Setup: I bought THX 789 for the massive output of idk 6W/32ohms, but whenever I try to use my Sundara/Modhouse Argon/HD600/Arya V2/...whatever, I cannot reach decent listening levels in terms of db without getting this scratching/hissing noise in the background ... I think it's distortion. (DAC I use: Geshelli labs - J2, set to max volume) Settings: With an XLR output, gain setting level at 2/3 and the volume knob set to 2-4 o'clock, hearing distortion from a 250-350$ THX amp shouldn't be a thing, should it? With somewhat hard to drive headphones, I'm not reaching 70db, but I can already hear this godforsaken noise on all tracks without a constant stream of sound. If you dare to up the volume past 4 o'clock, or past 12 on gain setting 3/3, this noise becomes so loud, it might as well be an additional instrument Music: The tracks I usually listen to involve so few instruments, that you don't have a constant stream of sound. (e.g. Creep - Lena Hall) I'd love to get some feedback!...
Jun 5, 2024
I'm not in particular need for high end headphones, either. I have the Ether Flow and I'm really happy with them. I just wanted a high end dynamic.
https://www.innerfidelity.com/images/FocalClearsnA1BRQE000007.pdf https://www.innerfidelity.com/images/FocalElear.pdf
We already know the clear/elear drivers are the same size and materials, and it looks like have very similar FR and THD measurements once you make the earcups the same. These might be essentially the same driver in different impedance versions, which is common for loudspeakers (and these drivers are even marketed as loudspeakers).
Definitely not identical drivers, but the damping in the housing can make as much or more difference than the drivers...
The Utopia/Elear Press release doesn't claim any voice coil materials: https://www.focal.com/headphones/elear/pdf/elear_press-release.pdf
Can't find one for the clear.