$1200 Audiophile Headphone System Build!
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- Опубликовано: 21 окт 2024
- Yo! Back again with another system build!
Here is everything this headphone system is made of!
Focal Elex - massdrop.7eer....
SMSL SH-9 - apos.audio/pro...
Schiit Modius - www.schiit.com...
Budget Options and other mentions!
SMSL SU-9 (Matching Dac) - apos.audio/pro...
Schiit Modi - amzn.to/3dcZ2Oi
Schiit Magni - www.schiit.com...
Geshelli Enog - geshelli.com/s...
Here are all my recommendations!
OPEN BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Arya - amzn.to/3cDZ0vT
🥈 DIANA V2 - abyss-headphon....
🥉 DT1990Pro - amzn.to/38BN3DM
CLOSED BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Sony Z1R - amzn.to/3cF6EWX
🥈 M1060C - amzn.to/39vDkQU
🥉 1More Triple Driver - amzn.to/2wGC2ni
BUDGET HEADPHONES
🥇 HD58X - massdrop.7eer....
🥈 SHP 9500 - amzn.to/32ZQJ0S
🥉 Porta Pro - amzn.to/2Is8dtu
AMPLIFIERS & DACS
🥇 THX AAA Dual 788 DACAMP - amzn.to/3cHHTJC
🥈 THX 789 / 887 - amzn.to/2TwsvZg / massdrop.7eer....
🥉 DX3 Pro - amzn.to/2wJGp0X
IEMS
🥇 Fir M5 - www.firaudio.c...
🥈 ZUES - massdrop.7eer....
🥉 Tin T2 - amzn.to/2xeGvxT
SPEAKERS
🥇 SVS ULTRA Towers - amzn.to/2v2Fto1
🥈 Vanatoo T1E - amzn.to/2TKEmSl
🥉 Micca RB42 - amzn.to/2wCCO53
ACCESSORIES
🥇 Soundrise Pro Stands - amzn.to/3aCpb4i
🥈 IEM TIP Storage - amzn.to/331xuUN
🥉 Headphone Case - amzn.to/39xOlkF
My Filming Equipment
Camera - amzn.to/38tuIc1
Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 - amzn.to/2wI119R
Sigma 16mm F/1.4 - amzn.to/2wBRe5q
Sigma 30mm F/1.4 - amzn.to/39ym2m8
Ronin SC - amzn.to/39zDLcG
GVM Slider - amzn.to/2PWZDam
These are my genuine recommendations in various categories. They are affiliated links that help pay for this youtube channel at no additional cost to you.
SOCIAL MEDIA
📘 / joshua-valou...
📷 / joshua.valour
🔔 / joshvalour
💸PATREON💸
/ joshuavalour
📫SENDING FOR REVIEW??📫
Email Me - JoshuaValourYT@gmail.com
#Audiophile #Build #Elex
*As an Amazon, Drop and Apos Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
This was great! A lot of folks don't consider putting together mismatching systems, even though they are often more cost effective. Thanks, Joshua!
Wait I never know there's a matching system 🤔
Would love to see a build with a turntable, integrated amp, speakers, and headphones?
Yes please!
Hi, if u had 1k would spend it all on speaker or Hs or u would get both?
@@shadouxg7150 headphones are more affordable, and at one thousand dollars youre getting into high end headphone territory, while for speakers one thousand dollars is a fraction of most high end speaker setups. IMO headphones are more affordable and more convenient. If you only have 1000 dollars to spend on a complete system, then buy headphones, thats my opinion
Love these kinds of videos from you taking a perspective on what kind of audiophile headphone systems you can put together at different costs are great! Not only these but I am a huge fan of all your videos and reviews; I tend to rewatch almost all of them lol!
The up close focal elex driver shot is the best macro shot you've ever done on this channel very well done says in a very charming voice in a night of Honor
Love this series, once you've done a bunch of these it would be cool if you could occasionally do videos where you revisit builds you've done and go over the "best" headphone or upgrade that it could pair with.
loving this series man!! you should do it at least twice a year!!! and how about systems for specifical genres?? something like "you like rock get this grados with this amp" "you like edm, house music get this and that"
Just got the Focal Elex for $600 on Drop!!! Love your vids bro. Keep up the great work!
