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Megazine
544
Nov 15, 2018
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I just ordered the the Fostex TR-X00 Mahogany, for that bass. The price to performance is incredible according to sone credible reviewers say; they should cost double the price. The only problem with your case, I hear they leak a little bit, but supposedly you can decrease the leak with different pads. https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-fostex-tr-x00-mahogany-headphones
Nov 15, 2018
jaydunndiddit
3262
Nov 15, 2018
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MegazineYou can't. They will leak no mater what as they are semi-closed. There is a gap between the driver to allow venting. I own the Ebony's and can't listen to them in the office for this reason. In comes the Elegia. The TRX00 is a nice headphone, but it isn't in the TOTL category as the Focal. I also have the X00 and TH900 pads and neither helps with the isolation but the TH900 pads are SUBSTANTIALLY more comfortable. I prefer the Dekoni sheepskin.
Nov 15, 2018
Megazine
544
Nov 15, 2018
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jaydunndidditWhat are your thoughts on Focal Elex vs TR-X00 Ebony? Are the Elex better than the TRX00 in every category? I’m guessing the TRX00 has the advantage on low end bass.
Nov 15, 2018
jaydunndiddit
3262
Nov 15, 2018
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MegazineYes. It's no contest really. The Fostex win on bass quantity but that's all. The Elex are better extended and offer much cleaner bass. By comparison, even the better damped Ebony's can't compete. They have their place and I do enjoy them but when we're talking about low-end quality and texture, the Fostex come up short. Truthfully, the Ebonies aren't TOTL and are really high-mid tier. The Elex are entry-level TOTL cans. The build quality of the Elex are substantially better than the Fostex in the arms, gymbals, head strap, pad material, etc. They are truly a premium product. The Fostex have amazing cups and overall a nice look but they have always felt half finished to me like they cheaped out after the drivers and cups. But, the ebony wood is absolutely beautiful. There is no question about that. The Elex also comes with two cables, one of which is balanced, and a proper storage box that is really one of the best out there. The stock pads on the Elex are superior. Stock pads for the TRX00 suck. I swapped to TH900 sheepskin pads and vastly enjoy the Ebony's more. With stock pads, I couldn't wear them more than an hour without discomfort. I also think the sheepskin helps tighten up the bass and lessen the quantity so they come off as less boomy and more "neutral" overall. But, this is just my preference. I am a bit biased as the Elex are my current favorite headphones as they do so many things well and are so dynamic. They remind me a lot of my 2.1ch loudspeaker setup which to me is a big deal. The Fostex sound good, don't get me wrong. They're just not outstanding and are better suited to certain genres of music and movie watching. They are absolutely awesome for watching movies due to the bass heft and LFE. Really, if you need a good closed back that's more leaning to fun than being highly resolute and TOTL, the Fostex are solid (if you get the Ebonies IMO). The PH and Mahogany have ringing/reverb issues due to their wood which can get annoying. The Ebony wood is much more dense so ringing is reduced. Some don't mind it but that is something to keep in mind.
Nov 15, 2018
Megazine
544
Nov 15, 2018
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jaydunndidditI see. Thanks for sharing. I don't have any closed back cans and wanted to buy the best price to performance wood/closed (semi close) cans available. I did research and landed on the TRX00 Mahogany. I bought them for hip-hop/Disco/EDM. I really like the LCD-XC, I think they are super sexy but didn't want to break the bank for a closed can when I prefer open. Ok, so here's another question, what are you using your ebonies for if? I only ask because the Elex from your POV are superior in almost every category.
Nov 15, 2018
jaydunndiddit
3262
Nov 15, 2018
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MegazineI use them a lot for watching TV and movies honestly. They do very well in that regard. I've used them for gaming too to some success but it matters if I'm playing somewhat competitively online or a casual SP experience. For Hip-Hop and EDM the Fostex are definitely solid. When you get yours in, play the song Three Ralphs by DJ Shadow and get encompassed in some face shaking sub-bass. Or Backseat Freestyle by Kendrick Lamar. And don't get me wrong. The Mahog and PH are both good but have some weird quirks. The Mahog are slotted between the PH and Ebony as the PH has the most bass but it's boomy and they also have the most resonance/ringing. The Ebony are the polar opposite. So it'll all boil down to preferwence realluy. I prefer really tight bass over something more fun and boomy so the Ebony was the best fit for me. Basshead's that enjoy mid-bass more than sub-bass should look at the PH. I will say though that with the THX 789 and some TH900 sheepskin pads, I am enjoying the Fostex much much more with music. It by no means will ever touch the Elex for pure musical listening but when I'm in a mood to not think and have some tunes on while creating reports or writing code, it's hard to go wrong with something fun and more laid-back like the Fostex.
