Massdrop x Focal Elex Headphones Discussions | Drop

Mar 7, 2019

How is this $500 better than the Sennheiser HD6xx's ?

Mar 7, 2019

UsehernameWell, it has a much better build quality, better earpads, less clamp, comes with a balanced cable, a very nice storage box, and they sound really fantastic without needing much power to do so out of tubes, SS, a cellphone, etc. At this price, they're really a bargain for their sound quality, build, and accessories. Of course, the cost is highly subjective but I really do feel you're getting your money's worth at this price point.

Mar 11, 2019

jaydunndidditHow does the sound compare to the 6XX ? All the other things are secondary.

A community member

Mar 11, 2019

Assimilator702Based on reading hours of countless reviews (mine will be arriving eventually) the differences seem to be

Brighter highs than the hd 6xx, nearing dt 1990 highs without their sibilance and over presence.
Better bass with better subass, over all a very punch bass. (so long as you don’t get clipping or dead drivers)
nicer build, made in France.
heavier than hd 6xx
similar mids, without some of the smoothness of the original hd 6xx

hope it helps. The general consensus is that if you buy this, don’t sell off your 6xx because you will miss their one strength: vocals.

Mar 11, 2019

Assimilator702To be blunt, the 6XX sounds slow and hazy ( sick of using the term "veiled" but here it is true) in comparison. The 6XX is just too smoothed over for it's own good but I realise some people enjoy a more "laid back" signature. The Elex is not that. At all. For a bad analogy, the 6XX always makes it known you're listening to a recording where the Elex has the energy of a live show even if you're not listening to a live recording. The Elex is such a dynamic headphone that it just brings another aspect to whatever you're listening to. They're also not rolled off like the 6XX and extend better in the lows. They can dig deep for an open back. They also don't have that mid-bass hump like the 6XX and pulled down highs. They have a lower distortion so everything is clearer overall with better resolution . And their drivers are angled so they have a larger, more 3D soundstage especially when it comes to depth and height (more like a bubble than sounding just left or right if that makes sense). The Elex really can excel with any genre where I feel the 6XX only excels with classic rock, acoustic, etc. Not to mention, the Elex are such easier to drive so you'll have their high level of technicalities out of just about anything where the 6XX is substantially pickier and harder to drive. The Elex doesn't really care what its plugged into and will sound great. But pair them with a transparent DAC/amp and they just sound that much more enhanced. Want to calm them down but maintain their dynamics and high level of resolution, use some tubes or a tube buffer. They're just that damn versatile and really haven't sounded bad out of anything I've used them with, balanced or SE. I truthfully can't say the same about the 6XX. I dunno, I have never understood the hype the 6XX gets but that's me. I'd you want smooth, laid back, grainy/hazy, stick with the 6XX. The Elex has great micro/macro dynamics, are quite fast, punchy, and just so much clearer. They make music sound good, even if the production values aren't the best. For me, that's a testament to their overall quality given the price and their ability to be easily driven. And while subjective, they look and feel premium over the 6XX which feels cheap and plasticky. Same with comfort. The Elex, while heavier, has such good weight distribution that they feel lighter and less clampy on my head than the 6XX. And their fenestrated microfiber pads are leaps and bounds better than the velous pads on the 6XX. Throw in their swanky storage box and a 2nd balanced cable and you have an overall better product from top to bottom that's worth the coin. Just my .02 cents.

A community member

Mar 11, 2019

jaydunndidditMy big question. Are these just elears with lower quality clear pads? The only thing ive found that may be different between elear with clear pads (and cables) and a pair of Elex is that MAYBE the dampening was changed. Even then measurements are pretty similar. Because if that is the case, Elex owners are being ripped off from an excellent deal somewhere else.

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Mar 11, 2019

They're pretty much identical except for pads, headband (slightly different material), and both cables and colorway. Otherwise, they sound and measure identical to the Elear. I don't see how it could be a rip-off as the Elear is still higher in cost and doesn't include the Clear style pads ($150) or two cables (one of which is balanced) that are similar to the cables of the Clear.

