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Our research indicates that this offer is $491lower (55% savings) than the next best available price from a reputable merchant with prices starting from $890.
I got these last time. I don't think they sound particularly good, even for the discounted price, but they have their fans and I seem to be in the minority. They were supposedly discontinued in favor of the newer Celestee, so I'm surprised that Adorama still has stock. In any event, if you've been wanting to try these, I wouldn't expect that they will be available to purchase new for much longer, especially at this price.
Even though I strongly dislike these headphones, thank you for the post.
Everyone's ears are different, but to my ears the tonality seemed off. These are designed to be neutral headphones that don't emphasize one frequency range over another, which is fine, but they sounded unnatural and plasticky and made my favorite music (electronic, downtempo, jazz) sound tonally off from what I'm used to hearing, even in comparison to other neutral headphones. The tonality, combined with a rather lifeless character that made the music sound dull and unexciting, along with the worst headphone cable I've experienced on a headphone that costs north of $50, caused me to sell them off pretty quickly.
It's difficult to find a good closed-back headphone in the $400 price range, but I very much enjoy the various Fostex variants (TH610, TH-X00, TR-X00, E-MU Teak, etc.) and other biodynamic drivers (Denon AH-D5200) and think that most people will have a better experience with those even though they are V-shaped and far from neutral -- pretty much the complete opposite of the Elegia.
If you don't need a closed back headphone and are looking for a neutral sound, then a good option that sometimes can be had for close to $400 is the Beyerdynamic DT1990.
Again, everyone's ears are different -- this is just one person's opinion. There are many, many people who are perfectly happy with the Elegia. They are certainly nice to look at, too.
Zeos is IMO overrated. (Some of the attacks will come from his followers, but it's ok)
It was very hard to watch some of his videos without having to skip through his rants and personal emotions mixed into his own subjective reviews.
Example:
Back when I was looking for an dac/amp, I stumbled upon some of his videos. Most of his reviews for the items come from users that send him the item that they want him to review (nothing wrong with that).
Now we can't get our hands on the equipment to test it out without having to actually order it and use it, return if undesirable and go through the rma process.
I wanted to see what color/attributes these will bring to the table.
With a price range I had in mind helped me find filter his videos to find the dac/amp I was looking for. Sadly, his videos didn't offer much help and when I narrowed it down to actual watch time it was about 1/3 of the total time.
Sound is subjective to each individual person.
Our outer ears are shaped differently. Canals were either shallow or deep. The drums are positioned and shapes varied from person to person. Sound tolerance ranges in every individual.
I have yet to see or read a review (Google them, it's too many out there) about these closed back headphones that gives me a clear impression of how they will perform without any tuning. Most reviews had the user tune it because it was missing bass or some mids were drowning into the highs.
Not sure, but I am still seeking a good set of closed back for those immersable quiet days.
I concur.
I couldn't bear watching his video for one minute.
It's fair to say my ears and music taste is so different to his.
Zeos is IMO overrated. (Some of the attacks will come from his followers, but it's ok)
It was very hard to watch some of his videos without having to skip through his rants and personal emotions mixed into his own subjective reviews.
Example:
Back when I was looking for an dac/amp, I stumbled upon some of his videos. Most of his reviews for the items come from users that send him the item that they want him to review (nothing wrong with that).
Now we can't get our hands on the equipment to test it out without having to actually order it and use it, return if undesirable and go through the rma process.
I wanted to see what color/attributes these will bring to the table.
With a price range I had in mind helped me find filter his videos to find the dac/amp I was looking for. Sadly, his videos didn't offer much help and when I narrowed it down to actual watch time it was about 1/3 of the total time.
Sound is subjective to each individual person.
Our outer ears are shaped differently. Canals were either shallow or deep. The drums are positioned and shapes varied from person to person. Sound tolerance ranges in every individual.
I have yet to see or read a review (Google them, it's too many out there) about these closed back headphones that gives me a clear impression of how they will perform without any tuning. Most reviews had the user tune it because it was missing bass or some mids were drowning into the highs.
Not sure, but I am still seeking a good set of closed back for those immersable quiet days.
