Dr. Elegia / Mr. Hyde - (Focal Elegia Review)

[@Bootrosgali]

Anyone who isn't an audiophile and is looking to go straight to an amazing next level headphone this is the one. Forget the nitpicking you're going to find in this video and from other audiophiles on comments. These will drive from your damn phone. These will EQ. They won't look stupid walking around like you did with your ANCs. They will fit in a bag. They will blow your mind.

[@JH-no8sy]

This. None of the pretentious b.s., these are good cans for the general consumer or budget hobbyist.

[@shogun3025]

I couldn't agree with you more I just got myself a set and I think they sound fantastic especially at the discount they sit at these days

[@thomasfitzhugh7936]

I have a pair of B&W P7 wired but I'm ready to upgrade. I was focusing on the Focal Clear but I'm wondering if the Elegia would suffice.🤔

[@12rubyrose]

Hey. I have both. The clear is the better product. Feels and looks more special and sound fantastic. But so do the Eligia. I'm more inclined to travel with the Eligia. Shame about the short cabl, which I still haven't replaced but will. I purchased the Clear and Eligia on sale, SUPER SALE. Could be happier. Cheers

[@fabiokelm]

Great review!! I have my Elegia for almost 2 years now and I have no plans on letting they go. I agree the Dekoni solid Sheepskin improve both comfort and sound. And I'm not bald and the headband did start to get a little bad, so I ended up getting a headband cover. I definitively agree that anyone wanting a taste of what the whole headphone hobby is about, this is definitively recommended. Can't get closer than this at sucha a price.

[@gcrgil]

I’ve owned the Elegias twice. I bought the Stellia while still having the Elegia and I found that the Elegia was close enough to the Stellia that I sold my Stellia. It really is seal and position dependent. I have a large head and most headphones have to be at max extension to fit my head. If you really have a good deal, the the bass won’t disappoint you. When I put the Dekoni “Stellia” pads, the bass was better but the treble was too much. Stock pads for me where the best choice. I let go of my Elegia because I have and HD820 for my closed back dynamic and an LCD-XC for my closed back planar. For my warm-ish closed back, I have a T60 Argon but I might get the Elegia for the 3rd time because I miss it.

[@Bushviking]

Agree. oftentimes the Elegias are frustratingly lacking something and I switch to planar open back. But after a while I always come back to them. Their directness, forward lovely mids and detail is something I keep craving every once-in-a-while. I keep rediscovering that they are much better than I thought... hahaha.

[@maikneubauer761]

The upgrade pads are an absolute game changer. The Elegia has a much more rounded sound with the leather pads. Worth the additional investment.

[@genohero6139]

I wear glasses Do you suggest the Dekoni Sheepskin pads or the Dekoni Velour Pads?

[@kfir26]

What is the exact model of the pads

[@reflection1119]

This is interesting. I've been following your channel for a while and I feel like this is the first time my impressions are almost opposite to yours. I prefer the Elegia in stock form vs Dekoni Sheepskins. I tried various Dekoni pads but I found the tonality in the mids was always off with Dekoni's. They became muffled/nasally. I'm not a big EQ person either, but using stock Elegia with the Qudelix 5k I tried Oratory's Elegia profile and one of Crinacle's Clear / Clear MG profiles (can't remember which). The profiles are preloaded in the device's app so I didn't have to hurt my little brain too much figuring it out. It was a WOW moment with EQ! I A/B'd them against my focal Clear OG and they sounded so close! I'm also surprised by your take on soundstage. They aren't as big as my T60 Argons but I still found them to be bigger than I expected for a closed back. I've also never had issues with the Elegia having too much bite (whereas I've definitely had that with my T60 Argons). I have Argon MK3s on the way so I'll hopefully get to see if we align on that more :)

[@reflection1119]

UPDATE: I picked up the Dekoni Stellia pads for my Elegias. As I mentioned before, the solid sheepskins altered the tonality too much and muffled the mids. The Stellia pads have a mesh inside lining and I think that very slight break in the leather somehow makes the balance better. The response is elevated without messing with the tonality of the mids. The treble is very slightly more forward and more resolving without being excessive. The Stellia pads are more expensive than the solid sheepskins but I think they are really worth it. I sold all my Dekoni Elite focal pads (sheepskin, hybrid and velour) but am definitely keeping the Dekoni Stellia pads and would recommend them for others to try.

[@paulcathcart7896]

Finally added these pads today and they make all the difference. The bass is now there all the time. I even sold my carry case to pay for most of the pads. Can’t thank you enough for the tip.

