Audiophiles pay attention. Addicted to Audio have the OG Focal Clear headphones for $799 (free standard delivery), at that discounted price I found it too hard to pass up myself. Even with the HIFIMAN Edition XS at the same price. They have been around for a while now and have some pretty raving reviews across the internet (even over the newer Focal Clear MG), as always you should do your own research.
Jesus christ that's cheap. Think I've only ever seen em go as low as like 1300.
They have been as low as $999 before.
Been $799 for B-stock. Bought them just before that deal, for $999.
Don't regret it at all, but part of me still misses that $200.
I wish it was professional. Beware Focal has worst after sales support, they don't back their premium product.
Yes,I have heard that also unfortunately. Not good with such an expensive product especially at regular price. I have heard them briefly, but was not overwhelmed. More impressed with HiFiMan, but I gather their quality control has not been good in the past with unreliable connections and poor fitting, where bits can freely come apart on you, from what I read. Which sounds really disappointing if your paying over $500 for something you'd hope would last for many years of listening pleasure. I am still looking but haven't had the time to probe further in the headphone time tunnel at this point. I really wanted to like the Focal Clears.It's possible that I don't have the finely honed ears that may appreciate them perhaps, but I enjoyed the Hifiman more.
The main issue with these is the top band breaks very easily, and focal refuses to replace or fix it.
I have same experinece, really did not excite my ears that much , even they sound fabulous, Arya all the way!
Went to addicted to audio to specifically buy focal clears , tried the Arya while I was there and walked out with the Arya instead
I have both. The hifiman are stunning and give another window to the music. Focal Clears have more energy and are enjoyable as well. Both complement each other
I bought HiFiMan Sundaras maybe 3 years ago now, the build quality doesn't feel great on the metal but the ear pads have held up perfectly fine with at least 4ish hours of use on average, every single day since purchase.
No problems with connections or anything of the sort. I have had them caught on my chair and ripped onto the ground etc and they have been fine. I think they get a bad wrap for quality control but in my experience they have been quite durable. And have sounded great, albeit with a aftermarket balanced cable. The stock cable is the one thing for this specific headphone that is absolute garbage material.
Do focal do the support?
My elears just stopped working. I'd barely used them.
Contacted addictedtoaudio, sent them down and drivers replaced without question.
Irrelevant in Australia, the point of purchase is responsible for warranty not the manufacturer.
Would this be an upgrade coming from a hifiman XS?
Unfortunately Its a bit like asking if an Xbox is and upgrade from a Playstation or vice versa in my eyes.
Everybody has their preferences and opinions. What are you using them for, what kind of sound do you prefer, what DAC do you have, on and on with questions to answer that question. They are on par is the best short answer I guess I can give?
I have am Elex that has a dodgy driver I haven't bothered to fix. Can you link the hifiman? Thanks, on my phone
If you have an Addicted to Audio in Australia, take the Elex in and get an out-of-warranty repair quote, then check out the Edition XS in store. They're the local Focal supplier and repairer AFAIK.
I have the xs and bought this deal a few months ago. It's a chalk and cheese comparison. The focal is more…. Direct, more fun and punchy. While the hifiman is more delicate and airy, more seperated
Yep. Both have different signature. It depends on your mood
It would be a tonal upgrade, imaging upgrade, bass detail upgrade, and minor upgrade bass slam. Focal have a technical performance ot the bass that is uniquely their house sound, but it's not a massive game changer.
Timbre would be arguably a sidegrade (a weakness of Focal's approach), detail would be a sidegrade, while soundstage would be a downgrade. If you're looking for the next big leap, I'm not sure this is it, and I would recommend you demo this at a store along with the HIFIMAN Ananda Nano, and the Arya Stealth.Maybe also look into the Nan-7 on Taobao.
Hope that helps!
Thanks for the nice detailed response!
Thanks, bought a pair for each ear
These are great.
Bought a few months ago at $999……
Recommended though, worth every penny at this price.
The comments both excite and scare me!
Also a whole of bunch of other focal on sale
https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/collections/focal-naim-cleara…
personally tempted by the bathys, also the elegia is at a very good price at 329 (record low?)
Utopia 2022 for $3499 is a really good deal.
These are crazy prices.
The Radiance is the pick there for closed backs. That's an incredible price.
Also noticing that they've increased the price of the Audeze Maxwell… sigh.
