Just be warned....a lot of these reviews happen when headphones are released and the price I think both directly and indirectly colors reviews. At the time of release, the Elex were like $800 (even though they're $500 now) but many of them might also lead you to other headphones to consider with each particular reviewers choice of comparison. I got mine used for around $650 and think they are WELL worth it. $800 new is pushing it as the Clear at the time were just $200 more
Yea I watched a good amount of reviews. I am really curious about the Focal line now. I did already order some He6se's to try out so depending on how i feel about those, the Elex will probably be my next hard look. Luckily HIFI has a pretty easy return process lol
I was looking at the Audeze LCD-x's used for around 600, but it's stretching the budget a little much for me right now.
Unfortunately all of those are out of my budget. Also surprised you're recommending the Arya Unveiled after I didn't like the arya stealth, are they that different?
I listen to 100% metal and I had a very similar experience. When I tried the Arya Stealth I found it very underwhelming and I returned it. After trying a bunch of options for my first "audiophile" headphone in your same price range I settled on the AT R70x, which is well within your budget but needs a bit of power to drive it. Then I got a Qudelix 5K and EQed it with the Oratory1990 settings and have been enjoying it for months.
Alternatively I also liked the sound profile of the HD620s (for a closed back) when it was positioned right. Smaller soundstange but still pretty good for a closed back, more bass and more mids, good detail although I found the imaging better on the R70x. Unfortunately it was too tight on my head and also when it was not positioned just perfectly so that the cups would seal 100%, the bass and overall sound would deteriorate substantially so I ended up returning it.
I listen to 100% metal and I had a very similar experience. When I tried the Arya Stealth I found it very underwhelming and I returned it. After trying a bunch of options for my first "audiophile" headphone in your same price range I settled on the AT R70x, which is well within your budget but needs a bit of power to drive it. Then I got a Qudelix 5K and EQed it with the Oratory1990 settings and have been enjoying it for months.
Alternatively I also liked the sound profile of the HD620s (for a closed back) when it was positioned right. Smaller soundstange but still pretty good for a closed back, more bass and more mids, good detail although I found the imaging better on the R70x. Unfortunately it was too tight on my head and also when it was not positioned just perfectly so that the cups would seal 100%, the bass and overall sound would deteriorate substantially so I ended up returning it.
Oh man I'll have to give AT another look. Someone else I know had an ad700x that sounded decent, but I liked the sundaras more so I kinda wrote off AT and forgot about em hah.
I listen to 100% metal and I had a very similar experience. When I tried the Arya Stealth I found it very underwhelming and I returned it. After trying a bunch of options for my first "audiophile" headphone in your same price range I settled on the AT R70x, which is well within your budget but needs a bit of power to drive it. Then I got a Qudelix 5K and EQed it with the Oratory1990 settings and have been enjoying it for months.
Alternatively I also liked the sound profile of the HD620s (for a closed back) when it was positioned right. Smaller soundstange but still pretty good for a closed back, more bass and more mids, good detail although I found the imaging better on the R70x. Unfortunately it was too tight on my head and also when it was not positioned just perfectly so that the cups would seal 100%, the bass and overall sound would deteriorate substantially so I ended up returning it.
Oh gosh.....I didn't even think of the R70x and I own them. Good call. I believe he said he had modius/magnius stack which is more then enough I'd think (i believe it puts out 5 watts into 32Ohms which should be fine for the R70x) and I think it's being sold for around $350 these days so he could also get a decent cable that isn't 1000000000 feet long like the one it comes with
Oh man I'll have to give AT another look. Someone else I know had an ad700x that sounded decent, but I liked the sundaras more so I kinda wrote off AT and forgot about em hah.
Oh gosh.....I didn't even think of the R70x and I own them. Good call. I believe he said he had modius/magnius stack which is more then enough I'd think (i believe it puts out 5 watts into 32Ohms which should be fine for the R70x) and I think it's being sold for around $350 these days so he could also get a decent cable that isn't 1000000000 feet long like the one it comes with
I missed that he had a modius/magni stack. That's definitely more than enough and yes you can get the R70x for $350 brand new. Also you are right the better/shorter cable is a must LOL. I got a 4ft balanced cable (mostly so that I can get the most out of the Q5K) from audiophileninja for $70 and it's great.
Maybe another recommendation for you: the Aune AR5000, excellent for 299 USD, and easy to drive (even though I think they sound better with a good amp)
Didn't know about the R70xa, thank you. I thought about suggesting the R70x Refine but being a limited edition with a long wait time I decided against it. Seeing now that R70xa I would say pdefinitely go with that over the OG R70x. Especially because while I personally find the wing headband of the OG R70x super comfortable, the majority of people doesn't and the R70xa looks alike a much safer bet headband-wise.
I was considering the Arya and I'm still curious but I opted for the HE6SE V2 because they are cheaper and I wanted to get some other headphones in the similar price range to try out different sound signatures.
