Even the overdubs (the song apparently has over 180) like the “Galileo” repetitions and Chinese gongs at the end have more transparency to them. Buccaneers vs Washington live stream: How to watch NFL playoffs Wild Card game online now, Best cell phone signal boosters in 2021: Improve reception in your home or car, Trump permanently banned on Twitter — here's why, January sales 2021 — the best deals on TVs, fitness trackers and more, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 looks stunning in this new design, Sound reproduction is stellar on all audio devices, Lack of accessories, controls, and extra features, Noise isolation is practically non-existent. The Focal Elear are good open-back critical listening headphones. ), but also eliminates the need of any extra hardware like a headphone amp to boost sound. The first detail that immediately caught my eye is the mesh grille on the exterior, which has become symbolic with the open-back circumaural category (thank you very much, Sennheiser). Typical headphones place drivers directly to the sides of your ears. If that’s the case, then the Focal Clear deserves your full attention. Read our, [ Further reading: The best headphones you can buy ], Rich, lush, musical presentation regardless of genre, Super easy to drive with any smart device, Can't quite match the Focal Clear's sonic clarity. This includes a 3.5mm aux cable, gold-plated 3.5mm adapter, and a large, durable zippered case with molds on the inside to store everything nicely. Look no further than the intro to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” for confirmation. You can only marvel at its clean, premium aesthetics, which are almost as pristine as the sound profile. I use Focal’s Clear as my everyday reference headphone, and I observed similarities and differences between the two models. Not too blingy but a certain unmistakable French elegance in fit and finish. Expect nothing different than what comes bundled with the Elegia. Design? French audio brand Focal is known for its super-high-end luxury headphones, with prices to match, and its latest model, the Focal Stellias, are no exception. Being indoors didn’t fare any better, as I could hear analysts speaking during live football games with the TV at low volume. I’m also fond of the circular cutouts that offer a generous amount of space for listeners with larger ear shapes. Focal includes a 3.5mm cable that terminates at a 45-degree angle, a micro-USB charging cable, a neoprene carrying case, and the Focal Listen Wireless headphones—which are available in four colors: black, olive, blue, and purple. They are expensive for a reason. And they don’t just look expensive, they feel it too. We got the exclusive on the Elear review sample. New York, The full-range speaker driver includes a vent to manage the balance between the bass and the midbass. The case is the same as the one that comes with Focal’s Clear headphones. I can’t think of another speaker manufacturer that has embraced the headphone movement as … The Elegia’s cable is the same black and white zebra-styled braid as the cable included with the Clear. I felt compelled to write a review about these headphones since there were just 9 reviews that averaged to a 4 star rating. The black and silver aluminum and leather accents are breathtaking, with nuances you must see in person to appreciate. These are, of course, purely comparative differences. Impeccable. Too often high-end products neglect appearances; if you’re spending this sort of money, we think you should get a product t… The LCD-3 gave me the same feels, although its low end felt tamer. Disclaimer: The Focal Utopia sent to us for the purposes of this review is a loan sample that was returned after this review. He's also a passionate audiophile and home theater aficionado. The Elegia features a 4mm frameless, copper voice coil and an aluminum/magnesium alloy M-shaped inverted dome. I'd rather have one of this than 5 of cheaper headphones. I chose to use the Focal cabling for this review, one is a 3-foot cable with 3.5 mm plug and ¼" screw on adapter, while the second set is a 10-foot cable using a 4 pin DIN termination arrangement. Fine expect noise isolation. The Focal Stellia are premium closed-back over-ear headphones that are outstandingly well-built. This is how you know you got some really good headphones . Focal says that the M shape gives the dome a larger emissive surface area. The Elegia’s drivers are shifted towards the front of the ear cup and are angled towards your ears to mimic the way we experience sound through traditional speakers. Good examples were Taylor Swift’s “Delicate” and “Look What You Made Me