The Focal Elex is an open-back, over-ear dynamic headphone that combines elements of the Elear and Clear models, offering a wide soundstage and dynamic, engaging sound. It features a 40mm aluminum-magnesium M-shaped cone driver and memory foam ear pads.
The Focal Elex is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone that delivers a highly detailed and balanced sound signature, making it a versatile choice across many music genres. It combines solid build quality and a comfortable fit with an easy-to-drive 80-ohm design, offering strong technical performance that stands out in its price class. While its substantial weight and lack of included accessories are minor drawbacks, its overall sonic value is widely praised.
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 23 kHz |
| Impedance | 80 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW |
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 23 kHz |
| Impedance | 80 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW |
| Active noise cancelling | No |
|---|
| Weight | 450 g |
|---|---|
| Detachable cable | Yes |
5 source(s) feeding this product's score.
Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.
23:07The reviewer finds the Focal Elex to be a strong value, offering performance very close to the more expensive Focal Clear at a significantly lower price. It excels in punch, dynamics, and midrange clarity, though it has minor drawbacks like a slightly gritty treble, a small soundstage, and stiff stock cables. Overall, it's recommended as a step up from the HD6 series and a great option under $1000.
11:40The reviewer concludes that the Focal Elex remains a worthwhile purchase in 2021, offering a clear step up from lower-priced headphones like the Sennheiser HD 6XX, with a warm mid-range, added bass, and clean treble. It is praised for its premium build and comfort, though it requires some amplification and has stiff stock cables and pads that wear out. The reviewer recommends it confidently as a strong option under $1000.
8:16The reviewer compares the Focal Elex and Focal Clear, noting they share a similar sound signature but differ in presentation. He finds the Elex more intense and forward, with a warmer midrange and more focused sound, while the Clear is more laid-back, neutral, and technically refined in bass, imaging, and soundstage. Although he personally prefers the Clear, he recommends the Elex for its value, as it delivers nearly the same performance at a significantly lower price.
14:20The reviewer finds the Focal Elex to be a technically impressive and highly enjoyable headphone, with excellent treble, mid-range, and bass performance, as well as strong imaging and soundstage. The main caveat is its very dynamic nature, which can make poorly mastered tracks sound harsh or uneven, but for well-mastered music it excels. Overall, it's highly recommended for most listeners, though not universally appealing.
15:06The reviewer compares the Focal Elex and Sennheiser HD 490 Pro, noting that while the Elex offers a more luxurious build and engaging, detailed sound, the HD 490 Pro is more comfortable, neutral, and better for professional use. The reviewer concludes that the HD 490 Pro is the better overall headphone for clarity and imaging, though the Elex has its strengths in vocal tracks and bass presence.
Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.
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