Damn, why would you point this out to me…wouldn't mind some closed backs…doubt I can drive them though haha
I mean the entire closed back market is about to see a big shake-up, hence the Bathys diving from $1349 to $649.
Soon there'll be audiophile grade ANC options in the sub-$500 range that beat it in many respects, and plenty of wireless headphone options that mercilessly thrash what gamers go for today, it's just most of them won't be the oft-mentioned brands in the ANC and gaming categories bar a handful.
But closed backs even of this grade still wind up with bass distortion and a tendency for some kind of treble issues as they attempt for a neutral sound. The Radiance isn't exactly rolling in detail at either end of the spectrum as a result, so you're still waiting for some very clever engineering to deliver fixes for that in mid-fi.
My point? No rush, go demo if you want and see where things are at. Compare the Audeze Maxwell (new bluetooth) to the Bathys (high-grade ANC on old bluetooth), and then check out the Radiance.
Those are some crazy prices.
I got Elegia earlier this year for like $450 and thought I got them at a good price.
The Bathys at $650 feels like another bargain if you were looking for wireless headphones that are better than the standard offerings.
How are you finding the elegia? I currently have the HE400se that I'm happy with but at these prices I'm tempted to get the elegia as a closed back option.
I've been very happy with them.
They're my only closed back headphones at the moment, so can't really give a comparison though.
Reduced to Clear
Utopia 2022 for $3500 is a historical low as well and beats out the B stock pricing from earlier this year. It also matches last year's clearance Utopia (older) price as well. Obviously niche but a good FYI for anyone interested.
An audio deal not posted by @jasswolf? say it isn't so!
Oi, I'm not even on the first page of headphone deals right now!
Focal Radiance is a bargain for that price. I paid double for it a few months ago. Tempted to pick up a back up pair.
The whole sale looks to be amazing pricing.
Elegia $329 (Was $450-500 in previous sales in past 12 months)
Celestee $600
Radiance $700
Bathys $650
I think Elegia at $329 is like the perfect entry point into high end headphones.
Celestee/Radiance are a step up for them.
Bathys at $650 are probably the best ANC wireless headphone offering available right now.
Celestee are awful do not buy them
Thnx for the heads up got the Stellia!
I didnt even notice those, they used to be considered on par with the old utopias, open vs closed.
They may even be a bigger bargain than the clears at that price.
Regularly went for $2500-2800 2nd hand.
Same. Price was too good to pass up. I'm looking forward to comparing them to my Radiance and Clears
Nice, fellow Ozbargainers that see the bigger picture!
I am not living in the same world as these prices.
Battery operated ones aside, these are headphones you buy once and use for 10+ years. Demo them if you're nervous about spending the money, but a good $500 pair of headphones just need a pad change every few years and you're golden, versus the kids who use a pair until the pads are toast then throw them out for a new pair in 2-3 years.
Most of the technology involved doesn't move fast, and if you look after them ok they hold value in the used market if you want to move to a new product.
Wondering what may be comparable to Elegia at current reduced price ? I have an AD900X hoping it is ok, after some years in storage, but hardly used & a recent buy of ifi Zen Dac.But I heard a Hifiman nano recently, and was very impressed with that over the Focal Clear, which sounded less clear to me. For the untrained mind and ear this headphone search is a challenge. But I like your opinion of a good $500 pair of phones - except I haven't had time yet to taste the sounds of other best value for price phones or how much extra in listening pleasure one may experience from a Hifiman HE 400SE V2 as to a Sundara or such - as the price increases - can my enjoyment be equal in measure ? Where is a reasonable cut off point in ones budget ? I can see now I would ideally enjoy both a Closed phone and an Open one, for different varieties of music. Anything jasswolf may suggest I try and keep my eyes and ears open, when I can.
I think $200-$350 is a good place to stop without demo save for maybe 1 or 2 headphones in existence today. The Ananda Nano may become one of those headphones, and you've already had a chance to demo.
I've not personally done that yet, but the review data and info coming in suggests it is probably the best technically performing headphone south of $1700 today, while not quite having the same soundstage width of the Arya Stealth. Tonality seems to be the key concern of the Nano, where - while it may be smooth through the treble and lack harshness - it is elevated in the mix.
When it's done well, that can be more of a flavour thing rather than an outright flaw. If you really like that extra treble clarity, it's otherwise a really fantastically performing headphone, especially for the price. It will also hit wider markets soon, so the possibility of getting an imported or Amazon discounted model is on the cards.
RE: your AD900X, if it's structurally intact it probably just needs a pad change.