Joshua, thank you for making this kind of video series words cannot describe how I search high and low, but can never find a proper video on $ set ups that go great with headphones and what day and amps.
For someone who is new to audiophile level of sound this channel has been so clutch.
Also I would love a setup recommendation for the sundura it's the one headphone that is on my radar.
Love the price point build videos. This is really helpful for folks to know both what is possible but also what to look for and expect at a given budget. I’d love to see $2K and $3K videos.
Keep up the good work 👍🏻 I’ve heard too much about quality control issues with Focal Elex to pull the trigger on these.
Now is the time to get the Clear, as dealers will be clearing stock before the new Clear Mg arrives. You should be able to get them at a substantial discount.
@@DBSTH0R thanks, I’ll be keeping my eye on that ! 👍
@@sylvio1980 I would also recommend asking the dealer directly. IIRC Focal doesn't allow them to advertise the price drop. That's how I got mine. :)
@@DBSTH0R for how much did you get it ?
What dealer you got it from ?
@@davidmason8212 For around 1250€ at the local dealer in my city, but that was October last year. Full price in EU is 1600€. I've seen comments on reddit and other forums people getting them for as low as 950-1000€, mostly from guys living in France.
Just a question, why would you recommend the SH-9 over the Magnius? Is the SH-9 more clean sounding in comparison? Sorry if you mentiones this before if I missed it.
Yeah, would like to know the same. And if the use case was a pairing with the HD6XX, would the SH-9 (or the cheaper SP200) still be the pick?
@@vaos04 I am not too knowledgeable, but usually Schiit stacks go well with Sennheiser headphones
He literally said he does not want to reuse equipment if he can help it.
@@nicholasruffalo9817 Oh, my bad... I actually have watched the $700 setup but totally forgot about it. 😅
The magnius is good for balanced but the single ended output is trash!
Request/advice
1. I think it would be great if you‘d always (you do it sometimes) mention an alternative to massdrop items (if there is something similar) since they aren’t easily available outside of the US.
2. Even though you already covered headphones I and probably a lot of other people would love a gaming focused complete setup. (DAC and AMP or DAC/AMP, mic, headphones)
Your videos are great!
And a gaming focused setup from you would be better than the generic “this gaming headset / Creative G6 is the best thing everrrrr” stuff from “gaming youtubers”.
Keep up the good work.
I love the little sidenote you made about the Magni Heresy regarding its utility in so many builds. Makes me a little more secure in my Schiit stack purchase. I still really dig that SMSL unit though. Might have to look more into it once the time comes for an upgrade.
I appreciate mentioning closed back headphones.
Also, I have a couple video ideas
I think it would be cool to see a budget build with a closed back, maybe something like the schiit magni and dt770 for about 250.
Or maybe a build video with a couple simple builds that you could go through really quick.
Could be interesting.
Great video. I’d like to see a build, but centered around gaming.
I second this
Story driven vs mmo vs fps all could definitely end up different. That'd be a pretty cool video
@@TheJbh147 or series of videos!
@@TheJbh147 Would love to see a story driven / movie one. No youtuber covers this at all and it really is a gap in the discussion market
I heard a lot of complaints about focal elex due to poor quality control. Not sure if you are aware of, which i doubt. You still recommend this product?
I've had the Elex for the better part of a year with no issues. No hint of future issues either.
Surprised that the Hifiman Ananda didn't make it into this video. How does it stack up to the Elex or DT1990 Pro?
Really enjoying these system build videos. Watched this video a couple weeks ago and started hunting for deals to make a similar build and save where I could. Got the Focal Elex on eBay for around 550, the SH-9 for around 240 open-box on Amazon and picked up a SU-8 DAC open-box too for around 200 since the Modius is always back ordered. Can't wait to put them all together.