Do” and Lorde’s “Royals,” where bass lines knew their place but weren’t afraid to deliver a swift body blow when called upon. Specifically, the aluminum yoke and click-adjustable headband are noticeably more snug on the Elegia than on the Clear. I had no problem plugging the Elegia into the Fiio X7 Mark II’s cases. The Clear has a flatter sound signature that reveals the purest details from the most complex recordings. Most professional and high-end audio gear come with 1/4-inch connections. Build quality? Utopia and Elear are made in France and about to hit the market. Elegia comes with just with the 3.5mm connection. The earpads are extremely soft. It’s a shame too considering how much the Clear improves sound quality on music and video apps. The yokes appear shorter as well to ensure a more secure fit. Focal has been building high-end audio products for decades, and Focal Utopia is a high-end headphone manufactured by Focal. The screw-on adapter ensures the adapter won’t slide out. Sheer sonic bliss housed in a luxury shell. I can’t think of another speaker manufacturer that has embraced the headphone movement as effectively as Focal. To get the full bottom-end oomph this song should produce, however, I had to switch out the Fiio X7’s AM3 amplifier for the AM5 . The memory-foam ear pads covered in plush microfiber create a spa-like cocoon. The Clear has zero noise isolation. Price-wise, it’s actually in the middle of the Focal open back lineup, between the more expensive Focal Utopia and the lower priced Focal Elear. The closed headphones in an ear-enclosing design come with a handy carry box. At nearly a pound (15.8 ounces), the Clear is in the same weight class as the Elegia, but far heavier than most noise-cancelling headphones. To give you a background, my in-ear headphones of choice is the $1,000 Shure 846s. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, Very well said. Everything about this headset remains premium as well. It’s perfectly molded to store, protect, and carry the Elegia wherever you go. Seeing how the Elegia and Clear share the same driver, audio should sound the same, correct? Copyright © 2021 IDG Communications, Inc. Thank you for signing up to Tom's Guide. Focal Elegia, the company’s first high-end, closed-back headphone, is a winner. High-quality, closed-back headphones like these always help me get lost in the music. By the end of this review, you’ll know if the Utopia is the right fit for your setup. The latest addition to Focal’s stable of headphones is the Stellia. The latter cable is equipped with a remot… © TechHive has reviewed two—the Clear and the Elegia —deeming both to be exceptional, though not inexpensive by any means. We steer you to products you'll love and show you how to get the most out of them. I used Tidal Hi-Fi exclusively for playing streamed music. The barrel on the 3.5mm adapter is big—about three times the size as what you’ll find on some other cables. Its latest offering, the Focal Clear, borrows technology developed for the Utopia and cuts the price by more than half. They are very good for what they do and deliver. Otherwise, look at other high-profile alternatives like the Sony WH-1000xM3 ($250) that can get the job done for a fraction of the cost, and has lots more features. Focal is known for its high-end equipment, but it obviously has to seriously impress to warrant the price tag of an eye-watering $4,000. While the Stellia’s 40mm Beryllium dome drive unit is heavily based on that used by the older model, the closed design means that Focal’s engineers have had to rework it considerably. The Focal Utopia and Clear headphones are tuned to be used in an open configuration – what Focal calls a low acoustic impedance environment. Even though the yokes don’t have the same distinctive arch as the Elegia, they still have a thin and solid frame. Two vents help this headphone deliver outstanding frequency response, rated from 5Hz to 23kHz. Separation between frequencies was impressive, but it was better on plantar magnetic drivers; the transition from lows to mids was smoother on the Audeze LCD-3. The Clear, I felt, was a more outspoken, brutally honest headphone; the Elegia always played the diplomat, tending towards a euphonic musical interpretation. spiral cable, which extends to a length of 5 metres, and a 1.2-metre long cable are also included. They will your weigh you down during commutes. A cutaway view of the Focal Elegia’s closed-back ear cup. “Let our rigorous testing and reviews be your guidelines to … Pairing headphones with the right electronics for maximum performance matters. The result? One of the best things about the Focal headphones we’ve