A community member

Mar 11, 2019

jaydunndidditThe reason i figured it was a rip off is because of the deal over at headphones.com. Comes with new elears, a pair of genuine clear pads (which some have said are better made than the darkened Elex pads), and the clear’s carrying case (I’ve ever found it under $120) On top of the, on occasion they will give you a 10 percent discount on your order. So the only only issue would be you are missing a balanced cable. TBH just go for a periapt balanced cable that feels miles better and is not a coiling mess like the clear cables or the even worse stock elear cable. Just my opinion.

Mar 11, 2019

That's fair. I actually just picked up that bundle for the case, stock Elear pads, and Utopia pads. Picked it all up for $630. Figured even selling the Elear used I'd recoup most of my cost as I haven't found the hard case or Utopia pads discounted at all anywhere. I'd also agree on the Periapt cable. I have 4 or so and they're all well made. I truthfully like the Clear balanced cable over it just because it's not nearly as heavy. Mine is so broken in it's not kinky like it was new but it did take almost a year to hit that state.

Mar 11, 2019

jaydunndidditOk that's the conclusion I've come to after reading through this thread and the Elear thread over on HF. But of course without actually heating a pair you don't know for sure. know what you mean about the 6XX being a bit hazy with some recordings. While they're still magnitudes better than MOST headphones in mid to Hi Fi.......they still do fall flat with certain tracks. I was at a club once several years ago and there was Latin dance music playing and there was a cowbell and it sounded like someone was up in the ceiling playing a cowbell I'm a drummer so I know what percusion sounds like and FEELS like when played or being within close proximity. That's the dynamic realism that's been missing from everything beside VERY high end floor standing speakers or horn drivers used for PA systems....but they usually don't do EVERYTHING well when playing pre recorded music. I mulled this over for 3 or 4 days and finally ordered a pair of Elears for less than $500. If I find any QC problems I'll send them back and order a set of Elex. But I do prefer the look of the Elear over the Elex.

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A community member

Mar 11, 2019

jaydunndidditYeah utopia pads and the case are a good deal. I don’t want to you to second guess your purchase, but how are the utopia pads with the elears? I keep hearing negative things about that pairing.

A community member

Mar 11, 2019

Assimilator702ive tried the hd 6xx and hd 600. Hd 600 all the way. It feels more tonally natural.

A community member

Mar 11, 2019

Assimilator702Are you getting your elears with clear pads? It is almost a neccesity to have the clear pads, that is what makes them into an Elex without upper mid range dip.

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Mar 11, 2019

I wouldn't say negative, just different. Which is what this hobby is all about either way. I always take that nonsense with a huge grain of salt as some folks are just way too dramatic considering these changes are just a (usually) cheap pad swap away. Sorry, back on topic. I feel the mids and upper mids are brought more forward by comparison to the Clear/Elex pads. Lows and highs felt relatively the same. Mind you, this is all a few dB so the changes aren't massive, just a different flavor and will boil down to your preference and music choices. I initially hated the Elear pads after spending so much time with the Elex but I use them all the time now when gaming and movies (or hip hop) as those enhanced lows just have a texture and impact that is missing otherwise to the cooler sounding Elex. Same when I use my tube buffer and add 12dB below 80hz to my Elear. It's just downright fun with the right source and I am just shocked at how.kuch rumble and slam an open back like this can produce. Really just depends on what I'm doing and my mood for the day.

Mar 11, 2019

No just the Elear alone. I was planning on listening for a few days and get to know them over the course of a few days and getting a pair of Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskins and wait until the Elex pads are being sold again.

Mar 12, 2019

jaydunndidditWhere did you find the bundle for $630 ?

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Mar 12, 2019

jaydunndidditIs there a problem with the Focal Elear's in that they "clip" trying to reproduce low frequencies? How can you tell when it's clipping? Is this a problem with all Elear's or do some unlucky few receive a defective pair?

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Mar 12, 2019

UsehernameHeadphone .com. They seem to have raised the price since I purchased my bundle (I also had a 10% off coupon as well when they were going for $700). In regard to the clipping issue, it's more a matter of people listening WAY too loud. You have to listen well above sane listening levels above 100+ dB before this "issue" arises. It's an over-excursion issue due to the design of the headphone itself akin to typical dynamic loudspeakers. Previously, some older units did have issues with this but as far as I've known, it's all been resolved. And this is also something that is built into every single Focal headphone, so it's not just the Elear (even the Utopia). I pasted the response from Focal on one of these threads but if you're listening at levels loud enough to cause clipping, I feel sorry for your ears. I listen relative loud at around ~80 dB or so and I haven't experienced any issues with any of the Focal's I own even when dialing up the lows via tone controls or my tube buffer. Also, it's also likely you're hearing clipping from your amp as well if it isn't up to snuff. This can be mistaken for the mechanical clipping potential in the headphone itself. These headphones are rather revealing so that should be kept in mind. And just so you're aware, it sounds likes a popping/crackling sound. It's pretty unique sounding so you'll know if you hear it. I have to crank the volume to deafening levels to even hear the drivers moving past this point so unless you're trying to deafen yourself, you should be fine.