Can confirm the 1990 Pro is single-ended only.
Nothing a soldering iron and a 4pin XLR jack cant fix.
@@screwb1882 That's definitely an option. Or they can sell the 1990 and get a good headphone.
@@The_Real_Frisbee 1990 is already a good headphone and balanced doesn't means always better
This is very similar to what I am running. Same AMP and Headphone, but I have the bifrost 2 for a DAC. I was a bit nervous sticking with Schiit on my DAC, but it has performed above what I had hoped for. I really like these reviews and honestly I think this is what most people are looking for as they get into the audiophile world!
I pulled the trigger. I bought the following:
Headphone: Hifiman Sundara
Amp: SMSL SH-9
DAC: SMSL SU-9
Interconnect: XLR from Hard Audio
Headphone cable: Balanced cables Hart Audio
Mu budget was $1200. My understanding is that the Sundara is a very decent entry level headphone to the audiophile world. I made this dac/amp purchase given that my goal is to buy better cans in a year (range $800-1500).
Hey Joshua, I just bought a pair of the Focal Clear, is this set up you’ve highlighted here the best way to go to deck it all out?
Im loving the idea of an Audeze LCD 2C build for PC gaming and musical fidelity. Im trying to see a set up that is most efficient and powerful for that combo. I may have missed an existing video. Just a suggestion, however. I love your videos, descriptions you use for the outcomes from these amp/dac and heaphone combos is second to none. Thanks man.
Once again, awesome video! Right now I have a Focal Elegia and a Chord Mojo as my mobile setup, but I was thinking of doing something similar to use at home (on my desk) where I could use open-back headphones since audio bleed isn't an issue and for about the same price - this setup looks on point. What balanced cable would you recommend?
I don't know if it's outside your interests, since you mainly focus on headphones, but I'd love to see this series including a set of desktop powered speakers. It's still great though!
Your whole price based video series are great 👍. Keep up the great contents
Thank you for the great video!!. What would be the recommendation between the Focal Elex and the Hifiman Ananda for the same price?
I don't know why he didn't mention the ananda
I just realized I asked the same question lol.
@@davidmason8212 Because it's not that reliable
@@clickbaitpro
I don't agree with you at all.
I have used my 4xx everyday for the past 4 years.
I have heard alot of QC issues with Audeze , Hifiman, focal and AKG.
Any headphone except the sennheiser beyer and audio technica have a probability of having QC issues
Please do a review on powered speakers that can double as headphone amps! Plenty of speaker reviews but none on the headphone sound.
I have the Clears and absolutely love them! The cable is great for me as I listen 8.5 feet away so I always use it while fulling extended so don't get the kinks experienced when it's wrapped up.
Hey josh i have heard a lot of problems with the elex, have you ever received a pair that developed problems or came with problems such as channel imbalance or drivers that just didnt work at all? I really want to purchase a pair off of your recommendation but i keep seeing bad reviews. Would love to know your opinion
Yes, this is the one I waited. Thx a lot, m8. And as always, great video!
I cannot decide between the audeze 2c and the elex! I'm currently using sendy aiva and not overly impressed as it was my first pair of nice headphones. I have the THX AAA Dac/amp. Love your channel Josh!
love to see a setup with r2r DAC
*Joshua Valour* _2 hours ago_
Update: The new best $1200 system is the Drop HD 8XX and the THX 789.
Man you've made my evening here in Cape Town, thank you.
I think we love this stuff :)
I've been loving my combo of the Elex run by a Qudelix 5K. I got a custom 18" 2.5mm cable from Hart Audio, which makes this a very convenient "wireless" option for around the house.
I demoed the d5200 a year ago at my local audio store. Thought midbase was too strong and the sound felt really intimate, as a result it seemed quite muddy. At the time I had the he4xx and 660s as reference, I was used to the sound of those headphones. Really curious if what joshua says about it, and if it’s worth having a second look.
