Munce31 Posted July 29, 2020 Posted July 29, 2020 8 hours ago, mugwampjism said: I have the Audeze LCD 2, and they feel like the third cousin from Nerang compared to the urbane Focals. Loose as, ultimately good, but ultimately no contest in build or sound quality. That the Elear was half the price of the LCD 2 boggles my mind, and I got my Elegia for even less. Superb value for money. The Australian distributor of focal and naim took some press on a European junket to tour the Focal factory, and the photos looked pretty professional, clean, did you see that? https://www.soundstageaustralia.com/index.php/features/373-factory-tour-focal-part-2-a-drivers-perspective The focus is on their top tier towers, but to my eye it looks more like a Sennheiser operation than what I imagine Hifiman has. ( Which would be a factory in Shenzen manufacturing all sorts of tech for all sorts of companies, right? They don't manufacture in USA do they?) Yeah you're right - Hifiman would be manufactured in china. If there's one knock I could give to the Elegia's, it is that the clamping force is a bit much. After an hour of wearing the Elegia's I have to give my head a break from the pressure haha. The HE1k's don't have that problem, but as mentioned previously, the build quality leaves a lot to be desired.
Munce31 Posted July 29, 2020 Posted July 29, 2020 8 hours ago, mugwampjism said: What hifi amp did you get? I'm shopping for one as we speak.. I'm using the Topping A90. Got gobs of power on the low gain setting when paired with the Elegias.
mugwampjism Posted July 30, 2020 Posted July 30, 2020 22 hours ago, Munce31 said: clamping force On Head-fi somewhere I read that the aluminium headband allows for a substantial amount of manipulation. Aluminium is one of the most malleable common metals with a low melting and forging temperature. Leaving it stretched for a while/overnight to your head size, or slightly larger, would be safest way, but you can probably safely do it by feel in 2 secs. I did it immediately when I bought it, not for size but just because I could, and there is a lot of room for error. My personal gripe is the weight, or position perhaps?.. sometimes I nod off on the train (2+hr journey for me each way) and if I have my Elegia on I can wake up with a headache and a sore neck. Topping A90 is an absolute weapon, nice score! Equal top score for HP amp on audio science review. Just tbc.. you are using it to drive speakers? Or when you say it 'includes' a headphone amp, did you get the D90 stack? 1
Esoterica Posted July 30, 2020 Posted July 30, 2020 (edited) On 29/07/2020 at 10:27 AM, mugwampjism said: What hifi amp did you get? I'm shopping for one as we speak.. Pathos Classic Remix hybrid tube integrated amp with HiDAC. Saw it on clearance for a fraction of the original cost and had to pull the trigger. Glad I did because it’s was new, not ex-display as advertised and it does everything. I also like the radical design of their gear. Not a fan of boring black or silver boxes if I can avoid them. Their Endorphin CD player is really out there! If I was in the market, the Denon top of the line amp for sale in the classifieds would be tempting. Edited July 30, 2020 by Esoterica Added to 1
Munce31 Posted July 30, 2020 Posted July 30, 2020 1 hour ago, mugwampjism said: My personal gripe is the weight, or position perhaps?.. sometimes I nod off on the train (2+hr journey for me each way) and if I have my Elegia on I can wake up with a headache and a sore neck. Yeah I can't wear these Elegia's for more than 2 hours. They're close in weight to my old LCD-2F's. 1 hour ago, mugwampjism said: Topping A90 is an absolute weapon, nice score! Equal top score for HP amp on audio science review. Just tbc.. you are using it to drive speakers? Or when you say it 'includes' a headphone amp, did you get the D90 stack? I think @Esoterica mentioned that it 'includes' a headphone amp. I only drive headphones. I'm using a Matrix Audio X-Sabre Pro MQA for DAC. Not as pretty as a full Topping stack though: 1
mugwampjism Posted July 30, 2020 Posted July 30, 2020 Oh yes, rightyo, I got confused there. Should've just re-read the post instead of booting the query back at you sorry. Well you guys both have some nice hardware, you should be proud, top stuff all round. To be expected in a Focal owners thread We obviously all have good taste 2
