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MASSDROP X Focal ELEX Review (headphone)

amirm

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This is a review and detailed measurements of the Drop Focal Elex. It was kindly loaned to me by a member and costs US $700.

The Elex naturally follows the design of the rest of Focal line:

MASSDROP X FOCAL ELEX Review.jpg


The headphone weighs 440 grams and has inside cup dimensions of 62x55x27 (height, width, depth). Note that the driver is angled so the cup depth varies.

Overall comfort was excellent. The owner must have a similar shape to my face and head as to have worn off the pads just right. :)

Note: The measurements you are about to see are preformed using standardized GRAS 45CA headphone measurement fixture. Headphone measurements require more interpretation than speaker tests and have more of a requirement for subjective testing as a result. In addition, comparison of measurements between different people performing it using different configurations requires fair bit of skill. So don't look for matching results. Focus on high level picture. Listening tests are performed using RME ADI-2 DAC and its headphone output.

Mounting the headphone on the text fixture was easy requiring very little manipulation to get left and right to match at dual frequencies (within reason).

Focal Elex Measurements
As usual, we start with our stereo frequency response measurements:

Drop X Focal Elex Frequency Response Measurement.png


That sure looks similar to Focal Clear frequency response:

index.php


The only thing different is better channel matching in Elex which could be a measure difference as much as sample difference.

Even the Focal Utopia looks similar:

index.php


Looks like they have their own target response that all of these are matched to.

Back to Elex, the relative frequency response is thus:

Drop X Focal Elex Relative Frequency Response Measurement.png


Group delay matches as well:

Drop X Focal Elex Group Delay Measurement.png


I have noted a member's hypothesis that messiness in group delay in that 2 to 4 kHz may result in better spatial effect.

As if we need any more proof of sisterhood between the Clear and Elex, here is the distortion graph which matches yet again:

Drop X Focal Elex distortion Measurement.png


One difference though: this time I did not have my own headphones on and listened to the sweeps. I was horrified to hear the drivers crackle at 114 dBSPL! The clear must have done this as well given that signature response in green:

index.php


So whoever thinks the driver limitations here is imagined, well, they need to stop saying that. :)

On the positive front is the incredibly low distortion at 94 dBSPL (blue). The line literally melts into the "0" percentage. Even at 114 dBSPL, there is no distortion to speak of above 2 kHz. So as long as you don't hit the limit of the drive, this is one low distortion transducer. Maybe that is the trade off they made?

Here is the distortion graph in absolute scale:

Drop X Focal Elex THD distortion Measurement.png


Impedance is variable and again matches Clear:

Drop X Focal Elex Impedance Measurement.png


Sensitivity is good requiring half as much drive as Sennheiser HD-650 for example:

Most sensitive closed back headphone review.png


Focal Elex Listening Tests
As with the Focal Clear, the non-equalized response was fine but nothing to get excited about. Similar equalization (created from scratch here rather than copied from Clear), resulted in major improvement:

Drop X Focal Elex equalization EQ settings.png


I may be biased by distortion measurements but I constantly went "oh that note is clean!" This happened across the board in many tracks. Quiet notes were especially a delight with the Elex.

It was not long though before I got horrified with the crackling sound. Oh man is this thing scary. The only audio gear that I am scared of is my 1000 watt power amplifier which has enough juice to send a speaker to Mars! :) The Elex headphone had me in the same spot where I had to have my hand on the volume control. I could not enjoy any track at high volume as I kept worrying about the crackle.

So I turned the volume down and got busy with another review. A couple of hours later, I realized how comfortable this headphone was and how nice its sound was at low volumes.

Conclusions
Let's cut to the chase: if the Focal Elex did not have the driver limit with that nasty crackle, it would get the highest remarks from me. It has an utlra low-distortion driver that lends itself well to equalization. Once there, the sound is a delight as long as you keep the volume reasonable and sensible. Equalization sadly gets you closer to its limit and in my application would surely hit the limit. What a shame.

I am over the shock of the driver limit that I had with the Clear and decided to upgrade my rating of Elex to "recommended."

------------
As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.