It costs 440€ in the netherlands, and the d7200 is 600€, both substantially cheaper than the sony z7.
Wow, I could get a brand new sundara and the d7200 for a sony z7 and €50 bill with the dutch prices.
Hi Josh. Why not the Ananda? Would you still recommend the Elex, over the Ananda for classical music?
DT1990 Pro is single ended only out of the box due to being 3-pin mini-XLR. The DT177X GO closed-back are 4-pin mini XLR and are the way forward I feel, one cable with balanced is amazing.
Because you’re able to rank these systems at the end of each video, rather than going off of a single price point, would you be open to creating what you would consider a 10/10 at different price ranges? Like $500-$750 or $500-$1000? I love the series nonetheless. Appreciate the content!
This is what he should have done.
Really enjoyed this show. How's Asgard 3 and Modius with the Focals?
So you think sh9 is a better pairing in this system than the Magnius?
Love this series. I too have a mismatched DAC/AMP stack and very happy with it. (Denafrips Ares II DAC with a Drop 789). Would be curious to hear your review of the Denafrips Ares II DAC.
Hey, not far from my build: Elex and SMSL SU-9. I drive with the Geshelli Erish balanced amp, or the Schiit Asgard 2 for a meatier presentation single-ended. One caveat, the SU9 Bluetooth has been broken in one unit and stuttering with LDAC or UAT codecs in second unit. AAC is okay.
Great video! I was honestly hoping you'd cover this pricepoint, so it's great to see! I do wanna ask though if you have an opinion on the ifi Zen DAC? Considering it's often regarded as one of the best entry level amp/dac options that can run balanced but for input and output.
I need to ask, after getting dac/amp/heaphones/cables... what do yo use to actually send music? Just a phone? A computer? Do you use certain apps/programs? Can you just stream music from spotify or youtube music or amazon music?
Hey Joshua, your videos help me a lot. I noticed you haven't done much comparison videos lately but I'd really appreciate if you could do a comparison between Elex, LCD2C and Ananda. Those are probably the best options between the 700-800 price range and there are no comparison between them. I want to buy one but I'm not quite sure.
I had all three and if I had to pick one it would be Elex. I think it's the best allrounder. LCD2C has really wonky frequency response and doesnt suite all types of music. Ananda is closer to Elex but has brighter leaner tonality. But dont get me wrong, I'm listing reasons why Elex is good choice if you can only get one, both LCD2C and Ananda have qualities which make them better than Elex in certain areas, like LCD2Cs rolled of treble and strong base and Anandas soundstage and sense of scale.
@@J4nda What do you mean by "wonky frequency response" and what are the genres (or type of sounds) where the LCD2C doesn't work well? Having not listened to any, actually the LCD2C is my first option right now because I want to buy the 6xx and the Audeze seems to compliment it very well (planar vs dynamic, better bass, wider soundstage). Also, I'm interested in the warm and inviting sound (rather than analytical and cold) and the great mids and vocals of the LCD2C (at least according to Joshua). I really fear that the Elex and especially the Ananda may be too harsh and "detailed" for what I'm looking for (I'm not into "studio headphones", I don't want to work with these). The Audeze could also work better for immersive gaming and movies than the other two.
@@g1g2g3g4g5gt I think that LCD2C works nicely atleast with rock, metal and electronic music which I feel are sometimes annoyingly bright with Ananda. I also have HD58X which is pretty close to 6XX and those are also pretty easy to listen. I just feel that if I swap between LCD2C and some other headphones LCD2C seems to be very subdued on some areas, but after a while I get accustomed to it at it's usually very pleasing to listen. LCD2C might nicely compliment 6XX and both seem to fit the style you are looking for.
@@J4nda That's great! I'm actually a bit torn between LCD2C and LCD2F. The Headphone Show really doesn't like the first one, but I'm not sure whether the issues they found can be fixed with some EQ and if they are such a big deal to begin with. LCD2F costs $200 more, it's even heavier and doesn't go on sale very often.
