Massdrop x Focal Elex Headphones Discussions | Drop

Oct 15, 2020

banditkingThis is no joke. I went to use my Elex this morning after not using it for a month or so, and the left channel is completely kaput. Apparently random failure is standard with these.

Oct 15, 2020

Oct 15, 2020

FayneGoing inside to look for the failure point? I’m curious, being a owner.

Oct 15, 2020

Oct 15, 2020

rastusI've been seriously considering it. I've got most of the gear required to diagnose and repair it, assuming it isn't a failure in the driver coil itself. I've a feeling it is one of the solder jobs on the input socket. I'm just trying to decide if I want to try the MassDrop lottery when it comes to support, while I can. Or if I'm totally willing to void warranty via disassembly.

Oct 15, 2020

Oct 16, 2020

FayneI’m with you on a solder fail, cold solder & stress, nothing survives... Are you using stock cables? A failed coil is a deeper reliability qc issue.

Oct 16, 2020

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Oct 16, 2020

rastusYeah. Stock nylon wrapped XLR4 terminated cable. I mean, there is a chance that they were damaged in a 2ft fall from hanger to carpet, but they worked last time I stuffed them on a hanger... so odd. I know they had major QC problems at release. LOTS of driver defects. I waited for a later batch before ordering mine... well, and one of those killer black friday like sales. Other than this failure, I've had nothing but <3 for the Elex. Mind you, I did find myself using my Beyerdynamic T1.2 significantly more often, simply because they're better with my tube amps.

(Edited)

Oct 16, 2020

banditking

Oct 16, 2020

FayneWhat amps u use? May be need to use THX 789 amps thats why Massdrop has bundle option with 789??

Oct 16, 2020

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Oct 16, 2020

banditkingWith the Elex? Mostly the Drop 789, Drop LCX, xDuoo TA-20, LOXJIE P20, and Schiit Ragnarok 2. Brief time on my LittleDot1+, Gemtune APPJ PA1502A, ZDT Jr., CTH, and Yaqin MS-6P1P. I highly doubt it is the amp, otherwise I'd expect some of my other 18 sets of cans to have similar issues.

(Edited)

Oct 16, 2020

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chillspace

Keyboard Club Member

Oct 19, 2020

JakobMan, that truly sucks. Maybe the batches made over the past year have been plagued by these QA issues. I purchased mine in January 2019 and have not suffered any issues (so far).

Oct 19, 2020

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Oct 20, 2020

FayneI think it may be an intrinsic stress issue, causing fractures, from an improper anneal in the coil/lead wire. Thought cold solder, then saw a mid-wire break image on reddit... Surely they are looking into it. I would stay on the warranty road with this one.

(Edited)

Oct 20, 2020

Nov 1, 2020

FayneI'm mostly tube and go to my HD600's for the crispness, though the Elex get the most time. Trying something higher up like the T1.2, is on the list.

Nov 1, 2020

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Nov 1, 2020

rastusIf you want a 600Ω T1.2, you best score it soon or expect to buy it used. The 3rd gen is out and is 32Ω. Completely unsuitable for most tube amps.

Nov 1, 2020

Kevin

5434

Outreach

Nov 14, 2020

FayneGo ahead and open it up and dig around, we'll honor the warranty.

Nov 14, 2020