Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Elex
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Driver: 40 mm aluminum-magnesium “M”-shaped dome full-range dynamic driver
- Impedance: 80 Ω
- Sensitivity: 104 dB SPL / 1 mW @ 1 kHz
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 23 kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.3% @ 1 kHz / 100 dB SPL
- Weight: 450 g (≈ 15.9 oz)
- Cable Length: 1.8 m (6 ft) cloth-wrapped cable
- Headphone Style: Open-back circumaural (over-ear) design
- Warranty: 3-year manufacturer’s warranty
Description
The Elex represents the culmination of Focal's brilliant engineering minds coming together to bring the best of Elear and Clear to create a truly great dynamic headphone listening experience.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Focal monitors are noted for their "mid-forward" sound, guiding users toward balanced mixes, particularly in the midrange frequencies, which aids in crucial EQ and dynamics decisions.
- They integrate an inverted dome tweeter crafted from Aluminum/Magnesium or Beryllium, optimizing high-frequency dispersion and minimizing distortion through back wave absorption.
- Focal frequently employs flax or "W" composite sandwich cones in their mid-bass drivers, providing a lightweight yet rigid diaphragm construction that delivers exceptional definition and controlled bass.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Theva
- Positioning: The entry-level series in Focal's high-fidelity lineup.
- Description: Features Focal's signature technologies like the TNF tweeter for clear treble. Compared to the Aria Evo X, offers a more budget-friendly option with simpler cabinet designs. While it lacks the advanced materials found in the Kanta series, still provides a solid performance for its price range, suitable for basic home audio setups.
Aria Evo X
- Positioning: Sits in the mid-range of Focal's lineup, offering a balance between performance and affordability.
- Description: Features flax cone technology, providing natural sound and excellent dynamics. More refined than Theva, offering better build quality and soundstage.
Kanta
- Positioning: A premium series, offering advanced technology and design.
- Description: Known for their innovative design and use of materials like the Flax sandwich cone and Beryllium tweeter, delivering precise and detailed sound. They offer a more sophisticated sound profile than Aria Evo X, with enhanced clarity and warmth.
Sopra
- Positioning: A high-end series, just below the flagship Utopia line, focusing on compactness and performance.
- Description: Excels in sound transparency and precision, featuring technologies like the Infinite Horn Loading system for improved treble. They offer a richer harmonic experience than Kanta.
Utopia III Evo
- Positioning: Focal's flagship series, representing the pinnacle of their speaker technology.
- Description: Renowned for their exceptional sound quality and luxurious design, incorporating technologies like the Beryllium tweeter and W composite sandwich cone. They surpass Sopra in every aspect, offering groundbreaking soundstage and detail, ideal for large dedicated listening rooms and those with no budget constraints.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
239
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
10
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
79
Founding Year
1979
Our take on the brand
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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Used
Focal
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Focal
Hadenys
754
754
/
13
Reviews
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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Product Strengths
- Beautiful design and build quality with premium materials, like a magnesium yoke and genuine leather headband
- Good comfort with memory foam earpads and breathable cloth, though some find the pads shallow
- Well-rounded tonal balance with surprisingly strong bass for an open-back headphone
- Easy to drive and forgiving with different audio sources
- Clear and spacious sound presentation, with accurate imaging
Product Considerations
- The price point may be higher than some consumers want to pay
- The relatively small size might not fit all head shapes comfortably
- Stock cable is reported to have memory and be unwieldy
- Sound staging isn't the widest
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Azurys: Some prefer the sound of the Azurys for some songs and use cases
- Vs Sennheiser HD600: Hadenys has improvements in the bass and treble response, and there's more oomph and weight in the bass
- Vs Focal Clear MG: Hadenys manages to provide a remarkable amount of Clear MG for a lower price
- Vs Focal Elex: dynamics are not on par with the Focal Elex
- Vs Sennheiser HD 660S2: The Focal manages to feel as solid, while looking better, wearing better and sounding better
Takeaway: The Hadenys offers a stylish design, comfortable fit, and well-rounded sound, making it a versatile headphone for enjoying music at home. Its solid construction and easy-to-drive nature make it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a premium listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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FIIO
FT7
699
699
/
11
Reviews
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Uses premium materials like carbon fiber, metal, sheep lambskin earpads, and zebra wood faceplates for a luxurious feel, with excellent build quality
- Has a mostly neutral sound signature, with lambskin pads bass response is very good with a tasteful emphasis placed on the sub-bass region, and a decent midrange
- Provides good detail retrieval, resolution, and transparency of sound, the drivers can show plenty of information and micro detail
- A pad swapping system allows changes to sound characteristics, with lambskin pads and breathable fabric pads included
- Comes with a quarter-inch adapter and a 4-pin XLR adapter for use with portable or desktop devices
Product Considerations
- The stock cable is 3 meters long, which is too long for desktop use
- Headband adjustment can be a little stiff to move
- With leather pads, the highs can get slightly sharp
- There is a slight sharpness in the upper treble that might pose a problem for some listeners, using fabric pads can mitigate this
- Weight distribution could be better, there's not enough padding on the headband, and the clamp force is low, this distributes all the weight across the top of the head, which can be bothersome after 40-50 minutes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Susvara: Has a similar driver structure
- Vs HiFiMan HE1000 Unveiled: Is close in terms of technical performance like resolution, transient response, soundstage, depth, and openness
- Vs HiFiMan Arya Stealth: Has a better build quality and bass response
Takeaway: The FiiO FT7 is a well-built, comfortable headphone that offers a neutral-leaning-warm sound that can be tailored with different earpads. The FT7 competes with other headphones that cost significantly more, making it a great pick at its price point.