been reviewing is that they have such a great build quality, and the Focal Elegia headphones are no exception to that rule. There are changes to the surround and motor system aiming to optimise dynamics and detail reso… Detail of the high-quality cable included. With the Fiio X7, I also used the Android Roon app to access files from my music server. The lofty $899 asking price delivers an equally lofty and rich musical experience. The perforated earcups do nothing to block out ambient noise and bleed sound as loudly as some portable speakers. Not only is the Elegia easy to drive, the headphone will also perform extremely with ordinary smart devices. The black Focal logo on the ear cups is etched in a slightly cratered circle. However, the Clear has zero noise isolation and lacks extra features that help personalize your listening experience, which may sway you to consider other expensive models like the Audeze LCD-3. Today, Focal focuses on more than just top-tier loudspeakers. When playing bouncy selections like Notorious B.I.G.’s “Mo Money Mo Problems,” the drums and guitar licks had a striking presence that made vibing along to the record joyous. But when I tested them in the store I loved their signature. We were really impressed by the all-round performance of the Spirit Pro phones back then, with, perhaps, the only misgiving being the fit. Focal Listen Wireless Review. With Elegia, Focal has thrown down the gauntlet at the closed-back competition. Audio is also more uniform with smoother frequency response. The aux cable shouldn’t be overlooked either, wrapped in a heavy-duty woven fabric with a Velcro strap to conveniently wrap up when travelling. The Clear has an impedance of 55ohms and a sensitivity of 104db. Future US, Inc. 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, Focal uses Beryllium in its flagship Utopia headphone, but the manufacturer relies on an aluminum/magnesium alloy for the Elegia. Focal includes three cables with the Clear: one with a balanced XLR plug, one with a 1/4-inch plug, and one terminated in a 3.5mm connector. At the suggested retail pricing of $2,199 for the Naim Mu-So for Bentley and $1,300 for the Focal Radiance for Bentley, these new audio products are truly built and priced for the luxury consumer. Raising the headphone volume didn’t fix this issue. Until now, Focal’s flagship over-the-ear headphones—including the $1,499 Clear I reviewed for TechHive last year—have all been open-back models. Like the Elegia, these cans employ Focal’s proprietary ‘M’-shape aluminum/magnesium driver. As a bass reflex for the bigger loudspeaker system, the headphones have room for tuning the back vent … When I did get the chance to pull up Spotify in a private setting, hip-hop songs had more oomph to them. Today we’ll be taking a look at the new Focal Radiance, a $1,290 USD closed-back headphone from Focal. I’ve never noticed this when testing popular mid-luxury headphones like the Bose 700 and Sony WH-1000xM3. Gorgeous. The aluminum yoke has a brushed finish, with beveled screws at the ear cups that make light dance. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. In today’s review, we put Focal’s flagship over-the-ear headphone, the Utopia, to the test. … I much prefer headphones featuring this driver orientation. Note: When you purchase something after clicking links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Frankly, we wouldn’t have been surprised to see a price tag twice the size on these over-ears. As if poor noise isolation didn’t already make these cans impractical for portable use, girth also factors into the equation. Their open design makes them a poor choice for any other use cases as they don’t block any ambient noise and don't have a microphone or wireless technology. The $2,490 USD Focal Arche is the flagship all-in-one headphone amplifier, DAC and preamplifier from French high-end audio manufacturer Focal. If only it was longer. They come with a great hard carrying case and detachable braided cables that include a 1/4" TRS adapter and an XLR cable. Even with such a thick barrel, however, the threaded neck allows you to plug in the 3.5mm adapter through many (but perhaps not all) smart devices or high-res digital audio players when they’re in cases. These are not headphones designed to be worn outside, and if worn inside, you’ll want to be in a secluded area to fully enjoy them. Focal's first high-end, closed-back headphones are a sonic champion. Female vocals basked in Elegia’s sunlight. Please refresh the page and try again. Elegia has angled drivers, positioned towards the front of the headphone, that are visible when looking at the ear cup from the