I own Grados too SR60 and SR125. They've converted me to open back too
I've been reading and have arrived at the monoprice m570 as the next step up / best value since they are $200 right now. Any other suggestions in that price range that I might've overlooked.
Tia
I have to be honest, I was never fully satisfied with any headphones until I bit the bullet and picked up a pair that were $1300 (LSA HP-1). I think the easiest recommendation below $350 is the Hifiman Sundara which you can find used or Open Box below $300.
Thanks OP. I'm already a fan of the Focal sound signature (using the Clear right now), but needed closed back for drumming or if I eventually go back into the office. Upgrading from HD 380 Pro for closed backs, so should be a huge improvement!
How is Focal Clear? I have Sennheiser HD800s currently.
The Phillips X2HR is a good headphone that provided me many hours of musical enjoyment back in the day (haven't listened to the Grado). The sad thing about this hobby is that all the money spent doesn't necessarily equate to greater musical enjoyment.
It's too bad you missed the black Friday sale by Denon where they were unloading the AH-D5200 for $209.99 for several hours. Don't think it made it here to slickdeals. Along with buying a used Onkyo A800 for $200 (a headphone that pretty much no one has or ever will hear thanks to Onkyo's poor marketing and distribution), the AH-D5200 represents one of the best value headphone steals I've managed to snag. The driver wasn't made by Foster, but it's a biodynamic driver that shares the same DNA and general sound profile as the Fostex line. The earlier AH-D2000 was manufactured by Foster.
The DT 1990 are much less amp-dependent than other Beyer headphones I own or have owned like the T1.2. I've used them with my Schiit Lyr 3, Schiit Jotunheim, Drop THX AAA 789, and iFi Micro iDSD Black Label, and they performed well with each. I imagine they would do just fine with the well regarded JDS Labs Atom, though don't quote me as I don't own it.
You're making my heart ache, man. A Denon AH-D5200 for $210? That's just too crazy. I really feel like I missed something great. If you ever see something like that again, please send me a PM if you don't mind. Thanks for the recommendations on AMPS. I'll definitely keep my eyes open for a DT1990 as well. They do show up sometimes here on SD.
How is Focal Clear? I have Sennheiser HD800s currently.
I had the HD 800 S too. I bought both at the same time and ended up picking the Clear. They were much more engaging then the HD 800 S, especially for the music genres I listen to (prog rock, alternative, jam band, post hardcore, etc.). The Sennheiser's had amazing soundstage though, especially for gaming, and sounded better with jazz and classical. I would've kept both if I could have justified the price.
I have quite a few headphones too and agree that these aren't great. They have an unnatural metallic tone and veiled sound. They are a bit harsh in the treble too in my opinion. I'd just save some money and get the Sundara instead or spend a little more and get the Ananda
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I own Grados too SR60 and SR125. They've converted me to open back too
I've been reading and have arrived at the monoprice m570 as the next step up / best value since they are $200 right now. Any other suggestions in that price range that I might've overlooked.
Tia
MassDrop has the Sennheiser HD 58x (580) for $170.00 and the Sennhesier HD 6xx (650) for $220.00. The 580 pairs fairly well with whatever power source you feed it with. The 650 is more power hungry but also sounds pretty good with most power sources and will scale with a good amp.
I went around headphones for years gone up and down on prices but in the end, the HD650 is my favorite. I also like to throw in the HD800 and HD880 for mix in.
I bought these for the same price on a previous deal and really like them. Agree with others not for "bass heads" and when I got my amp/DAC/equalizer I did turn up the bass a touch and really enjoy them. Very good closed headphones for the price. I needed something that didn't leak my sound to everyone in the house but wanted something nice and these fit the bill. Cable isn't great and I got new cables from Arctic Cables and was happy with those.
It is not just Zeos but also Andrew of the headphone show raves about the Elegia
(his daily driver for a year) and it has a good review from the Audiophiliac as well. You might want to try Andrew's PEACE EQ profile. IMO listening side by side by with the K702 this is far better in every respect except bass including sound stage, detail retrieval etc. Also have the X2HR and the K702 already outclasses it in every respect except for "more bass" so did not bother to try it with the Elegia. If you can deal with the low bass I don't think there is a better closed back in the sub $500 range.