[@MrAyrit]

Glad it helped!

[@wavetheorysound]

Nice video! I agree with many of your points. I used Elegia with the stock pads. They do need a bass boost, IMO. I found the iFi Zen DAC -> Schiit Asgard 3 -> Elegia chain to be a really nice intro into budget-enthusiast/mid-fi level sound. Set the the Zen DAC into preamp mode so that the bass boost gets sent out and the Elegia can really bring the bass.

[@kipkerluke2508]

Super happy with my Elegia purchase at ~430(sheepskin pads)

[@pitou115]

FWIW the price for one pair of Dekoni pads goes from €90 to €130 here in EU ... For the Dekoni Stellia I have only found one place where they are available for €125 (shipping included). That is a lot of money for headphones that cost ~400€ ... EQ is going to be much cheaper and adjustable to your own taste.

[@523101997]

This. I'm look at $399 aud here, so 250 euro. The pads just seem like a huge part of the cost.

[@andypeterson9630]

Focal Elegia is a really good value. What you get at that price makes for a confident blind buy. I went with fenestrated sheepskin which might be a good middle ground between stock and the solids. For closed backs, Elegia does it for me. The path upward from them is costly for the return. I’ll reach for IEMs before closed backs for that reason. Half the amount spent on IEMs gives me a richer experience, twice the amount and it’s profound. So Elegia is a good place for me to start and end with wired closed backs for music.

[@dasninjastix]

This was my first "audiophile" headphone and just departed myself of it. I never fit with it. It's a honky/nasally sumbich with a plastic-y timbre. It presents as highly detailed with good impact and I'm certain there are genres of music that would fit perfectly well with it's sound signature. I only found it tolerable with Dekoni hybrid swaps and some mild EQ to the upper mids/lower treble assault (not a "corrective" EQ proponent). It's was a prime example of understanding what I didn't want from a listening experience but wouldn't call it a bad headphone, just not my preference. Especially the timbre.

[@dasninjastix]

@@RabbitConfirmed I would 100% recommend trying them for yourself first and foremost and returning them if you don't like them. There's no guarantee that my tastes align with yours and too much of this hobby equates objectively with what is mostly a subjective, personal experience. There are many people that enjoy the Elegia, I only got about half way there but that doesn't preclude someone else from digging what they offer. There's not a ton of closed options at that going price of the Elegia that are going to have the same level of detail or the punch and kick of a Focal. Dan Clark's closed stuff is more balanced and easier to listen to but won't have much dynamic contrast. That may be a trade-off that makes sense to you, but having owned and sold the Noire, for me personally, I like having more dynamic contrast than DCA's Aeons offer. I really like the Campfire Cascades but they're hard to justify at their price point. Used.. that might be a better proposition. Depends on what you're looking for ultimately. I like most everything I've sampled or owned - except the Elegia but those are my bias and prejudices. That's dependent on the music I'm listening to. I would prefer listening to a Meze Neo to the Elegia any day all day but in terms of technical capability, sure the Elegia is the superior headphone. So I'd say try it and if you don't like it return it. Really IEMs have closed headphones beat for price to performance imo until you get up there in price. I'd recommend a 7hz Timeless for a closed option unless you went up to a Noire or Radiance.

[@ethanoux10]

@@dasninjastix respect the stance. I lot of ppl in this hobby don't understand the idea of "I don't like this, but you might/can".

[@Bobboberson1234]

@@RabbitConfirmed i love them. No one hears the same. Some people will find them perfect, some will hate them.

[@RabbitConfirmed]

@@Bobboberson1234 I got them, and they were the worst headphones I've ever had, every 60$ headphone is better.

[@Yos115]

​@@RabbitConfirmed I'd recommend trying Sivga Phoenix. I think they had a burn in period but then sound great. I also got the XL earpads.

[@craigslue]

To be honest I think the Elegia are my fav headphones. I find nothing wrong with the bass and sounds great most of the time but then all my other headphones are openback. I picked mine up for $379 new. I find these headphone to be very dynamic, detailed and boy do they play loud and clean! There are times they can sound off with certain music and I find these are very picky with headphone placement like many headphones and a shift of the headphones do change the sound. I to was concerned about the headband getting soiled so all I did was wrap the headband with a small microfiber cloth I use on my car. I have no issues with them sealing on my head with my glasses. I was trying to decide between these and the Drop DC Aeon Closed X on sale and went with the Focals because I've aways wantd some Focals. To be honest I don't find these much different than my openbacks as far as sounding different because they are closed? I think these sound similar to my original HD580's with new drivers and my HD660's with better dynamics, bass and treble. I may try some different pads for kicks and see what I notice. Think I'm going to get a pair of the Drop Focal Elex since it looks like they are on sale again for $599 until the 5/30 even though I'm concerned with the driver failures I've read about which is why I'm skeptical about buying them used. List of my headphones, Sennheiser original HD580 & HD660's, Hifiman Sundaras, Deva Pros and Audio Technica ATH R70X and just purchased some Audio Technica AD900X on the way from Drop and will get here some year??? lol BTW I noticed you knocked the HE6SE V2 off your fav list. Replaced with the Focal Elex or the Nighthawk??

