This one. I shouldn’t have answered from my phone. I have the Elex and Clear – they have roughly “similar” Focal profiles but are very different in practice. Elex = punchy, piercing, brassy, and lots of glare. Clear = detailed, delicate, transparent, nuanced.
Thank you. And I do agree and I didn’t mean to imply the Clear and Elex sound the same; only that they had a similar tone at times. There’s much more to sound than just the tone, though. Thanks again.
Thanks, this is exactly what I was looking for. Much appreciated!
BTW, I did briefly hear an Auteur, but acoustic memory is…well, not great, so I’m just trying to come to a decision here. I’m very much looking forward to owning my first ZMF!
Hey @Nuance aka Brandon! I am working on my review of the Clear Professional that my brother @ValentineLuke let me audition and I will do some discussion and comparison of the Clear vs. the Aeolus. The sound is different to be sure but similar in some ways. Both are extremely enjoyable. Of all the Focal line up I have heard Elear, Elegia, Utopia, and now the Clear, I think the Clear have the most enjoyable all around sound while the Utopia is pretty incredible as well for other reasons review coming for that shortly too. Stay tuned buddy!
Haha yep, I’m Brandon. Thanks for the reply man! I’m very much looking forward to your review.
I figured with the awesome profile pic! @Nuance haha I’m a big Star Wars fan!
Thanks! Big fan of Star Wars too (obviously haha).
Some gear pairings will make the Elex sound like a banshee scream. It was only recently did I find a match turning it into a siren song.
How’s the glorious skirl of the bagpipes on the Elex? ![]()
ZMF headphones would definitely be better for those. They have a lot of character, weight, texture, and well extended treble without any risk of harshness. I do find the Elex pretty great when the mood strikes for an ethereal upper mid range to glide over the music. Different story on a brutally transparent amp/dac.
You gonna do a comparo between the Focals? Im considering Clear vs Utopia (likely used) with a lean towards Utopia given my amp, but Im always interested in saving money!!
Yeah buddy I did discuss some of my impressions of the Utopia vs. Clear for sure @perogie I was lucky enough to have them side by side to demo so there was no need for me to go off memory.
Echo amp? I’ll be picking up one myself.
Indeed. It’s been nice. Really looking forward to hearing an Aeolus through that thing. Relagoor also has an Echo on the way and I’m pretty interested in his impressions using all his Audeze headphones with it. Guessing we’re in the same boat since he has a couple ZMFs too.
Man, it’s gonna feel weird not checking that email for order status three times a week. The hype! Zach says the hard wood Cocobolo sounds really good.
Those look great! Suede headband for the win
I appreciate the wireless mod!
That wood looks fantastic, good choice Sir!

I got to say that using the Ampsandsound Mogwai SE with the aeolus playing 60’s jazz is just magical. The warm and natural midrange just melts and glows! Easily my favorite headphone for that genre especially in the 60’s where jazz recording hit such a big peak in hifi fidelity.
Its hard to stop listening to music and get in bed! Saxaphone and shimmering cymbals is where it’s at!!
Currently listening to Monk’s Dream! AKA Aeolus’ Dream haha



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