Esoterica Posted July 31, 2020 Posted July 31, 2020 Yep. The style of the Elegia is one of the reasons I had to have some. Pity they don’t get the use they deserve, since I almost always listen through speakers. 1
Munce31 Posted July 31, 2020 Posted July 31, 2020 On 30/07/2020 at 9:04 PM, mugwampjism said: Oh yes, rightyo, I got confused there. Should've just re-read the post instead of booting the query back at you sorry. Well you guys both have some nice hardware, you should be proud, top stuff all round. To be expected in a Focal owners thread We obviously all have good taste Haha all good Btw your display pic is probably the best hip hop album i've ever heard. Love A Tribe Called Quest. 1
mugwampjism Posted July 31, 2020 Posted July 31, 2020 (edited) 9 hours ago, Munce31 said: Love A Tribe Called Quest. So good! No-one better. And they sound extra good on both my Focal headphones, even as MP3 or on Spotify. Tribe is every bit as good today as it was 30 years ago, has decent mastering compared to a lot of albums.. the beats are extra phat, they bounce, without getting silly with the sub bass or just falling flat. And the lyrics. And the intelligent politics. And the album art. Edited July 31, 2020 by mugwampjism
mugwampjism Posted July 31, 2020 Posted July 31, 2020 I'm gonna go ahead and share my go-to Spotify playlist for my Elear/Elegia, for this month at least. I compiled it, based on the samples used in Beastie Boys Paul's Boutique, in order, though there are similar playlists out there and on other platforms too I'm sure. I'd like it if you shared yours. What sounds good on your cans? Paul's Boutique sample tracks 1
Esoterica Posted August 1, 2020 Posted August 1, 2020 39 minutes ago, mugwampjism said: I'm gonna go ahead and share my go-to Spotify playlist for my Elear/Elegia, for this month at least. I compiled it, based on the samples used in Beastie Boys Paul's Boutique, in order, though there are similar playlists out there and on other platforms too I'm sure. I'd like it if you shared yours. What sounds good on your cans? Paul's Boutique sample tracks Very cool man! Loved the Beasties back in the day and still listen occasionally. One of the very few rap artists I still listen to. Watched the doco on Apple tv when it released a few months ago, which was great. Very elucidating. I lost interest in most rap (I’ll always call it that, rather than hip hop) in the early 90s, but grew up on Public Enemy, Ice T, NWA, Beastie Boys, Run DMC, Geto Boys and on and on... Tribe was good too but I don’t think I ever bought one of their albums. Maybe one or I might be thinking about QTip performing on Digital Underground’s Sex Packets. Ahh Nostalgia...
mugwampjism Posted August 1, 2020 Posted August 1, 2020 Ah yes NWA, Ice T, public Enemy, I loved all that. Remember listening to that with the other kids on my street, using the dual 3.5mm jacks on my Sony sports walkman. Probably wearing my Reeboks. Fully sick! I left hip hop behind too, except maybe some ninja tunes or massive attack.. wanting to enjoy the bass on my Focals got me back to it, and since BLM I've been combing thru funk and disco. The beasties endure because they collaborate and evolve effortlessly. I read the biography they put out, that's when I made that playlist, but i didn't know the biopic had happened and will definitely get on to that. I was lucky to have a friend who's older bro had given him 3 feet high and rising, and that put me on the right track, De La Soul, Tribe called Quest, Freestyle Fellowship, Sugarhill Gang, anything without the gangster lean was extremely appealing in the end. 1 hour ago, Esoterica said: One of the very few rap artists I still listen to If you had to pick one of their albums and forego the rest, which would it be? 1 hour ago, Esoterica said: Digital Underground’s Sex Packets That's a new one to me, thanks I'll give it a spin. The instrumental of Dan the Automator's Deltron 3030 is so good (as good as Del is ofc) and I wish it was normal for hip hop and rap to release companion instrumental albums.. Dre, Cypress Hill, and even 2Pac all have some banging tracks that could benefit from losing the lyrics and lyrical posturing. I saw Ice-T and then Bodycount play at Alternative Nation in 1995.. but Beastie Boys at the Hordern about 10 years ago was hands down the best live show I've ever been to. Their swagger could fill a stadium.. the way Tool and U2 need a mountain of technology, the beasties could rock it with a velvet suit and a PA.
