Whilst stocks last, this great deal won't last! Focal Elear high end headphones, now $499!
EDIT: Added for $599 a bundle with the Carry Case, any existing orders please email us with your order reference and will send a new order link to add the case!
https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/focal-carry-case - optional case!
Nah, more along the lines of shure, beyerdynamic or sony
Better than a set of Beats EP?
Best headphones under $1200, couldnt pass this up, fantastic deal.
is this better by beats?
Got a pair as well…currently have a fiio ek10 will it do the job or should I look at something better…and any suggestions please.
Should do the job just fine! :)
After seeing this review and other with similar comment. I felt I will be disappointed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IMQseji3jE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFyIDmX-1eU&t=5s
There’s not headphone in the world, regardless of price, that you won’t find at least a handful of “meh” or negative reviews (not me negging your comment either).
Both reviews are at $800usd and $1000usd respectively.
at $499 aud there is a big difference in price range.
What advantages does this have over, say, a train? Which I could also afford.
Weight.
Well Count Homer, shall we discuss the…
got a pair, doesn't need one though, but in true ozbargainer style,.. for the fun of it
Is the box included? What do you mean no case? Used? Demo?
also are these getting superseded, hence the discount?
nope just huge mark ups
Mate Focal's other headphones (Utopia, Clear, Elegia) come with a free premium carry case but Elear doesn't come with one, so if you need one you need to pay $100 extra.
that's ok I dont need a case. I thought they meant the box as it can also be used as a case.
How is it compared to Audeze LCD-2 Classic?
Interested as I have a pair too
Quite a bit more balanced, not nearly as dark as the LCD-2.
Dose anyone know if this is international warranty and how many years?
A question from a non-audiophile….what type of music file would bring out the best in these headphones? I'm guessing that a MP3 @ 128kbs is not going to bring out the best sound quality.
Go for lossless format, such as FLAC. You'll also need an amplifier with this.
Hi,
Complete newbie here. I bought this and thought will use this to listen to music on my iphone, do I still need amplifier with this?
Assume this will still be a lot better quality without amlifier compare with my current BOSE 35, right? Thank you.
I don't have this, nor an iphone. You just bought a set of headphones with an impedance of 80 Ohms, your iphone might not be able to drive this.
Be prepared to shell out even more for an amplifier (amp + DAC would be better in your case if you originally intended to use iphone as source) or you'll be simply disappointed with this purchase.
Finally, let me remind you that the weight of this is 450g and the cable length is 4m. In my opinion, this is not designed to be portable in the first place.
A2A rep, it might be reasonable to update your post to suggest the target market of this product. It looks like Ozbargain force is too strong with this one.
I've owned an Elear in the past and ledifini's raises very good points. Too add onto this, you won't be able to use the Elears with your iphone straight out of the box as the Elear's cable ends on a 1/4 inch or 6.35mm jack connector (that amps usually take) and won't fit in a 3.5mm that your iphone likely has. IIRC it doesn't come with a cable that ends on a 3.5mm (unlike the Clear)
If you do want to plug this into your iphone the cheapest options will probably be to buy a 6.35 to 3.5 adapter (not sure if this even a good option) or a suitable cable, but as touched upon before due to the high impedance (which basically means it needs more power to drive e.g. from an amp) I'm not sure if the Elears will work well with your iphone.
and won't fit in a 3.5mm that your iphone likely has. IIRC it doesn't come with a cable that ends on a 3.5mm (unlike the Clear)
Oh wow. Was not expecting that. Who was this headphone intended for?
@lostn: The cable is pretty pretty thick so it feels kinda heavy duty and it's also 3 metres long too! Combined with its weight and open back design it's I'd say it's most suitable for dedicated amp use and private listening sessions rather than portablility. When I used it with my desktop amp I had to do some cable management. Still, this is a good headphone to start an audiophile's journey, especially for the price. (However I would still recommend saving up and buying the Focal Clears)
The cable is pretty pretty thick so it feels kinda heavy duty and it's also 3 metres long too! Combined with its weight and open back design it's I'd say it's most suitable for dedicated amp use and private listening sessions rather than portablility.
All my devices use 3.5mm though. Your amp does not?
This is actually a reasonably easy headphone to drive, you might not need an amp and the iPhone's DAC is pretty clean! Have a listen to it first before looking into amps.
This is also an open back headphone, which means it will leak a considerable amount of audio in and out of the headphones - but you gain a very natural sound quality as a result. It will indeed blow your Bose 35s right out of the water! Welcome to the rabbit hole!
@guichenmin: To start off with, yes. If you're not happy with the output, then you can look into a DAC/Amp.
Worth looking into whether the Elears come with a 6.35 to 3.5 adapter, many high end headphones do.
This is actually a reasonably easy headphone to drive, you might not need an amp and the iPhone's DAC is pretty clean!
