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msteele
15
Jun 27, 2019
I've been reading through this entire thread and felt compelled to discuss my experiences with my Elex and the Elegia concerning the clipping issues users are experiencing at high volumes with tracks with a lot of bass or eq'ed bass. I'm using a THX AAA 789 with an SMSL SU-8 at home and I use a Monoprice 788 at work. I use the Elegia all day at work and use the Elex at home at night. I also have many other headphones including ZMF, Sendy Aiva and 6XX to name a few. I've never encountered any clipping of any kind or any audible issue with either of these headphones. They have been rock solid and I love them both. I'll add that I do not EQ either of them. I don't understand why anyone would ever need to boost the bass especially on the Elex.
LuckyLuke575
561
Jun 27, 2019
msteeleIts a strange claim for people to make. If someone manages to make these headphones clip, then you're abusing / misusing / vandalizing their own property. I don't believe a word of this "issue". Its the same as people that complain about paint "chipping" off HD 650s. Imagine how callous and clumsy someone has to be to damage high quality earphones like that.
jaydunndiddit
3262
Jun 27, 2019
LuckyLuke575You'd be amazed at how careless folks are with their own property, sadly. As a car guy, it always makes me sad to see so many folks at automatic car washes for example, knowing it's just going to leave swirls in their paint. It's a hassle to always hand wash my car, but I treat even my budget items with the same care I would for an expensive car. In short, some folks just don't care one way or the other until something breaks or looks bad and would rather blame the item instead of their poor habits and lack of maintenance
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msteele
15
Jun 28, 2019
LuckyLuke575Ha ha, I wouldn't go as far as to say they are vandalizing their own property, but I'd make the analogy of someone complaining about their car not working properly after grinding their gears because they like to drive it way too fast and don't know how to properly use a stick shift & clutch. People can destroy their own headphones if they want, just don't complain about the product on forums when you're the one to blame for destroying them through misuse.
(Edited)
Senpai-sama
93
Jul 27, 2019
msteeleWhat are your opinions on the 788? I’ve been thinking about picking it up
msteele
15
Aug 2, 2019
Senpai-samaJust buy it. It's just as good as my SMSL SU-8 + THX AAA 789 and much more inexpensive. Can be used to drive anything.
carinishead
56
Oct 16, 2019
msteeleCurrently looking at the Aiva and the Elex right now... So torn... Sounds like people generally greatly prefer the Elex, but the Aiva is just so damn attractive... Thoughts?
msteele
15
Nov 1, 2019
carinisheadHey carinishead, I'll do my best to give you my personal opinions of both cans. First the Aiva... I used to be pretty tough on the Aiva. My biggest issue with the Aiva is that it's fatiguing for me after a while. I'm quite treble sensitive and the Aiva can irritate me. The Aiva is very detailed and is bass light. The Avia has outstanding build quality and is incredibly comfortable. I love the pads on this headphone and the headband is incredibly soft. Out of all of my headphones, the Aiva was my least favorite. I planned to sell the Aiva, but have since changed my mind and plan to keep it. I love the Aiva cables and the Aiva really does a fantastic job with more laid back music. The Aiva is not a perfect headphone but I have learned to love it paired with certain music and it actually performs great without an amp, plugged directly into my phone. Second the Elex... I've described the Elex previously as possibly my perfect headphone. The Elex extends in its frequency response very well, and to my ears, it sounds quite balanced. I'd consider the Elex a fairly clinical headphone. I'm in the camp of calling it a super 650. The build quality of the Elex and all of the Focal headphones are fantastic. I love the design of the subtle swivel inside the yokes. The pads on the Elex are incredibly soft and this is off putting to some. Unfortunately, the Elex and other Focal headphones do not take well to pad swapping and purchasing replacement pads for the Elex is difficult or impossible since it appears Drop are not selling replacements. I wish there were more options for pads that sounds as good as the stock pads. The Elex is wide open and leaks sound so it would not be recommended to use it in a loud room or where you will bother others with your music.
msteele@carinishead Sadly, the only option is to buy the expensive Clear pads as they are identical to the Elex pads just in grey. Another option are the Utopia pads but they do change the FR slightly (better IMO) but are stupidly expensive at $250. The only other option are the Dekoni pads but they do not have an Elex variant, sadly. I do like their hybrids and sheepskins when I'm wanting more warmth and lowend in the FR.
(Edited)
msteele
15
Nov 1, 2019
jaydunndidditI have the Dekoni pads and hate what they do to the sound. I'll probably replace the pads with the Utopia pads eventually. There's no way I am putting the grey Clear pads on my Elex. lol Thanks for the tips!
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