Then I would go with the elex out of the focals. It’s a pretty sizable step up from the 58x imo
What are your thoughts on the house sound of Focal? I am unfortunately in the boonies and can not test a pair and used ones on ebay appear to have blown out drivers or cost more than buying new with the sale on drop. At least on the Canadian ebay.
The other question is how is the comfort level of the Elex? One of the reason went with the x58s is the oval shape for the ears. My ears do not like things pressed up against them.
I really like it. It’s balanced yet engaging and fun. The elex is pretty even responding but at the same time also sounds slightly w shaped so it’s pleasing. The dynamics on the elex are very impressive and adds to the enjoyment factor. Detail is throughout the range and the drivers are very quick with great separation. The space that it creates with the soundstage and imaging are very impressive and it can recreate a space very very well.
Regarding comfort they are pretty comfortable. I think like barely below the 58x, but still pretty comfy. Build is also great. The cables could be a tad better though
Understatement of the day. 
You don’t have to buy an aftermarket cable, but you may want to.
I typically don’t sugarcoat it but I guess I did today lol
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Im exaggerating for humor, too. 
I mean its usable, it’s better than the cable that came on the elegia lol
Change of subject:
How are your Kennerton Thror re comfort? I hear many complain about the headband version they have as being uncomfortable. (And I have just cancelled my Elex to get a Vali from Kennerton with the same headband)
Why do you prefer the Vali over the Elex?
It’s a long shot.
I know from all the people owning a pair of Elex how great they are, but they are also quite close to my Sendy Aiva’s so I wanted something different. @XyleFBB made some nice reviews of his Vali and after looking more into them, I would like to hear them and also I like the looks and the more handcraft part; they could be a cheaper ZMF HP.
And I could customize them for just my liking re parts and colour together with a 25% discount, so I decided to take a chance. They will look like this with a different wood (Bubinga) which is more dark and glowing.
( I like the personal touch small companies give; I have mailed with Valentin K, the CEO of Kennerton, to get pictures of what parts to choose from, just like ZMF where Zach replys. There is a person behind with ideas about the HP and not just another big company that produces thousands of HP’s where the unique wood and design choices are lacking/different)
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didint you get a Aeolus? Or did you change your mind?
Not yet, it is on the radar for my 2019 bonus that I receive at the end of March. These just happend due to the 25% discount (ending today).
The Aeolus (or perhaps the Eikon, as I need a closed set) will arrive when the $ is there. (Everything comming from outside EU will have a 2% custom duty + 25% VAT on top of the original price…)
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The Aeolus is very close to the Elex if you get the Suede pads. They sounded very similiar to me.
The suede pads sounds from many as an good idea, also for the Eikon, which currently is more interesting than the Aeolus for me.
Yeah, I considered that too. It’s nice 
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Honestly I don’t have any comfort complaints, but I’m not the most sensitive to that either
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I can’t stand how gorgeous those are to me. I’m half tempted to buy these even though I already own a blue and brown pair!
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I preferred the Vali (2019 edition; haven’t tried the 1st revision) because to me it’s the overall solid sound of the Elex, but with a little more punchiness, a little bit more fun. Drum strikes, cymbal strikes and accoustic guitar detail is important to me, and the Vali has that advantage over the Elex by my ears. Can’t say anything bad about the Elex. I am glad I owned it. I just thought it was a bit boring. To me, Vali strikes the right balance between premium, overall good sound but with a bit more kick.
I’ve heard the 1st Vali has more dynamics, punchiness and better bass at the expense of sound stage and comfort (compared to the new version I own).