Focal Clear vs Elex Comparison 

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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.

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. I owned an Elex and a Clear myself. I kept the Clear and sold the Elex because I felt that the Clear was better in almost every way, including timbre. My Clear sounded more natural than my Elex for acoustic guitar in particular, but I think for other instruments as well. I also felt that the Clear offered noticeably better imaging. Elex sounded wider, but a fair bit less precise in its imaging. Resolution and clarity was noticeably better on the Clear. I did hear more treble energy from the Clear, but I don't think I hear any significant metallic coloration from them. Compared to Sennheiser HD600 and 6XX, which I also own and which are considered by many to be timbre kings, I don't find the Clear to be less natural. Actually, I find the Clear to be more natural - the sound is significantly tighter, more effortless and defined, especially the low end. Imaging is also a lot better on the Clear. HD6xx headphones sound downright muddy in comparison. The bass in particular is way muddier on the HD6xx, but the higher ranges are also slower and mushier with significantly more sluggish transient response. HD6xx are excellent in their price range, but the Clear is worth the extra money. I think the Elex is also worth it over HD6xx line but is not as much of an upgrade. Now, as per my first paragraph, please keep in mind that I am talking about the Clear and the Elex that I own(ed). Unfortunately, it is possible that other units of these headphones could be different or even inferior enough in such characteristics as frequency response or impulse response for example, that listening to those could lead to significantly different impressions than listening to my units. I suspect that this may be especially true with Elex, because their production could be subject to less quality control due to their lower cost. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for the comparison and keep it up!

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

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

Great work! Do you know if one of the focals is a worthy upgrade from my sennheiser hd 660s? Or generell the 6...line? Greetings from Germany and keep on going with your good work 😉🍻

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?

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.

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

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

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

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.

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?

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.

Which are better on tubes? Clear or Elex?

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.

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

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.

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

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

I miss the Clear Pro here ;-) ;-)

The rings on the clear I like better

Packaging does nothing for me, however... Focal cables are trash, which you need to consider for purchase price. Get an aftermarket cable right off.

I really HATE that big black box