[CyberAthlete]

This is the 4th time this year they've ran an unauthorized sale on the Elegia on Slickdeals. They also ran 2 for the Clear. So it's definitely not a one off for them. Other brands have dropped them for their slickdeals sales.



Warranty generally goes through the authorized dealer, not direct through Focal. So it would be up to whatever dealer it was purchased through to provide a shipping label or not. Most will if it's a warranty issue within the first 30 days.

True they have run Elegia sales in the past but this is the only model they seem to sell at this steep of a discount. That's what I meant by one off. They have had Clear sales but those are usually in line with everyone else's price point.

Also this is the first time I'm hearing that you have to call the seller for warranty and get a label through them. Normally from my experience you call the manufacturer, provide proof of purchase and they will work it out with you.

I guess to each his own on this. If you want to take the chance of buying through Adorama go for it. It's still a genuine and Authentic and brand new headphone though. Or you can go the other route. The beauty of free will.

 

[CyberAthlete]

thanks for your business! They’ve been selling grey market products for over a year. I’m not sure how any insurance can support a warranty claim when they can’t purchase original equipment parts so even that seems a little suspect to me. I do understand the idea of getting the best price possible but in the case of products purchased grey market, the risk seems to high for my preferences. I don’t fault anyone for making the grey market purchase but they (the online dealer) knows without question that they are doing something that is totally not kosher and could cause consumers some significant inconvenience. I am aware of what Focal is about to do with them and it doesn’t look pretty for the seller

Maybe that's why they're looking to move as many as fast as they can

 

[TSAVJason]

Maybe that's why they're looking to move as many as fast as they can

that could be the case but it is just as likely of not more likely that it’s just being opportunists at the consumers expense?

 

[trellus]

that could be the case but it is just as likely of not more likely that it’s just being opportunists at the consumers expense?

Well, the only way to know for sure there's a serious risk to the consumer is for Focal to release data on warranty claims, e.g., the total number of claims within 30 days, within 60 days, within 1 year, and the total number of sales with no warranty claims. But I suspect that data won't be forthcoming.

I highly suspect that the overwhelming majority of serious defects most often arise in the first 30 days (and probably within the first 3 days, at that), well within in the return window, and so consumers likely factor that into their purchase. I know I did. I'm not expecting Focal to honor a warranty at all on an item not purchased from an authorized dealer, so it's a calculated risk. I've purchased before from Adorama (HiFiMAN HE-5Se, for example) and not had an issue.

 

[TSAVJason]

Well, the only way to know for sure there's a serious risk to the consumer is for Focal to release data on warranty claims, e.g., the total number of claims within 30 days, within 60 days, within 1 year, and the total number of sales with no warranty claims. But I suspect that data won't be forthcoming.

I highly suspect that the overwhelming majority of serious defects most often arise in the first 30 days (and probably within the first 3 days, at that), well within in the return window, and so consumers likely factor that into their purchase. I know I did. I'm not expecting Focal to honor a warranty at all on an item not purchased from an authorized dealer, so it's a calculated risk. I've purchased before from Adorama (HiFiMAN HE-5Se, for example) and not had an issue.

you could take the initiative and discover things on your own. Call Focal North America and ask. However they have disclosed via Marine (their social media rep) that only factory authorized sales are honored for warranty service.

 

[trellus]

you could take the initiative and discover things on your own. Call Focal North America and ask. However they have disclosed via Marine (their social media rep) that only factory authorized sales are honored for warranty service.

By, "I'm not expecting Focal to honor a warranty at all on an item not purchased from an authorized dealer," I mean I am operating with 100% certainty that they will not, no need to call to confirm that -- nor would I even expect them to, they have the right to determine that the warranty is only valid for sales through authorized dealers. That's par for the course, expected, and respected.

 

[TSAVJason]

By, "I'm not expecting Focal to honor a warranty at all on an item not purchased from an authorized dealer," I mean I am operating with 100% certainty that they will not, no need to call to confirm that -- nor would I even expect them to, they have the right to determine that the warranty is only valid for sales through authorized dealers. That's par for the course, expected, and respected.

definitely calls into question the motivation doesn’t it?

 

[trellus]

definitely calls into question the motivation doesn’t it?

Well, I think the motivation is obvious -- serve a market that others aren't willing to fulfill. $449 for a new-in-box Focal Elegia with a 30-day return window seems less risky to many people than even the used sales I've seen here which are going for higher than that -- and which aren't bad prices in themselves, honestly and which I've almost pulled the trigger on myself lately -- just that warranties aren't usually available in those cases, either, and there is no 30-day return window.

 

[scottsays]

Looking for some advice---getting the Elegia delivered Tuesday--$ 450 off ebay open box from dealer.
I understand the stock cable is not very good and I want to have an upgrade cable.
Two questions---I have several DAP with 4.4 mm balanced out and 2 with just 2.5 out.
I am better getting the 4.4 or 2.5? I am thinking get the 4.4 and just use an adapter to 2.5 if need be.

I have several 4.4 adapter to 2.5---from what I understand the 4.4 is better than adapting to a 2.5---is that correct?
and...............
any recommendations on a quality cord for under $ 100? Would love to get a Moon Audio Silver Dragon but do not want to spend $ 350---

Found this on amazon and thinking it may be a good option but wanted to check with the community here before I buy anything.
https://www.amazon.com/KK-Cable-Com...pY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1
Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[bcaulf17]

Just saw that these are on sale for half off at Adorama...at that price I’m super tempted but I don’t think I can pull the trigger...

 

[trellus]

Just saw that these are on sale for half off at Adorama...at that price I’m super tempted but I don’t think I can pull the trigger...

Too late for me, I pulled the trigger at that crazy price last week and expect them via UPS on Wednesday.

 

[bcaulf17]

Too late for me, I pulled the trigger at that crazy price last week and expect them via UPS on Wednesday.

Nice, let us know what you think!

 

[DDDYKI]

I hope to get mine this week (hopefully not today so they don't sit in the rain/snow). No longer will my coworkers be subjected to whatever my open HD650s are playing.

 

[Wyville]

that could be the case but it is just as likely of not more likely that it’s just being opportunists at the consumers expense?

I am not yet into headphones, just IEMs for now, but the Elegia currently top my headphones wish list (together with the Clear). If/When I buy, I will do so through a small, brick and mortar business where I will likely pay full price. The reason I do this is that 1) I can afford it, 2) I want to support local businesses who often find it hard to compete with large online retailers and grey market sellers. The great advantage of supporting local businesses is that those offer a level of customer support none of the others do. I know I can always reach them and can expect a level of service the others can never match (their business model won't allow it). It's the difference between 'point-and-click' and sitting down with a cup of coffee, having a nice chat, trying out different headphones and "Oh, you can't come by today? I'll send you a demo unit by post." I know which I prefer.

 

[xenoVa]

I got this one from Amazon, the sound is good enough though the cable itself has microphonics. The material of the black sleeve feels like plastic so it isn't the softest, most flexible thing in the world. I've ordered a custom cable from eBay (skyaudio cables) but haven't received it yet.

This cable is 2 meters which is a little bit too long. Do you know a 4.4 mm balanced cable with a length of 1 -1.5 m ? ( 4-5 feets ) ?
And I don't want to spend more than $100 for a cable