Massdrop x Focal Elex

Designed in collaboartion with Massdrop, the Elex is a variation of the Elear with a number of changes based on feedback from the Massdrop community. As a Utopia owner myself, I find these to a good pair of headphones.
Massdrop site for the launch (2017-12-18):
www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop...
Help support my videos and get early access for as little as $2/month: / currawong

[@Currawong]

Before you ask: I need to borrow a pair of Aeon Flow Open to compare, as well as a bunch of other headphones, including the Clear. There hasn't been the chance to do that before the drop. This whole thing was very last-minute (including the video). Also, I wasn't aware of the shipping limitations nor that they wont be shipped until April.

[@tinypickle]

Any news on this comparison? I'm considering leaving the drop for the Elex's and pulling the trigger on the AFOs just for the sake of a known quality and not waiting until april.

[@NTB_Retro]

Kevin Huang this is exactly my situation as well. Starting to lean towards the Aeon Open at this point...

[@gcb2101]

Good review, thanks. I would indeed love to hear a comparison with the Clear (hope you can get your hands on one!). I own the Clear and I am not happy with it. The midrange is shouty and not at all liquid. I owned the Elear in the past, and that one had almost no midrange. So wondering how the Elex fits in. I would happily trade in some of the resolution of the Clear for better tonality.

[@Geerladenlad]

Currawong I heard some people say they like the clear better than Utopia.

[@frosty6845]

Massdrop always finds the worst possible time for me to sell products I want haha

[@megazine]

Great review. My fav reviewer and I follow Z, DM3, Joshua and more

[@StrikitRich]

I would certainly hope that a headphone costing $4,000, the Focal Utopia, would offer something beyond what a $700 headphone, the Elex, would offer. That being said, from the reviews I've watched I don't know that the extra US$3,300 is worth it.

[@Currawong]

A lot of people feel the same way -- that is partly negated by buying them second-hand, or waiting until they are on sale for $3k. I suppose it depends on whether or not you care about getting the subtle nuances out of high-quality music, and are willing to spend equivalent amounts on gear to go with them.

[@amritjanardhanan]

Is the utopia 5.7x better than the elex, or rather, is the elex only 17.5% as good as the utopia? It does not seem so...

[@swilkins1984]

I'm curious if the Elear which I own can be EQ'd to the Elex sound signature given they have the same driver. I've used True-fi from Sonarworks to EQ my Elear and it sounds great but I'm trying to avoid dropping $700 on these.

[@jasonwhitehurst7576]

Michael Hedges is a great source to use! Can you perhaps help me compare the bass soundstage to my daily driver which is the Mr. Speakers Aeon open back? My source is the Schiit Jotunheim with the Schiit Wyrd to clean up USB and it does a phenomenal job and produce a very clear difference. Thanks!

[@MetalsForBrunch]

I placed an order for these elex so I can't wait to try them out in mid August. I also never tried out the HD6xx and hopefully these focals elex won't let me down. I noticed there was some ringing in your video background wasn't sure what it is while i'm listening with my m1060. =)

[@Currawong]

Yeah, I've had issues with microphones picking up noise. I sold off my mic pre years ago expecting a Kickstarter-founded product to replace them, but it is only arriving this August.

[@dackzy404]

How would you say they compare to HD800? I am in-between these and hd800. I would love to know which one has the most detail

[@shahkhan110]

Please do review HD58X jublee.

[@disruptfam]

Amos do you think the elex a good match with the nfb1amp? For example a utopia would be held back but maybe a elex would be at the same level?

[@billyc3161]

For fast pace rock/metal would the Elex be better than the Elear? Or is the Elear more dynamic and punchy?