A community member

Mar 12, 2019

UsehernameHey, make sure that when prompted, you enter your email for the newsletter from headphone.com they wil ship you a free headphone stand with your order over 500. If you need the 10 percent, just fill out all the info and stop before filling the payment section. Then wait a day or two and you will be emailed a reminder of your cart and MAYBE a 10 percent discount to encourage you to buy it.

jakesb4

Mar 12, 2019

jaydunndidditThe clipping issue is source dependent. I have gone through 2 pairs of elex. On my maranta avr they clip at moderate volume. On topping dx7s I cannot reproduce the clip. That said the bass on topping is recessed drastically on topping. I think excessive bass boosting is responsible for the clip.

ludachris

314

Mar 13, 2019

jaydunndidditWell said Jay. Now you have 71k hd6xx bandwagon owners who are going to reply back to you. 😂 I havent owned the hd6xx the hype made me lose interest months ago. Elex is really a great headphone for the value and sound signature. Another off topic question, did your focal elegia cord break? Mine broke instantly when i accidentaly plugged left into right and right into left. My left earcup stopped working and my heart stopped. I plugged in my elex cable to my elegia and it came back to life. Thank god it was the cable and not my elegia headphone. I ordered periapt to replace mine coming soon. I read reviews that the elegia cables are horrible. Just a heads up incase you ran into that problem jay.

A community member

Mar 14, 2019

jakesb4Might not be the bass boosting (any headphone should be able to take some low end kick) i think it might be amp power output. The reason youmah be experiencing less bass on the dx7 might be because it is simply a drier amp than the maranta avr

A community member

Mar 14, 2019

ludachrisgood grief, i almost dumped money on a pair of open box elegia. Close one.

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Mar 14, 2019

ludachrisNope, stock cable still going strong here. Admittedly, I use the cables from the Elex more as they're broken in and more flexible at this point so my Elegia cables typically stay stored in their case. Happy to hear it wasn't the headphones despite losing a cable does suck.

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Mar 14, 2019

I don't think it's a widespread issue. Stuff happens. I wouldn't let it turn you off from the Elegia. It's a common connector type so cables can be had for cheap compared to some others types (HD800 and Fostex style connectors and cables always carry a premium).

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Mar 17, 2019

jaydunndidditHey, Did you say that you picked up the Elear bundle with the intention of selling them sans the case and extra pads? Will you sell them NIB or like new used? How much would you ask for them? Did you say that you ordered the bundle with the Clear or the Utopia pads? Cheers!

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A community member

Mar 17, 2019

UsehernameHe will probably sell them in box best option possible, you get a free hard case and genuine clear pads out of it. He the ordered the bundle with utopia pads. if you are adventurous, go utopia pads. if you are cautious and want to play it safe (aka Elex) then you get them with clear pads.

Mar 17, 2019

but bottom line they get sold? Are you saying the Elex is a better headphone? Is it your opinion that the Elex on Massdrop is a better choice than Elears? Is the Utopia pad choice the best to receive with bundle? Whats the best headphone at the $700 price point?

(Edited)

A community member

Mar 17, 2019

UsehernameIf it were to work out cleanly, youd be paying 630 for new Elear, clear pads, and the hard shell case. now if you can sell those Elear for it’s full 699. You’ve made profit. and now buy an Elex for free, but Now you’ve got an extra pair of pads and a case for them. on top for the better accessories of the elex. you'd need an ideal scenario.

Mar 17, 2019

is the Elex a better headphone and what makes it so? Yes I get that the accessories are included. The pads and case can be used with the Elex, Clear or Utopia

(Edited)

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A community member

Mar 17, 2019

UsehernameThe Elex is inherently better than the stock Elear. It already has the pads, and headband of a clear built in.

