[dougms3]

You might be the first person I've ever heard call a stock Focal cable "good" (let alone, "quite good"). I mean, they're not as bad as some of the stock Hifiman cables, but for me and most others, the Focal cables are stiff and microphonic AF. Borderline unusable, especially for headphones in their price range.

What you describe sounds to me like the very definition of "subjective." If you were to try six different donuts back-to-back and then say the jelly donut is better than the other five, that is a subjective preference, not an objective one. As for me, I'm not a fan of silver cables for any audio application, and I know many others who feel the same. In my experience, silver cables screw with sound quality in unpredictable ways. But, of course, that's just my own subjective preference (as is yours).

Totally. If you're looking in the price range of that Tripowin (~$50), you can find a bunch of budget options in the cheap cable thread.

In terms of sound quality the stock focal cable better than other cheaper cables I've tested.

Not saying its great, like you said its microphonic and unwieldy.

The silver dragon cables are not actually pure silver, they're spc. I would say my wywires platinum cable is better overall than the silver dragon, this my objective opinion but I prefer the silver dragon because it gives me more body and thickness to the sound, that would be subjective preference.

I find that if its good quality pure silver and good quality connectors, its better and I know many others who feel the same as well. But good quality silver is very expensive and difficult to come by.

 

[SchwizzelKick66]

These are currently $399 on headphones.com

 

[Hypops]

These are currently $399 on headphones.com

Dang. That's now squarely in HD 600 territory.

 

[ekfc63]

You might be the first person I've ever heard call a stock Focal cable "good" (let alone, "quite good"). I mean, they're not as bad as some of the stock Hifiman cables, but for me and most others, the Focal cables are stiff and microphonic AF. Borderline unusable, especially for headphones in their price range.

What you describe sounds to me like the very definition of "subjective." If you were to try six different donuts back-to-back and then say the jelly donut is better than the other five, that is a subjective preference, not an objective one. As for me, I'm not a fan of silver cables for any audio application, and I know many others who feel the same. In my experience, silver cables screw with sound quality in unpredictable ways. But, of course, that's just my own subjective preference (as is yours).

Totally. If you're looking in the price range of that Tripowin (~$50), you can find a bunch of budget options in the cheap cable thread.

Depends on your definition of "reasonably priced." I have a Norne cable that I use across all my 3.5mm-style headphones that I really like. Cost $250-ish. There are lots of cheaper alternatives, but you have to make compromises to comfort and build quality.

Thanks for the cable suggestions. Picked up a Tripowin GranVia, which I unfortunately ordered incorrectly with 2.5mm plugs. Linsoul won't exchange them since I opened the package and they also cited hygeine reasons. Was a bit upset with their response, but I guess it makes sense on reflection. Now need to track down someone in Vancouver that can re-terminate them.

 

[rafaelo]

Tripowin grand via is good but tripowin altura is great !!!

 

[iftachl]

I have read before of termination issues with the Elex. But I do not know if this is still the case.

 

[Hypops]

I have read before of termination issues with the Elex. But I do not know if this is still the case.

What do you mean by "termination issues"? Are you talking about cable terminations? Generally speaking, Focal's stock cables are terrible. I'd replace the stock cable on most of their models.

 

[senorx12562]

Both stock cables for my Elex were toast within 1 year of purchase. Stiff and unwieldy to boot. Good riddance. Love the cans though.

 

[bevanc]

So, has anyone tried the ZMF Focal pads? I have some of the ZMF Beyerdynamic fenestrated pads and a cheap adapter I got from eBay that sound nice, wondering if it would be better with the actual pads he designed for Focal. That combination sounds really nice with a Schiit Vali 3 and a GE5670W tube.

 

[MacMan31]

Would the Elex be more of a side grade or an upgrade over the Sennheiser HD6 series? I have three HD6 series headphones now. But I may sell the 660S2.

 

[MacMan31]

Dekoni fenestrated sound awesome on elex. They increase the bass/slam. In my opinion it's what they should come with from the start. They're also more comfortable IMO.

What about the ZMF Focal pads?

 

[Hypops]

Would the Elex be more of a side grade or an upgrade over the Sennheiser HD6 series? I have three HD6 series headphones now. But I may sell the 660S2.

I think they sound pretty different, but the folks on The Headphone Show often describe it as an upgrade to the HD 600. For example:

 

[MacMan31]

I think they sound pretty different, but the folks on The Headphone Show often describe it as an upgrade to the HD 600. For example:

Hmm okay thanks. Do Focal headphones generally do well with tube amps?

 

[Hypops]

Hmm okay thanks. Do Focal headphones generally do well with tube amps?

No firsthand experience myself, but many others say yes. Not OTL amps obvs, but those with lower output impedances.

 

[MacMan31]

No firsthand experience myself, but many others say yes. Not OTL amps obvs, but those with lower output impedances.

I think mine is an OTL. My Aeon 2 Noire sound good on it even though planar headphones apparently don't work well with tubes.