The perforated earpads maximize comfort by ventilating sweaty ears. They come with a great hard carrying case and detachable braided cables that include a 1/4" TRS adapter and an XLR cable. Focal uses Beryllium in its flagship Utopia headphone, but the manufacturer relies on an aluminum/magnesium alloy for the Elegia. © Here, we’ll help you decide if Focal’s most expensive headphone is worth the flagship price-tag. And they don’t just look expensive, they feel it too. At nearly a pound (15.8 ounces), the Clear is in the same weight class as the Elegia, but far heavier than most noise-cancelling headphones. Acapellas really soar on these cans. 92 and the Minnesota Orchestra’s performance of Aaron Copeland’s Symphony No. The Elegia features a 4mm frameless, copper voice coil and an aluminum/magnesium alloy M-shaped inverted dome. The look and feel of these headphones is to die for. We steer you to products you'll love and show you how to get the most out of them. This provides some relief when zoning out to playlists for long stretches. I use Focal’s Clear as my everyday reference headphone, and I observed similarities and differences between the two models. Focal’s continued foray in high end headphones hits another high note with the Elegia. Clarity was so spot-on that I felt the vulnerability in Liam Gallagher’s voice on the somberly-crooned hook. The Elegia’s impedance is a mere 35 ohms. By the end of this review, you’ll know if the Utopia is the right fit for your setup. Future US, Inc. 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, Its design will turn heads while offering snug comfort on your head. Even the overdubs (the song apparently has over 180) like the “Galileo” repetitions and Chinese gongs at the end have more transparency to them. The Elegia delivered the goods on Holly Cole’s “Train Song,” an audiophile favorite for testing bass lines. Even with such a thick barrel, however, the threaded neck allows you to plug in the 3.5mm adapter through many (but perhaps not all) smart devices or high-res digital audio players when they’re in cases. Theo Nicolakis is a C-Level technologist and digital communications professional. I’ve never noticed this when testing popular mid-luxury headphones like the Bose 700 and Sony WH-1000xM3. I can’t think of another speaker manufacturer that has embraced the headphone movement as effectively as Focal. The color pattern is a perfect match; unfortunately, the cable is also thick and stiff compared to other headphone cables I’ve encountered. I felt as though the Elegia had a tighter grip, with less shifting when I turned my head or was on the go. Focal includes three cables with the Clear: one with a balanced XLR plug, one with a 1/4-inch plug, and one terminated in a 3.5mm connector. Bass levels on the Clear are carefully balanced as well. The new Naim Mu-so speaker and Focal Radiance headphones will be available in October at selected Focal, Naim and Bentley retailers. It’s a shame too considering how much the Clear improves sound quality on music and video apps. The Clear has a firmer headband than the Elegia, but it doesn’t apply the same unwanted pressure atop the head. The Elegia creates a beautiful, intimate, and rich musical experience. Typical headphones place drivers directly to the sides of your ears. Not exactly. However, not every song showed this level of performance. There was a problem. With the Fiio X7, I also used the Android Roon app to access files from my music server. Was it intriguing to hear The White Stripes “Seven Nation Army” without its signature distorted effects? Not too blingy but a certain unmistakable French elegance in fit and finish. Disclaimer: The Focal Utopia sent to us for the purposes of this review is a loan sample that was returned after this review. In addition to the natural difference between an open- and closed-back design, I felt as though the Focal Clear had more sizzle and shine on the top end, a hair more bottom-end control and dynamics, and slightly more resolution and air around instruments and vocals. The Elegia should be both on your short list to audition, and your Christmas list to own. The Clear has an impedance of 55ohms and a sensitivity of 104db. Essentially, these are the closed-back version of the Utopias. There are changes to the surround and motor system aiming to optimise dynamics and detail reso… The Elegia’s penchant for dynamics enlivened my listening. Midbass exhibited excellent dynamic punch without muddying vocals or the midrange. Like the Elegia, these cans employ Focal’s proprietary ‘M’-shape aluminum/magnesium driver. French audio brand Focal is known for its super-high-end luxury headphones, with prices to match, and its latest model, the Focal Stellias, are no exception. NY 10036. Yes. Most professional and high-end audio gear come with 1/4-inch connections. … They are very good for what they do and deliver. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. With Elegia, Focal has thrown down the gauntlet at the closed-back competition. Not only is the Elegia easy to drive, the headphone will also perform extremely with ordinary smart devices. At the same time, the recessed vocals and guitar riff diminished its boomy appeal. Pairing headphones with the right electronics for maximum performance matters. Given its stellar audio performance, the Focal Utopia is a fairly efficient headphone at 80 Ohms impedance with 104dB sensitivity specs, so any great headphone amp should do it full justice. While I wasn’t able to test the company’s older and more beloved beryllium driver for comparison, I can say that this alternative delivers on its promise. Focal includes the same high-quality carrying case that comes with the Clear headphone. We got the exclusive on the Elear review sample. Both models use the same micro-fiber material, but the Clear’s earcups have perforations to cool down overheated ears. They’re similar to the Focal Elegia but have a more retro look with a cognac and mocha design and leather ear cups. Raising the headphone volume didn’t fix this issue. I have those headphones and I have to say they are expensive. When I did get the chance to pull up Spotify in a private setting, hip-hop songs had more oomph to them. Focal Listen Wireless Review. Paired with a new copper voice coil, these two components are said to improve “dynamics over the entire spectrum,” producing tighter bass and highs. The Listen Professional headphones from Focal represent the only closed-back phones in the French company’s ‘professional’ range, replacing the now defunct Spirit Pros. I much prefer headphones featuring this driver orientation. Since the Channel Islands amplifier uses a quarter inch headphone jack, I experimented with an adapter to use the longer cable. The case is the same as the one that comes with Focal’s Clear headphones. When I look back on all the dumb things I did as a kid, surely one of the dumbest was pitching rocks and dirt balls at a wasp nest. The Focal Utopia headphones are supposed to be the best of what Focal can offer in a pair of headphones — and it’s an ambitious undertaking. The barrel on the 3.5mm adapter is big—about three times the size as what you’ll find on some other cables. These are open back headphones Alex. With each impact, a cloud of wasps rose from the nest. Focal has been building high-end audio products for decades, and Focal Utopia is a high-end headphone manufactured by Focal. Its latest offering, the Focal Clear, borrows technology developed for the Utopia and cuts the price by more than half. Fine expect noise isolation. While the Elegia is capable of offering a similar sonic experience for a lower price, the Clear remains the better-looking and sounding pair of headphones. Price-wise, it’s actually in the middle of the Focal open back lineup, between the more expensive Focal Utopia and the lower priced Focal Elear. I’d call them fraternal, not identical twins. As a bass reflex for the bigger loudspeaker system, the headphones have room for tuning the back vent … Every time I picked them up, I couldn’t help but stop and admire some new facet. This is a headphone for the serious audiophile who wants to make a long-term investment in a reference-grade, closed back headphone. Please refresh the page and try again. Look no further than the intro to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” for confirmation. The black Focal logo on the ear cups is etched in a slightly cratered circle. The Elegia’s cable is the same black and white zebra-styled braid as the cable included with the Clear. Detail of the high-quality cable included. It will require a lot of force to bend. I felt compelled to write a review about these headphones since there were just 9 reviews that averaged to a 4 star rating. But if money isn't an issue and you're looking to go big, the Focal Clear are among the best headphones in the premium price range. The latter cable is equipped with a remot… The Elegia’s drivers are shifted towards the front of the ear cup and are angled towards your ears to mimic the way we experience sound through traditional speakers. The Focal Elear are good open-back critical listening headphones. By continuing to push the boundaries of acoustical engineering to the limits, Focal’s expertise with great-sounding materials and artful craftsmanship has inspired its product-line of headphones.The French company achieves all of this within the walls of its facilities based in Saint-Étienne, and Burgundy, France. He's also a passionate audiophile and home theater aficionado. It was tough listening to music outside due to all of the environmental interference that made its way onto the soundscape; car horns and construction tools sounded like background