Focal Elex and Audeze LCD-2C | Worth it in 2021?
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- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
- Audeze LCD2 Classics Here - amzn.to/3tMNxSu
Focal Elex Here - massdrop.7eer.net/aDBJb
Here are all my recommendations!
OPEN BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Arya - amzn.to/3cDZ0vT
🥈 DIANA V2 - abyss-headphones.com/products....
🥉 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.net/mmKDX
🥈 SHP 9500 - amzn.to/32ZQJ0S
🥉 K361 - amzn.to/2P1Adux
AMPLIFIERS & DACS
🥇 THX AAA Dual 788 DACAMP - amzn.to/3cHHTJC
🥈 THX 789 / 887 - amzn.to/2TwsvZg / massdrop.7eer.net/DmW0n
🥉 DX3 Pro - amzn.to/2wJGp0X
IEMS
🥇 Fir M5 - www.firaudio.com/store/m5
🥈 ZUES - massdrop.7eer.net/rN9Ny
🥉 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.
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#Elex #Audeze #Worthit
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Sooooo... Headphones.com is actually selling the clear for $990.... I would get this over the elex while supplies last - www.headphones.com/collections/focal-clear-collection/products/focal-clear-over-ear-open-back-headphones
S tier headphone. Even when full price but its now under 1000! I may even say that.. i would buy these over the 8XX 👀
What about the LCD-2 over the 2C? It's the same price as the Clear now ($990), it is that much better over the 2C? I am not shy of EQing so the LCD-2 looks more appealing.
Would you say at that price point it would be a even better buy to go with the OG vs the MG in this case? Update: I bought the Focal Clear OG.
@@iknowyounot88 Check out his review of the MG. He prefers the Clear over the MG for tonal balance. The rest seemed like a wash.
@@Knux0r feel like I've gotten a little stirred up over to many reviews. You're right though haha
very in on the upfront summaries - ppl enjoy knowing the answer, then choosing to explore in more detail, rather than being strung along
Yeah, for those of us who don't have that much time, its very convenient
That footage pops right off the screen! Keep up the great work!
Thank God... a reviewer who answer the question of the review, within the first min. And it makes it easier to follow your remarks in the review. Thumbs up just for that.
Immediate thumbs up for the straight answer at the beginning. Also that neon shot at the intro is just perfection, wow!
I got my LCD2Cs 3 years ago. They sounded great when I got them. I needed to replace the pleather pads on them and saw that Audeze had a new pad design shipping with all their new sets. Thinner and a different foam material. OMG. Love the 2Cs even more now! Vocals are just as good but just have the top end finish that they were missing somewhat. Everything opened up but still has the upfront vocal presence I loved about them. Highly recommended pad swap.
Just made this decision 2 weeks ago between these two.. watched those respective reviews and went with the classics. Being in Canada price is pretty much the same and supported a local shop. Picked up the xduoo xd-05 basic w/ the bass boost I’m loving it and would like to say endgame but c’mon..
Great comparison as usual and glad you still rec. 🙌
Thanx for the awesome macro shot of the Elex. Paused the video and captured it. Makes an amazing wallpaper
some shots here are truly amazing. holywood level really some macro shots here. amazing, and the josh colour lightning touch, great!!!!
This video is simply amazing. Thank you for making it! Never be scared to "redo" videos, it really shows the strength of the recommendations.
Those close up shots with colorful lights are just something else, so much aesthetical pleasure !
I had to pause just to stare at the beauty i see
I'm one of the people who can't afford these headphones, but man Josh's production work is a piece of living art that I have to watch as soon as it comes out.
Gotta say, I'm a massive music fan, and this channel really opened me up to higher quality headphones. After watching dozens of your videos (and Z!s and DMS's etc. ), I pulled the trigger on a Hersey/Modi stack, and a open box Elex (for 500!). LCD 2c is the next down the line Thank you!
I love my LCD-2C, tomorrow I finally gonna pick up my balanced cable (4 weeks waiting😱, handcrafted 👌). I'm also happy with my IEM Jerry harvey diana paired with A&K AK70 MKII, great sound I recommend to try this combo
Hey man! Great cinematography as always ❤️
Would love to see your take on the Focal Celestee!
