šŸ”¶ Focal Elex

Not gonna lie, I would bite the bullet for the money and buy these right now if we lived in a world where my little m6 was super powerful.

I donā€™t like bulky devicesā€¦ :cold_sweat:

Well you could get the m11 or something if you wanted to keep it slim

Those would drive a 300ohm 94db headphone?

If you got a balanced cable to use then yes imo, if you wanted more power the hiby r5 is also a good choice for the price

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So how would you compare the Verite, Diana V2 and adx5000? I think those look like very good choices for a ā€œbe allā€

What are the differences to the Clear?

So personally I think the adx5000 might lack bass on a solid state and be a bit too bright for a true all rounder, but the treble and mid range are very accurate, very resolving, and vocals and instruments are just really impressive. Imaging and soundstage are very naturally presented

The V2 is a bit more refined, with an even yet enjoyable overall sound signature, with plenty of detail, impact, and refinement. They have a bit more intimate sound but have a very 3d like presentation, really just great in all aspects as a true all rounder imo.

The verite is more leaning towards fun and enjoyment with an energetic more in your face sound, but still somewhat balanced. Itā€™s got enjoyable staging and imaging, but it might be a bit more exaggerated depending on the pads. Pretty punchy and quick, I think this is the most fun of the pick, where the adx5000 is more leaning reference, and the diana v2 sits in the middle.

Comfort wise, I think the 5000 is most likely the more comfortable pair to me because of the surprisingly light yet sturdy design, that just fits me super well. The next most comfortable is most likely the diana v2 to me, itā€™s slim, fits well, and I have no complaints with that. The zmf do fit me well, but for some reason I think they arenā€™t as comfy. Itā€™s not the weight so idk, but there is something that doesnā€™t make me want to wear them all day.

Regarding portability, I think the diana v2 are the most portable for sure, they come with portable cables and a portable bag, and are slim and easy to carry around. I think the adx5000 and zmf would be equally harder to do portable tbh. Also the diana v2 is more discreet looking so you can use them in public if you wanted to imo

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Can anyone recommend a good cable to replace to stock atrocious ones that comes with the Elex?

Looking for something around 6ā€™, with 1/4" (ideally) but 1/8" could do.
Most important factor is a cable that is durable and not stiff, very flexible.

I would say price isnā€™t much of an issue, as long as it makes sens compared to the headphones price.
Meaning, Iā€™m not going to buy a cable that is 40% + of the headphonesā€¦

I guess anywhere under 100 USD is what I would consider to make sens, hereā€¦ but if you suggest otherwise, Iā€™m all ears. Iā€™m completely new to aftermarket cablesā€¦

Periapt makes some nice cables, thicker but still durable and flexible (itā€™s not xlr thatā€™s just the thumbnail)

Hart audio also has some nice stuff (also swappable connectors)
https://hartaudiocables.com/

Check out Dyson audio cables too, pretty nice stuff, he mainly makes balanced cables but you could ask him for a custom termination

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PERIAPT looks interesting!

Someone elsewhere strongly suggested the Norne cable, but they are hella expensive.

Yeah I really wouldnā€™t recommend buying a cable over 100 bucks unless itā€™s really hard to find it a specialty cable. Also typically the higher end cables are stiff and unpleasant too for some reason

I personally like periapt cables, I have a few and I also have a Dyson cable thatā€™s nice

Hart is someone here on the forum with a neat cable system if you are into that, seems pretty nice stuff

Norne stuff is nice as you mention, but it is way too expensive imo

welcome to the forum and if you need a quick shot an a Focal cable, you can have a look at Amazon for Denon third party cheapo cables.
They are not stiff and you get them in different lengths.

Another good source for custom cables is oidio sound uk - I got my cables for the Elegia here and some other interconnects + Sennheiser balanced cables ā€¦

another european one is Forza audioworks

enjoy your Elex

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So the Periapt Type 8 would be the correct one for the Focal Elex?

Yes, that is what is compatible

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Yeaā€¦ about the cable for the Elexā€™s thatā€¦ i donā€™t even have yeatā€¦
Well something (hopefully) is coming from the US and it was ~250$ and after shipping and taxā€™s itā€™s close to 350$ cable.
Probably was not the greatest ideasā€¦ againā€¦ but fā€™it. Letā€™s see.

You pulled the trigger on an elex or a cable?

Both.
Have a ā€œmuleā€ standing by with headphones in US. Will take long f-time until they are here.
Cable comes wayyyyyy (hopefully) before the ā€œmuleā€ starts the journey.

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I was job hunting earlier today and it does get a bit depressing. Especially in the deep of winter.

Then I had a brainstorm! Who wouldnā€™t want to hire a guy with really great headphones?!

So, I got on Drop and ordered the Elexā€™s. Now I just have to figure out how to subtlety inject the Elexā€™s into either the cover letter or the resume. Both seems excessive.

And, do I wear them to an interview or just carry them along in a bag and talk about them at every opportunity?

Lots of decisions to be made. I will have to wear them while I am thinking about it.

Pretty hyped! I have been waiting at least a year to pull the trigger! I love the no waiting time frame, except for the slowest shipping times in retail.

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this is the move :sunglasses:

I keep hearing these are like a higher tier hd650ā€¦ sounds like something iā€™d like lolā€¦ good luck (not that youā€™ll need it now)

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Nice! Iā€™m sure you would get the job if you did, as long as they have good taste that is. I love mine. I do reccomend getting a new cable if you got 50 bucks lying around just cause the stock one can be a bit stiff. Not a huge deal though.