Video review
Our take on the brand
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
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Neumann
NDH 30
649
649
/
11
Reviews
Neumann pioneered studio recording technology by creating the first mass-produced condenser microphone in 1928 and introducing then-novel features like remotely switchable polar patterns. The company also manufactured the record-cutting lathes that defined vinyl mastering—a rare dual legacy. The brand offers faithful reissues of historic microphones built from original blueprints and studio monitors with phase linearization DSP, serving professional recording engineers and classical music producers who demand period-correct sonics and precise acoustic control.
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Product Strengths
- Excellent stereo separation for mixing and monitoring
- Built with aluminum, it has a durable feel
- Designed for reference listening
- Clean, linear, and very detailed mids
Product Considerations
- Sound can be considered somewhat restrained, lacking upper midrange and low to HF 'hype'
- Cloth ear pads may not feel as soft or luxurious as velour pads on some other headphones
- Lacks impact and bite
- Headband padding is uncomfortable
- Single-entry cable is on the right side, which is an unusual placement
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sennheiser HD650: Differences come down to something similar to a full-range studio monitor versus a full-range hifi speaker of equal build quality and similar design, Sennheisers are geared more towards enjoying the brain-pleasing sounds of music, while you probably want to mix with the Neumanns
- Vs Sennheiser HD600/650: The HD600 and HD650 are more comfortable, with a better industrial design than the NDH-30
Takeaway: The Neumann NDH 30 is a tool that can be very helpful for mixing sessions, especially for identifying details in the mid-range of a mix. Its design and build quality also make it a lasting product.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Neumann pioneered studio recording technology by creating the first mass-produced condenser microphone in 1928 and introducing then-novel features like remotely switchable polar patterns. The company also manufactured the record-cutting lathes that defined vinyl mastering—a rare dual legacy. The brand offers faithful reissues of historic microphones built from original blueprints and studio monitors with phase linearization DSP, serving professional recording engineers and classical music producers who demand period-correct sonics and precise acoustic control.
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Thieaudio
Wraith
549
549
/
10
Reviews
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
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Product Strengths
- The Wraith features an all-metal alloy body that feels sturdy and durable
- The earcups feature a rotating mechanism, making it convenient to rest the headphones around the neck
- The design is considered stylish, industrial, and unique
- The suspension headband design distributes weight evenly, making it comfortable to wear for long listening sessions
Product Considerations
- The Wraith's headband adjustment system is not very practical and requires a screwdriver to adjust
- Stock pads may not create the best seal, impacting sound isolation
- The soundstage is intimate, and the resolution is average
- The 2.5mm connectors on the earcups might limit replacement cable options
- Sub-bass can roll off with stock pads
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Edition XS: The Edition XS has better resolution, clarity, and sub-bass response out of the box, but the Wraith has superior build quality, materials, robustness, and comfort
- Vs Sendy Audio Aiva: The Wraith and Aiva share a similar bass roll-off
- Vs Moondrop Venus: The Moondrop Venus costs slightly more and provides a wider soundstage and more refined sound
Takeaway: The ThieAudio Wraith has excellent build quality and a unique design, making them durable and comfortable for many users. The sound is warm and laid-back, making them suitable for casual listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
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What competes at this price?