Esoterica Posted August 1, 2020 Posted August 1, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, mugwampjism said: The beasties endure because they collaborate and evolve effortlessly. I read the biography they put out, that's when I made that playlist, but i didn't know the biopic had happened and will definitely get on to that. Yeah their sampling and scratching and playing instruments keeps them relevant to me. I love how they evolved early rap in that way. With actual instruments. The doco gives real insight into their thinking and how they evolved. Even though I’m not a big fan of the music today, I loved the doco and love them man. I learnt so much too. I realised I barely knew them, but expected that going in. I don’t pay much attention to an artist besides their music generally. Beastie Boys Story it’s called. 1 hour ago, mugwampjism said: I was lucky to have a friend who's older bro had given him 3 feet high and rising, and that put me on the right track, De La Soul, Tribe called Quest, Freestyle Fellowship, Sugarhill Gang, anything without the gangster lean was extremely appealing in the end. Not familiar with those artists’ music. Think I have a De La Soul and/or Soul II Soul record or is that an album of theirs? I’ve even got a Marky Mary and the Funky Bunch record haha. That’s gotta be worth a bit. I mainly liked hardcore/gangsta rap. As well as the artists I mentioned before, The Terrorists (and other South Park coalition members), Paris, Poison Clan, Hijack, 2 Live Crew off the top of my head. We used to go down Central Station Records Sydney often and look through their stuff. They’re legends of the rap and DJing scene. Always had obscure stuff. Check out https://hip-hop-music.fandom.com/wiki/South_Park_Coalition IMO The Terrorists are one of the sickest rap acts, that most people don’t know. Their flow and everything is so on point man. When I sold most of my rap collection ages ago, them and the BB were the main things I kept. I dislike G rap note though. Too old for that lol. Edited August 1, 2020 by Esoterica
Esoterica Posted August 1, 2020 Posted August 1, 2020 1 hour ago, mugwampjism said: If you had to pick one of their albums and forego the rest, which would it be? Too hard man. The first 4 or 5 are all so good. Depends on my mood. For that fun, snotty attitude go for Licensed to Ill. Paul’s Boutique has some awesome sampling, melodies and rapping. Check Yo’ Head is awesome for the fusion of many genres. Ill Communication is similar. I’m not keen on their latter stuff. If I had to pick, probably LTI. 1 hour ago, mugwampjism said: That's a new one to me, thanks I'll give it a spin. First CD I ever bought! 1 hour ago, mugwampjism said: I saw Ice-T and then Bodycount play at Alternative Nation in 1995.. but Beastie Boys at the Hordern about 10 years ago was hands down the best live show I've ever been to. Their swagger could fill a stadium.. the way Tool and U2 need a mountain of technology, the beasties could rock it with a velvet suit and a PA. Ice T was one of the best shows I’ve seen. Think he was on with PE too. Talk about a great lineup! He opened with the Tower. The intro of that with the keys and drum beat kicking in is so good and the Horden was dark, then lit up when he started rapping. Saw the BB a couple of times ages ago. First at Selina’s then the Horden. So good. Better stop talking off topic...
Martykt Posted August 1, 2020 Posted August 1, 2020 Okay thought I'd join the little Focal Headphones Club here after I couldn't resist A2A B Stock sale... Intended for a portable headphone system for my truck I am now the very happy owner of a pair of Focal Stellia !! Playback will be through an Astell & Kern SP1000 that I basically stole off Fleabay. They're still running in but early impressions of the sound are extremely good. Very smooth with a little bit of warmth giving them a natural tonality while also manage to be very detailed with great texture without being anaemic or clinical. One of the biggest surprises was despite being high end headphones just how friendly they are with lower quality source material, even listening to low-res streamed radio connected to my lowly iPhone they still manage to sound quite good where quite often high resolution headphones or speakers will tell you exactly in no uncertain terms how rubbish your source is yet the Stellia will tell you what you are listening to but don't do so in an offensive manner and seem to get the best out of what you are listening to. 3 1
mugwampjism Posted August 1, 2020 Posted August 1, 2020 Welcome and congratulations on your haul! The brown looks schmick on the felt 3 hours ago, Martykt said: SP1000 that I basically stole off Fleabay. The one that went for $1400 the other week? Pretty good score! What was your previous rig comprised of? 1
Martykt Posted August 1, 2020 Posted August 1, 2020 (edited) 5 hours ago, mugwampjism said: Welcome and congratulations on your haul! The brown looks schmick on the felt The one that went for $1400 the other week? Pretty good score! What was your previous rig comprised of? Thank you, I think the Stellia looks great. I don't mind Focal going for a more fashionable look and different colours than the usual black techy style headphones. My previous setup a few years back was a pair of Audeze LCD3 with a Sugden HA4 Amp and Audio Research Dac8. Of recent times I've just been suffering through the lesser sound quality of noise-cancelling headphones. Oh yeah... $1375 actually.... Edited August 1, 2020 by Martykt 1
Dolphy Posted August 1, 2020 Posted August 1, 2020 I'm thinking of buying a balanced cable for my Focal Clear from Meze, see link below: https://mezeaudio.com/products/99-series-2-5-balanced-cable?variant=13139723616313 The price per cable is $49USD and postage is fixed to $35USD for up to 4 cables. Would anyone be interested in doing a group buy? This would reduce the postage cost and make it a better proposition. 1