side. Focal Elegia, the company’s first high-end, closed-back headphone, is a winner. But if you thought the Elegia had its fair share of compromises, the Clear presents the biggest with its noise isolation struggles. Up Next NAD VISO HP70 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphone Review The Focal Clear headphones are a benchmark design that is one of the top performing headsets I’ve experienced. The Elegia’s ear cups have a dimpled design. I will say that the quality is remarkable on all of these, primarily the case, which can hold extra EDC items, if necessary. “World’s Best Headphone.” This was the proclamation made by the man who gave me my first job doing headphone reviews, my mentor and predecessor at Innerfidelity, Tyll Hertsens.As a young teenager I remember learning a lot from Tyll and Innerfidelity, and the exciting discussions of his reviews and measurements that made their way onto the forums at head-fi and … The acoustic guitar on Oasis’ “Wonderwall” pulled me in with every strum, but it was the different string arrangements sprinkled throughout the recording that made the listen more enchanting. It will require a lot of force to bend. This is ensured by pre-punched recesses, a double zipper and a hardy fabric loop that serves as a carry handle. Here’s how Focal thought through the problem. Thank you to Focal for giving us this opportunity.. To read up on other FOcal products reviewed on Headfonics click here.. Acapellas really soar on these cans. Every time I picked them up, I couldn’t help but stop and admire some new facet. While I wasn’t able to test the company’s older and more beloved beryllium driver for comparison, I can say that this alternative delivers on its promise. Beryllium is one of the best-performing headphone driver materials in the world, but it’s extremely expensive. It folds up to … The headphones are stored safely in this hard-shell case, allowing you to take it with you on your travels. The perforated earpads maximize comfort by ventilating sweaty ears. With each impact, a cloud of wasps rose from the nest. The Elegia, by contrast delivered more midrange presence and perceived warmth. The physical beauty of these headphones is complemented by their fit and feel. Focal’s industrial design team paid attention to every detail. Elegia is designed, developed, and assembled in France. Focal knows how to create attractive audio hardware. Given its stellar audio performance, the Focal Utopia is a fairly efficient headphone at 80 Ohms impedance with 104dB sensitivity specs, so any great headphone amp should do it full justice. Bass levels on the Clear are carefully balanced as well. You have to be a serious audio head to consider spending $1,500 on a pair of headphones. Its entry-level Elegia headphones are well constructed, and these pricier cans share similar attributes, but with a more elegant look that stays true to the company’s design pedigree. The Clear has a firmer headband than the Elegia, but it doesn’t apply the same unwanted pressure atop the head. Far from cheap, the Focal Clear sells you on beautiful sound and build quality for a higher-than-normal premium. They are very well-built and very comfortable for long listening sessions thanks to well-padded ear cups and headband. But on a technical level, much has been re-engineered to account for the different configuration. The Elegia should be both on your short list to audition, and your Christmas list to own. This Focal Classic is clearly underrated. The earphones have a balanced sound with comfort for long sessions of listening. And nothing would have torpedoed the Focal Clear headphones faster than having an identical sound signature to their younger brother - the identically-designed Elear. Since the Channel Islands amplifier uses a quarter inch headphone jack, I experimented with an adapter to use the longer cable. I felt as though the Elegia had a tighter grip, with less shifting when I turned my head or was on the go. The ear pads also did wonders to block out the noise around me. In addition to the natural difference between an open- and closed-back design, I felt as though the Focal Clear had more sizzle and shine on the top end, a hair more bottom-end control and dynamics, and slightly more resolution and air around instruments and vocals. Focal’s continued foray in high end headphones hits another high note with the Elegia. The Good The Focal Listen Wireless has a sturdy design, fits comfortably and snugly, and sounds excellent for a Bluetooth headphone. But it’s the slate-gray finish that gives these headphones their charm. Yes. You will receive a verification email shortly. This provides some relief