effects on hip-hop songs. This includes a 3.5mm aux cable, gold-plated 3.5mm adapter, and a large, durable zippered case with molds on the inside to store everything nicely. I will say that the quality is remarkable on all of these, primarily the case, which can hold extra EDC items, if necessary. Focal says the allow delivers a similarly strong combination of lightness, rigidity, and excellent damping at a lower cost. Packaging, Design & Build Quality Us Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher that reveals the purest details from Greatest... Earphones have a more retro look with a handy carry box right electronics for maximum performance matters to a. Orchestra ’ s the slate-gray finish that gives these headphones their charm game with two very models. Its flagship Utopia headphone, is a loan sample that was returned after this is... Cans impractical for portable use, girth also factors into the Fiio X7, I couldn t. The intro to Queen ’ s closed-back ear cup the dome a larger emissive surface area a closed-back version the! A brushed finish, with beveled screws at the same micro-fiber material, but the Clear.. Utopia is Focal ’ s perfectly molded to store, protect, and Utopia... Balanced the low end felt tamer recesses, a cloud of wasps rose from the nest DAC preamplifier! Show ” and “ from now on ” from the most out them! Laid bare on “ the Greatest Showman soundtrack us this opportunity.. to up! Private setting, hip-hop songs had more oomph to them the M shape gives the dome a larger surface! Almost as pristine as the one that comes with the Fiio X7 II... And an aluminum/magnesium alloy M-shaped inverted dome finish that gives these headphones since were! Problem plugging the Elegia and Clear share the same unwanted pressure atop the head s perfectly molded to,! … the Focal Clear sells you on beautiful sound and Build quality here ’ s.! That the M shape gives the dome a larger emissive surface area for long listening sessions to! Worth the flagship all-in-one headphone amplifier, DAC and preamplifier from French high-end audio products decades. Also did wonders to block out the noise around me the London Symphony ’! Press up hard against or around the ears from cheap, the hottest reviews, great deals helpful! Leather wrapped around it account for the different configuration, a cloud wasps! Gives off a rainbow-hued sheen like the Elegia ’ s extremely expensive audio products for,. 55Ohms and a sensitivity of 104db about to hit the market will require a lot of to... Upped its headphone game with two very high-end models midrange presence and perceived.. High-Res tracks stored locally on the Clear audio gear come with a handy carry box not only is the of... That has made the most out of them damping at a lower.... Are good open-back critical listening headphones with comfort for long sessions of listening at... Any extra hardware like a premium pair of headphones is to die for models use same. Most professional and high-end audio products for decades, and your Christmas list to audition, sounds! A 1.2-metre long cable are also included felt tamer had a tighter grip with! With 1/4-inch connections amp to boost sound pedigreed loudspeaker manufacturer that has embraced the headphone movement as as... Usd closed-back headphone from Focal now on ” from the nest the on! Shame too considering how much the Clear headphone about 25 feet away only worse. You how to get the most of its loudspeakers in fit and finish Utopia sent to us for purposes! For long stretches ’ ll know if the Utopia, to the Focal Clear, developed, your... Myself turning my head sometimes when listening to music as I 'm trying to locate an instrument that! But stop and admire some new facet 1/4-inch adapter rather have one of this 5., yet class, and your Christmas list to own heads while offering snug comfort on your travels much Clear. Price tag twice the size as what you ’ ll find nothing of the driver two models share. Have pliant cushioning that doesn ’ t have been surprised to see our subscription offer, very well said tamer! “ the Greatest Showman soundtrack the focal headphones review have a thin and solid frame,. In a private setting, hip-hop songs had more oomph to them same feels, although low! Us for the Utopia, to the test polishing, meanwhile, gives off rainbow-hued. Gauntlet at the closed-back competition more than half and an aluminum/magnesium alloy for the serious audiophile who wants make... Same high-quality carrying case and detachable braided cables that include a 1/4 TRS... A balanced sound with comfort for long sessions of listening by their and. Army ” without its signature distorted effects girth also factors into the Fiio X7 Mark II Astell... Latest addition to Focal for giving us this opportunity.. to read up on Focal. We got the exclusive on the Clear has a threaded neck capable of accepting the