The HE6SE V2 is really nice, but you need to mod it IMO. I did a grill mod, added a capra strap and did some pad rolling. Now I am super happy with them, supremely comfortable with the capra strap. The default tuning is really good but the drivers are really well made and you can EQ them really well (assuming you have enough power). When you look at most of the reviews they are from when the HE6SE V2 was at a much higher price too, do those mods for about 50 quid extra and you have one amazing set of headphones for that price.
In your price range I also like the Meze 105 AER (warmer and more melo treble) and the Focal Clear OG. If you go Focal I suggest the clear vs the elex because i read about a lot of people with QC issues on the Elex but very few with the clear. The Clear are a great set of headphones but official pad prices are a ripoff. They also have a great tuning out of the box and can EQ well as long as you don't go overboard as the drivers a little more limited in the amount of EQ compared to HE6SE V2.
The R70xa definately peaks my curiosity being so lightweight so it might be a good option. I would want to hear more reviews before pulling the trigger though.
Didn't know about the R70xa, thank you. I thought about suggesting the R70x Refine but being a limited edition with a long wait time I decided against it. Seeing now that R70xa I would say pdefinitely go with that over the OG R70x. Especially because while I personally find the wing headband of the OG R70x super comfortable, the majority of people doesn't and the R70xa looks alike a much safer bet headband-wise.
agree. Im always a little scared/extra careful when handling my R70x bc I just feel like one wrong strong push by a finger will break or crack the wings
I was considering the Arya and I'm still curious but I opted for the HE6SE V2 because they are cheaper and I wanted to get some other headphones in the similar price range to try out different sound signatures.
The HE6SE V2 is really nice, but you need to mod it IMO. I did a grill mod, added a capra strap and did some pad rolling. Now I am super happy with them, supremely comfortable with the capra strap. The default tuning is really good but the drivers are really well made and you can EQ them really well (assuming you have enough power). When you look at most of the reviews they are from when the HE6SE V2 was at a much higher price too, do those mods for about 50 quid extra and you have one amazing set of headphones for that price.
In your price range I also like the Meze 105 AER (warmer and more melo treble) and the Focal Clear OG. If you go Focal I suggest the clear vs the elex because i read about a lot of people with QC issues on the Elex but very few with the clear. The Clear are a great set of headphones but official pad prices are a ripoff. They also have a great tuning out of the box and can EQ well as long as you don't go overboard as the drivers a little more limited in the amount of EQ compared to HE6SE V2.
The R70xa definately peaks my curiosity being so lightweight so it might be a good option. I would want to hear more reviews before pulling the trigger though.
Even at their cheapest (unless used but even used Im not sure i've ever seen them down to the $500 range unless they're in bad shape) they're still out of his desired price range which is why I suggested the Elex. As far as QC, it's just the driver popping thing, right? I haven't heard (or experienced) any physical/mechanical issues with the Elex and, at least in my experience, have never once heard the driver pop
Great to know! I'll try to get some to try out as well.
My only other issue with the Ad700x was it was hard to get comfortable for me, almost like the clamp force wasn't enough. The one I tried may have been stretched/worn by that time though so I'll have to try another.
Maybe another recommendation for you: the Aune AR5000, excellent for 299 USD, and easy to drive (even though I think they sound better with a good amp)
Even at their cheapest (unless used but even used Im not sure i've ever seen them down to the $500 range unless they're in bad shape) they're still out of his desired price range which is why I suggested the Elex. As far as QC, it's just the driver popping thing, right? I haven't heard (or experienced) any physical/mechanical issues with the Elex and, at least in my experience, have never once heard the driver pop
Actually you are right even used the Clear might be a bit over budget. Think I paid 550 for my 2nd hand pair of Clear OG.
Most of the reports that I read around the Elex were about the driver issues or about the headband being prone to breaking. Apparently the Clear's headband doesn't suffer from the same issue or at least there are very few reports of it.
Actually you are right even used the Clear might be a bit over budget. Think I paid 550 for my 2nd hand pair of Clear OG.
Most of the reports that I read around the Elex were about the driver issues or about the headband being prone to breaking. Apparently the Clear's headband doesn't suffer from the same issue or at least there are very few reports of it.
Interesting. Sitting here playing around with my Elex's and Clear's......that may be a thing. The Clears definitely feel like the headband, specifically the adjustment areas, are a bit more tight and exact. There's a little more wiggle room and some small creaking as if the parts don't fit as well together in the Elex as the Clears. I dunno......they both seem within reason to me but I could see the Elex maybe not being put together as well as the Clears. That being said.....they're still pretty solid and definitely don't seem as flimsy as my hifiman headphones. As a Drop produced product Im sure there were some corners cut and they might not be up to Focal standards but it's all relative and I've had other cans Ive bought way later than my Elex's that have broken down already (and Im pretty careful when handling my cans)
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