Any donations are much appreciated using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/
 

Attachments

  • Focal Elex Frequency Response.zip
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Last edited:

sweetchaos

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To import this PEQ profile into 'Equalizer APO', use:
Preamp: -7.5 db
Filter 1: ON LS Fc 80 Hz Gain 7.0 dB Q 1.0
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 4700 Hz Gain 3.0 dB Q 3.0
To import into your favorite PEQ app, enter it manually.
Otherwise, see my PEQ guide.
..................................................................................................................
For those who don't have PEQ-capable app, and want to use GEQs instead.
Preamp: -7.7db
32 7.0
64 3.3
125 -0.1
250 -0.5
500 -0.4
1000 -0.3
2000 -0.8
4000 1.6
8000 -0.3
16000 -0.7
Preamp: -6.9db
20 4.2
25 5.1
32 4.5
40 4.0
50 3.8
63 3.3
80 2.3
100 1.2
125 0.4
160 -0.2
200 -0.2
250 -0.2
315 -0.4
400 -0.3
500 -0.3
630 -0.3
800 -0.3
1000 -0.3
1250 -0.3
1600 -0.3
2000 -0.3
2500 -0.3
3150 -0.3
4000 0.9
5000 2.4
6300 -0.2
8000 -0.3
10000 -0.4
12500 -0.5
16000 -0.7
20000 -0.4
If you want to import into "Wavelet" (Android App):
GraphicEQ: 20 -0.2; 21 -0.2; 22 -0.2; 23 -0.2; 24 -0.2; 26 -0.2; 27 -0.2; 29 -0.2; 30 -0.2; 32 -0.2; 34 -0.2; 36 -0.2; 38 -0.2; 40 -0.3; 43 -0.4; 45 -0.5; 48 -0.7; 50 -0.9; 53 -1.1; 56 -1.3; 59 -1.5; 63 -1.8; 66 -2.1; 70 -2.4; 74 -2.7; 78 -3.0; 83 -3.4; 87 -3.7; 92 -4.0; 97 -4.3; 103 -4.6; 109 -4.9; 115 -5.1; 121 -5.3; 128 -5.5; 136 -5.7; 143 -5.8; 151 -5.9; 160 -6.1; 169 -6.2; 178 -6.2; 188 -6.3; 199 -6.4; 210 -6.4; 222 -6.4; 235 -6.5; 248 -6.5; 262 -6.5; 277 -6.6; 292 -6.6; 309 -6.6; 326 -6.6; 345 -6.6; 364 -6.6; 385 -6.6; 406 -6.6; 429 -6.6; 453 -6.6; 479 -6.6; 506 -6.6; 534 -6.6; 565 -6.6; 596 -6.6; 630 -6.7; 665 -6.7; 703 -6.7; 743 -6.7; 784 -6.7; 829 -6.7; 875 -6.7; 924 -6.7; 977 -6.7; 1032 -6.6; 1090 -6.6; 1151 -6.6; 1216 -6.6; 1284 -6.6; 1357 -6.6; 1433 -6.6; 1514 -6.6; 1599 -6.6; 1689 -6.6; 1784 -6.6; 1885 -6.6; 1991 -6.6; 2103 -6.6; 2221 -6.6; 2347 -6.5; 2479 -6.5; 2618 -6.5; 2766 -6.4; 2921 -6.4; 3086 -6.3; 3260 -6.2; 3443 -6.0; 3637 -5.8; 3842 -5.5; 4058 -5.1; 4287 -4.4; 4528 -3.9; 4783 -3.7; 5052 -4.1; 5337 -4.8; 5637 -5.3; 5955 -5.7; 6290 -6.0; 6644 -6.1; 7018 -6.3; 7414 -6.3; 7831 -6.4; 8272 -6.5; 8738 -6.5; 9230 -6.5; 9749 -6.6; 10298 -6.6; 10878 -6.6; 11490 -6.6; 12137 -6.6; 12821 -6.6; 13543 -6.6; 14305 -6.6; 15110 -6.6; 15961 -6.6; 16860 -6.6; 17809 -6.7; 18812 -6.6; 19871 -6.4
Otherwise, see my GEQ guide.
 