[@JohnEthan777]

While it might be a bit too late(drop's over now) I would really like to know what audio setup you've reviewed these on. I obviously have been lusting after the utopias, but they are more than out of reach for me and I am currently looking at Audezes( LCD 2,X,3) but these seem to be really enticing. I am not well versed in amplification, but are these like the utopia, needing a really good setup to drive? I am favoring solid states over tubes as waiting for warmups and space constraints are a problem, but should tubes work, do you think the Woo Audio WA8/WA7 are a good fit for these?(They are pricey, but they seem to be the most reassuring seeming tube setup I can see, everything else looks like tubes waiting to break(sorry!)) Lastly, do you notice the depth of the utopia in any form in these?

[@Currawong]

They don't have the depth of the Utopias on my system (see my site's "About" page for details). A WA7/8 would probably be a nice match, given the slight to moderate warmth of those amps. They are easy to drive though, so gear around the Mojo level is good with them I reckon.

[@lucasbrea212]

Hi, nice review. Would you choose this over the aeon flow open ??

[@johnyang799]

LUCAS BREA aeon flow is more warm and laid back in the mid. If you are a treble lover go elex.

[@JTCPingas]

Comparison to HD 800?

[@user-yb8gu7jd6c]

Hi! Currawong nice review Can you suggest me a balanced amp to my Focal Elear? My Dac is the Audiolab M-DAC+ and I noticed that there is an amp on the massdrop Cavalli Liquid Carbon will this one will mactch the M-Dac+ or you have the better suggest. Thanks for your answer.

[@Currawong]

I can't comment on gear I haven't heard, but you don't necessarily need a balanced amp. They are pretty easy to drive, but given the tuning I'd personally be inclined to go for a tube/hybrid amp or something low-distortion/smooth like the NFB-1AMP I reviewed.

[@user-yb8gu7jd6c]

That's unfortunately I can't find this amp in Taiwan. So I think I have to find another one. Thanks for your answer!

[@HiFiInsider]

You have a lot of gear. I would love to visit and hang out. :)

[@Currawong]

I hope you can some day. That'd be awesome.

[@newsigmundfreud3023]

Again: Comparing the *ELEX vs CLEAR* sound wise? *Please!*

[@Currawong]

Yup, I need to organise borrowing a pair of Clear for review.

[@newsigmundfreud3023]

Thanks. That will do a great service. I tried the *Focal Clear* and *Sennheiser HD800S* Both are powerful in their own way. In a way to say is: No comparison because they both have different strengths. Between me and my best friend we both chose one over the other. *Now We should know if the Elex is exactly the Clear or the Elear or something between or what.*

[@newsigmundfreud3023]

Ok. I find the answers to my question. This guy says it all. The ELEX is basically and Elear with better ear pads. Here: *kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3WxiGqEiqahfsk*

[@vecna7904]

So debating these from Massdrop, the Utopia (Massive JM Lab/Focal fan) or the Sony MDRZR1 or AT ATH-ADX5000 (yes I know they are in different classes per se but still it’s what I’m after). I know Sony has made leaps and bounds, but enough to beat the Europeans? What would be your take? Cheers

[@johnyang799]

Oh this quick

[@kcmega007]

what's the difference between Focal Elear VS Elex ?? also could you do a Monoprice THX AAA 788 Amplifier video review ,thanks

[@Currawong]

The Elex was tuned by Massdrop. It uses some parts from the Clear, such as the cable. The tuning is less warm. I'll see if I can review the Monoprice amps. I'm actually interested in them.

[@rickg8015]

Thanks for the review of the Elex.. Tyll mentioned in his review of the Clear that it is not suitable for high output impedance amps (tubes) because of the high primary driver resonance that creates a boomy bass/midbass response. Although, I dunno if he ever used tube amps with output transformers, which is relatively lower output Z than its OTL counterparts.. Anyway, is this also the case with the Elex in your experience??

[@Currawong]

OTL (Output TransformerLess) amps are designed for high-impedance headphones. Indeed a tube amp with output transformers that lower the output impedance will be fine.

[@rickg8015]

Currawong Thanks for the reply! I figured since Tyll only mentioned the BH Crack in his review, I’ll just take it that he only meant OTL’s (when talking about tube amps in general) and haven’t tried WOT tube amps with them..