A community member

Mar 17, 2019

UsehernameBut of course, you are looking at ideal scenario in these steps:

You get the 10 percent discount off the $699 bundle.
You find someone on eBay willing to give you $699 for the elear brand new alone

Mar 17, 2019

Is the difference mostly cosmetic or is the sound signature significantly improved over the Elears? I figure I could do way worse than own a pair of Elears. But if I can swing it I would like the best of both, freebies from the bundle, the best Focal headphone under $1k, and not having to spend additional money on the Elex's.

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Mar 23, 2019

Whats wrong with the Elear headband? I'm wearing my pair right now and it's comfortable as can be and built to a very high standard.

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Mar 23, 2019

UsehernameThe Elex is an Elear with some different colored parts, a headband that's perforated in the bottom panel and black Clear pads. Same headphones just different coloring and some minor part changes. Nothing changes with the drivers.

A community member

Mar 23, 2019

Assimilator702Nothing really. you just get to say “I have a clear headphone headband” so so it’s mostly aesthetics and personal value with the headband. the pads on the other hand...

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A community member

Mar 23, 2019

Assimilator702Yep, I’m almost certain it’s been confirmed that the drivers have not changed. my only real issue is the rumor related to dampening. Supposedly, that is the major change inside an Elex to a normal Elear. If the dampening myth is proven to be just that (a myth), then everyone PLEASE just buy an Elear with clear pads bundle and save some money.

Mar 24, 2019

I know I've seen a video with Jude from HF saying he doesn't think anything with the drivers was done in reference to the dampening. The pads could change the dampening or technically even the cable. The cable might not make an audible difference but might be measurable. I found my Elears for $499 open box on Amazon. I'm very happy with them and I'll just wait until the Elex pads are available. There's no way that Massdrop or Focal can take the stance that if anyone wants to have another pair of pads that they're SOOL. We can all choose to never shop with them again. And as much as I like the Elear if Focal makes an announcement that the Elex pads will not be available at all or for an astronomical price I'll sell my Elears and say goodbye to Focal and probably Massdrop. It synthetic microfiber, not some exotic material.

Mar 24, 2019

Assimilator702Sadly, as they say, you pay to play. Focal has something unique that no other manufacturer offers so they can charge what they want. That and most of their items are handmade so you pay the premium for that as well. Some don't care about that but it is a factor in their cost as well as them being an international company based in France. I dunno, when it comes to cars, if you want to drive a Porsche, Audi, or Mercedes, they carry a premium for a reason over any domestic especially when it comes to maintence, repairs, and parts. Seems kind of silly to write off a company and their products because they have to make a profit considering all things. And most companies make money off accessories and other things than the product itself. Would you do the same with Sennheiser knowing the 6XX and 650 are the same device but the 650 is comparatively more expensive because reasons?

Mar 24, 2019

No just stock Elears. I'm happy with the sound. I know the sound signature will change with the perforated pads but I'll have to wait until they're available or do something creative and sell my Elear and get a set of Elex with those funds. I bought them on Amazon with several gift cards and can't swing $700 paying a different way....or at least know that it wouldn't be the responsible thing to do. I have a bad drum gear habit. :(

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Mar 24, 2019

jaydunndidditI get what you're saying but in this situation there's no reason to sell the pads separately. They were sold once on Massdrop and now they aren't being offered. Is it it because both parties don't want to cut into possible Elex sales? If that's the reason it's just wrong. Happy customers return. If I already have a pair of Elears I'm a Focal customer. Why should Focal say FU to one of their customers that purchased their product at full price? If I get an Elex and want an Elear sound signature I'd be in the same boat I guess.

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Mar 24, 2019

Assimilator702I recently got the Elears and I haven't gotten around to trying the Clear pads or any others. I am also happy with the stock Elear pads. I'm glad I don't desire the Utopia pads. I can't imagine them to be $250 better sounding. I wonder how these Dekoni Audio Elite Fenestrated Sheepskin pads compare: https://dekoniaudio.com/product/dekoni-audio-elite-fenestrated-sheepskin-earpad-set-for-focal-elear-clear-utopia/ I'm glad I still have my HD6xx's. These Elears sound great at lower volumes. To me they become uncomfortable when listening at higher levels.