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cursive

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Wow, I knew it was a close relative to the Utopia and Clear, but surprising to see just how close, and even measured slightly better in distortion than the clear at 104dB. Thanks for yet another review tonight!
 

Racheski

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@amirm thx for another review! You are a beast.

Interesting that you found these comfy. I found them so heavy that I could barely wear them for more than 45 min at a time. I do have a small head though.
 

Maiky76

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Hi,
Here are some thoughts about the EQ.

Notes about the EQ design:
  • The average L/R is used to calculate the score.
  • The resolution is 12 points per octave interpolated from the raw data (provided by @amirm)
  • A Genetic Algorithm is used to optimize the EQ.
  • The EQ Score is designed to MAXIMIZE the Score WHILE fitting the Harman target curve with a fixed complexity.
    This will avoid weird results if one only optimizes for the Score.
    It will probably flatten the Error regression doing so, the tonal balance should be more neutral.
  • The EQs are starting point and may require tuning (certainly at LF).
  • The range above 10kHz is usually not EQed unless smooth enough to do so.
  • I am using PEQ (PK) as from my experience the definition is more consistent across different DSP/platform implementations than shelves.
  • With some HP/amp combo the boosts and preamp gain need to be carefully considered to avoid issues

Excellent L/R match.
I have generated two EQ, the APO config files are attached.

Note that -1.5dB was used for HF to be closer to the initial voicing.
The score in bracket corresponds to the neutral/flat Harman curve.

Score no EQ: 72.3 (64.2)
Score Armirm: 68.7 (59.8)
Score with EQ: 87.2 with -1.5dB @HF
Score with EQ score flat @HF: 84.3

Code:
Focal Elex APO EQ Score 96000Hz
April102021-113051

Preamp: -6 dB

Filter 1: ON PK Fc 33 Hz Gain 6 dB Q 0.79
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 200 Hz Gain -2.32 dB Q 0.97
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 1411 Hz Gain -4.35 dB Q 0.94
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 2241 Hz Gain 2.62 dB Q 5.27
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 4905 Hz Gain 2.74 dB Q 3.33
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 6024 Hz Gain -4.35 dB Q 6.42
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 8762 Hz Gain 5.83 dB Q 6.5

Focal Elex APO EQ Score Flat 96000Hz
April102021-113412

Preamp: -5.9 dB

Filter 1: ON PK Fc 34 Hz Gain 5.89 dB Q 0.79
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 200 Hz Gain -2.3 dB Q 0.95
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 1336 Hz Gain -4 dB Q 1.72
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 2240 Hz Gain 1.75 dB Q 4.85
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 4850 Hz Gain 3.96 dB Q 2.34
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 6000 Hz Gain -4.88 dB Q 6.5
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 8730 Hz Gain 4.47 dB Q 3.15

Neutral Harman target

Focal Elex APO EQ Score Flat Dashboard.png

-1.5dB @HF
Focal Elex Dashboard.png
 

Attachments

  • Focal Elex APO EQ Score Flat 96000Hz.txt
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  • Focal Elex APO EQ Score 96000Hz.txt
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Last edited:

dfuller

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Looks like Focal's design philosophy re: headphone drivers is "low distortion until you hit the absolute limit of the driver" vs Sennheiser's - which appears to be "soft onset of distortion, but higher overall" - and in fairness, 114dB is loud as balls even in the bass. I wouldn't even really consider listening past 90 for the sake of my auditory health.
 

faheem

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Thanks for the review Amir. The investigation into spatiality is the most interesting for me. I have the HD650, Ananda and Susvara. How each one presents that affect is so unique and fascinating. There seems to be very little attempt to deconstruct the science in that area. It's only you and Resolve, who have openly spoke about trying to see whats happening.
 

Rottmannash

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I have this HP and love it, even without EQ. Thanks Amir for reviewing it!
 

Zensō

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Great review, thanks as always.

The FR graphs confirm what I heard when comparing the Elex to the Clear and Utopia; the differences are subtle and not commensurate with the massive price difference.

I’ve been listening to the Elex regularly for over a year and have yet to push them to the point where the driver crackles. I’m listening at well below 114db though.
 