Nov 15, 2018
Megazine
544
Nov 15, 2018
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jaydunndidditNot sure if we spoke about his before or ever read one of your comments on this incoming question. I notice in your arsenal you own the 6XX and the Focal Elex. Now from what I understand, the Elex are superior to the 6XX in every area but only slightly more; to the point some argue the Elex doesn't justify the price over the 6XX. What are your thoughts on this?
Nov 15, 2018
jaydunndiddit
3262
Nov 16, 2018
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MegazineSuperior in most ways, different in others. The Elex has better the better low-end with more impact and a really nice texture. The Elex extends very nicely here where the 6XX is rolled off and tame in the low-end. The mids are down to preference. The 6XX has a mid bass humps and then starts to decline down gradually here until about 3 kHz where it rises and stays until 5 kHz until pretty much sloping down from that point to 15kHz. This lends a lot to their warm and smooth character that a lot of people really enjoy. The Elex is pretty flat until about 1.5 kHz where is has a ~5 dB dip until about 5 kHz before rising. I personally like this area to be pulled back a bit as it makes certain instruments less front-and-center (cymbals and guitars) while making others pop out at you (toms and snares, woodwinds and brass, etc). When it comes to highs, the 6XX is just too smooth for me. The Elex has more energy and definitely sounds more sparkly and airy. This to me is when people talk about the Sennheiser "veil" as the rolled high and that mid-bass hump add a lot of warmth. To me, it can make things sound hazy. The Elex is just clean and clear. Much more energetic but not as smooth as the 6XX. So, you pick your poison. Smooth, laid-back highs or highs that are sparkly and airy with a lot of energy? I guess I fall into the latter camp as it just makes my music sound dynamic. The 6XX tends to bore me and make things a bit lifeless. They don't sound bad at all, they're just ho-hum. Run-of-the-mill. Safe. The Elex is none of that and wants to be highly engaging, dynamic, in your face, and cranked as loud as you can physically tolerate. They're both very different experiences but my mood and tastes just prefer the latter. The Elex is more engaging overall and layers things so well that it adds a lot of depth to the soundstage. I get a more vivid image of the venue and band with the Elex than I do with the 6XX. Where the Elex feels more speaker-like to me, the 6XX is always reminding me I'm listening to headphones. They're just so much more engaging and dynamic that it makes the the 6XX sound slow and hazy by comparison. Also for the cost, the Elex is a premium built headphone. The 6XX feels and looks more like a budget set with all the shiny plastic and cheap-looking velour pads and bland cable. The Elex is made of leather, aluminum, and magnesium and the earpads are perforated microfiber (thick and oh so soft). The Elex also comes with two cables, one of which is balanced and they feel and look nicer. The storage box is also huge and has enough room to store the Elex without removing the cables and has a compartment for storing cables and pads. You could argue how much weight to put into that but for me, the Elex are superior build wise and look worth their price tag and sound it. They really are entry level HiFi. And while the 6XX is a very solid headphone, I think it's just too smooth and boring by comparison and looks and feels cheap. Also, no balanced cable stock, the clamp is tight at first for a good while, and the stock pads are not the greatest. I know it seems I'm ragging hard on the 6XX but it's really not as bad as I'm making it seem. Just when I'm comparing the two or listening back to back, the differences and shortcoming become more apparent. If the 6XX was my only headphone, I think I could easily live with it and none be the wiser. However, I have many different sets from many different manufacturers and can just hear what the 6XX cannot do that others are doing better for the music I like to listen to. Some, even do it while needing a less picky amp unlike the 6XX as well. All things considered though if you want a good step into entry HiFi, the Elex is it. For $700, you could do a whole lot worse and get a lot less in return.
Nov 16, 2018
Megazine
544
Nov 17, 2018
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jaydunndidditCheck this out. DMS reviews the ELEX. He states they sound different from the Focal-sound, and they sound like a souped up HD 650. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1GPnbgH6Q4
Nov 17, 2018
Hanslau
2
Nov 17, 2018
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jaydunndidditI remember reading your response when someone compared the Elex to the HD58X. I currently have the 6XX. The 58X generally agreed to be more dynamic, less neutral laid-back and neutral sounding than the HD6XX. How close would you say the two are? My next cans are either going to be the 58X or just go all out on the Elex.
Nov 17, 2018
Megazine
544
Nov 17, 2018
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HanslauHave you’ve heard any planers? If not, I would recommend it. A great way are to get two affordable price-to-performance cans and see which one you like — 4XX ($169) & 58X ($150). Then down the road you can upgrade to a high end headphone of your preference in sound, like the Elex (dynamic) or maybe the Edition XX (planar)
Nov 17, 2018
Jeff-D
205
Nov 17, 2018
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MegazineI have the 6xx and the 4xx. I prefer the 6xx so I guess I prefer dynamic drivers. I like how big and detailed the 4xx sounds but its not enough to make me like it more then the 6xx. I just ordered the TR-X00 PH because I wanted some serious low end. I love the 6xx but sometimes when I really want some good bass it doesn't quite cut it even though the mid bass is good on them. do you think the Elex will be a good eventual upgrade from the 6xx? is it really very different. what do you guys recommend. sorry to hijack the thread haha but you guys seem to know a lot about these so I'm curious about getting your thoughts and opinions. EDIT: I didn't expand the comment thread like an idiot. I realized how much you talk about it. you don't have to respond to this if you don't want to.