Mar 24, 2019

UsehernameDekoni has measurements of their pads with the Elear: https://dekoniaudio.com/so-you-want-some-focal-measurements-with-the-dekoni-audio-ear-pads/. I have them all except for the Fen. Sheepskin since I have Utopia pads. I typically swap them depending on mood and what I'm listening to but I genuinely like them all for different reasons. I usually go with hybrids for the Elear, sheepskin with the Elegia, and elite velour or Clear pads with the Elex. Kinda nice to still keep the resolution and dynamics of a Focal while tuning the sound a bit.

Mar 24, 2019

jaydunndidditHow's the bass on the Elegia compared to the stock Elear?

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zep483

656

Mar 26, 2019

jaydunndidditI'd like to know what fenestrated sheepskin sounds like on the elex... I know I couldn't do the stock pads for sure... I gotta have some kinda leather...

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Mar 26, 2019

zep483I'll buy your Elex pads if you think of selling them. I heard the Dekoni Fenestrated pads sound very close to the stick Elex pads. Not exactly the same but pretty good. Supposedly the pads are a bit stiff until they warm up but they're good after that. I would think that being real leather after several hours of use they should become more supple.

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raansire7

1507

Mar 26, 2019

jaydunndidditGood stuff. I think that the slowness and hazyness of the 6XX is precisely what makes them delicious to my ears. They sound abnormal to me. Coming from a music production background, they're far from reference in terms of "universally-agreed"studio neutral sound, which is a thing. They sound bad in that sense. But they're my reference in terms of aural comfort. They're intentionally designed to sound like that, and I like that. I measure all my other headphones against them. Except the 58X which sound similar but a bit faster, brighter and more dynamic, no other cans I own have that grainy, textured tonality. Always preferring cleanliness bordering on sterility, I never liked grit on my sound until I bought the 6XX. I'm of the neutrality camp and also a soundstage junkie...but the 6XX are my exception. Their "flaws" are what I like about them. If my back itches and I scratch with just my finger tips, the itch won't go away due to the smoothness of skin on skin. I need a bit of nail pressure to create friction and relieve the itch. That's how I see the 6XX. They're the perfect aural friction in my itchy brain ear. God bless!

A community member

Mar 26, 2019

Assimilator702Just received my bundle. The clear pads are darn good. You know what? I’m starting to suspect that MD just took elear pads (full ring, no cuts or anything) , and perforated them using the clear pad mold.

A community member

Mar 26, 2019

UsehernameI finally got them. Toss the clear pads on them asap. The pads make a huge difference into the tonality.

funbobby

Mar 26, 2019

UsehernameThat is my question as well...

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Mar 27, 2019

The Elear pads are pretty different than the Elex pads. The material is different for both as the Elex pads definitely feel thinner. There's also a different material at the bottom of the Elex pads although I wouldn't call them "hybrids." Also, the shape of the Elear pads almost seems more like a donut where the Elex pads are flat. They feel roughly the same but I might say the Elex pads are a bit softer. Mine are pretty broken in so it could just be that too.

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Mar 27, 2019

Assimilator702The Elegia aren't as rolled off in the sub bass area but they're both about equal linearity in the lows otherwise. The Elegia has a tad more quantity and it's bass is tighter. They're not basshead cans by any means. But with some EQ, the drivers can produce some rumble where the Elear comes off as more mid bassy to me in comparison.

Mar 27, 2019

zep483They sound very similar to Clear pads. I would say most differences are in the mids and highs with raises a few dB at certain peaks. Range around those peaks are widened to they could possibly sound a bit smoother overall as things transition. This isn't a night and day difference but it's very subtle. I like this for some genres of music as it just feels a bit more open with a tad more energy for certain instruments.

Mar 27, 2019

jaydunndidditHow do YOU adjust EQ?

(Edited)

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Mar 27, 2019

UsehernameEither via the tone controls of my AVR or amp. I also use the toggles on my tube buffer/preamp as it does this via analog stages. I also sometimes use my ES100 as a preamp and use its EQ. Also I toggles filters through my DACs as well depending on source. Otherwise, a basic 3-tone device like this from JDS: https://jdslabs.com/product/subjective3/. Really, more options than one needs as I hardly feel the need to EQ personally unless I want some more meat in the lows. Really the only reason I use them for. I typically just use my buffer if I want some more warmth in the chain.