[@TheOptimistiCynic]

own both these and the 6xx and can say off the schiit lyr 3 (depending on tube), these are a major step up from the 6xx. With the best tube i've heard for the 6xx, they are still subpar to the elex...and when you match a good tube to the elex...they just blow away the 6xx in every way imo. Just a bit of info, they don't like the same tubes at all.

[@Currawong]

I got in a pair of 6XX after I made this video and I totally agree.

[@larrymaier1830]

Well I currently have the HD6xx's, The Schiit Valhalla2 with NOS Telefunken tubes (ECC88's-military version) and the Modi Multibit DAC. I just ordered the ELEX's a few minutes ago. Can't wait to hear how they sound. Going to be a long four days : )

[@TheOptimistiCynic]

@@larrymaier1830 it's kinda like right before christmas as an adult, I know the feeling. Hope you enjoy em'. I'm not so sure how the valhalla2 acts with low impedance headphones, so I'm not sure it's a good matching amp. It will not sound bad though, im sure.

[@allen0088]

Elex sounds like a 1st gen T1?

[@bunozen1]

Hi man, what is the name of that amp on the end of ur desk, not the studio six. It looks interesting. Thanks.

[@joriox3720]

Jay Bizz This is The Audiovalve Solaris.

[@bunozen1]

+Joriox thank you man!!

[@moobiful]

AEON Flow, Edition X, or this?

[@TheWretchedWorld]

this i would love to know the answer

[@buster7618]

Love my aeon opens. I can't stand heavy headphones, the aeons are a sweet spot of comfort and sound for me

[@Shahzad-Khan]

moobiful I’ve tried all, and I absolutely love the Edition X. It’s essentially a $3k head phone trickled down into 1k. Probably my favorite can when properly worn in

[@moobiful]

I've tried it too and I really liked it a lot, especially for the fact that it's so easy to drive. I liked the closed AEON a lot too, I'm guessing in a couple years when a lot of higher end audio companies start making more cans for this price range it's gonna be really hard to choose something...

[@luisariasvillela9997]

I cant decide between the ELEX or the sundara 600 for used elexs, or 350 for new sundaras?

[@scioarete7987]

Bump

[@scioarete7987]

So, I have tried Sundara and Elex now. Elex is more detailed, but Sundara is more airy. Both are phenomenal headphones. I'd have to go back to check out the bass difference. What is your listening like?

[@sebastianalleyne1073]

What are the differences between the Focal Elear and the Focal Elex? From my understanding, they use the same driver with different earpads.

[@Currawong]

Check the discussion section of Drop.com -- there is a pinned comment with the details.

[@sebastianalleyne1073]

@@Currawong I see the post you are talking about. They say they have changed the earpads and headband as well as "tweaking the dampening scheme." What does that actually mean though because that is very vague and could mean the pads had an effect on the dampening.

[@greatone4607]

Are these better than hifiman edition x v2?

[@Shahzad-Khan]

Real Rebel-head in my personal opinion, the edition X is better than the Elears. The Clear is a different pony. I find the edition X not entirely source reliable and it’s so enticing

[@johnyang799]

v1 maybe v2 no. v2 has gone too far in the way to be powered by portable devices, causing some problems.

[@MannyFresh1x]

Do these have more bass than the hd6xx?

[@chitowntiger1]

I have both pairs. Mids are similar but the bass is much more satisfying. Very articulate and deep. I don't even listen to the 6xx's now that I have the Elex

[@dasman6621]

I think you overestimate how many peeps are going to shell out $800 the week before Christmas. 3 days into the drop and they've sold 204... not 1,000. Had this dropped a few months ago, or a few months from now, then I would be in. This time of year? I just can't make an un-budgeted $800 purchase.

[@Currawong]

True. When I reviewed this, I wasn't aware of the shipping country limitations, nor that they wont be shipped until April.

[@victorcheung2868]

Would you get it if you have a utopia ?

[@Currawong]

Personally, no. I'd get something radically different to complement the Utopia

[@nemesislucifer7114]

These or mrspeakers aeon flow open?