Hi! Thanks for the video; have been following a channel for a while now. Followed the recommendation (mostly) and got Focal Clear + SMSL SH-9 + Schiit Modius. Hope it is still relevant and I will have fun. Fingers crossed!
curious why you choose the SMSL SH-9 over the 789? when on the amplifier tier list you put the 789 at an A and the SH-9 at a C tier
Man, every headphone that I want is not available in Europe or only for exorbitant prices. You guys don't know how you good you have it with all the massdrop stuff!
I feel this was a good review of a $1,200 system. I enjoyed hearing about the mismatched components and how they play together. I own the Elex, so happy to hear about them in agreement.
J, how about a system build featuring the Arya since that is one of your most beloved cans? I listen to the Arya and Elex using the THX AAA Dual 788 DACAMP & also using the Xduoo TA-20 balanced amp (currently with stock tubes) coupled with the Drop Grace SDAC balanced DAC. I enjoy these system build reviews, thanks & nice job.
Has Focal fixed their issues though? Lots of people have reported drivers dying or better yet soldering being terrible. I love the elex and would be my number 1 choice but I worry about spending quite a bit of money to get bad quality compared to my 12 year old DT880.
1990 is 3 pin and single-ended.
Would you suggest one of your system builds to pair with a Sundara for a balanced system, please? Or do you still need to prepare a suitable one for these headphones?
Call me an OCD sufferer but I have trouble with DAC and amp looking so mismatched visually. I'm being a little critical here on this $1200 build tier as it's in the ballpark of what I'm thinking of spending. I'm on Oz and there's a current deal on the SU9+SH9 combo of $AU1077 ($US800). The Elex headphones are a likely choice for me but quality issues are a concern, they're $AU800 here.
On paper I really like the look of the SU9 and having Bluetooth 5.0 is a plus.
I never heard the Elex, but i love the Clear.
No matter what i stick with my JDS Labs The Element. Cant live without that knob!
______________________
BTW there is a new Focal Headphone: Focal Celeste!
Clear is the bomb!
Finally Denon D5200 showed up. I'm using them and I think it's pretty good.
Highly recommend the Dekoni attenuation rings but they need to be slightly cut down to size (easy with the pad bracket already on the D5200).
@@TOM7952 What is the benefit using that? It will change the sound?
@@pocak89 Bass increase and tighter base. Slightly reduced highs but overall a better sound. I enjoyed the D5200 stock but with the added plastic rings they sound ever better. You could make them yourself for like $1 but you would need to know the offset hole pattern.
Hi Josh! Its a little bit off topic but what do you think for you the midrange and the vocal tuning better on the lcd2 c than on the 660s?
Another good vid! When you compared the Denon D5200 to modded Fostex cans, were you also referring to the Modhouse Argons?
Not really. Modhouse is kinda a different beast and sound signature.
Would this build recommendation work for movie watching? Conversely would your channel review something like the JVC Exofield wireless atmos headphones? Looking for a high end movie listening solution that won’t wake the family late nights. Love the channel!
Nice video. Thanks Josh
Whats the sound difference going from a Magnius to a SH-9 ?
Currently considering a full Schiit stack VS full SMSL stack but i never thought of matching the SH9 with the Modius
will you be reviewing the focal celestee headphone when it becomes available?
I run my Elex with the Monolith amp/DAC. I replaced the stock cable with a Periapt balanced cable. Sound is neutral and resolving with solid bass. Treble is clean and well articulated but as a result, it is pretty revealing of poor recordings. Sounds good but would like to see if another amp and / or DAC can add a touch of midrange warmth to balance out the high end a bit.
What about the Hifiman Ananda for $700?
I actually own the Focal Elex and Sundara driven by the Topping A50s D50s Stack.
Hey Josh, just curious, what's your most commonly used music source? TIDAL? Vinyl?
0:11 well-done
Hi Josh!! Great video.. Do you have plans to review Denon AH D9200?
