into my life. Top-of-the-range open, dynamic hi-fi stereo headphones. The Elex has more detail, speed, dynamics, and soundstage. The Elex look great. vs. Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless. Be inspired by the sound of a high-fidelity system with a pair of Elear headphones, for hours of listening pleasure. Looking at things that way you can start to justify the Elear as being a better value in terms of headphone system cost than the HD650, even though the Elear costs 2x to 3x more than the HD650. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. The bass and drums hit harder and feel more dynamic with the Elear,: There is no doubt that this track plays to the Elear´s stronger sides. Apologies for any downtime or slow forum loading now or within the next week or so. Stock. Any $1,000 headphone needs to do something really, really well. Their sound quality follows more our target curve with excellent mid and treble ranges. Complete with box et al. Luckily I previously owned HD600s and HD6XXs. Less than that ratio starts affecting the frequency response of the headphones, although im guessing its not by too much in this case since its kinda close, just letting you know anyway. Sounds like mini full-range speakers in your ear. Heavier than HE560/Mobius/Sine. You won’t hear much from outside and while there is a little sound leakage at high volume, they’re ultimately pretty … It’s also far more comfortable for me to wear than the Elex. Can be uncomfortable with prolonged use. After that, it’s a bit tougher. It doesn't always sound as smooth, but it is an authentic and lively sound without being far away from neutral. The Massdrop x Focal Elex and Massdrop x Sennheiser HD58X sound more similar than different, but for my own use, I prefer the HD58X, price no object. That bite, combined with the quick decay, means that the 95X is a few steps away from natural. Still, the sonics could stand to be improved, and I think different pads could do a lot for them. One of strikes against the HD650 is they require what I consider somewhat heroic amplification to get them to perk up, open up, and lose the veil. Both offer full bodied bass and mids, but the fact that the upper-midrange is more in line with the rest of the midrange, almost makes the HD650 sound a little brighter than the Elear, especially with vocal music. The Elear is slow in that regard, it is methodical and takes its time, it feels broad and less sharpened. I wouldn’t say this is a straight progression from the HD6xx. Innerfidelity, btw, has the Elears on its wall of fame, but no longer the 650s. The HE-560 and Elex are technically competitive with each other, but have different characteristics. I am new to high-end headphones. Clear Professional Professional open-back headphones. A plus for the Elear is that they don't need that style of amplification to sound good and deliver the results you heard. I like that sort of deeper headphone soundstage. Haven't heard the Elear personally that's just what I have read. Overall, the delivery is usually on time, response is good and not too much low end rumbling from me. On the other hand, the Sennheiser have flatter treble, and they are more lightweight and stable on the head. VS Focal Elear: Sorry Sennheiser, but the Focal Elear has more seperation, clarity and detail. They have better build quality and feel like more premium open-back headphones. I'm seriously considering the Focal Elegia but will always keep the HD650 cans. South East London, England, Great Britain, Sennheiser HD 800 S: Tweaked and Delightful...and a French DIY Response, Forum Policies, Rules, and Terms of Service. But yea, these are way better than the Audeze over-weighted monstrosities. A place for discussion, news, reviews and DIY projects related to portable audio, headphones, headphone amplifiers and DACs. Sound signature is really similar, but more dynamic than my HE560. Id say the tonal balance is more similar to an HD600 but with more bass (in a great way) and more treble (its a bit harsher). I wish I could afford these. Summary The Elex and HD58X sound more similar than different, but for my own use, I prefer the HD58X, price no object. I wish I had a Sennheiser to compare to. Selling a couple of those Senny’s can get you there. :). These are marketed on Massdrop as the “super HD650, but I don’t think that’s correct. I much prefer the Grado top headphones to HD800s, which can be too bright and fatiguing. Of course, I am just talking tonality here. I also like how the Elear naturally wants to do a deeper style soundstage. The HD600s are smoother and more natural sounding especially in the midrange with acoustic instruments and vocals. 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Curve with excellent mid and treble ranges the Elex and my experiences with them even the most listener... Exaggerated treble ( distorted treble ) can be seen the HD600 should also work well with it too but a. Clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies discussion, news, reviews DIY... They have better build quality and speed is on par with planars not worn out nice... job! What I 'm looking for, in that price range other hand the! 650, but I didn ’ t think that ’ s of people wondering. Inspired by the sound of a high-fidelity system with a pair of isn!