Focal Elegia - Closed Back Headphones - Official Thread

Hi @MarCo7

Basically it would depend on headsize, shape, etc. though if you want to reduce clamp you would bend the metal inwards, if you needed to increase the clamp you would bend the metal outwards.

Normally this only needs the slightest amount.

Hope that helps

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Certainly does. I might have to give this a try, thanks!

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Getting excited my Elegias may show up today!!!

:crossed_fingers:t2:

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Looking forward to hearing your impressions of them! They may seem lean initially but give them some time and play around with your different music and try a/b them with your other headphones on hand!

I think you will really enjoy them!

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What are the preferred headband protectors for the Elegia to keep it clean while still being comfortable? I saw @MartinTransporter posted one.

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Kopfhörer KopfbĂŒgel fĂŒr Bose, AKG, Sennheiser, Sony, Beats, Audio-Technica Ersatz Haarband Bezug/Comfort Kissen/Top Pad Displayschutzfolie (grau groß) https://www.amazon.de/dp/B01G4TWZC6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_zZFpEbSMF4PT6

These use some klick in knob things and you will certainly find them on Amazon us
There are some similar with a zipper, by the same company

Hope you enjoy your Elegia

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Thank you brother!! Appreciate it!

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I’m using the grey on my HD800 and the black on Elear.
They say unavailable right now, but it has to be more choices, if not, try ETSY.

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@TylersEclectic also has one that he uses for his Clears that would work with the Elegia . Very similar to the one one that @Hansel posted if not the same one.

I didn’t have any issues with the headband getting dirty on my pair but that completely differs from person to person! I’d definitely look into replacing the cable if you’re using them for on-the-go use as well.

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Thank you brother!! Appreciate it, what cables do you like @taronlissimore ?

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I use a similar headband cover as @MartinTransporter and I use Periapt cables as my aftermarket Focal cables

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I haven’t used them myself but I’ve sent quite a few of our customers over to Corpse Cables as they make some great, cheap options. Periapt is another fairly popular option around here. I unfortunately sold my Elegia before using it with a different set of cables.

Basically just getting something that isn’t as stiff as the stock cable is where I’d be looking.

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Geekria Knitting Headband Cover, Compatible with Bose, AKG, Sennheiser, Sony, Beats, Audio-Technica Replacement Headband Cover/Comfort Cushion/Top Pad Protector (Black Large) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G4T07IK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CZGpEbQJJ127D

This guy look like the right size?

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Perfect, sounds good I will check them out! So far loving the sound from these Elegia going to do more critical listening once my daughter goes to bed.

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Hi Marcello,

Hope you like your Elegia’s. They really are a great headphone. For cables, I have Corpse Cable Gravedigger (basically it’s a Cardas Cable) I really do like them, with the exception that mine are microphonic with my Elegia’s. after some research I ended up ordering this cable:
https://forzaaudioworks.com/en/product.php?id_product=80

From Forza Audio Works, it’s the Claire HPC Mk2, these are supposed to be really well made cables with almost no “rubbing” microphonics. I order mine a little less then 2 weeks ago, once I receive it I’ll let you know how I like it.

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I have a corpse cable that someone provided me when I bought my Elegia. I tried it but preferred the look of stock cable. The stiff Focal cables never bothered me. The corpse is very clear sounding cable. If you’re interested in corpse cable, I’d part it with for a fair price.

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for listening at home, the original cable is fine and looks stellar.
For on the go, it’s really a bit stiff.

I got me first a Single Ended third party 1.2m Denon cable and
ordered my braided balanced 1.2m “oidio sound uk” xlr terminated one with an adapter from xlr to balanced 3.5 TRRS male - so I was able to use the ifi xDSDs s-balanced 3.5 hf out.

Also have a look at hartaudiocables he has a neat connector/terminations solution for us nerds

Forza audio is like oidio in europe - not sure if you want the stress with customs

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I can vouch for Hartaudio cables
 they are a little stiff but the modular system is very convenient!

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Thanks everyone! Right now the stock cable for at home use is working great no issues, I will check out all of those cable brands to see for a switch for on the go! Love all the support, thank you guys.

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So my initial impressions early on with my listening journey Less than 24 hours with the Elegia are quite good.

-Great detail and speed.
-Nicely done soundstage for a closed back.
-Piano and string orchestral instruments sound lovely.
-Acoustic instruments and vocals paired sound beautiful.
-Required listening volume is much less than any other headphone I own.
-Comfort is solid just like the Elear was.
-Build Quality awesome like all Focal gear.
-At times you forget this is a closed back headphone.
-Closed back for classical if you will.
-Surprisingly good pairing with Dragonfly Red.
-Clean and Clear sound.
-Can appear somewhat bright at times.
-Doesn’t sound as nice with Electric Guitar, and some other more modern instruments as the AEON2C.
-When turned up too loud can be a bit fatiguing to my ears, lower listening volume corrects this.
-Possibly not for treble sensitive individuals.
-Low end isn’t as meaty sounding and rich as the AEON2C.
-Decent isolation while still letting me hear some sounds outside the cups.
-Sound leakage if there is any wasn’t a big deal at all as I listened to them in bed last night with my wife sleeping next to me and she didn’t hear them.

So far these initial impressions reinforce the decision to swap these with the Elear’s as I was wanting another closed back pair that could play exceptionally well with other types of music that the Aeon2C may not pair as well with.

I feel like the Aeon2C and the Elegia are extremely complimentary to ones collection of closed back listening cans as they both do things very well but in different ways. The Elegias strengths seemed better suited to some of the above described instruments and music where as the Aeon 2C flourish with electronic, metal, electric guitar, pop, rock etc.

These impressions were formed listening via IMac, IPad Pro, Iphone through the Qobuz app mostly hi res tracks and some cd quality, SMSL THX SP200 Amp, SMSL SU8 DAC, iFi IDSD Micro Black Label, and the Dragonfly Red.

MR

Edits and added impressions:

  1. 2/9/2020
    I would also add that these headphones don’t sound bass shy IMO just overall what seems to be a neutral to mid-forward tuning so the low end just isn’t very emphasized, however listening to Lana Del Ray “Lust for Life Album” you can here the hit of the drivers when songs hit for the lower end, it’s just not the star of the show, but wow her vocals sound so nicely rendered. Sexy as hell.

  2. Making sure to get a good seal with the Elegia is more important than Aeon2C as the ear pads need a little more adjustment for me to make sure the lower end is fully enabled by proper seal. AEON2C ear pads seal very easily due to the style and construction of them. Definitely wouldn’t recommend wearing glasses with the Elegia unless you are sitting the ear pieces on top of the ear pads.

  3. It might be interesting to hear how they sound with a more smoothed off Dragonfly Cobalt as I have read the cobalt tames treble some.

  4. While the Aeon2C wins the size portability war the Elegia wins the amplification battle as really having very good sound from just a USB Dragonfly Red dongle vs the iFi IDSD Micro Black Label being needed for the AEON2C for them to sound very good. This gives an advantage to the Elegia in the portability discussion.

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