Elex is very good if it works. Personally experienced driver failure on this unit.
nice my setup is $100 used (Presonus HP4 $40, Xenyx 302USB $40, AKG k240 600 OHM $20)
For $700, Which headphone is better for gaming & music? The Focal Elex or the hifiman Ananda?
Another great video, thank you
Hey josh nice video! Can you do a best Spotify/Apple Music set up?
My $1200 build would be HD8xx ($650 used), Monolith 788 ($350 used) and a balanced cable ($110) and you basically get the $2000 experience for almost half the price.
Hi Joshua! Love your videos, very informative and honest opinions, like that :) Do you have advice for me, because looking a new headphone to replace my Sennheiser HD650:s, 10y old. Budjet is about the 1200e. But i already have NAIM Dac V1, which makes wonders to my 650:s. Great amp for anything i think so that's not a problem. Thinking between Audeze LCD-X or the Focals new Radiance model. I do like bass but also clear vocals, but mainly a warm cosy sound is more important than huge clear soundstage. Mainly do listen techno, trance, rock and 80s and 90s music. Also vocal tracks that do go high. So difficult :D I could also double the budget if there is bang for money, for example Focal Stellia or MEZE Empyrean. Looking to use these for next 10years at least. I know you like HIFIMAn Arya, but for some reason i dont think that's my thing. I do like quality builds so that's one reason.
The Meze will probably last forever and sound exactly like the headphone you want.
An Asgaard 3 or Jotunheim 2 would haven a better and/or much better choice.
what do you think of the smsl sp200 and m200?
Hey bro your links on twitter/fb/ig/patreon arent working for my pc using duck duck go ... maybe has something to do with the icons , not sure. comes up w / missing 404 errors.
What about the Hifiman Ananda as an alt?
Great series!
I expect you to mention the Ananda .
From my own perspective for a headphone over 700 bucks i would never get a dynamic headphone.
I think getting lcd2c or ananda is way better than getting elex.
How about the Grace Design Balanced DAC? It's on Amazon for $160. Is that not a good balanced DAC?
Hello i am planning to go with a future proof system a90 and d90 you think it would be good with the ELEX?
Hey Josh I like these videos! Do you think you could do an amp/dac recommendation video for PS5. I want to get an awesome amp/dac for high quality audio but with some sort of mic use as well. Thanks
That minor drawback of having only 3 feet bothered me WAY more than it should have.
WHO WOULD LET THAT PASS QC?!
It kinda sucks that you can't get an elex in Europe, where it's made. These are not that many options for that price here. You can get LCD-2(C) or Hifiman Ananda for little bit more money and that's pretty much it
Which MQA supported DAC can I interchange for this setup? I was thinking of upgrading my desktop setup am still looking for a Dac upgrade but will still use MQA. I love the sound upgrade from MQA and without the need to worry about my files.
gustard x16
@@chefsteve8381 seems interesting! I will consider that. Thanks!
If I'm not going balanced, Asgard 3 or SH-9 in terms of cleanliness/enjoyment? Want an upgrade from my JDS Atom.
May want to mention the cables for the headphones fail at the headphone end. Both of mine did.
I have a magni 3+ and a modi and am wondering what headphones pair well with those besides the hd58x jubilee (the ones I have now)
Great video 🙂 do you have plans to review the Monoprice liquid gold X?
Great content babe
Maybe JV could do a used series where he goes exploring systems from various classifieds to see how much bang he can get per $. I've had great success buying used and typically target products < 50% of msrp.
I really wish Schiit would have made a multibit option for the Modius!
Nice. I’d swap out the Topping for a Jotenheim 2 though.
thanks for shaking my house and waking my grandma with that intro. Maybe next time a intro for your intro?
Why the SMSL over the Magnius? Magnius offers similar power, clean measurements, cheaper price and looks the part when "stacked" with the modius.
no dsd
Josh, an idea for a video. Compare similar price DAP vs DAC/Amp combo. Lets say Astell and kern Kann Alpha vs Topping 90 stack.
Can you do a system that would shine for a particular style/genre of music or a system for e.g. bassheads