RE: shortlists, I'd be looking at the following (good sale price):
HIFIMAN HE400SE non-Stealth: $80-$120 [bright neutral]
Sennhesier x Drop HD 6XX: $300 [warm neutral]
HIFIMAN Edition XS: $550 [U-shaped with a 12kHz peak]
HIFIMAN Ananda Nano: $750-$800 (this hasn't happened, this is me being hopeful) [bright to bright neutral]
The above list assumes competitive gaming is not a key concern, and strives for technical leaps when there's a jump in price. As I wrote in an early comment, the Focal Clear sits inbetween the Edition XS and the Nano, but with some caveats for soundstage. Think of it as an upgraded 6XX, with clearer imaging.
I think the Nano is where you should land if you're happy to be spending up in that range, and it's going to be probably $1000+ before you're getting to really best that notably. The only exception to this is maybe the Nan-7 ($1200 out of China via Taobao), but that may be behind in resolution, timbre and imaging, albeit while providing incredible bass.
Hope that helps!
@jasswolf: Thank you for the guidelines.
Yes, the Ananda Nano would be one I would now aspire to, for an Open phone, pending finances, which have been severely crimped just now unfortunately with other emergencies taken hold. Not sure, I guess the Elegia, you may not think a lot of perhaps at $329 for a Closed phone ? Initially was going hunting for a Closed Beyer DT model upto about $300 or your previous suggestion elsewhere of the AKG 371 ? Yes, I don't game as you guessed, tried years ago, but for me I'm old fashioned - music, reading, audio books, and movies, and my expiry date is getting shorter each year. I just reminded myself of query of any Headphones that are designed for Movies - or would that really be in the Gaming category ? Is there any headphones that replicate surround sound speakers ? Unfortunately my Flat transmits sound too easily - and likewise my neighbours. Therefore my focus on Headphones. I may have taken liberties of you and gone on tangents from this original Thread, so can understand if I have pressed my envelope or bridge too far .. but thanks for your helpful advice to me and many, on the good ship Ozbargain.
@JonnyQuest: AKG K371 or Audeze Maxwell would be the options I would be currently looking at for a closed back without demo, but you can demo the Maxwell, Elegia and Radiance at Addictoed to Audio.
Anything that's relatively neutral with good resolution and relatively limited bass distortion would be good for movies, with a preference perhaps towards capable sub-bass.
In terms of speaker like imaging, there's not going to be anything worth your time under $1500 that we haven't already covered.
Had Focal speakers, tweeters and amp fitted to a car about 10 years ago, was very happy with audio quality but wasn't cheap.
What kind of music you guys listening using those expensive headphones?
most of them listen to kpop. (gross af)
OMG this is actually a really good deal. But $799. I'm just going to pretend I didn't see it and try and be happy with my senn 6xx.
the focal clears shit all over the hd6xx, i sold them as soon as i got the clears, but still have my hd600 though.
Oh I'm sure they do. But I'm happy with what I've got, and probably will continue to be until I hear something better - so I just have to avoid demoing these haha.
I can resist the temptation maybe
@LordM00: you wont be disappointed.. Ive spent a small.. well, big fortune on headphones and this one tops them all. at 799 it really is a steal.
As someone with both, I agree.
But, I also found the HD6XX are more comfortable for long sessions and I find them more pleasing/less fatiguing when on Discord calls, etc.
Outside of this use-case though, if music is the focus, 100% Clears win.
What would be required to drive these? Also are they decent for mostly metal etc?
For metal I personally prefer Audeze lcd series like lcd-2c.
Gather the bathys would be a decent upgrade on my 6+ year old Bose QC35? But then the Bose do still do some nice ANC and very comfy..
Kinda different products. The Bathy's are aimed primarily on sound quality.
I love the QC35's because they are small, light and ANC is fantastic. They don't cost a lot so i'm not constantly worrying about them.
but on the flip side I don't listen to music on them as they sound like straight up trash.
Yes, they would be.
If audio quality is your focus, at the price they are probably the best option available.
But they do come with some drawbacks, so I would look into some of the online reviews of them and see how you feel.
Main thing I remember from reviews I saw were the size of them vs alternatives like the XM4/5s made them self-conscious when out and about wearing them and due to that they lent towards other headphones in their collection when they wanted ANC wireless headphones for a walk, etc. even though they would be taking a hit to audio quality.
Cheers mate, very important points. The Bose are big compared to in ears but still fairly modest and I suppose ubiquitous and accepted in public spaces and on transport.