Love the macro B-roll shots, sick man 😍. Also great video overall, keep it up!👍
That opening shot was 10/10, I'd love to see a similar video but about the closed versions of each
Wow perfect timing. My LCD 2C just came in today 😂
Love them so far. Also got some hd600s today but the clamp force was way too much so they're stretching out on my monitor speakers for a few days
The intro shot looks like a render, super quality video man!
I got put on to these thanks to your $1200 build video. Ordered them and the other components open box so I was able to shave quite a bit off the price. Love them so far! And I don't feel FOMO with the Clear since I got the Elex around 600 practically new
After months of watching Z reviews and yourself, 2weeks ago I decided on the Sony Z1r's and they have been a delight. I won't stop watching, and again, thanks for your reviews and content 👍
Z reviews lol. Zeos is tone deaf
10/10 intro, nice shots too ma dude!
I’m lucky enough to own both. These are my two favorite cans I own. They are just amazing for the price. So much you can do with them.
I get how you and others draw a relationship line between the Senn 650/6XX and the Drop x Focal Elex. I do love the 6XX experience. It's super-fun and so easily enjoyable. I especially love the whole Bottlehead Crack + 6XX thing. The Elex is, as you mention, simply more capable in more areas. More and better quality bass, more and better HF, more and better resolution, and especially better soundstage/imaging. The Senn 600-series thing is singular'ish, particular, and even peculiar in what it does well - that midrange tonal character is so organic. It's not necessarily presented in a palpable soundstage field, but it's so natural and textured. I actually find that the Drop x AeonX is more similar to the 6XX; like just a little, but noticeable, refinement in all areas over the 6XX.
I've enjoyed my 6XX but after spending most of the year with high quality IEMS, I understand what "veiled" means and I'm ready to sell my Senns and upgrade to something better.
Love the intro, thanks for answering the title immediately.
Drop had a bit if a snafu with replacement pads for the Elex (pads were not the same quality or thickness) and refunded everyone that had ordered them. So far I haven't seen any option to get replacement pads. I haven't seen them on offer by Drop since. Kind of a bummer since the closest pads to the Elex are for the Clear and those cost close to $200. I've got a year an a half on these as my daily driver and I'm hoping they offer up the original pads again soon. Then again, that $990 deal on the Clear is crazy tempting! Thanks for the great content!
I have the LCD-2C’s coming in right now. Very excited to upgrade my music listening!
Loved my he4xx, upgraded to the elex. Love it even more! Definitely a nice upgrade. Now I’m eyeballing the non pro MG. Looking forward to your review, it’s beautiful.
Good luck with there driver failures
@Tweed Penguin I have right too given I own it.
There junk
your b roll footage is some of the best on youtube
I have Focal Clears and Audeze LCD-2’s. They are both IMO, stunning cans for the money.
I've actually been thinking of getting the LCD2C/Magnius combo. This video hits the spot. I feel like a lot of content revolves around the high end, but there isn't too much about the $400 and $600-800 sweet spots.
Also I very much enjoy the chill vibes you and your videos give off 🙂
I'd suggest the Asgard 3 over the Magnius.
I love the close up shots, a tip on how to get rid of the tiny dust particles is using one of those "sticky hands" kid toys hah, works like a charm. Stickers work too.
Killer opening shots!
I wish you had included the Ananda's in this. I think it would also be wise to mention the well documented driver failure issues on the Elex.
I wonder why he didn't mention the problems with the elex 🤔
I needed this info thank you Josh ❤️
There should be more video's like these. There are so many old headphones with great reputations but so are new great headphones coming out at the same price. I always wonder if they still hold up compared to their competitors.
What are the "new great headphones coming out at the same price"?? Tbh the only headphones I know around the 600-900 price range are the Ananda, lcd2c and Elex.
@@g1g2g3g4g5gt I guess you could put some chi-fi action in the "new, maybe punches above weight" group. Gold Planar Gl2000 comes to mind as a recent example. Folks always want to know how the proven headphones compare to the new upstarts.
@@Schild4823 Yeah, but that one got pretty bad reviews. Mixed to say the least, especially if you are like me and can't stand Zeos (videos are too long and I don't even find his jokes funny).
Almost 2 years with the 2C and couldn't be happier. Probably gonna be my endgame, tried the Clears but they were a bit metallic to my ear. Also sick B-rolls Josh.
Do you EQ them?
@@stuka78 On digital rips I don't but on LP-rips I use Metal571's EQ, yes.
I love the 2C's. I bought the carbon fiber headband and leather replacement pads, and it's so damn sweet.
