[B0NES]

Make sure if you go OTL that the output resistance is less than 8 ohms or you’re going to get a boost in bass around 50 hz. This may be desirable, but just be aware.

I’ll definitely keep this in mind, thanks! Eventually I’d like both a SS and OTL to play around with. Since I have the LCX coming, I’ll probably stick with that for now and add on an OTL later.

I think the Elex sounds great with Audio-gd gear, especially their R2R DACs. So, the R2R-11 (which only has a single-ended amp) would be a solid combo pick on which to build a balanced amp offshoot chain. The R-28, which is entirely balanced, is my endgame combo that I'm saving up for.

I’d definitely love to have an Audio-gd R2R eventually in my arsenal. Also tucking away this suggestion for when more funds open up later

I got these. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KO8VY4O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Oh hell yeah, sub $20 balanced cables? Yes please. Thank you!

 

[Selfish Android]

Hey guys, i wanna get the HD800 but 1000$ is a bit of a steep price for me, do the Elex come close to the HD800 in treble, clarity and soundstage? or are they completely different kind of headphones?

 

[robo24]

Soundstage not even close to the HD700. Can probably find a used 800 for close to the price of a new Elex.

 

[IkSak]

The Elex is no slouch in soundstage, yet it it's not it's defining trait because its dynamic and details somehow make it less perceivable. @robo24 is spot on. The Elex and the HD700/800 are completely different headphones which give you different experiences

 

[Selfish Android]

So then which headphones are similar to the HD800 for under 700$

 

[gLer]

So then which headphones are similar to the HD800 for under 700$

The only one I’m aware of is a used HD800 for ~$700. The HD800 is unique in what it does and how it does it.

 

[robo24]

So then which headphones are similar to the HD800 for under 700$

The HD 700 is close and can be found for around $400 new, and less new. Getting off topic.

 

[Marlowe]

Soundstage not even close to the HD700. Can probably find a used 800 for close to the price of a new Elex.

This just shows how subjective this hobby is. My most used headphones are the HD 700 and the Elex. Prior to getting the Elex I had generally read that it had a pretty narrow sound stage. No, it doesn't match the HD 700, but I was pleasantly surprised that its soundstage (to me at least) was reasonably wide. Certainly far wider than the 6XX (but TBH, I have IEMs that are wider than the 6XX, a main reason I am not a huge 650/6XX fan, though I love the midrange on the right material).

 

[B0NES]

Anyone using the Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin pads who can say if their pads have softened over time? Just got a barely used pair and definitely feels notably stiffer than the stock pads. But I love the sheepskin over the cloth. Any experiences welcome!

 

[wje]

Anyone using the Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin pads who can say if their pads have softened over time? Just got a barely used pair and definitely feels notably stiffer than the stock pads. But I love the sheepskin over the cloth. Any experiences welcome!

Interesting. I have the same question too. The Dekoni pads seem to have a bit of a stiffer memory foam along with a bit of thicker leather than the Focal Utopia pads, which felt like butter to me. I know there are ways to soften leather (e.g. Olive Oil, etc.) but due to the holes (fenestrated) I'm a bit leery of getting the memory foam all junked up too.

 

[441879]

Anyone using the Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin pads who can say if their pads have softened over time? Just got a barely used pair and definitely feels notably stiffer than the stock pads. But I love the sheepskin over the cloth. Any experiences welcome!

I’ve had a pair since I guess January. The leather has softened but the foam remains stiffer than stock. That said, I find them very comfortable. With the stock pads my ears would touch the perforated grille. Doesn’t happen with the Dekonis.

 

[Rattle]

@FocalOfficial Any chance the Elex will get a 5 year warranty extension like the elear and utopia?

 

[carly]

I'm looking for a side grade for the Elex, this should have a softer and less fatiguing sound, or some pads that soften the sound would be another option, my budget is 1000 usd or less, any recommendation?

 

[jsmiller58]

I'm looking for a side grade for the Elex, this should have a softer and less fatiguing sound, or some pads that soften the sound would be another option, my budget is 1000 usd or less, any recommendation?

I don’t have a lot of headphones to compare (well, compared to all the available offerings anyway)... I would say the HFM Sundara is my Elex alter ego headphone in that price range... also the MD x MrSpeakers Ether CX (though obviously closed).

 

[PopZeus]

I'm looking for a side grade for the Elex, this should have a softer and less fatiguing sound, or some pads that soften the sound would be another option, my budget is 1000 usd or less, any recommendation?

I’ve never heard this model specifically, but would the Audeze LCD2-Classic work? It’s got a warmer implementation of Audeze’s house sound, which is fairly non-fatiguing. That’s where I’d start looking. Otherwise, there are offerings from Mr Speakers.