Massdrop x Focal Elex Headphones Discussions | Drop

Massdrop x Focal Elex Headphones

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Mar 13, 2018

Can someone help me out here, will I have to pay import taxes on the Elex to get it in Australia? I thought the rule was anything under $1K aud isn’t eligible, but I’m not sure if they changed it. (The Elex will be roughly $890 aud). Thanks.

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Mar 20, 2018

bgav66actually it'll be $910 Australian, so yeah im tempted on this, but 900 for headphones is a lot especially when you can't test it, nor have heard any of the focal range, i have the hd650 and i think i'd be better off buying a decent tube amp than getting this.

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Mar 20, 2018

alvargThanks for that, I've already joined the drop and saw that it must have just added it. I've heard the massdrop Cavalli Tube Hybrid is supposed to pair well with the 650, maybe look into that? I have he500's but I'm keen to see what these Focals have to offer.

Mar 20, 2018

bgav66okay, if you don't like them hit me up i might buy them off you xD

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Mar 20, 2018

bgav66i really am keen but i just bought lcd2 classics and am waiting on a refund for though because i wasn't impressed with them, thought they sounded worse than hd650s and yeah these look like they really are super hd650s but to risk $1000 on faith.

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Mar 20, 2018

alvargdamn, that sucks. Were they too dark? I was considering getting them when they were on that discount.
Haha will do. I have a feeling I’m gonna like them though ;)

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Mar 20, 2018

bgav66Yeah too dark/veiled

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KevYeoh

Mar 21, 2018

bgav66I believe they're changing it this year after June.
https://www.ato.gov.au/General/New-legislation/In-detail/Indirect-taxes/GST/GST-on-low-value-imported-goods/

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Mar 21, 2018

KevYeohYeah i thought so, if these do end up shipping in May I might just make it through. Thanks for that.

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Mar 22, 2018

bgav66typical Australian government taxing us anyway they can, god im super tempted on these though. because even though i love my hd650s its woolly bass gets a bit boring at times.

Mar 23, 2018

bgav66i couldn't risk it, i couldn't risk seeing this drop end and not taking the chance and missing out, sometimes there are things that are more important that money, i don't want to be one of those old dudes that never had a life because he was too worried about spending money. for all i know these very well could be my endgame.
Plus I mean if you don't think about the cost and think about the value you are getting, a headphone that (according to others) is 95% focal clears for less than half the price and you get an xlr cable included and made in France and 2 years warranty.

Mar 23, 2018

alvargYup. I thought it was worth the risk, so I went for it.

Mar 24, 2018

bgav66Yeah, I sat here and looked at it and looked at it, and although i definitely like my hd650s they are not great for everything as neither were my hd600s, they lack dynamics and the bass is definitely woolly idk if I'd call them veiled i just think that because the bass isn't very well controlled it bleeds a bit into the mids on both the hd650 and the hd600 but more so on the 650, while that is annoying the 650 made up for this by having a slightly wider sound stage and smoother overall presentation, while the hd600 is great i found the upper mids to be a bit grainy compared to the 650, laid back and velvet sounding but boring as fuck sometimes.
The one thing though that idk if the elex will fix is bizarre depth the hd600/650 have, both seem to make guitar solos sound quiet, Incoherent/muffled and distant and turning up volume just increases the bass/warmth and doesn't really seem to make the solo any easier to make out, Yet the rhythm guitars often sound way too close like they are grating on my ear, I think this has more to do with sound stage and overall design of the acoustic space in the ear cups than the frequency response itself.
So if the elex can give me a similar frequency response to the hd600/650 with more clarity, better dynamics and fix that weird way rock/metal solos sounds (because i really don't think the rhythm guitars should sound louder then the solo during the solo) It will be my end game.
End Rant.

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Mar 24, 2018

alvargYeah. Clarity, dynamics and detail seem to be a strong suit of the focals so, I too, have high hopes. Yeah I know what you mean, I think the "veil" is a bit exaggerated at times, they're just a bit soft sometimes imo. And yeah the 600 has a bit of grain and shout, though I personally prefer it to the 650, just a little more lively.
I'm really hoping this is a super 600 as I feel like that'll perfectly compliment my other headphones. Marvey is the guy I heard state that first and usually he's pretty spot on with early impressions.

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Mar 24, 2018

bgav66Yeah super 600 sounds great, i looked at the hd660s but i just didnt feel it would provide much improvement based off other reviews. But anyway i hope these are ready sooner than may although i doubt it.

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VRacer111

491

Mar 27, 2018

alvargNot in on the Elex, but am currently auditioning an Elear from a friend and have borrowed the HD6XX for a few days a little while back...they are VERY different headphones. The Elear is basically a dynamic version of a STAX L300 in regards to overall dynamics, detail, and clarity... that impression starts from song one. Have never heard a dynamic driver headphone that reminds me so much of a STAX L300... The highs are the Elears issue and are nowhere as good as the L300 though, the Elear is a very in-your-face can with its highs and they are weirdly thin/echoey sounding. Mids are good, probably the most natural sounding region of the Elear. Slightly recessed but not really that much.
Bass is PHENOMINAL though, very much like the STAX L300 combined with a Fostex TH-X00... simply incredible the subbass detail and extension they have along with extremely good punch and low end presence that is also full of finesse and speed. Near ZERO bloat...talking close to L300 level here (which is the best bass quality I've heard.)
The HD6XX is way more laid back, much less dynamic sounding, nowhere near as clear or detailed sounding, and way rolled off at both ends. The HD6XX presents the music and allows to examine its details further as you listen for them. The Elear takes the music and shoves it and ALL its detail right to your face... detail overload sometimes - not like the STAX which is forward in its presentation but not slamming it in your face like the Elear. STAX L300 is an incredibly enjoyable dynamic yet not fatiguing listen where the Elear is an intense and fatiguing listen. The HD6XX is a noticeably less dynamic and detailed listen than either, too polite and overly laid back.

Mar 27, 2018

VRacer111Interesting as the elex claims to tone down the bass and fix the treble issue

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