@@chunkylover5367 Did the real leather pads change the sound much? Been thinking of getting them too
@@exact3 Not sure. I Couldn't use the synthetic pads much because they got too hot and my right ear was touching the driver a bit. If anything the little extra depth probably added a little low end. Side note: the audeze leather pads smell really damn good.
Has anyone with a huge head actually had the Audeze headphones on? I wear a 7 5/8 fitted cap and have a hard time finding a comfortable set of cans. Do those luxurious looking pads clear the top and bottom of ears?
Having such a big head has made me fit sensitive over the years.
Keep up the great work Josh!
Concise, informative, flawless production. Recently picked up LCD2C 2nd hand $500 couldn't be happier.
I bought a Grado RS1e to compliment my LCD 2C, some vocals sounds more natural on my Grado
Just bought a pair of 2Cs... Back watching your videos to justify them being my end game headphone. Just need a set of STAX to round out my stable of headphones.
This video is actually quite funnily timed as I just got my hands on both of them after ordering them a while back, could not agree with you more. Love them both to death, though I will say the LCD-2Cs take the crown for most comfortable headphone of all time imho, the fact that you can swivel the drivers so that they aren't parallel is a huuuuge plus, and with a little EQ the low end slams like nothing else.
The level of your videos is INSANE
Seriously i really love your videos. informative, high quality and just really enjoyable. Greetings from Denmark
I have both and use an Element 2 and both sound brilliant in different ways.
I would take the Focal Clear over the Elex. Clears are on sale atm at $990 since the new Clear MGs are coming out
I saw that last night! Good stuff for sure!
Yeah hoping they will still be on sale for a big longer so I can snag one up.
The suggestion would have been the Celestee if one were looking for a closed back option. With the OG Clear now at the same price point, that is decidedly the way to go over anything under 1k
Is there a huge difference in sound between Focal Clear and new Focal Clear MG? Do you really feel it?
I own a Focal Clear love it and want to have a close look at MG version if it represents a real improvement
@@io_metre according to Resolve, from Headphonesdotcom, they are pretty much the same, differences are minimal, he has a recent video and he spends some time comparing them.
The opening scene is killing!
Great video !
Your B-roll is on another level
I own HE400i 2020, dont like them for the shrill and highs; tried LCD2C in a shop for a hour, fell in love! A bit expensive (900 euro) but very nice. As soon as i sell the hifiman... ;-)
God these videos are full of amazing shots. Keep up the great work!
closed back headphones recommendations and comparisons please 😍😍😍
That intro clip 😍😍
That opening B roll though 👌
Welp, I just bought a HD660s for 300€. Too bad these headphones are crazy expensive here in Europe.. like, several hundreds more than in the US :/
I'm super happy with my choice though, made my decision based on your and Zeos' reviews. Keep up the great work mate!!
Where did you buy HD660s for €300?
@@MrLimaify It was on a Hungarian site for 110k HUF which is around 300 euro, maybe a bit more, like 305 or so. But this was the last one there, sadly.
Just a note for the nylon ring on the LCD-2c. It is glass fiber rienforced nylon, the same material used in power tools from impact wrenches to cordless drills. It is insanely tough is a massive step up from the wood in terms of durability.
I own the LCD2C's and have been patiently waiting for a good price on a used elex....then Lo and behold I find a 6 month old clear professional for $750. The audio stars aligned at the perfect moment but damn the wait for shipping is killing me lol.
Great review as always, and love the camera work. Top notch
Amazing vid was deciding between the 660s and Elex as being in the UK they are close in price. I would love if you could review the RME ADI 2 FS. Thanks!!!
I have both. The Elex is punchier and more detailed, the 660S is smoother and to my ear sounds more natural. I quite enjoy the Elex, but tire of it after an hour or two. I can listen to the 660S all day. Both are being fed from an RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Roon with Oratory’s EQ on both.
I wanted to get the Elex but there's so many people complaining about driver fail. You'd think Focal would have better QC.
Mine has been working for 5 months now. No issues whatsoever. Not even clipping at sub bass. Hope it stays that way.