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I rarely listen at anything over 85dB for more than a few minutes. I must say I enjoy the Elex, and particularly as I got them during their Black Friday promotion last year for $550.

Comfort is okay, but I do find after a few hours that the clamp pressure gets a bit much and can cause a headache. I find them much more comfortable than the HD6XX however which is lighter but has a truly horrible clamp pressure for extended listening.
 

sweetchaos

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Amir vs Oratory1990:
amir oratory.gif

Amir vs Jaakkopasanen (measured by Oratory1990):
amir jaako.gif

Oratory1990 vs Jaakkopasanen (measured by Oratory1990):
jaakko oratory.gif

PEQ profile by Amir (from my post #2 above):
Preamp: -7.5 db
Filter 1: ON LS Fc 80 Hz Gain 7.0 dB Q 1.0
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 4700 Hz Gain 3.0 dB Q 3.0

PEQ profile by Oratory1990:
Preamp: -5.2 db
Filter 1: ON LS Fc 105 Hz Gain 5.5 dB Q 0.71
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 83 Hz Gain -3.9 dB Q 0.4
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 1320 Hz Gain -4.7 dB Q 1.5
Filter 4: ON HS Fc 1400 Hz Gain 3.0 dB Q 0.8
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 1580 Hz Gain -0.7 dB Q 7.0
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 2950 Hz Gain -1.2 dB Q 5.0
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 3600 Hz Gain -3.6 dB Q 3.0
Filter 8: ON PK Fc 5750 Hz Gain -6.2 dB Q 4.0
Filter 9: ON PK Fc 9080 Hz Gain -2.6 dB Q 6.0
Filter 10: ON PK Fc 11000 Hz Gain -5.4 dB Q 6.0

PEQ profile by Jaakkopasanen (measured by Oratory1990):
Preamp: -3.9 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 24 Hz Gain 3.1 dB Q 1.06
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 1318 Hz Gain -3.0 dB Q 1.73
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 2180 Hz Gain 3.4 dB Q 2.44
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 7352 Hz Gain 2.4 dB Q 3.60
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 10071 Hz Gain 3.4 dB Q 3.12
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 188 Hz Gain -2.0 dB Q 1.03
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 510 Hz Gain 0.6 dB Q 1.25
Filter 8: ON PK Fc 4305 Hz Gain 1.8 dB Q 8.17
Filter 9: ON PK Fc 12472 Hz Gain 2.8 dB Q 1.41
Filter 10: ON PK Fc 19822 Hz Gain -10.3 dB Q 0.39
 

tsanguine

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I am curious how they measure compared to the Elears which I own. I feel like I listen at fairly high levels and I've never been able to get mine to crackle even with EQ.
 

antdroid

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Focal designed their driver with high excursion, but it has a limit. I believe they mentioned that they dont recommend exceeding 90-95dB before it may start to distort heavily and bottom out. It's a lovely headphone in my opinion with great dynamics, but also one where you want to just turn up the volume on as well! (I don't listen super loudly to begin with though, so loud for me is like 80-85dB at 1KHz...)
 

tential

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While you are over your shock of the poor performance at higher SPLs, have you tested enough headphones that you feel comfortable abandoning that as a good criteria for recommendation?

Maybe it's home theater bias, but not having high SPL output available to me, for a person to sell me a "high end headphone" and omit that capability is just wrong. I really think that if MOST manufacturers at the high end can hit that, it's just not something that's acceptable. I'm sure there will be apologists for whatever reason, and if the driver fits your criteria, great, but I don't think standards should be lowered if it comes out that there are a large amount of high end headphones that don't have this issue with high SPL.
 

Jimbob54

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Great review, thanks as always.

The FR graphs confirm what I heard when comparing the Elex to the Clear and Utopia; the differences are subtle and not commensurate with the massive price difference.

I’ve been listening to the Elex regularly for over a year and have yet to push them to the point where the driver crackles. I’m listening at well below 114db though.
The block Drop impose on exporting these back to the UK is a real pain, and why I "had" to get a second hand clear instead.
 

beefkabob

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What headphones work best for those of us with big ass ears?
 
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