HIFIMAN
Ananda Nano
369
/
Released
2023
Ananda Nano now brings the acclaimed Ananda sound in a more compact, lightweight package while delivering high-resolution planar-magnetic performance.
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent resolution and imaging capabilities
- Features a nanometer thickness diaphragm and Stealth Magnet design that improves transient response and lowers harmonic distortion
- Easy to drive, it is among the most efficient open-back planar magnetic headphones on the market right now
- Features a tight, textured, and clean bass response
- Good detail retrieval and vocal clarity
Product Considerations
- Treble might be too much for some listeners
- May not be the most lively in macro-dynamics
- Reviewers note a slightly dry timbre
- Lean, slightly cold mid-range
- The included 3-meter cable is not useful for desktop use
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Similar to the Meze 109, but a planar
- Sounded a little bit more hifi than the Austrian Audio Hi-X 65
- Has a more warm, natural feel than the original Ananda
- Easiest to drive when compared to the Edition XS
- Superior in technical performance when compared to the Hifiman Sundara
Takeaway: The Ananda Nano is a well-tuned headphone with superior resolution and marvelous timbre, particularly good for electronic music and those who care about vocal clarity. It's a planar alternative that’s incredibly fast and detailed, with excellent imaging and soundstage.
Video review
Our take on the brand
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
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HIFIMAN
HE400se
109
/
Released
2022
HE400se — Affordable open-back planar magnetic headphones enhanced with Stealth Magnet design for reduced distortion.
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good build quality for the price
- Comfortable, especially with the updated headband design
- Decent detail retrieval and resolution throughout the frequency range
- A good entry point for trying planar drivers
- Good imaging and instrument separation
Product Considerations
- Stock cable is of very low quality and microphonic, replacement is recommended
- Sub-bass is lacking, and the bass response may not satisfy bass enthusiasts
- Treble can get fatiguing with potential peaks
- Pads flatten out quickly
- An amplifier is needed to shine
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HIFIMAN Sundara: HE400se has a brighter sound, while the Sundara is smoother with a warmer quality, and the Sundara is significantly better overall and worth the upgrade
- Vs HIFIMAN HD560S: HE400se has a smoother treble presentation
Takeaway: The HE400se provides a taste of planar sound at an affordable price and is great for those wanting to experiment with modifications. The HE400se is definitely worth it for anyone looking for open back headphones with great sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
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beyerdynamic
DT 990 PRO
159
/
Released
The DT 990 PRO headphones is the range's open-back model offering impressive spaciousness. These open-back studio headphones are a reliable tool for any sound enthusiast. The wide stereo image and three-dimensional sound reproduction make the beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO headphones a loyal companion for producers.
Beyerdynamic is known for their Tesla driver technology, producing designs which are easy to drive with various sources and are commonplace in professional environments. The brand caters to both professional users and home listeners, with products ranging from analytical studio headphones to gaming headsets designed for precise sound localization.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Comfortable design, especially with velour ear pads, making them suitable for long listening sessions
- Solid and sturdy build quality, often using metal components
- Balanced and neutral sound with a decent soundstage, making them appropriate for mixing
- Good stereo reproduction and detailed tonal depth
- Wide frequency response allows for hearing details in mixes and spacious sound
Product Considerations
- Open-back design leads to sound leakage and poor noise isolation
- High impedance (250 ohms) may require an amplifier to achieve sufficient volume and optimal performance
- Non-detachable cable can be a point of failure and inconvenience for replacement
- Can sound harsh due to boosted treble frequencies
- Coiled cable can be heavy and pull on devices
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- DT 990 PRO has a more immersive soundstage but less bass emphasis and poor noise isolation, compared to the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
- DT 990 PRO has a bit more low-end, while the Sennheiser HD 560S has a more even top-end
- DT 990 PRO has more balanced mid and treble, but the Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X has wider soundstage and can play loud sound without distortion
- DT 990 PRO is better built with a wider soundstage, while the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x provides passive noise isolation and emphasized bass
- DT 990 PRO offers better value with excellent build and better bass extension, while the Sennheiser HD 600 has a slightly more spacious soundstage
- Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO has better bass response but sharper treble, the DT 990 PRO is still a great option for professionals
Takeaway: The DT 990 PRO are comfortable headphones with great sound, suitable for studio use in quiet environments or for gamers who want to hear all the details. They may need an amp, but will allow users to work confidently on their music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Beyerdynamic is known for their Tesla driver technology, producing designs which are easy to drive with various sources and are commonplace in professional environments. The brand caters to both professional users and home listeners, with products ranging from analytical studio headphones to gaming headsets designed for precise sound localization.