How do you plug this into an iphone though? You would need two adapters?
you would want lossless flacs or equivalent.
yeah, no point listening to downloaded mp3 when you get to this level of headphones.
FLAC is technically the best format, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with 320kbps MP3. There’s plenty of “audiophiles” that either cannot tell the difference or say the difference is barely discernible. But then you’ve got audiophiles that swear they can easily tell the difference and turn their noses up at MP3 (usually the same kind of guys that spend $400 on a cable and $5k on DAC). Try MP3 and compare it to FLAC yourself to see if the difference is worth the extra hassle and/or investment.
@jjcf: The hassle of not using the most widely available and cost effective music services (i.e. Spotify, Apple Music, Google Music etc.). If you want Tidal, it’s nearly double the cost of the above, or significantly more if you’re on a family plan for one of the other services. Or maybe you enjoy spending hours at a PC ripping your CD collection, and going through that process every time you add to the collection, but I don’t.
@aja12: So… no hassle other than migrating playlists maybe. And no ‘investment’.
Also, the idea that the only way to obtain flac is ‘hours ripping cds’ is cute, Professor 1997. It’s no more or less hassle than lossy formats.
@jjcf: Spending more money isn’t an investment? Cool man, enjoy your music the way you want to. May I ask what gear your using?
@aja12: No, a higher monthly expense isn't an investment. Unless you work for WorldCom.
Not that it matters, but sure. At home I'm mostly listening to Beyer T1s/Focal Clears through a Bottlehead Crack/Schiit Magni 3, respectively. Source is either going to be an Allo Digione raspberry pi box + modi or an old Sonos connect or a CCA or my turntable.
Not sure if any of this makes me more or less qualified to enjoy music.
No, a higher monthly expense isn't an investment.
Not an investment? So the music you listen to, spend money on, doesn’t provide any kind of advantage or achieve a result? Interesting point of view.
Not that it matters, but sure. At home I'm mostly listening to Beyer T1s/Focal Clears through a Bottlehead Crack/Schiit Magni 3, respectively. Source is either going to be an Allo Digione raspberry pi box + modi or an old Sonos connect or a CCA or my turntable.
It matters, because it proves the point that all things in this hobby are measurable, but still largely subjective. Example, I had the Magni 3 and sold it off within a month. Clearly you enjoy it, whereas I didn’t. Doesn’t make either of us right or wrong, just like my personal stance on FLAC (which if you read my OP, you’ll see I wasn’t saying that users of FLAC are wrong for ding so).
@aja12: I can tell the difference 60% of the time but it is so hard and have to play a specific file side by side. A good DAC is essential to go with this headphone.
@Black Hole: Ah, perhaps a person I was looking for… https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/8471944/redir
Big points for OP’s comments through the comments.
How comfortable are these if I were to use them for say 3-4 hours?
Only have Clear, but I guess they are similar. Earpads are comfortable and ergonomics are also fine. But it's a little heavier than typical audiophile headphones.
For me they disappear on the head, don't even notice the weight to be honest
As much as I would love a high end set of headphones, I have tinnitus so everything sounds kind of shit to me. :(
I'll just stick with my $30 aliexpress bt earbuds.
Tin hifi t2
These are superb. Iafter using regular headphones for years I finally gave some love to my ears and opened a world of possibilities with these headphones. Their not just headphones their a life changer. I can never go back to the boring mundane inferior quality products that are produced by lesser companies now. Once you hear the difference your life will be changed for the better. Even at the regular RRP of $1599 their still worth it. Hell I’d pay up to $5000 for a pair of these if i had to. They also match perfectly with my $10,000 gold plated hdmi cables. It is the superior quality of the materials and components that transform the digital signal and make it something simply marvellous. Your life will also be forever changed with this quality product. And at the moment with such a generous discount you to could be a savvy consumer and purchase this superb product for a friend or loved one and help to transform their life also.
But… I like my life as it is?
Could you do the same deal for the Focal Clear? $600.00???
lol. I'll buy two at that price.
$1500 for Utopia please, I will drive a van to ATA store
Its worth a shot. Don't ask you don't get.
The Elear is normally $1599.00 now its $499.00
The Clear is normally $2199.00 so if the apply the same discount percentage then it will be $600-$700.
Isn't it the Oz bargain way ???
The Elear is normally $1599.00 now its $499.00
Is it really though? I mean do people actually pay that price or just wait for a sale?
And you wonder why people don't offer deals here at times…
Thanks OP, got 3.
don't be a broden
What kind of amplifier do you need with these? New to amplified headphones - I imagine portability would take a hit? Though portability is not much of an issue, as my main use would be at my desk.
Since they are open back would they be unsuitable for a shared office situation?