[@MrAyrit]

Thanks for all the thoughts. I still think the HE6 is great, it was just replaced by my he1000v2. However, now it’s looking like the 8xx is going to take the place of my high end open back.

[@craigslue]

@@MrAyrit 8XX, thats out of left field? Guess must be an upcoming review? Would that be the Elex openback its replacing? Maybe some day I'll be lucky enough to hear some 800 series headphones.

[@QUADDAC]

Focal elegia has enormous potential, but they are difficult headphones, which is why many people give them up. The source is very important, but of course to start with, change the ear pads to focal dekoni custom (formerly stellia). The stock pads are poorly matched, focused on resolution and a boxy sound may appear as a result. My source is aim sc808 - burson v6 vivid on right and left channels, on RCA buffer burson v6 classic (modified DIP8 rack). Burson v6 classic on headphone buffer. All opamps are involved in the sound reproduction. It is not worth mixing them with other opamps on the buffers, because they give the best results in pairs. Very well extended bass with depth and impact (for some it may even be too much of it), clear mids and vibrant highs. Excellent scene and resolution. Analytics mixed with fun (they also have great insulation). I recommend 🙃they are amazing. (I forgot about the stock cable. It is hopeless).

[@christopherlevesque6871]

Appreciate the video and insights. As a one-and-done purchaser type -- the polar opposite of the serial upgrader sort -- my approach is that of an "all in" variety. This assumes (accurately or otherwise) that Focal really knew what they were doing with this design but perhaps rushed the tonality a bit (so, hello Celestee/Radiance/Stellia?). Accordingly, I snagged the Dekoni Stellia pads (seems like the best combination of characteristics -- better sealing than stock, but not as hermetic as the full sheepskin set), Meze 99 cable (inexpensive, more flexible and less microphonic than stock, and with a 2.5mm balanced connection allowing for more amp power and, I suppose, at the margins, clarity), and EQ'd the Elegias at oratory 1990 (via a Qudelix 5K), slightly adjusted, in turn, through my interpretation of an on-line graph depicting the frequency effects of the Dekoni pads. I never did listen to the Elegias in stock form owing to the wealth of instructive on-line reviews and technical resources (including as to the tonality deficits) but believe these Elegias, as modified and EQ'd, are end-game for me as a closed back headphone set. I, too, was never a big headphones EQ adherent, but for a product like this -- equisitely engineered and expensive, yet modifialbly deficient in execution (suggested not only by fellow users but Focal's fairly quick replacement of them with otherwise remarkably similar models), that step struck me as self-evident given my desires and idiosyncrasies.

[@MrAyrit]

Thanks for sharing. Hard to argue with the logic their. Glad you found your way to the promised land!

[@JeffDaDeath]

I totally agree with your experience with the Eligia's. When i first got them i was so disappointed. I tried to EQ them but still was not satisfied with the sound. I decided to use some dampening with pieces of felt and some foam material. it helped but not quite there yet. The set just seemed too shouty to me. Only when i finally changed the pads to some nice leather or protein ones did everything fall into place. it was like night and day, now they've become some really great sounding cans. The bass was rich and the shouty mid's dissipated into great sounding highs. There could still be some more minor tweaking but it is completely far from where they were with the stock pads. Note that since the pads require the mounting bracket to clip onto the ear pieces i used some sticky putty to hold my pads onto them. They seem to work well and not leave any residue if you decide to remove them.

[@MrAyrit]

I had some minor success with 3d printing mounting rings for pads.

[@CJDilag]

All my headphones have headband covers. The one included with your Elegia, have several of those. Can also use that headband cover's handle loop to hang your headphone. Great stuff.

[@joewinglovemusic]

Hi how are you? Thanks for doing this Review .. Just wondering are you still using your Focal Elegia after 2 years please?

[@MrAyrit]

Nah, it’s gone. JM XTC Closed is my closed-back now.