Yep. Focal well known for channel imbalance and terrible quality controls
@@chefgav1 Just the elex, not their others
@@chefgav1 Focal hater spotted Iol
I have the Ananda and dying to try Audeze and Elex. $700 is sweet spot for high end headphones imo. I missed my Dt 1990 though, best rock and roll beast.
nah best rock&roll beast are my LCD 2C they got rough energy 🤘
I wanted to give the Elex a try after not finding the 6XX comfortable as it looks like the pads are comfier and the clamp pressure wouldn't all be centered around below the ear. After researching it sounds like they're basically ticking time bombs with how often the drivers fail, very clever planned obsolescence. Ended up getting an X2HR after having an X2 for a long time and regrettably getting rid of it. Also a 560s to compliment it. I'll be waiting for Sennheiser to finally dump money into R&D after partnering with Sonova and hopefully bring a true successor to the 6x0 and 800 series headphones.
Honestly i was shopping for an Elex or the Elegia, but after weighing everything went for the Elegia (yeah i wanted a Focal haha, love the design and sound way too much), i'd rather risk a low chance of the headband breaking (can be mitigated) than a 100% chance of a driver failing (nothing you can do about that), plus going back to closed-backs was surprisingly nice, and for 400$, holy shit, the sound...
Thank you for at least stating the quality of the Focal cables. Yes, I know, I know, they are very stiff, but the materials quality, fit, and finish is top-notch. Like TOP-NOTCH.
Hey Josh love your reviews was wondering why the hifiman Ananda not up their these 2 ? is it a step down ?
That intro shit is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen
Hey Joshua, I love your content and what you bring to the audio review world. Do you think you might release a video on your content creation process because the quality is impeccable! Keep the vids coming!
Had the 2C for a few years now. It looks the same as the day I got it aside from some dust. The pads still don't look like they're worn. It's built like a tank. I'll probably be able to hand this thing off to my son in great condition.
Also have no desire to upgrade. I don't go to audio shows to know what I'm missing, but the subbass is unlike any other headphone I've used, and EQ brings in the top end which does resolve, it just isn't quite forward enough with default tuning. The mids are excellent to begin with.
It's a total endgame candidate IMO. Also JDS atom is only $100 which gets you plenty of power and perfectly detailed output and you can EQ to color as desired.
Please review some closed back headphones.
Thanks!
No love for the ananda?
Nah
Which Ananda?
Got cha so my next purchase Ill have to check out the LCD-2C
Hello Mr. Josh I was rewatching this video. I love my 2C so much. What would you recommend as a next step up for me?
Will you be reviewing the harmonicdyne Zeus? Would love to hear your impressions on them
Nice video - and always nice with some reassurance, I still love my LCD-2Cs, though I'll admit they are getting a bit heavy / giving me a hotspot (the strap stretches it seems) now that I'm wearing them many hours every day working from home, and then trying to enjoy them later.
I was wondering if you have any plans of trying out any of the Kennerton headphones, or the LSA versions of them. The few reviews I have managed to find seem like they are just borderline perfect, but I'd love to hear some thoughts from someone I've heard more reviews from. The LSA HP-1 in particular look like an absolute no-brainer at the price if the reviews I have seen hold any truth.
Hi,there is an easy mod u can do that u can find online. i ve done it myself it will relief u for sure! My problem with the 2c is the clamping pressure and the suction^
I did do the strap length adjustment mod if that's what you're referring to, but I've found that after a while it just stretched some more, and now the metal headband is touching my head again. I even hang them just by the metal part to avoid stretching the strap, but no luck. I luckily have a tiny head, so clamping pressure is not an issue at all, though the "suction" would definitely be something I'd be willing to give up ;) It's funny, cause when you see Joshua wearing them in this video there's a pretty large gap between the strap and the metal - but on mine the metal is leaning on the strap.
@@theodorthiele well i m just glad then that i did both sides the holes further up^^i really feel u paying so much for such a bad design is just unacceptable. For the suction u can order the dekoni perforated pads,i ve read that fixes it and they have measurements in their site on how they affect the response. i hope i ve helped
A month back I was in this very category for shopping for a "great" headphone. I actually went with the Audeze LCD-GX over the Audeze LCD-2C. Not sure why Joshua didn't particularly gush and fawn over the GX, like other reviewers, but for me, it blows both this Focal Elex and regular LCD-2C out of the water. I currently pair it with a Schiit Hel and its been amazing! Curiously enough, Joshua didn't make over the Meze Empyreans like other reviewers either.... A lot of people say they are better than Abyss and Hifimans. Strange....
if you think away the mic on the GX. what headphone is it? it's an LCD-X ?