Martykt Posted August 2, 2020 Posted August 2, 2020 3 hours ago, dolphy said: I'm thinking of buying a balanced cable for my Focal Clear from Meze, see link below: https://mezeaudio.com/products/99-series-2-5-balanced-cable?variant=13139723616313 The price per cable is $49USD and postage is fixed to $35USD for up to 4 cables. Would anyone be interested in doing a group buy? This would reduce the postage cost and make it a better proposition. @dolphy, sorry to rain on your parade a little bit but it may be worth a rethink about this particular cable as I'm not sure it would be a good match with the Focal Clear and may actually be a downgrade from the stock Focal cable. Silver plated copper can sometimes have the tendency to sound a little bright. The Meze Classic 99 is apparently is a pretty warm set of headphones so silver/copper makes sense as it may add a little more clarity while being affordable. A better match would be good quality copper which will maintain a little warmth with the Clear or a well designed pure silver cable which will give better extension and detail though obviously will be much more expensive. For a more affordable option for an upgrade from the stock cable I would be looking at either an Aurealis cable or seeing whether @Bill125812 is able to design a good headphone cable to match. https://www.aurealisaudio.com.au/headphone-and-adaptor-cables/ 2
mugwampjism Posted August 2, 2020 Posted August 2, 2020 4 hours ago, dolphy said: I'm thinking of buying a balanced cable for my Focal Clear from Meze, see link below: https://mezeaudio.com/products/99-series-2-5-balanced-cable?variant=13139723616313 The price per cable is $49USD and postage is fixed to $35USD for up to 4 cables. Would anyone be interested in doing a group buy? This would reduce the postage cost and make it a better proposition. If you do pivot to a custom cable, I would throw in for postage relief. Slightly tempted to try Koala cables on ebay just to keep my cash onshore tho I agree too that meze cable leaves a bit to be desired, but mostly I need an extra short cable, so it has to be custom for me.
betty boop Posted August 2, 2020 Posted August 2, 2020 19 hours ago, Martykt said: Okay thought I'd join the little Focal Headphones Club here after I couldn't resist A2A B Stock sale... Intended for a portable headphone system for my truck I am now the very happy owner of a pair of Focal Stellia !! Playback will be through an Astell & Kern SP1000 that I basically stole off Fleabay. They're still running in but early impressions of the sound are extremely good. Very smooth with a little bit of warmth giving them a natural tonality while also manage to be very detailed with great texture without being anaemic or clinical. One of the biggest surprises was despite being high end headphones just how friendly they are with lower quality source material, even listening to low-res streamed radio connected to my lowly iPhone they still manage to sound quite good where quite often high resolution headphones or speakers will tell you exactly in no uncertain terms how rubbish your source is yet the Stellia will tell you what you are listening to but don't do so in an offensive manner and seem to get the best out of what you are listening to. SO glad you grab this one marty...as focal fan i am ... i was sorely tempted ! am very pleased to hear they have worked out very well for you sound like wonderfull thing... ive never really been into closed head phones but with a B&W pair and a sennheiser pair for daughter ... and the more noisier household with everyone home ... more and more considering myself to buy a higher end closed pair... good to know there is option like this one here 1 1
Martykt Posted August 2, 2020 Posted August 2, 2020 4 minutes ago, mugwampjism said: If you do pivot to a custom cable, I would throw in for postage relief. Slightly tempted to try Koala cables on ebay just to keep my cash onshore tho I agree too that meze cable leaves a bit to be desired, but mostly I need an extra short cable, so it has to be custom for me. Koala Cables? Can't seem to find anything on them. The other cables that seem to be pretty good value and can be made custom to length and conductor are the Arctic Cables available through fleabay though based in the US rather than locally. 1
Martykt Posted August 2, 2020 Posted August 2, 2020 6 minutes ago, betty boop said: SO glad you grab this one marty...as focal fan i am ... i was sorely tempted ! am very pleased to hear they have worked out very well for you sound like wonderfull thing... ive never really been into closed head phones but with a B&W pair and a sennheiser pair for daughter ... and the more noisier household with everyone home ... more and more considering myself to buy a higher end closed pair... good to know there is option like this one here You should have. They definitely are a wonderful thing and despite being closed backs still manage to sound spacious without the usual nasties from being a closed back design. Focal really have done a great job with these. Unfortunately Addicted to Audio seems to have withdrawn the offer or are all the B-Stock Focals are now sold out. 2
mugwampjism Posted August 2, 2020 Posted August 2, 2020 (edited) Koala: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/392818020612 I have an Arctic cable for my Audeze and it is really nice, the connectors are big and light Rean plastic ones. They cost closer to $200 tho don't they I have just got a cable for my Oppo pm-3 from 'cablearchitect' on eBay also. Very nice and soft, and his next price point with sheathing and better cable is also well priced. 'cablearchitect' on eBay Edited August 2, 2020 by mugwampjism 1
Martykt Posted August 2, 2020 Posted August 2, 2020 12 minutes ago, mugwampjism said: They cost closer to $200 tho don't they I think they start from about A$138 plus shipping for their entry level cable though the ones I'd be looking at are would be the ones with Cardas wire which start from A$260 plus shipping or one of their higher end cables.
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