[jasonb]

I like that description 'QC lottery' haha, if I remember correctly, the early Utopia is also having the same problem of driver desoldering.

But I've seen posts saying that it can be solved by simply welding the wires back, and the same problem won't happen again
I used to have both elear and clear, (luckily it survived till I sold it, I hope the buyer is same lucky) what I can say is that their sounds are not quite the same. If have to choose a description for them between 'flavour' and clarity, I'll say Elear belongs to former one and Clear the latter one, what impressed me was Elear's mids, warm and energetic, although it doesn't provide many details, the warmth and smoothness will soon let you forget those shortcomings. Clear, in contrary, is neutral, and crystal clear, as its name suggests, and provides way more details than elear.
If you buy a pre-owned elear now, I think the thing you should really worry about is the pads, it turns like this after couple months of wearing... bruuh

I’ve had the same pair of Clear pads on my Elear for a year and a half now and they still look pretty much brand new. I’m not sure why some people go through them so quick.

 

[Brandfuchs]

I like that description 'QC lottery' haha, if I remember correctly, the early Utopia is also having the same problem of driver desoldering.

I’ve had the same pair of Clear pads on my Elear for a year and a half now and they still look pretty much brand new. I’m not sure why some people go through them so quick.

maybe it's QC lottery for pads haha
I'm not sure why, but for me, I think it is because the fluffy and thick pads do really keeps a lot of heat insides (especially in summer), that makes me sweat a lot, and the sweat accelerated the aging of pads

 

[jasonb]

i only use mine inside where there is AC and it’s cool.

 

[HTSkywalker]

I like that description 'QC lottery' haha, if I remember correctly, the early Utopia is also having the same problem of driver desoldering.
But I've seen posts saying that it can be solved by simply welding the wires back, and the same problem won't happen again
I used to have both elear and clear, (luckily it survived till I sold it, I hope the buyer is same lucky) what I can say is that their sounds are not quite the same. If have to choose a description for them between 'flavour' and clarity, I'll say Elear belongs to former one and Clear the latter one, what impressed me was Elear's mids, warm and energetic, although it doesn't provide many details, the warmth and smoothness will soon let you forget those shortcomings. Clear, in contrary, is neutral, and crystal clear, as its name suggests, and provides way more details than elear.
If you buy a pre-owned elear now, I think the thing you should really worry about is the pads, it turns like this after couple months of wearing... bruuh

Based on a personal experience, Focal stands firm behind their products and whatever QC problems they had with the first release of Elear and Utopia has been sorted out.

 

[HTSkywalker]

maybe it's QC lottery for pads haha
I'm not sure why, but for me, I think it is because the fluffy and thick pads do really keeps a lot of heat insides (especially in summer), that makes me sweat a lot, and the sweat accelerated the aging of pads

Humidity is the enemy of pads. Store in a fridge when not in use

 

[Brandfuchs]

Humidity is the enemy of pads. Store in a fridge when not in use

Thanks for advice!
I can already see the astonished face of my roommate when he opens the fridge lolz

 

[HTSkywalker]

Thanks for advice!
I can already see the astonished face of my roommate when he opens the fridge lolz

Just tell him you like to listen to cool music

 

[flaxton]

I have had my Elear headphones for eighteen months. Noticed the pads are a bit softer lately and pressing against my ears.

 

[jasonb]

I have had my Elear headphones for eighteen months. Noticed the pads are a bit softer lately and pressing against my ears.

Time for these https://www.headphones.com/products/focal-clear-ear-pads

 

[flaxton]

I have a pair of Dekoni fenester sheepskin I will try first. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[jasonb]

I have a pair of Dekoni fenester sheepskin I will try first. Thanks for the suggestion.

Those aren’t a bad deal though at $80. They will basically turn your Elear into an Elex.

 

[flaxton]

Is that good or bad. I paid 35 pounds for them.

 

[jasonb]

Is that good or bad. I paid 35 pounds for them.

What’s the question?

 

[flaxton]

Turning Elear to Elax.

 

[jasonb]

Turning Elear to Elax.

That’s for your ears to decide. I never even tried my Elear with the stock Elear pads. I wanted an Elex.