I just purchased the Focal Elegia and have been enjoying it this past week. I’m so impressed with it, I’ve decided my next purchase will be the Focal Clear. In my opinion, it is the much better option vs the NDH20 which I replaced it with. It’s much more comfortable vs the Neumann.
I would also go for the Elegia vs the Elex. It has a closer sound signature to the Clear than the Elex.
The Focal Elegia seem to be highly regarded especially considering their price. Audeze LCD-XC May be an option as well. I have the LCD-X which I think are pretty neutral, but I have yet to here the XC variant.
I’m also looking to pick up a closed back, and I’m looking forward to a review on the Sennheiser HD 820 as that’s the one I’m most interested in.
Z’s kind of lagging on that review. Seeing them in the background of the last couple of reviews has been a tease. 
@Logarithan They do have some clamping. More than HD800 but less than HD600. But I´m just guessing out of my memory. But I can wear them several hours and I wear glasses myself. The ear holes diameter is about 6.6 cm after quick and dirty measurement. Last but not least, focal uses a 3.3 mm mono connector with a proprietary fixing system. But every custom cable guy I’ve looked for offered those connectors.
@ValentineLuke The HD820 looks soo stunning. 
But the sound was for me very close to a normal HD800S. I only had an audioquest firefly to power it, so maybe it was just a little bit out of juice, but I could only notice the l slightly better sound isolation. 
Mr Speakers has a neutral sound. Ether CX or used Ether C Flow 1.1 is what I would get if I were you.
Ether C Flow used to be Z’s go to for a true sounding headphone. Now he uses the Neumann NDH20.
I’f you’re considering the HD 820, and that upward price point, don’t forget about the Focal Stellia. From everything I’ve heard, the Stellia will be the obvious choice.
I’ve added that one to my list. Several people have been recommending it. Thank you.
Interesting. Most comments are on how different it is than the 800S. More power should definitely give it a fuller sound. Thanks.
Well, I was leaning towards getting the Focal Elegia but after hearing some reviews I am now in Limbo again. I know that it was mentioned on the forums here that wearing with glasses was fine. However, Sifting through multiple reviews online it is mentioned wearing glasses does not seal these headphones properly. They also mentioned that these headphones have very weak bass. I do no require heavy bass for what I listen to but like to have a little present if there are drums in the orchestral music I listen to or soundtracks. It was also mentioned that if you are not a fan of the Focal signature avoid at all costs. I’m not quite sure what their signature is like. I have largely been listening to Sennheiser and have enjoyed their sound signature. Can anyone describe the Focal signature or sound to me as I have not been able to demo it?
I feel unsure what to do at this point. Not sure which headphones to get as a result. Someone also mentioned here about LCD-XC and from what I have heard in the past about their sound is that it is darker and I am not a fan of that. This seems to put me back into the boat of going with the Flows or ZMF Eikons again. I never thought this hobby would get so complicated.
Thanks again for everyone’s feedback and support during my quest for quality closed backs.
Logarithan
Try before you buy 
I understand your hesitation. None one wants to make a decision to regret. But in cases of tastes, there is no the “single right” or “best thing”. That’s the mess with this hobby. In particular with reviews. Everyone hears different. So if you ask me, I would say Focal sound more mid forward and a tad “thicker” as Sennheiser, but less spacious and “airy”.
If you unsure, try to find a store, bring some of your favorite music with you and try everything you can. Buy online and use the return policy if needed.
And most important: Have fun doing so 
Remember that reviewers are talking about subtleties and comparisons to other headphones to give you a basic understanding of what the headphone has to offer. I think the most important comparison to remember is that the Elegia is probably 90% equivalent to the open back FOCAL Clear. Which happens to be a headphone which is considered by many, one of the best audiophile headphones ever made.
I wear glasses that are very close to my head with the Elegia and the sound is the same for me if I have them on or off. The Elegia has more than enough bass for me, and it’s actually nice that the bass isn’t over extended which it usually is in closed back headphones.
I understand that making this decision is difficult, but as Dr.Torf said, if you can, try before you buy. Everyone likes different things. I personally prefer open back headphones but working in an office environment, I have to use a closed back headphone.
100% agree. Reviews are a helpful starting point, but in the end it’s about your experience.
Yeah, I think that I will have to drive a couple hours to the nearest city to see if I can demo a few headphones this summer. It is true I could order from Amazon and return them. I just hate to return something if they are fine and just aren’t for me.
Thank you for your recommendations and support.
Logarithan
Let us know what you have chosen, now I’m curious 
often it depends on the shape of the glasses and how you wear them.The pads on the Elegia are soft enough for normal glasses but no closed back hf will isolate with broad fat shaped glasses and you obvouisly loose base.
If you order the Elegia online…and first if you listen to them… give yourself time to adjust to the new sound.
If you are used to another pair, it is often so that lots of people going the route to some kind of “reference” sound find it boring in the beginning. But be aware of the brain burn in. Later you will hear the nuances, details, the stage… this testing needs a few hours and days. Listen to them in the morning for half an hour. Than in the afternoon and in the evening. Every one hears different at different times in the day. Maybe you hear the hole day air condition in the office or have to talk often on the phone during work hours… in the morning sometimes I can hear nuances the best. Sometimes I´m to tired because not have slept well and will hear better in the evening… and so on. Don´t overdo it. Give your ears and your brain a pause.
Lots of discussion here about the Elegia…
Was about to pull the trigger on the Elegia on Amazon here in Canada and then they raised the price. I was waiting on a pay check. Can’t quite go the $1200 Canadian for these full retail. 
I guess I am waiting on a sale.
No worries. Something better is around the corner.
Well, I am contemplating perhaps getting Mr.Speaker’s Aeon Flows Closed. Does anyone know what their sound signature is? How would they sound with orchestral, string, folk and classic rock music? Any help is much appreciated. They would be somewhat more cost efficient living here in Canada opposed to having to drop 1500 for Focal and $2000 for ZMF Eikons. The Aeons are supposed to be very comfortable. Sound and comfort are my too biggest concerns when buying headphones. Okay, perhaps build quality as well so they will not fall apart.
Your help is much appreciated.
They are solid headphones that most people seem to enjoy. I believe they are neutral -ish sounding headphone and would be enjoyable for the music you like. The biggest knocks on them are they are bass-lite and have a narrow sound stage. The narrow stage might not be best for orchestral, but it’s hard to find a closed-back headphone with a large stage.
I say go for it. You can often find them used on the resell forums for under $500. If you don’t like them, you could sell them close to what you paid.
There really aren’t too many options for really good closed backs under $1000.
Guys, I’m looking for a replacement of my oppo pm3. About 500-600€ closed back cause I travel quite often. Looking for a better sound quality than the oppo pm3, I’m looking for a while out there for a good option but I’m lost. Someone can help me ?