[@joewinglovemusic]

@@MrAyrit I see Thanks .. Don't think its in Australia yet

[@Audfile]

I have a pair in the way. Don't need special ear pads, I have a Schiit Lokius EQ. BASS will be there moment 1.

[@ssolx5527]

hello, nice review. looking for vegan replacement pads for the elegia. thanks in advance! there are some cheap 15-25euro pads on amazon but i dont know if they gonna ruin the sound signature completely.. any elegia owners that tried the dekoni velour pads or other vegan options and can add some context on how the pads changed the elegia sound compared to stock pads?

[@timbrehead9466]

How do you think these compare to the DT 177X GO? I’ve been really enjoying the Elegia, with the Dekoni fenestrated sheepskin pads, for acoustic music with my Mojo1 & Mojo2. I bought them new from Adorama with a special link for $379 I recall- BTW you can probably still find that link now on the hi-fi Elegia thread. Also bought the Dekoni sheepskin pads for other music. DT 177X is on sale at drop right now.

[@MrAyrit]

I'd definitely say that the Elegia is better technically. I did really enjoy the dt177x Go though, that was just a really easy headphone to like. I think at this point, with the Dekoni pads, I'd take the Elegia, but it might be more of a mood thing. The 177x is going to be wider, not a refined, I also don't feel like it really has any glaring faults though.

[@level6visuals363]

Did the dekoni fenestrated pads eliminate the boxy sound?

[@paulcathcart7896]

Thank you so much for this video. I own a pair of Elegia and I’m so unsatisfied with the bass. Billie Ellish Bad Guy sounds like the bottom half of the song is missing. So my question is, how easy or difficult is it to swap the pads around? Do they unclasp or peel off?

[@MrAyrit]

Dead simple, they just have a few pegs that they go on.

[@paulcathcart7896]

@@MrAyrit thank you!

[@хорошийчеловек-л6я]

@@paulcathcart7896 why you as a grown man is listening to Billie Eilish? wack taste bro

[@BobbyDigital6411]

@@хорошийчеловек-л6я Because her music is actually very well produced and recorded. And don't knock someone for their music taste, bro. That right there is whack!

[@хорошийчеловек-л6я]

@@BobbyDigital6411 nah bro you an L for listening to Billie Eilish 🤣

[@jamesbittle9789]

I wish Focal used a larger ear cup/pad. I would probably buy a closed back and an open back, but the opening is just too small.

[@lucidmonkey3591]

Just got these used for $189.. had to get the sheep skin pads ( Voarmaks ) cheaper fyi … because the previous owner must have smoked like a chimney lol they reeked but after a good cleaning and new pads I must say I’m very impressed. Very well rounded sound and detail! I already want a back up pair

[@LandsPlanes]

I need your help. Only person you have tested recently. Could you rank (A+, A, A-, B, B-, C, C-) the sound of these headphones? -Sundara -Sivga Sv023 -M1570. -Focal Elegia.

[@MrAyrit]

For sound with my preference: Sundara and Elegia B-, M1570 B, Sivga B+. Overall, I’d take the Sivga.

[@LandsPlanes]

@@MrAyrit thanks

[@StegzGaming]

Alway wanted to try argons and the elegia, but I've also been a little disappointed with closed backs compared to open backs for the money. I do prefer closed backs while working though. So far, my favorite closed backs that I've tried are the aeon closed x for being so comfortable and tuned very well. The only gripe I had with that was that it wasn't very engaging and there was tiny bit of sharpness in the treble. Thanks for letting me try them, btw.

[@reflection1119]

I have T60 Argons and Elegia and really enjoy both. For me Elegia needs a bit of brainless EQ (using presets in the Qudelix 5k). Makes it go from good to great IMHO. The T60 Argons seem similar in some ways to what you describe the Aeon Closed X to be like but probably more engaging. That said I've not heard the Aeons so can't say for sure. The T60s with Suede ZMF pads are warm leaning with great timbre and bass texture, but sometimes sharp/sibilant. Excellent soundstage too which is enhanced even further by the new MHA Xenon pads. I love the T60s so much I've gone and ordered a set of Argon MK3s too to see how they stack up.

[@StegzGaming]

@@reflection1119 Awesome, I am more interested in t60 argons because I've heard great things about their technical performance, but also wanted to see what the mk3 argons are about. As I understand, those are a more bassy and colored sound.

[@MrAyrit]

I can send you a set to try in a couple of weeks. I’ll shoot you an email.

[@StegzGaming]

@@MrAyrit Thanks, I'll see if I have something I can send your way to try as well.