Definitely unsuitable. I think people getting excited in this thread need to know that open back cans let in a lot of sound and thus need to be used in really quiet spaces otherwise the sound quality you are paying for is seriously diminished.
what does the carry case look like?
wow.. that's a $250 case? Can buy an entire pair of headphones for that price.
EDIT: Just found out a replacement audio cable is anywhere from $109 to $259. Makes Monster look cheap. O_o
And replacement ear pads are $280 for the Clears…taking the piss really.
That being said, I have this case that came with the Clears and it's actually quite nice. Very sturdy and feels good quality. Not Pelican case tier of protection but good enough to toss in a backpack and not worry. Not $250 level but perhaps $50ish.
Couldn't help myself, pullled the trigger! Will sell off a couple of headphones, good incentive to downsize to a single pair.
A2A are an incredible store, with very helpful staff. Thanks again for another great deal :)
Good god I want this. Would match my focal bookshelf speakers plenty but…I'm so scared of spending this much money right now! Dammit
Best to save up a bit more to pay for toilet paper.
I couldn't resist this as I was in the market for a replacement for my OLD falling-apart DT770s. Any suggestions as to a DAC/amp for this? Running FLAC/high-end MP3s out of my PC which is where these will stay, so no need for portable anything.
Focal Clear has better bass?
What a great deal. Wish I had the cash to spare to buy these.
I guess I will wait for the Focal Clear price drop.
anyone know how this compares to the beyerdynamic dt 880?
I've got a pair of beyerdynamic dt 880 premium and also curios to know how they compare.
It would be a considerable upgrade, more balanced sound, more detail/resolution.
I bought a pair to help stimulate the economy.
Hard not to press the order Button, but the return Policy of addicted to Audio is stopping me at the Moment. Do I understand it correctly, they keep 20% of the money (~100$ in case of the Elear) as a "restocking fee" and you don't get cash back, instead you only get a instore credit?
Without the possibilty of trying it, it's not an easy decision because I also consider the closed Elegia.
Don't buy it then. The idea that everything is testable for free (esp something like headphones) is nutso (yes, I know I'm posting on OzB…)
We do have demo units in-store you are welcome to try, we do our best to promote this when purchasing and not being sure :)
Also in Melbourne? Wasn't sure if these kind of Stores remains open after the announcements from the Weekend. Yeah let's see :)
Was there today and was a little bit disappointed, due to Corona and hygienic reasons it's at the moment not possible to test headphones. But the staff was really helpful. Had a long discussion with the guy about the pro/cons of the Elear and the Elegia. In the end I got the Elear, not a bad choice so far, but I will "never" know if the Elegia would have been the better choice :D
@Terra Australis: What (profanity), allowing things like public health and safety encroach on their business practices, hey?
Better to go with these or the Elegia with Dragonfly Red combo?
Depends if you need open or closed really :)
What's a better value? I am holding on for the drop x panda as a closed back option.. but both of the focal deals do seem very tempting :)
Elegia to me sound better, but they are different, closed back vs open back headphone.
Elegia is the only closed back headphone in this group. Utopia, Clear and ELear are openback
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj1QRgRfmS4&t=928s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLbQgRv7c70
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbKFystgB9M
You might consider DROP(MassDrop) version of this group of headphone called ELEX. It has had good reviews.
Its close to the Clear version but cheaper, better then the ELear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtoHJAfVLws
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DNW7NUAnHg
Ordered. Fingers crossed they don't go broke and keep my money in the meanwhile. Which is something I am expecting to see a whole lot of in the very near future.
This is a real practical sale for people to contribute more bit on social distancing. I hope hifi shops would pull more cracking deals for people to be home and stay on their sofas rather than going outdoor and be either carriers or victims.
During war time, our grandparents were asked to go to battlefields to shoot each others, now we are only asked to stay home, enjoy movies or listen music, how simple is that?
i have absolutely no idea about high end headphones, bought one anyway. lets hope my xps 15 laptop can drive it
Wait to see if you're happy with the sound before looking into DACs/Amps. I reckon your XPS should be able to drive them just fine :)
No confirmation about postage and business dropping like flies at the moment. Not thrilled.
I got shipping confirmation today. Chill, it will come.
And just received the shipping confirmation a moment ago. A relief.
As an accountant, I am seeing a horror story unfold out there in the business world. So it simply won't shock me to see anyone go through the hoop now. Everyone needs to be careful with their money right about now!
Shipping email arrived today. Dunno if people have a clue that there's a global pandemic on currently, things aren't exactly running as per normal.
Yep and within 24 hours I have had 10 of my clients call asking about how they can shut their businesses down without losing everything they have,
So you should have some vague idea that things aren't running as smoothly as usual.
No, it's for tankerz with first w who think that sound can have speed, attack or be laid back and slow.
Professionals are using Sennheiser HD650, HD800, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or similar studio monitor headphones.