These are a no brainer insane headphones, end game headphones pair with a burson playmate
These are tempting but it's pointless without amp/dac (I'm not an audiophile), any recommendations for a good value amp/dac to drive these?
A Schiit stack (Magni/Modi or Vali/Modi) is considered a good entry level pairing for an easy to drive cans like the Clears. I actually have the Vali/Modi set-up for the Clears which is quite a sweet combo but will be upgrading soon as I have other high end headphones.
a Fiio K7 is the best value dac/amp for the money right now, unless you spend $1k plus nothing else comes close for the price.
Although price has gone up, when i got it, was $289.
I currently have the Hifiman x Drop HE-X4s which are my first toe into the world of better audio. I've now had them for around 3 years, and they have really opened my eyes/ears to how much I was missing out on in the past, and I really enjoy listening to music and hearing things I've missed out on in the past.
I'm now thinking it's time to try something a little further up the audiophile tree and have recently got a decent amount of back pay from work (a nice and unexpected bonus). I would assume that anything in the Focal sale would be a big step up, but I'm really drawn to the Clear or Radiance. My thought is to get some closed backs so that I could then use for the 1 or 2 days I'm in the office as well as the other times when I'm home. If anyone could give me any guidance, especially if you have experience with the X4s as well as some of these Focals it would be greatly appreciated.
I have a FiiO K5 Pro Dac/Amp at home and an iBasso DC03Pro portable Dac/Amp so hopefully they would both have enough power to drive most of these. My source is either my PC at home, or my phone when mobile, and both using Tidal for the music.
It would pretty much come down to whether open or closed back is how you want to go.
But I definitely think you will notice the difference if you appreciate what going to the HE-X4s did to your listening experience.
I purchased both the Elegia and Clear earlier this year at different points due to these A2A sales to have both open and closed back options. (Open for home, closed for the office).
I appreciate them both, but the Clear are just so much better if I'm comparing them against each other ignoring use case.
Obviously the Elegia serve a different purpose though.
Can't say how the Radiance compare to the Elegia, but it would be a step up.
I also have the K5 Pro at home, and can say it drives the Clears fine.
I use the Fiio M6 when in the office on the Elegia.
Thanks for the advice. I bit the bullet and bought the Elegia. It's the smallest financial risk and being closed back gives me a pair I can use at work.
One day I'll get a pair at the level of the Clear, but I really should demo first and really know what I'm buying
I got both the elear and elegia and used them both for about 12 months before i got the clear.
That's also when they cost in the $500-600 range.
The clear is a substantial upgrade on both. For $799 vs $329 i would get the clear every time.
Just got the last pair in stock from Newtown A2A today.
Coming from Alessandro MS Pros.
I saw these when I was recently shopping for a new set of wired cans. Opted for the Fiio FT3s instead and have been very happy with them.
How does this compare to the normal OG HIFIMAN Ananda? Would this be a big upgrade? Thinking of just pulling the trigger without demoing it.
I've wanted to upgrade my 6 year old headphones for a while now (Phiilips X2HR). Was always looking at HD600/650/660s as the next step up but never commited to any deals.
After watching a bunch of reviews/opinions I just treated myself to these. Seems like a better all rounder for my needs/likes at a slightly higher price.
I just hope my THX AAA 789 works well with it, otherwise I'm going to need some recommendations for a new amp lol.
I used Phiilips X2HR for years and changed to sen hd600s, but the clears are a big upgrade on both.
As long as the THX AAA 789 provides enough power you should be good.
Thank you. Bought one. Should be arriving tomorrow. Might need to get an amp/dac later. I’m new to audiophile :)
Topping DX3 Pro+ is $263.12 right now and is best value, especially if you combine with the Coles Mastercard deal to bring it down to $244.42
Ok i decided to bite. Have only used ATH-AD700, Sony XM5 and Bose QC30 to compare
Are these ok with a Schiit Modi & Magni stack?
I just bought Clear last week, and I was using Modi and Magni stack. There was a significan improvement compared to my K712 Pro.
Then I got Magnius yesterday, paired with Topping E30, the improvement on clarity and treble is decent over Modi and Magni stack.
You really need a good DAC and Amp to bring out the best. Looking for Topping E70 to be on sale now.
Is Astell&Kern good for portable DAC? I am concerned they have screen too small.
jv on 18/08/2023 - 17:01 Comment score below threshold.
