Quick note: Some links are affiliate links. We earn a tiny commission if you buy (at no cost to you). Keeps the lights on!
Sort: NewestMost helpful
Three-plus years of ownership with no quality problems; their favourite of all the Focals they have owned.
“I've had the Elex for over 3 years now without any quality issues whatsoever and I can honestly say they're my favorite out of all the Focals I've had in the past.”
Over 2.5 years in with exceptional performance and no issues.
“My pair of Elex is over 2.5 years old & its performance has been exceptional. I haven't had one single issue with them.”
Never hears clipping on their Elex, probably their favourite headphones run balanced, though they reach for the TH610 for bassy music.
Found the Elex great but kept the Clear OG, which sounded clearer to them.
Owns both the Clear OG and Elex and finds the Elex the better value.
Their Elex sounded great but the headband broke just before two years, so they don't recommend it.
Has been super happy with the Elex's sound, but the headband broke twice in the same place even after replacement.
Found a new Elex for $300 but the slightest deep bass or loud volume makes it clip, which disappoints them.
Their Elex developed a rattle twice, the second time out of warranty.
Really enjoys their open-box Elex bought for $300, calling it amazing.
Compared their new Elex with the HD600 and found it heavier but still comfortable.
Owns the Elex and HD 6XX, likes both, and finds the Elex easily the more technically superior headphone.
The Elex clipped the bottom of their ears, which is why they got rid of it.
Loves the Elex but finds the Clear a huge step up in bass delivery, midrange richness and presentation.
Their Elex pads still look good after over two years, even after a gentle wash.
Loves their Elex but needs to send it for refurbishment as the drivers pop on loud bass.
Finds the Elex aggressive with great sub-bass, better in resolution and speed than the more laid-back Hadenys.
Uses the Focal Elex at work and likes it.
Loves their Elex, which blew their socks off, though sometimes they want deeper bass.
After years with the HD660S2, found the Elex finally sounded emotionally engaging and tonally natural, dethroning it.
Their Elex headband snapped after 11 months, and Focal only offered a discount on another headphone.
Finds the Elex sounds great without needing tubes, though the ZMF Atrium remains their favourite at ten times the price.
At first thought the Elex worse than the HD600, but after EQing peaks around 6 and 10 kHz it fixed the issues.
In year two with their Elex, used 4-5 hours every evening, they show no wear or damage.
Has owned the Elex for nearly six years and absolutely loves them; still in pristine condition.
Owns the Elex and HD 490 Pro and finds the HD 490 Pro far more comfortable.
Tried a friend's Elex and found it does some things better than their Clear MG for far less money.
Owns the Elex and Arya Stealth and finds the Arya more technical with better bass extension and bigger soundstage.
Finds the Elex neutral with good dynamism and air, not a bass cannon.
Really loves the Elex's sound, with awesome dynamics and fast transients.
Finds the Elex tonally like an HD600 but with more bass and more, slightly harsher treble, and more detail.
Suspects their Elex has a clipping issue: great when it sounds good, but rattly on some songs.
The Elex has been wonderful with loads of awe-inspiring moments, still blowing their mind.
Absolutely loves the Elex, one of the best values besides the 6XX and far better than the Elear, though a bit thin next to their Auteurs.
Wears glasses all day and finds the Elex comfortable and good-sounding where most Sennheisers aren't.
Experimented with their Elex's mechanical clipping to see at what volume it happens.
Their Elex doesn't clip even at extreme volumes.
Their early Elex clipped at 40 Hz and below at normal levels in the left driver, so they returned it.
Fell in love with the Elex immediately, but the right earcup rattled and dealing with Drop was frustrating.
Tried the Elex on a headphone library tour and found it dark and seductive, sounding better the louder it plays.
Downgraded from the Clear to the Elex and doesn't notice much difference; it's their endgame open back.
Is happy to stick with their warmer Elex rather than upgrade to the Clear.
Was amazed by the Elex out of the box, but the right channel died after three hours.
Had the Elex for four months but much preferred the HD650, finding the Elex lean with rough treble and a metallic timbre.
Owns the Elex and HD800 and finds the Elex throws music at you with endless energy.
Bought an as-is Elex that worked a long time until a driver coil wire broke.
Owned the Elex for a while but sold it and went back to the HD 6XX.
Has had no QC problems with their Elex, though the pad situation is annoying.
Upgraded from the HD 6XX to the Elex and doesn't regret it: like the 6XX with more soundstage and bass.
Their Drop Elex arrived with a dead right driver.
Had an issue-free Elex from the original drop but didn't like the sound; vocals felt off despite technical impressiveness.
Finds the Elex less a baby Utopia and more a super HD600, keeping much of the dynamism.
Finds the Elex more laid back in the treble than the HD600, warmer and non-fatiguing.
Owned the Elex for over a year before moving to the Clear and doesn't regret either.
Loves their Elex and prefers its personality to the HD800.
Their Elex headband broke at a known weak spot from normal use.
Their Elex suffered driver issues, as did their Clear Pro and Utopia.
Owned the Elex for about 18 months and loved the tone before upgrading to the Clear, which was better only by a little.
Had both the Elex and Clear OG and kept the Clear; the Elex pads wear faster and its forward vocals were a bit harsh on some tracks.
Finds the Elex adds punch the HD600 lacks, with a less shouty midrange, detail, great separation and a preferable soundstage.
Sold the Elex for the HD600 and doesn't regret it, finding the Elex not a real upgrade.
Got the Elex and likes it; a used Clear sounded only slightly better.
The Elex arrived and they are the best headphones they've heard: incredible midrange, detailed highs and plentiful clean bass.
Calls the Elex almost perfect but finds its driver clipping a huge issue even at moderate volume on a modest amp.
Owns the Elex with a powerful amp and bass-heavy music and has never heard clipping.
Has an early-run Focal Elex among seven older Focals and hasn't had an issue.
The headband on their Focal Elex snapped; a 40 dollar replacement frame fixed it.
Their Focal Elex had a driver die while it was just sitting in storage, which put them off the brand's reliability.
Their Focal Elex often gets a low-frequency rattle, which they clear by blowing through the side vents.
The Focal Elex is so breathable it feels like wearing nothing, unlike the Ananda Nano.
The Focal Elex was their ideal sound until it snapped; a refurbished pair sounds as remembered but clamps a bit tight and is uncomfortable as their hair grows.