I'd do an Elex, and if you like what you hear but want a similar tone with better technicals after hearing the Elex, then you can resell the Elex and move to Utopia. Elex and Utopia are more tonally similar than Clear IMO
I would go with the Elex rather than Clear, which I think is tonally a bit more in line with your preferences. I'm sure they'll both be excellent with the 3F, but I always found Elex to have a bit more exciting dynamics than Clear.
If you're an HD600 guy, I'd say the value for Clear OG makes a case for skipping Elex. Clear Mg is slightly dark Audeze sound. Utopia for the upgrade path.
Thanks for all the advice everyone! About what I expected, I appreciate the confirmation. I am out of the ultra-expensive headphone game beyond my Autuer, so had not thought about Utopia, but good to know if the Elex really clicks that it is something I can dream about. Going to keep my eye out for all suggestions above to try some stuff out.
I too think the OG Clear is the way to go, but can't beat the prices on used Elex. Although I own a Utopia, I would not recommend them unless you already knew they were inline with your preferences.
I’ve only heard the OG Clear but if you prefer the HD600 over HD650 I would say to get the og Clear. They’re pretty damn neutral I can’t imagine preferring one of the others from what I’ve read and from your preferences.
FWIW, I found the signature of the Elex so similar to the hd600 (with more extension on both ends) that I gave away the latter to a friend. Like an hd600, but better technically everywhere.
To be clear, both the OG Clear and Elex are good options, I prefer the Clear due to being more refined and resolving while also being smoother in the treble. And the current discount new price for the OG Clear is pretty close to a new Elex which also pushes used prices down.
Sounds like I should have tried out at least one of these Focals sooner! Will be on the lookout for both the OG clear and elex, prioritizing a deal and go from there.
Everything @loadexfa said. The Elex does get you the Focal transient speed and dynamics, but the OG Clear gives you a refinement (better FR response, and another couple of steps of detail/resolve), and thus scales better than the Elex. To me it is the "value" option.
My two cents would be to find a used Clear OG. I never liked it before (but did like Elex on other chains) but on the 3F I somewhat hate how good it sounds. My inner contrarian gets confused during listening.
Used Clear is a better value than Elex IMO, it's noticeably more resolving on TOTL amps/sources and smoother. But Clear may be a bit more "metallic" or not at all depending on amp. Haven't heard it with the 3F.
@ColtMrFire thanks for the heads up. I saw that, might have to chat price with him. @loadexfa pointed out the final sale price on headphones.com, which in addition they are giving a $100 gift card with purchase right now. Mighty tempting to give it a whirl.
@Inoculator I'd also be willing to do a personal loaner at some point but I'm unsure about timing. I need to make sure I have these around for some upcoming loaners and they were also offered to Earnmyturns so he's first in line. The gift card offer does sound like a good deal so it may make more sense to jump on that.
That "metallic" sound: Is it more in the highs or mids? In my Clear OG simulation by EQ with my Ananda, there is some tinny quality, a bit as if a loudspeaker was placed inside a tin can, but not unpleasant. More in the mids than in cymbal sounds, e.g., where I would have expected it from descriptions. Is that correct? (Trying to figure out if such simulations are worthwhile or not.)
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