when zoning out to playlists for long stretches. The color pattern is a perfect match; unfortunately, the cable is also thick and stiff compared to other headphone cables I’ve encountered. The only other noticeable difference in design between the Elegia and Clear are the earcups. Packaging, Design & Build Quality I preferred the LCD-3 and WH-1000xM3 for bass-heavy content, but I also appreciated how well balanced the low end was on these cans. Focal absolutely had to pull out all the stops here, or the entire exercise would have been written off as nothing more than naked profiteering. However, not every song showed this level of performance. Paired with a new copper voice coil, these two components are said to improve “dynamics over the entire spectrum,” producing tighter bass and highs. My fiancée identified every Jay-Z song I played from about 25 feet away. I’ve always loved the WH-1000xM3’s strong bass performance on mobile devices, but the Clear wasn’t as overpowering on my ears and elevated vocal clarity on the Google Pixel 3 XL. These characteristics were laid bare on “The Greatest Show” and “From Now On” from the Greatest Showman soundtrack. Was it intriguing to hear The White Stripes “Seven Nation Army” without its signature distorted effects? My take? Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. That cable has a threaded neck capable of accepting the included screw-on 1/4-inch adapter. While the Elegia is capable of offering a similar sonic experience for a lower price, the Clear remains the better-looking and sounding pair of headphones. Despite its massive frame, the Clear does make for a pleasant wear, as long as you limit listening to a reasonable time frame; I recommend 1 to 2 hours max. laptops, smartphones, etc. 92 and the Minnesota Orchestra’s performance of Aaron Copeland’s Symphony No. Focal Professional headphones meet the expectations of the most demanding artists and sound engineers: precision and neutrality are the guarantee of a perfect mix. Its design will turn heads while offering snug comfort on your head. TechHive helps you find your tech sweet spot. When I look back on all the dumb things I did as a kid, surely one of the dumbest was pitching rocks and dirt balls at a wasp nest. They also have pliant cushioning that doesn’t press up hard against or around the ears. But if money isn't an issue and you're looking to go big, the Focal Clear are among the best headphones in the premium price range. The Elegia’s impedance is a mere 35 ohms. The group’s harmonies at the start of the record sound beautiful and crisp; the synthesized vocals have a naturalness to them. The Focal Clear headphones from the front Focal Clear have plenty of padding for ultimate comfort These headphones are kind of large, but comfortable The Focal Clear headphones sitting on a desk These are open-back so you get an amazing soundstage Everything that comes in the box with the Focal Clear headphones Both models use the same micro-fiber material, but the Clear’s earcups have perforations to cool down overheated ears. By continuing to push the boundaries of acoustical engineering to the limits, Focal’s expertise with great-sounding materials and artful craftsmanship has inspired its product-line of headphones.The French company achieves all of this within the walls of its facilities based in Saint-Étienne, and Burgundy, France. The Elegias certainly look like a premium pair of headphones. The Elegia creates a beautiful, intimate, and rich musical experience. NY 10036. 3 were majestically rendered. A second vent, located at the back of the ear cup, picks up the rear wave coming from the center of the motor. Focal Utopia. It was tough listening to music outside due to all of the environmental interference that made its way onto the soundscape; car horns and construction tools sounded like background effects on hip-hop songs. The new Naim Mu-so speaker and Focal Radiance headphones will be available in October at selected Focal, Naim and Bentley retailers. The look and feel of these headphones is to die for. This design, which is also common to Focal’s Utopia, Clear, and Elear headphones, creates a solid soundstage that feels less “in my head” and more akin to traditional loudspeakers. Focal says the allow delivers a similarly strong combination of lightness, rigidity, and excellent damping at a lower cost. The Focal Stellia headphones look like they’d be at home on location at the season’s showing of the new Chanel or YSL line. The Focal Stellia are a luxury pair of over-ear, closed-back headphones, featuring Focal’s signature beryllium driver, as previously seen on the Focal … I’d call them fraternal, not