[@Currawong]

Good question. I'm going to review the Aeon Flow Open, so I'll compare at some point.

[@jerryjazzbo2845]

This has become my final headphone question for the year. I look forward to the comparisons before year's end.

[@TheFijianGuy]

Can I ask you a odd question? Do you get bugs on your headphones ever? Since I assume you leave them out without cases? And have you ever had a dust issue effect your headphones thanks.

[@Currawong]

Funny you should ask. I put on the K7XX a few weeks ago, only to feel something scratchy on my ear. When I removed them, there was what we call a "stink bug" there. A bunch of them had gotten in the house.

[@vecna7904]

Well thanks guys lol all I need now is a funnel web in one of mine!!! Scarred for life!

[@cisco150]

Hey Curra Wong i have chosen theses headset what would you remove from the list. I'm licensing to Rap, Hip-hop, Reggeaton, Trap, Spanish Music. Focal ELEX vs DT 1990 PRO, Hifiman Ananda, HIFIMAN SUNDARA, HD 6xx. Like some bass, vocals and highs dont like bass overpowering my music tho

[@JTCPingas]

I'm expecting the drop to sell out in a minute.

[@Currawong]

It'll be interesting to see, that's for sure. Apparently the last Fostex drop didn't go so well, so a few people are predicting they won't sell 1000.

[@JTCPingas]

Not that it matters too much, but the requests went down to 2800. I'm still hoping I can get my hands on one.

[@richbroth3580]

1990pro or this?

[@Wof_master364]

You ever get an answer to this??

[@Frenth]

Formally $1,500 headphones...entry level high end. No wonder the prices of "high end" headphones are going up.

[@Currawong]

That's not correct. They are based on headphones that were originally $999.

[@vote4ulvio]

What's better Elex or Clear?

[@lostn65]

Clear, by far. But it costs $1.5k

[@fatdoi003]

Elear vs Elex more appropriate with similar price.... i'll go for Elex over Elear but Clear another class above.. but whether doubling the price for the copper coil is worth it is personal taste

[@lostn65]

Price is not cheap. Only $50 cheaper than Elear.

[@Currawong]

The Elear is currently $799 and the Elex is $699, unless someone is selling the Elear below market price.

[@amritjanardhanan]

For $4000, I think there are better options than the Utopia. You could get the SR-009s with more detail and better timbre, the LCD-4 for more bass slam and detail, or the Abyss 1266 Phi TC for just ultimatum.

[@stevek5748]

They're still too expensive. They should be $650-700 for the proper value

[@ernestryles]

They're 700 now :)

[@robe619]

@@ernestryles they're $600 now :)

[@ernestryles]

Rob Solo yup! They're pretty much a must buy at that price. Great value.

[@robe619]

ernestryles welp... they’re back up to $700 😂😅

[@ernestryles]

Rob Solo :( Still worth it though!!!

[@Tetsujin-28]

$50.00 more gets you a pair of Elear's.

[@ErnieKimNo_14]

Robert Why would you go for an elear over this?

[@Tetsujin-28]

Yeah that's it.

[@Shahzad-Khan]

Robert didn’t really like the Elears tonal signature, I far prefer the utopia

[@billboys9283]

Price ended up being 100 dollars less that they expected

[@dante19890]

Zreviews say they are better than Utopia

[@AdrianIII]

10 minute review: 5 minutes of blather + 5 minutes of SQ discussion. Thanks.

[@Currawong]

Hey, some people like my blather! Anyhow, I could have told you all about the socks I bought from Massdrop, but I didn't. Count yourself lucky. :P

[@brandonbreuer6589]

At least it's not a 30 minute review.

[@ilpatongi]

*coff* *coff* ZeosPantera *coff* *coff*

[@adriang5084]

At least its not a 30 minute review with 25 minutes dedicated to the cable and box, 10 seconds of pretending to orgasm to the music (hentai wallpaper) and 1 minute of actual discussion about the headphone.

[@AdrianIII]

LOL!