[@jasonbhatnagar7134]

I know you said you don't EQ, but have you at least tried the AutoEQ setting for the Elegia (with the stock pads)? It may be worth checking

[@MrAyrit]

Yes, it probably is. I’ve thought about grabbing a Lokius. I think I might have more fun and be motivated to eq if I have knobs to turn.

[@keithjones1924]

I have sheepskin too. Try the basic XDO5

[@beyondtheuniverse999]

Hey I currently have sivga sv021 If I get these would you say I get better experience? More soundstage and bass?

[@MrAyrit]

No, it’s a more detailed headphone for sure, but soundstage and bass are not it’s strong suits. If you like the sound of the 21, I’d look at something like the X00 or t60 Argons for an upgrade.

[@beyondtheuniverse999]

@@MrAyrit thank you! I only have fiio btr5 so I'm wondering if it can power something like t60.

[@antoniovillalobos5241]

Do you think the DT 177x go are better?

[@MrAyrit]

Yes, the Focals are more detailed and can sound really good with some stuff, but the 177x are just overall more enjoyable to use.

[@tecno4u31]

Best soundstage in a closed back? (I need one for work)

[@MrAyrit]

Argons have great soundstage.

[@Scorpion-king-c8q]

Are these review about this headphone any legit. 4 years ago price $900 every reviewer praise this is best , now at $400 price point everyone have issues with it. It same damn headphone. So price determines good or bad ?

[@kjg_95]

Hi, MrAyrit How does it compare to the Sundars?

[@MrAyrit]

Similar levels of detail. Sundara has more bass and more treble, it is also better extended and more exciting to listen to. Elegia is quite detailed, but it can lack bass and is more mid focused.

[@523101997]

Is there a cheaper option to the Dekoni pads, they will add another 35% of the cost on these.

[@MrAyrit]

Not that I’ve found.

[@jyexe525]

Hello ! Is it good for movies too ? I hesitate with AirPods Max too

[@MrAyrit]

You already have the AirPods Max?

[@jyexe525]

@@MrAyrit No ^^

[@jyexe525]

@@MrAyrit Don’t know which one you would suggest if I watch movie without Apple audio 3D stuff and how could I connect the Elegia on my tv (with a Dac?)

[@MrAyrit]

@@jyexe525 Yeah, you'd most likely need a dac with optical in, and a headphone amp. Honestly, I might suggest that you try the Airpods Max, and if you find the quality lacking then looking to start getting some other headphones and getting into the dacs / amps and such. I like to use my ifi Xcan connected to my phone through bluetooth, and then the Roku app for sound. TVs if you're far away, get a bit complicated with wired headphones.

[@jyexe525]

@@MrAyrit Thank you for your complete informations ! And I just saw the Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless which is Bluetooth. Do you think it is the perfect value for movies and also music in front of the Apple or Bathys for example ? Thank you 🙏

[@tecno4u31]

Which is better for bso (film soundtracks? Elegia or Edition Xs?

[@MrAyrit]

I’d probably go with the XS. Definitely going to get a “bigger” sound out of those.

[@ekjellgren]

These or T60RP Argon?

[@MrAyrit]

I’d take the Argons.

[@ekjellgren]

@@MrAyrit which pads would you recommend please?

[@keithjones1924]

No BS mine sound best on a portable Xduoo Basic XD-05, try one at 150 bucks and grab a Bluetooth unit...

[@keithjones1924]

Im new. great review

[@MrAyrit]

Welcome

[@albertoparada9826]

me quedó claro,dakoni te paga por la publicidad,no paras de decir la marca,sólo esas son las buenas ,no valen otras de cuero de otra marca?

[@MrAyrit]

You're making some pretty big assumptions there, especially considering I only have 3k subs. The problem is focal has a proprietary pad connection system--not many people make pads for them. I did 3d print some adapters at one point, but abandoned the project as I was happy with the Dekoni pads. I'd be curious if you know of any other brands that make pads for Focal headphones.

[@keithjones1924]

Hair product too

[@raynerstuelgalid]

Rambling. Just on "headband staining" is more than a minute; the subject could be dealt with in three sentences.

[@MrAyrit]

Definitely something I could work on.

[@keeferdog5617]

@@MrAyrit - I call bs on Rayner’s comment dude. I just had a pair deliver today (I’m bald) and your review and comments were excellent! I had no idea about the staining but I do now. Just found your channel tonight…and sub’d!!!

[@jackdanyal4329]

that's what french products look like: beautiful, but not practical.