Yes, I know they are different, but from what I see in the freq charts I have seen, I will hold my opinion until I can actually try these myself, the ultimate test for me.
If Focal would drop the price to a sane price I would buy the originals more like $75-$100 would be more in line…heck these originals arent even leather!!
I will report in April this experience…if there is enough of a detrimental affect then I have to look at other options…
Alex
Above, I did a couple of comparisons between the Elex and the Clear as well with pad swapping…I actually ended up using the Elex pads on my Clear the most…mostly due to the clears pad cost and wanting to preserve them.
I definitely noticed a difference but it wasn’t enough for me not to enjoy them with the Elex pads
I was thinking of getting some alcantara and making my own…carefully taking the ones I have apart and using them as a pattern and then stitching them up…I found a source for the alcantara now for the courage to do it!!! DIY!!
Alex
Double post…sorry!
I have been using the original Bifrost MB since they came out and havent really found anything that would make me want to replace it…maybe the new Bifrost 2 for better power regulation and seperate supplies and the new chips for the -144dB 24bits “bandwidth”…but I would guess even this isnt going to matter that much…agree the differences with dacs are often exaggerated…
I recently reviewed a set of Anandas and although they were good the tonality compared to the clears was very apparent to me.
Listening to the clears as I type, the piano reproduction in Geroge Winstons “December” and Richard Southers “Cross Currents” is nothing but sublime.
These cans really shine here…
Does the ZMF Pilot Pad fit the Clears (or any Focal headphones)?
Thanks!
No, the headband is too big. It fits the Fostex TH-XX Headband I believe though, it was a tight fit.
Yeah, I’ve seen it on the Fostex. I just wasn’t sure about the Focal.
Thank you.
Yes, all members of the Focal royal family are built the same. Variations mostly concern trim and shouldn’t affect comfort.
Do the earpads of the Focal clear pros really yield a different sound signature @Torq? From what I’ve read so far they only differ in color and accessories.
The Drop had a replacement earpas offerring for a pair of pads for the their ELEX pads they finally shipped but they had a BIG SNAFU!..They only shipped out 1 earpad!! Lots of folks upset about this.
Thinking your getting a set od pads (plural) and then waiting a few months and getting only 1/2 half of the order!! They sent out a note to tell us all their resolution which is vague but trying to get Focal to accelerate the missing earpads and send to those who only got 1…
Wow…what a quality control issus…
Alex
It’s almost like they Drop’d the ball 
… dot com lol
So glad I cancelled that order!
One pad replacement is almost worse than no pad replacement.
No, I think it is worse. Drop dot com indeed…
Are you guys up here talking about “The Infamous Case of the Focal Pads for Elex ,Van Gogh Edition” sold by Drop last December!!! Because I got mine two weeks ago…mine single and alone pad:crazy_face:
.
First I thought it was my mistake, that maybe the right way was putting two items on the shopping cart, but ear pads, like shoes, are sold in pairs. No?
I have the Elears and the fact they were only $60 and were Focal’s originals and not Dekoni or others was enough reason for me to buy them, we all know how expensive Focal’s pads are, and I could listen to Elex for just $60.
I totally forgot about it until I got the email letting me know the package was on the way.
Drop is asking for patience while they gather and send the second pad and also is going to give us $10 credit for the inconvenience.
In the meantime I’ll be listening to both headphones at the same time!! I just don’t know yet in which ear put the Elear and which put the Elex:thinking:
There is a site that was selling the Grey Clears for $99 and then $149 and are all out and doesnt know if they will get more. When Focal learned of the $99 price they raised the price and the site had to go to $149…even at the reduced price Focal and the dealer selling was making bucks…
I REALLY like my Focal Clears nut IMO $200 is just too dang high for replacement pads…
I would pay $99 for them but not a penny more…thats just me!
Alex
These might be a viable option.
(I haven’t tried them)
These Clear’s are pretty good.
Review with pic’s in a few…
After having the Clears for nearly a week now I decided to re-watch @Resolve Focal Clear review, and I have to say that Andrew’s impressions are spot on.
I’ll try and post a review next week, but I highly recommend watching Andrew’s review. Even if you’ve already watched it, revisiting it can be a different experience after listening to a pair.
Well done, Andrew.