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Will.E
25
Mar 23, 2021
checkVerified Buyer
So far, so good!
I received my Elex Headphones about 10 days ago, and have been very pleasantly surprised. Other cans owned- this will be a long history for background- I've had nothing too high end, I'm a long time Senn HD 59X series owner- HD 595 from 2004, then HD 598SE a couple years ago, because that design just works. Over the years, I've tried IEM's, wireless headsets by Logitech, and always ended up back with the Senns for both music and gaming, which just keep working when everything else breaks and sound better than anything else I've tried. More recently, I've wanted a closed design option, but had a tough time- both the Beyer DT770 Pro 80 Ohm's and Steelseries Arctis Pro Wireless didn't make their auditions (the DT770's sounded V-shaped and flat to me), the Arctis Pro had finicky drivers and quite honestly, didn't sound nearly as good as folks talked them up to be. They are still Steelseries- no offense meant. So, up the price ladder we go for a good sound quality closed headphone, and enter the Focal Elegia (bought as B-stock/closeout for $300 off). They may need more break in, they're still a touch harsh, but holy smokes, the Elegia is just in a different class compared to what I'm used to. Unbelievable soundstage for a closed back, and they have such a well rounded, versatile sound that just works so well with so many types of music. Now i've gotten the bug- I'm getting into headphones a little more, I tried the well regarded Hifiman Sundara for a open back- very nice, and I did like the wider soundstage and fast Planar sound in general. However, not enough to keep them as an open back compliment to the Elegia. Keep in mind, I'm running everything off a Schiit Fulla 3 for the time being (Topping DX7 Pro on the way), which may have made a difference- the Focals are a more efficient headphone than the Sundara. I just prefer the Focal Sound Signature. Extremely versatile, resolving with still providing an enjoyable listen. An open-backed Focal has to sound even better, right? Yes. You better believe it! I recently saw Zeo's blustery review of the Elegia the other day (strange timing, the headphone has been discontinued), and he pronounced it the best Focal headphone yet. Erm...I definitely disagree. It's a great closed back, given. It just can't do what the open back Elex can do. The Elex is even more resolving than the Elegia, I can hear tiny details in music that I can't with other headphones I've had (which in fairness have all been much less expensive). The Elegia is a bit better in the bass department than the Elex, more punch and slam while remaining tight, but I think that's just a function of closed back vs open, and Elegia is a very good closed back design. But the Elex does literally everything else better, plenty of low end, more resolving, less harsh on the highs, wider, very natural soundstage. The best way I can put it- the Elex astonishes me, and no headphone has really done that since I first listened to my HD595's all those years ago. Don't get me wrong, I liked the Sundara, but after trying both, I don't honestly don't know why people compare the Sundara and Elex- they may be rated as some of the best headphones in their respective price ranges, but they are totally different. The Sundara have a noticeably wider soundstage and more instrument separation, and the Elex (and Elegia, for that matter) are more intimate, more natural sounding and enjoyable, while also being more resolving even given the more intimate soundstage. And I guess that's my whole review, summed up- the Elex is by far the most natural sounding headphone I've ever heard, just thoroughly enjoyable. I haven't heard anything else in this price range yet, but I have 0 regrets so far, even given the driver issues others have had. I just preordered the HD8XX, and I do have concerns that I'll like them anywhere as much as the Elex for the music I listen to, to be honest. Guess we'll find out...
Recommends this product? Yes
Yurio
56
Mar 24, 2021
Will.EThank you, I'm glad I didn't spend my money that is so hard to earn.
Conroe
6
Apr 19, 2021
Will.EIf you have the DX7 Pro like myself make sure you use the balanced cable for the Sundara. The extra power really makes a difference.
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