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SIVGA
Anser
199
/
Released
2024
High-quality wooden HiFi dynamic driver headphones with open-back design. Features self-developed 50mm dynamic drivers delivering full bass, wide soundstage, and clean natural sound.
SIVGA is a hifi headphone brand recognized for its solid-wood cup finishing process that includes CNC carving, grinding, and polishing, with materials like walnut and zebrawood selected specifically for their acoustic properties. The brand focuses on desktop amplification users with high-impedance designs such as the 300Ω SV023.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Anser is wonderfully comfortable.
- Exceptional build quality, with premium materials rarely seen at this price point.
- It delivers a sound that's well-balanced across all frequencies.
- The Anser is easy to drive from absolutely anything.
- It has a nice sense of weight and presence in its sound, particularly in vocals and solo instrumentals.
Product Considerations
- The soundstage is somewhat restricted in width.
- The midrange is not great.
- The stock cable is a little stiff.
- Treble enthusiasts may occasionally find the presentation less energetic.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sennheiser HD 560s: The Anser is significantly more comfortable and feels better built than the HD 560s, but the HD 560s is a little brighter and sharper in the treble.
- Vs Drop and Sennheiser HD 6XX: The Anser would win for most people on build quality and possibly comfort too, and is going to win for bass because extends down deep, and it's solid and full.
- Vs Philips Fidelio X2HR: The X2HR has a wider, more open soundstage, and a little more nuance in the midrange.
- Vs Sivga Oriole: The Anser has slight advantages, such as soundstage, which is still limited but nevertheless better than the Oriole.
- Vs FiiO FT1 Pro: The Anser has a slightly warmer sound signature, with a more pronounced bass response.
Takeaway: The Sivga Anser offers great build quality and is very comfortable, making it a great choice for people who want a fun and engaging listening experience. This is a headphone that prioritizes musicality over technical prowess, offering an inviting sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SIVGA is a hifi headphone brand recognized for its solid-wood cup finishing process that includes CNC carving, grinding, and polishing, with materials like walnut and zebrawood selected specifically for their acoustic properties. The brand focuses on desktop amplification users with high-impedance designs such as the 300Ω SV023.
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SIVGA
Luan
299
/
Released
2023
The Luan is a high-fidelity wired headphone featuring wooden ear cups and dynamic drivers. It delivers high-resolution sound with deep bass, soft and full midrange, clear detail separation, and refined, non-fatiguing treble.
SIVGA is a hifi headphone brand recognized for its solid-wood cup finishing process that includes CNC carving, grinding, and polishing, with materials like walnut and zebrawood selected specifically for their acoustic properties. The brand focuses on desktop amplification users with high-impedance designs such as the 300Ω SV023.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality, using premium materials like metal headbands and yokes, wood cups, and soft leather or velvet for comfort
- Comfortable, with plush ear pads and a lightweight design, making it suitable for long listening sessions
- Easy to drive and scales well with better gear
- The sound signature has a good balance of detail, musicality, and accurate tonality, making it a versatile option
- Clarity and separation of instruments with a good soundstage and decent imaging
Product Considerations
- The included cable is of lesser quality compared to the build, noting its stiffness and memory effect
- The bass response may not satisfy bassheads as it rolls off slightly in the sub-bass region
- The treble and upper mids can be a bit forward or 'shouty', potentially causing listening fatigue for treble-sensitive individuals
- The symmetrical design can make it difficult to quickly discern the left and right sides
- The included case is not aesthetically pleasing to all reviewers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sennheiser HD 600: The Luan has better bass and a larger soundstage, but the HD 600 is slightly better in tone and timbre
- Vs Sivga Robin: The Luan has a different sound and build quality than the Robin, which is more aggressive
- Vs beyerdynamic DT900 Pro X: The mids have better details on the DT900 Pro X
Takeaway: The Sivga Luan is a well-built and comfortable headphone with a balanced sound, making it a great choice for extended listening and versatile across different sources. It is a stylish, easy-to-drive headphone with enough punch and clarity to appeal to a wide range of listeners.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SIVGA is a hifi headphone brand recognized for its solid-wood cup finishing process that includes CNC carving, grinding, and polishing, with materials like walnut and zebrawood selected specifically for their acoustic properties. The brand focuses on desktop amplification users with high-impedance designs such as the 300Ω SV023.
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