Worth it in 2023 would be a definite watch. It seems not much has changed in the open back over ear market other than the new Meze 109 pro.
Many thanks for the great comparison. How would these work with a chord mojo? Would it have enough power to drive them properly. Many thanks,
I used to have the Elex Josh but I had problems with the balanced wire and then the right drivers went off. I lived outside the US so it's kind of expensive in returning them. though massdrop needs a US address before they refund or exchange. Do the elex at 2021 still have that kind of problem?
Funny thing, was looking at Elex vs LCD2 just this morning.
If you like bass, get the 2C. The sub bass is unlike anything I got with midrange Sennheisers.
Your production quality is phenomenal. Subbed.
I've had the Elex for a ~a couple of years now, and have found a great amp match for them with the Schiit Lyr 3. If you invest in a few NOS tubes, it is totally worth the investment imo. I have found my endgame.
I loved my Focal Elex headphones, both pairs I had, before each of them died within one year of having them. I was always super obsessive about putting them back in the box, but both died anyway. Thank goodness the 2nd pair died while still under warranty by a few weeks. I got a full refund from Drop and now I'm hoping the Audeze LCD2C goes on sale for Black Friday. I may someday buy another pair of Elexes, but I'd be very cautious about that, given the 2 that suddenly died on me. They do sound stunning, while they work. My other pair is the Drop 6XXs, which are nice, but the sound is smeary and veiled compared to the Elexes. Too bad about Focal's QC on those.
I've had Elex for a couple years now, also return to case after use, no problems so far at all
Hi Josh. Can you please review the Hifiman He-400se? There's not a lot of information about them on RUclips.
The problem with the DROP items is basically the taxes and VAT for people who don't live in the US.
I ordered the HD58X a while ago and it came to about 250$ overall and they do not calculate it beforehand like Amazon.
Is there anything similar at Amazon for the Focal ELEX? I like my headphones with bass but still a clear treble.
Thanks
7:45 what a fantastic shot!
Curious if you are using the Laowa Probe Lens for those macro shots.
I'm sure this has been covered, but just wanted to say that those initial closeups were amazing, especially the shot of the Elex.
Iirc from your Elex review, it was '90% of the Clear at 50% of the price', and I suspect with some small EQ adjustments that gap could be closed further.
Love the no bs approach :)
Don't forget the Elex has a ton of QC driver failures
@JoshuaValour, I'm considering getting the LCD-2C. Do you consider this to be more close to HD600 in terms of mids and vocals? I want this because you said they are warm and that the voices sound amazing! This sounds exactly what I want... But in other reviews, I have heard that there are some deeps in the mids. Do voices feel affected? I'm only interested in very good mids, good bass, and a relaxed/warm sound. I already have the Edition XS, Sundara, AKG K702 and I now I want something diffrent. Something more dark and warm. Do you consider the LCD-2c an upgrade?
The B roll looking better than some movies
Hey, I was wondering if you could review the PS5's headphone and compare it to other like-price headphones. Especially its surround feature. Thanks.
I really love my LCD 2 C
I’m afraid to even touch the Elex with the reviews about the potential of audio cut off on one side of the headphone.
it's a literal blessing that this just came out, I've been trying to decide which ones to get as my first good azz pair of headphones but now that there is literally a direct comparison it couldn't be easier. Thanks, Josh ᕙ(▀̿̿Ĺ̯̿̿▀̿ ̿) ᕗ
hey Joshua, why you never do a review for lcd-2c closed. I have a noisy family and would like some isolation. I was thinking on buying the lcd-2c and cut out a piece of carbon fiber to cover up the back so I can get some isolation. what you think ?
Just picked up the schiit Hel2. I'm torn between these and the 699 Ananda. Suggestions? Thanks!
Would it be much of an upgrade from the DT 1990 Pro to the LCD-2C?
did you get new lenses? cause the video looks clean AF
Will headphones like these sound ok with a nomad amp/dac like a chord mojo (or any other portable amp/dac i'm not aware of)?
Ive been watch your review this lcd2c, but your latest videos has always about hifiman edition xs..which is good between two or maybe you can make a new video Hifiman Editon XS VS Audeze LCD2 Classic as well? My preference is to enjoy listening the music and hope for big soundstage and good imaging. Hope you can answer this..
I literally just bought Elex yesterday so they better be. Also the timing of this video is kinda crazy.
Edit: Thank god.
Enjoy your Elex. My favorite out of my collection.