Nov 17, 2018
Hanslau
2
Nov 18, 2018
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MegazineI have only tried a pair of planars, the Sundara for like 5 minutes. I remember being quite heavy. Was not enough time for me to hear a difference, and the place was pretty noisy. I guess I should give it another chance. The HE-4XX is really nice, but I've seen some reviews and think I wouldn't like it for its treble is too harsh. I'm quite sensitive towards sibilance. Planars are known for their speed and attack, mainly for the bass. But I've always heard that the flat frequency response at the low-end makes it almost sterile.
Nov 18, 2018
jaydunndiddit
3262
Nov 18, 2018
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MegazineThat guy needs to listen to more Focal's. The Elex sounds more like the Clear than the Elear does. Actually, out of all Focal headphones, the Elear has the signature that deviates the furthest from their house sound (neutral-bright). They also do not sound like the HD 650. From speed, to low end texture, to more pronounced highs, depth and imaging, etc. They're different headphones sound wise. The Senns are warm and smooth and the Focal's are energetic and neutral-bright. If I had to compare them to a Senn, it would have to be the 600.
Nov 18, 2018
jaydunndiddit
3262
Nov 18, 2018
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HanslauThey're more similar than different. Even looking at their FR charts, the 58X has a few dB in the low end until 80 hz and they're equal in the mids. But, the 58X has reduced treble after 2 kHz compared to the 6XX so they won't sound as airy and sparkly. They do have different impedances but their relative voltage swings are just about the same. The 58X will get several dB louder quicker over the 6XX but they both enjoy a healthy dose of voltage to sound their best. If you listen to a lot of acoustic, rock, jazz, then the 6XX is your best bet. More modern music and eclectic listening the 58X does better to my ears.
Nov 18, 2018
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Nov 19, 2018
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MegazineI find the Dekoni attenuator ring both pleasing to the sound profile (used with Dekoni hybrid), but it also (as the name suggests) damps the headphone sound/leakage. . . it will depend on your listening level and office situation, but I get away with using these in the cube at the physics farm. YMMV.
Nov 19, 2018
JoeKnott
38
Nov 20, 2018
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MegazineOr you like them both and you spend all your time reading other's people's thoughts trying to figure out how you feel. Then you just decide you'll buy everything until you eventually die.
Nov 20, 2018
Megazine
544
Nov 20, 2018
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jaydunndidditDoes anyone else feel what I'm about to describe. I feel the TR X00 Mahogany are slightly bright. It's so strange. They have very high treble (not extreme), and then very low bass (nice and tight); I believe that's what V-shape is. The treble is slightly sharp, so it's hard to bump some EDM louddly to feel that bass. Hip-Hop is an easier listen, since the genre uses less treble. @jaydunndiddit are you getting the same experience with the sexy Ebony's? Maybe I have to get used to them, but I'm now having second thoughts since my 58X aren't as bright, and already plays those genres pretty well. I'm curious if those ZMF pads (drop) would decrease the treble.
Nov 20, 2018
jaydunndiddit
3262
Nov 20, 2018
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MegazineThe Ebony's are more neutral than the Mahogany and also have a denser wood. It helps keep their bass tight and why they extend the best of the group and why their highs aren't as "hot" or sibilant. That's why I chose them over all the others in the long run when I was researching initially. I also switched to the Dekoni TH900 sheepskin with attenuation rings and that put them in a better place sonically for me in regards to control and bass impact. I've never had treble issues with the Ebony's, personally. It's just right to my ears. Just enough sparkle and zing to not be boring but not a lot of detail. Since you're used to the 58X, that may also be the issue of you needing more ear time and allowing your brain to adjust to the new sound sig. The 58X top-end is pushed down in comparison so hearing all these bright details are probably a bit jarring. I'd give it a week without swapping before coming to a firm conclusion. I know folks probably don't care for my opinions but I do try to be as honest and to the point. I really meant what I said about all 3 variants above and I think now that you;re hearing them too, you know what I was saying before. They're not bad but they had some quirks that I didn't like overall. The Ebony's were so much smoother and pleasant stock. With new pads, it was no contest, sonically and refinement-wise. Now, I just need to pick up a pilot pad as the headband is kinda poopy (Focal has me spoiled here). I also know I've seen some measurements with Fostex and ZMF pads so I'll try to find that thread and share here for you, too.
Nov 20, 2018
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