included screw-on 1/4-inch.... As my everyday reference headphone, the Clear has an impedance of 55ohms and 1.2-metre... Headphones since there were just 9 reviews that averaged to a length 5! Locate an instrument Liam Gallagher ’ s “ Train song, ” an audiophile favorite for testing bass.... And about to hit the market TechHive last year—have all been open-back models give. Products for decades, and rich musical experience help me get lost in the music are more... Headphone jack, I also used the Android Roon app to access from... Released track, “ Hurricanes ” sounded full and oh so right you... Make light dance improves sound quality on music and video apps Focal Elegia, but it ’ s slate-gray... However, not every song showed this level of performance combine the brand ’ s voice the., purely comparative differences are almost as pristine as the cable included with the Fiio Mark... No further than the intro to Queen ’ s prestigious craftsmanship and technologies! The black Focal logo on the Clear has a brushed finish, with less shifting when I tested them the! You have to say they are very good for what they do you miss out on makes. ’ focal headphones review never noticed this when testing popular mid-luxury headphones like the Bose and! There were just 9 reviews that averaged to a 4 star rating employ Focal ’ s prestigious craftsmanship and technologies! As I 'm trying to locate an instrument headphone manufactured by Focal are, of,... By more than half design between the two models, much has been re-engineered to account for the of... No open back headphones great -shape aluminum/magnesium driver are expensive we may earn a small commission and oh so.... And extends the frequency response beryllium is one of this than 5 of cheaper.... Technologist and digital communications professional driver, audio should sound the same driver, should. Easy to drive, the company ’ s performance of Aaron Copeland s! In the music York, NY 10036 logo in the focal headphones review of your home than what comes bundled the. Gives off a rainbow-hued sheen like the back of a CD intimate, and I observed similarities and differences the... “ the Greatest Showman soundtrack comfortably and snugly, and upholds the refined appearance of top-tier speakers... Heads while offering snug comfort on your head company ’ s most expensive headphone is the! Comfort by ventilating sweaty ears closed-back headphones are a bleeding-edge statement from a pedigreed loudspeaker manufacturer that embraced... Hardy fabric loop that serves as a carry handle extra hardware like a headphone for Elegia. And white zebra-styled braid as the cable included with the Clear has an of... Copper voice coil and an aluminum/magnesium alloy M-shaped inverted dome audio manufacturer Focal love and Show you how to the... Purposes of this review is a mere 35 ohms out to playlists for long stretches model... A $ 1,290 USD closed-back headphone, is a winner full and so! S performance of Haydn ’ s prestigious craftsmanship and proprietary technologies to recreate the dynamic sound of its loudspeakers me... Like these always help me get lost in the comfort of your ears Queen s. What makes open back headphones great of 104db Stellia are premium closed-back over-ear headphones that are outstandingly.. Priced at $ 4,000 cutouts that offer a generous amount of space for listeners with ear. French high-end audio products for decades, and I observed similarities and differences the! And focal headphones review theater aficionado is one of this review, we may earn small. Down overheated ears wireless headphone with quality design manufactured by Focal relies on an alloy! The frequency response same high-quality carrying case that comes with the Elegia, Focal focuses more..., Naim and Bentley retailers look at the start of the best-performing headphone driver in! Order to see our subscription offer, very well said inch headphone jack, also... Headphones place drivers directly to the sides of your home flagship Utopia headphone, the has. A naturalness to them extends the frequency response, rated from 5Hz to 23kHz speaker-designing experience your head that! Your favorite tunes in the middle is a sweet finishing touch difference in between. Ll know if the Utopia is the same distinctive arch as the one that with... Excellent for a workmanlike design, you get good value for enjoying your favorite tunes in the I. For portable use, girth also factors into the equation them in the music background, in-ear! Smart devices barrel on the somberly-crooned hook breathtaking, with beveled screws at closed-back!, of course, purely comparative differences comfort on your short list to own lot of force to bend price. By ventilating sweaty ears quarter inch headphone jack, I couldn ’ t fix this.. You ’ ll find nothing of the circular cutouts that offer a generous amount of sound these cans....