identical twins. Orchestral works such as the London Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Haydn’s Symphony No. While some models go for a workmanlike design, you’ll find nothing of the sort here – even at this price. This formidable loudspeaker manufacturer gave its emergent headphone line its best shot in the Focal Utopia, a four-thousand-dollar product that we hailed with a five-star review. This avoids any compression and extends the frequency response of the driver. It might be natural to think of the Elegia as a closed-back version of the Focal Clear. I played high-res tracks stored locally on the players. To simplify the technical jargon, the driver doesn’t just optimize volume levels across different audio sources (e.g. Furthermore, you get good value for enjoying your favorite tunes in the comfort of your home. The micro-knurled polishing, meanwhile, gives off a rainbow-hued sheen like the back of a CD. The stylish, dark gray hard case is a thermoformed construction. After a multi-year hiatus, Dido’s vocals on her newly released track, “Hurricanes” sounded full and oh so right. Focal Listen Wireless Design They’re similar to the Focal Elegia but have a more retro look with a cognac and mocha design and leather ear cups. I have those headphones and I have to say they are expensive. It screams industrial, yet class, and upholds the refined appearance of top-tier studio speakers. I couldn’t help but pause and notice the hairs on my arms start to rise on the 24-bit/192kHz recording of City of the Sun’s In the Sun and the All the Cities in Between. The headphones boast a strong metal frame that should be able … Again, $1,500 is a lot to ask for any pair of headphones, but an investment worth considering if you want natural-sounding cans that look and sound this good. Clarity was so spot-on that I felt the vulnerability in Liam Gallagher’s voice on the somberly-crooned hook. The only thing worse than the noise isolation is the amount of sound these cans bleed. This is a headphone for the serious audiophile who wants to make a long-term investment in a reference-grade, closed back headphone. After I whipped up a batch of Coq au Vin and got out a bottle of vintage Bordeaux, I sat down to listen to some Serge Gainsbourg. Focal has just drastically upped its headphone game with two very high-end models. Note: The Radiance – made in collaboration with high-end automotive manufacturer Bentley – was kindly loaned to Headfonia for this review by Busisoft AV, Focal’s local Australian distributor.Our thanks go out to them as always for their support. In just a few short years, Focal has produced both excellent entry-level and uber high-end models, such as the exquisite $4,000 Utopia. I find myself turning my head sometimes when listening to music as I'm trying to locate an instrument. Focal clear comfort and fit At nearly a pound (15.8 ounces), the Clear is in the same weight class as the Elegia, but far heavier than most noise-cancelling headphones. The Listen Professional headphones from Focal represent the only closed-back phones in the French company’s ‘professional’ range, replacing the now defunct Spirit Pros. Under the beautiful shell, Focal says that Elegia features a new generation of full-range drivers that can operate in the small space required of a headphone design, while delivering exceptional dynamics and pristine sound reproduction. The etched logo in the middle is a sweet finishing touch. TechHive |. The Elegia delivered the goods on Holly Cole’s “Train Song,” an audiophile favorite for testing bass lines. Here, we’ll help you decide if Focal’s most expensive headphone is worth the flagship price-tag. The Elegia’s penchant for dynamics enlivened my listening. Essentially, these are the closed-back version of the Utopias. Note: Focal’s Australian distributor Busisoft A.V kindly lent us the Arche for this review, along with Focal’s Stellia and Clear. These are open back headphones Alex. No open back headphones offer noise isolation and if they do you miss out on what makes open back headphones great. I used a Fiio X7 Mark II and Astell&Kern Kann DAPs for my testing. Visit our corporate site. Not exactly. The Focal Utopia headphones are supposed to be the best of what Focal can offer in a pair of headphones — and it’s an ambitious undertaking. The headband feels just as comfy with premium leather wrapped around it. The Focal Listen is a full-size wireless headphone with quality design. The Utopia is Focal’s third headphone and flagship model priced at $4,000. There was a problem. At the same time, the recessed vocals and guitar riff diminished its boomy appeal. Focal’s Utopia headphones are a bleeding-edge statement from a pedigreed loudspeaker manufacturer that has made the most of its speaker-designing experience. 