Reviewed: Focal Elegia headphones

The Audiophiliac spends quality time with the new closed-back Focal Elegia headphone.

[ezvkm]

Just bought these, first impressions are very clear with good sound, no sibilance so far, it's a little aggressive but still well managed, so far so good.

[voteulvio]

Are these a big upgrade from my Shure srh1540?

[kennethkennelty]

How do they compare vs Beyerdynamic DT 1770?

[vladimirussachevsky]

Thanks Steve! I have listened to the Massdrop Focal elex “basically” elear with clear ear-pads and I do agree that the Focals are in your face a bit. Great for when you want it but fatiguing after an few hours. Very detailed and dynamic with some good slam, but when I want to relax I turn to my 650’s.

[tweakerman]

I can't believe, that some people give steve a dislike, I'm a audiophile of 33 years standing, I like to think I'm very knowledgeable on the subject, but steve has so much knowledge, he's excellent, some people do make me wonder, keep them video's coming steve.

[carldean]

Good morning are these anygood for gaming? Don't have a pair of Logitech astro A50s and I was wondering if it's worth changing? Many thanks

[jimis]

Between Audeze EL8 closed and Focal Elegia which bass response is more capable to extend deeper to sub-bass, EL8's or Elegia's???

[allansh]

Elegia is my favorite for metal music for its cold and scary presentation. I own Utopia and Stellia but Elegia still has its place in my collection.

[raoulselten]

I went to buy the Audeze EL-8 closed backs once. I was really diappointed. Their sound was decent and balanced but also BOOORING. I thought the dynamics to be horrible. Nothing popped, nothing had any life to it. Also the midrange was a little recessed for my taste. I think the Elegia might be what I'm after then! And thanks for the comparison to the EL-8C!

[zeller]

If you want these. Show patience. Focal offers big discounts.
I learned the hard way of course.

[joewinglovemusic]

Good morning from Sydney how are you? Just wondering are you still using this headphone pls? Is it worth buying if i find it just under AUD400 please? Thanks a lot! J

[Brandonp]

Im confused with something. You dont like these, since they're too bright, but you love grados. So does that mean these are brighter then the grados, or something else, maybe less natural sounding? Im curios because i was looking for a decent closed back. Side not; I do enjoy grados and headphones on the brighter side of warm. Thanks

[gwapster]

Focal could have easily priced this more similar to the Clear and market it as the closed-back Clear, and probably still sell lots of pairs, given how audiophiles have sort of accepted the ever increasing price brackets. But it's good that Focal has priced it more "reasonably", if $900 is being reasonable these days.

[VijayMohan]

Please suggest a sub $1000 headphone which sounds most similar to the Elegia without the tight fit and more comfortable.

[scottgordon]

Steve, You called this one in, good for you ;)

[onetwo]

He said these were bright sounding. So are these similar to the sennheiser hd700?

[Nick-s-f]

A ''bright'' headphone can be bright for several reasons. Upper-midrange glare or resonance is the worst offender, but sharp treble can be a problem as well. I am curious about how the Elegia is perceived as bright.

[tsamplifiers]

How much did you pay for those Steve?
How do they compare to the dozen or so phones in the background?

[rabit]

I get the impression the “close or detailed” sound is similar to a professional headphones like the Beyerdynamic pro series. Yes?

[davecharvella]

Recently purchased the Clears, and like you, hate the cord!