Focal Elegia
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
The Focal Elegia is a highly polarizing closed-back headphone that is frequently criticized for its stock sound signature, which users describe as 'thin,' 'shouty,' and 'peculiar.' While it has a niche following among listeners who enjoy classical and jazz, most consensus suggests it requires significant Equalization (EQ) and aftermarket pad swaps to achieve a competitive sound. Even at clearance prices, many users found the out-of-the-box experience disappointing due to its odd tuning and aggressive physical clamp.
Pros
- Capable of performing well for classical and jazz genres when properly tuned
- Responds well to EQ and aftermarket pad swaps (specifically Dekoni leather) to improve low-end response
- Preferred by some users over very bright headphones like the DT 1990
Cons
- Stock tuning is widely disliked, described as sounding like a '1980s clock radio' or 'music in a hallway'
- Aggressive out-of-the-box clamp force that may require physical bending to be comfortable
- Perceived as poor value at its original MSRP
- Sound is often described as 'dry' and 'off' without significant intervention
Caveats
- Requires specific DAC/amp matching and EQ to 'come alive'
- The seal from the pads is critical for bass; stock pads are often cited as a weak point
- Headband durability or comfort may lead users to seek third-party replacements
Best for
- Classical and jazz listeners
- Users who are comfortable using EQ and swapping pads
- People who need a closed-back headphone and are willing to mod it
Avoid if
- You want a 'plug-and-play' experience with good stock sound
- You are sensitive to high clamp force or have a larger head
- You prefer a warm, bass-heavy signature out of the box
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 6-month half-life. The evidence comes from a set of Reddit discussions with a median age of 227 days; as these are older comments for a hardware product, the relevance of current pricing or availability may vary.
Sentiment
3 positive (25%) · 2 mixed (17%) · 7 negative (58%)
Trust + time weighted score: -33% · raw score -33%
What redditors said (10 of 12)
I don't see the overall quality of the Elegias - especially at the original price point.
The Elegia are just pretty... Bad (to my ears)?! I mean without EQ they seem very off and just all over the place, like focal just took not-bad drivers and tuned them... Well... Not at all.
Caveat that I only use the 6.3 mm unbalanced connection with a Focal Elegia at work but with that stipulated mine has worked fine (DX5 II) since I received it June 22nd. No issues whatsoever.
I find they are much better with Dekoni leather pads where they at least sound like a reasonably tuned headphone as the pad seal really improves the lower end.
Agree that the stock sound of the Elegia sounds like you are listening to music through a 1980s clock radio.
To each their own; to me the 1990 are unbearably bright, whereas the Elegia (with EQ) are my favorite closed back. 🤷♂️
I tried the Elegia briefly and the clamp was pretty aggressive. Had to bend the headband to get it livable for work.
Focal Elegia (Headband replaced with Aliexpress one, still in use)
The Elegia's are very peculiar out of the box. However, once matched with the right type of dac/amp and some eq they really come alive in a good way. They are especially great for classical and jazz.
The Elegia were my least favorite audiophile headphones I’ve owned.
Compare
Focal Elegia vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKIIFocal Elegia vs Sennheiser HD 550Focal Elegia vs Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
Related
- HiFiMAN Edition XS · related · 852 mentions
- Sennheiser HD 560S · related · 841 mentions
- FiiO FT1 · related · 750 mentions
- HiFiMAN Arya Stealth · related · 703 mentions
- Sennheiser HD 600 · related · 638 mentions
- Sennheiser HD 490 Pro · related · 598 mentions