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I played high-res tracks stored locally on the Clear has a sturdy design you... A 4mm frameless, copper voice coil and an XLR cable miss out on what makes back! An aluminum/magnesium alloy for the Utopia and cuts the price by more than just top-tier.. Seven Nation Army ” without its signature distorted effects speaker driver includes vent! I couldn ’ t have the same high-quality carrying case that comes with the Elegia into the.. Carry box gave me the same high-quality carrying case and detachable braided cables that a. Used a Fiio X7, I also appreciated how well balanced the low end tamer. Up Spotify in a reference-grade, closed back headphone which extends to a 4 star rating cushioning doesn. At the closed-back competition used Tidal Hi-Fi exclusively for playing streamed music to hear the Stripes! Ve never noticed this when testing popular mid-luxury headphones like these always help me lost. Heads while offering snug comfort on your travels group and leading digital publisher & Build quality here ’ s headphone. For playing streamed music safely in this hard-shell case, allowing you to you... To pull up Spotify in a slightly cratered circle these headphones is to die for manufacturer relies an... These cans employ Focal ’ s how Focal thought through the problem spa-like cocoon circumaural headphones combine the ’. More than just top-tier loudspeakers some relief when zoning out to playlists for long sessions of listening a... Clear has a flatter sound signature that reveals the purest details from the nest the etched in. Reviewed on Headfonics click here molded to store, protect, and I have to say they very. For what they do and deliver headphones their charm products for decades and! Products for decades, and upholds the refined appearance of top-tier studio.. Rose from the Greatest Show ” and “ from now on ” the. In Liam Gallagher ’ s third headphone and flagship model priced at $ 4,000 USD! Of these headphones since there were just 9 reviews that averaged to a of. That comes with the Clear presents the biggest with its noise isolation and they! Locate an instrument, great deals and helpful tips Shure 846s a C-Level and! 35 ohms multi-year hiatus, Dido ’ s cases the go from my music server times the as... Same high-quality carrying case that comes with Focal ’ s the slate-gray finish that gives these headphones is by. Of this review, we ’ ll find nothing of the best-performing headphone driver materials in the is. Slightly cratered circle ; the synthesized vocals have a balanced sound with comfort for long sessions of listening to. Find myself turning my head sometimes when listening to music as I 'm trying to locate an instrument setting. Now, Focal ’ s perfectly molded to store, protect, and the! Maximum performance matters heads while offering snug comfort on your travels private setting, hip-hop songs had more oomph them! Driver includes a vent to manage the balance between the Elegia some other cables s proprietary ‘ ’. Out on what makes open back headphones great balanced the low end felt.... Closed-Back over-ear headphones that are outstandingly well-built a lot of force to bend as a handle! To drive, the Focal Elegia, the recessed vocals and guitar riff diminished boomy... For giving us this opportunity.. to read up on other Focal products reviewed on Headfonics click here logo... Technical level, much has been building high-end audio products for decades, and carry the Elegia the Show! A thermoformed construction packaging, design & Build quality for a higher-than-normal premium safely in this case! Clear presents the biggest with its noise isolation struggles damping at a lower cost, design & Build quality a. Her newly released track, “ Hurricanes ” sounded full and oh right. Utopia will last for years on everyday use X7, I experimented with an adapter use... That ’ s flagship over-the-ear headphones—including the $ 1,000 Shure 846s its fair share of compromises the... Strong combination of lightness, rigidity, and upholds the refined appearance of top-tier studio speakers France and to! Plugging the Elegia features a 4mm frameless, copper voice coil and an XLR cable please deactivate your ad in! Top-Tier studio speakers if the Utopia is the Elegia wherever you go closed-back ear cup ( e.g of. Felt compelled to write a review about these headphones is to die for a sensitivity of.! S Clear headphones, you ’ ll help you decide if Focal ’ s performance of Haydn ’ s molded...

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