Focal Clear vs Elex Comparison

Since so many of you asked for it, I went out of my way to grab another pair of the Focal Elex mostly just for this comparison! After all of this, I couldn't believe my decision, haha!
This was tested and driven through BAL from my SMSL SU-8 Balanced DAC to my THX AAA 789 Balanced Amp.
If you have any questions, drop them down below and I'll do my best to answer them. Hope this video helps!
--- Patreon: ---
Link: www.patreon.com/user?u=31412837
--- Featured: ---
** Focal Elex **
-Drop: drop.com/?origin=%2Fbuy%2Fmas...
** Focal Clear **
- Amazon: www.amazon.com/Focal-Open-Bac...
** I am an Amazon Associate. Clicking on these links and buying from them helps the channel out. Thanks! **
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[@chuckolatte600]

Don't forget to check out the Patreon and let me know what you want to see from the tiers:

[@andreasschwarz4908]

This review is extremely articulate. You deserve more subs/viewers. I can only assume what you described as "metallic" is what I'd call distorted. It's like back when I didn't have satellite TV and the picture sometimes was greyish and had lines and jaggies everywhere instead of good reception.

[@intoitreviews]

I loved the creaking comparison... I was like "they're the same..." glad you thought so too!

[@vm6038]

I think it's also worth noting unit to unit variation and how that can affect such comparisons. It is possible that some Elex units have better, less metallic timbre and frequency response than other pairs - same with Clear. Moreover, I read stories of some Elex pairs having significant channel imbalance, so that needs to be taken into account as a possible risk factor when buying these headphones. I haven't heard of such issues with Clear, although it's of course possible that there are some defective units of those as well.

[@DarkPa1adin]

I think your review/comparison sealed the deal for me with Elex!

[@user-eb5ri3nf9d]

Hi, I have the focal clear og worth upgrading to hifiman Arya?

[@CaptnKrksNippls]

Did you notice any driver clipping issues with the elex in the sub-bass region? I've heard complaints about that.

[@kevinzeng9606]

Confirmed by Focal that the Clear uses a stronger voice coil compared to the Elex.

[@RC-qc2nz]

Great work!

[@John_van_Kleef]

What about all of the manufacturing and quality issues with the Elex? In the review section of the website (Massdrop) is just about every 2nd review a negative one with technical issues, mostly one driver not working at all straight out of the box or failing within months of purchase. Never hear of these issues with the Clear.

[@MrAyrit]

Thank you for your perspective on these two headphones. If I could offer a bit of constructive criticism: consider setting your camera to manual focus. It's a little distracting the way it switches focus to your hands and back to the headphones.

[@Reeeepicheep]

Which are better on tubes? Clear or Elex?

[@Grimior00]

I have the Sen 6XX headphone, E30 DAC and AA789 amp. I was thinking of upgrading my DAC to the SMSL vmv d1se. Drop is offering Focal Elex at a Black Friday discount. I am now thinking of getting the Elex instead of upgrading my DAC. What are your thoughts?

[@hotam138]

You said you liked the elex and the hd600 equally. In your other vid, you said you liked the clear more than the hd600. But in this video you said you slightly preferred the elex to the clear?

[@chrisasmith75]

Just upgraded my clear og with the zmg suede pads. Adds a bit of warmth and the metallic timbre is gone!! I'm debating getting the elex as a back up set though.

[@woundedaudiophile1218]

Chuck, I would love to watch you compare your favorite apple to your favorite orange.....lol

[@soulfulfool]

Hey chuck, did you make bass test for Clear? Many owners have problem with rattle/clipping drivers at certain volume levels, sadly mine also have that problems. No idea if I push them to their limits but for that price its really a shame, focal should be very sorry for that.

[@TiagrajI]

I have the clears and love them. They are my end game on dynamic headphones. Cannot afford more

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

Metallic timbre is an apt description...sometime I've noted on many well regarded headphones.

[@rkd59]

You are correct, the Elex box is not for display purposes. It is for packaging purposes. For display purposes it is best to use a Del Monte banana box.