I am currently looking to replace my Fidelio X2HRs and I was hoping for some more input regarding both the Focal Elex and Sundaras. I will be running whichever headphones I get balanced from a Modius/Magnius stack. The headphones will be used several hours daily for music/gaming/general computer usage.
The QC problems with the Elex worry me, I don’t mind having to have a pair replaced if they arrive damaged however the reports of Focal/Drop being difficult to work with for warranty purposes is concerning. Additionally due to how much use they see daily I am also concerned about a driver dying after the warranty is up.
That all being said the Elex is currently on sale for $600 and according to reviews that sounds like a steal.
Hoping I can hear some feedback about either headphone / warranty experiences / or even other options for my setup and usage plans.
I’ve owned both and seem people own both. First of all personally I could simply not recommend elex due to its horrible QC issues. Knew three people with one and they all had a left driver after time passed. Sound wise the eelx is for sure a step up, more detailed, dynamic, punchy, better mids, treble bass etc. However it’s also a little TOO dynamic to where I can’t enjoy balada or chill music in it. So I would call the sundara more balanced, but also slightly on the brighter side. I would say only due to QC I would choose sundara over elex. If you want a focal maybe save u for clear or even the new celestee might be worth looking into. Or find a LCD2pf used, thsoe can be found a 600 and under.
I upgraded from the X2HR to Sundara, they’re my daily drivers now. Got them open box in February this year so they are the 2020 update version. Build wise they’ve been solid. I did replace the earpads with Dekoni Elite Hybrids, but that was because I wanted extra comfort (I like their memory foam better than what you get on most stock pads). The only situation right now where they aren’t my go-to is when I need to switch to closed backs.
If you order direct from them they have a $15 off coupon for purchases over $319 so you could get them for $335 brand new. You could also go open box for $299.
P.S. You will need a decent amp to drive these, what are you using?