Anyone know if the Elex pads on drop will work on this? $150 for pads is kinda....
I'm not sure on the Elex, but check out Dekoni Audio Elite Sheepskin NON-fenestrated pads. They run $60-80. Sometimes you can find them on amazon or sweet water audio, but even buying directly from dekoni is fine. A lot of users swear by these pads in the Elegia thread on head-fi. I have a pair on their way right now to try myself.
Also, for anyone else who has or is getting these 'phones, I saw Andrew from headphones.com mentioned. I tried his EQ profile for a while, and while good, I found Oratory1990's to be even better IMO. Turns these headphones into something completely else. Nice, clean, punchy bass, lots of detail, and pretty decent soundstage as well (for a closed-back anyway).
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Even though I strongly dislike these headphones, thank you for the post.
It's difficult to find a good closed-back headphone in the $400 price range, but I very much enjoy the various Fostex variants (TH610, TH-X00, TR-X00, E-MU Teak, etc.) and other biodynamic drivers (Denon AH-D5200) and think that most people will have a better experience with those even though they are V-shaped and far from neutral -- pretty much the complete opposite of the Elegia.
If you don't need a closed back headphone and are looking for a neutral sound, then a good option that sometimes can be had for close to $400 is the Beyerdynamic DT1990.
Again, everyone's ears are different -- this is just one person's opinion. There are many, many people who are perfectly happy with the Elegia. They are certainly nice to look at, too.
Name 3 headphones he DIDN'T like.
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It was very hard to watch some of his videos without having to skip through his rants and personal emotions mixed into his own subjective reviews.
Example:
Back when I was looking for an dac/amp, I stumbled upon some of his videos. Most of his reviews for the items come from users that send him the item that they want him to review (nothing wrong with that).
Now we can't get our hands on the equipment to test it out without having to actually order it and use it, return if undesirable and go through the rma process.
I wanted to see what color/attributes these will bring to the table.
With a price range I had in mind helped me find filter his videos to find the dac/amp I was looking for. Sadly, his videos didn't offer much help and when I narrowed it down to actual watch time it was about 1/3 of the total time.
Sound is subjective to each individual person.
Our outer ears are shaped differently. Canals were either shallow or deep. The drums are positioned and shapes varied from person to person. Sound tolerance ranges in every individual.
I have yet to see or read a review (Google them, it's too many out there) about these closed back headphones that gives me a clear impression of how they will perform without any tuning. Most reviews had the user tune it because it was missing bass or some mids were drowning into the highs.
Not sure, but I am still seeking a good set of closed back for those immersable quiet days.
I couldn't bear watching his video for one minute.
It's fair to say my ears and music taste is so different to his.
It was very hard to watch some of his videos without having to skip through his rants and personal emotions mixed into his own subjective reviews.
Example:
Back when I was looking for an dac/amp, I stumbled upon some of his videos. Most of his reviews for the items come from users that send him the item that they want him to review (nothing wrong with that).
Now we can't get our hands on the equipment to test it out without having to actually order it and use it, return if undesirable and go through the rma process.
I wanted to see what color/attributes these will bring to the table.
With a price range I had in mind helped me find filter his videos to find the dac/amp I was looking for. Sadly, his videos didn't offer much help and when I narrowed it down to actual watch time it was about 1/3 of the total time.
Sound is subjective to each individual person.
Our outer ears are shaped differently. Canals were either shallow or deep. The drums are positioned and shapes varied from person to person. Sound tolerance ranges in every individual.
I have yet to see or read a review (Google them, it's too many out there) about these closed back headphones that gives me a clear impression of how they will perform without any tuning. Most reviews had the user tune it because it was missing bass or some mids were drowning into the highs.
Not sure, but I am still seeking a good set of closed back for those immersable quiet days.
Name 3 headphones he DIDN'T like.
I've been reading and have arrived at the monoprice m570 as the next step up / best value since they are $200 right now. Any other suggestions in that price range that I might've overlooked.
Tia
It's too bad you missed the black Friday sale by Denon where they were unloading the AH-D5200 for $209.99 for several hours. Don't think it made it here to slickdeals. Along with buying a used Onkyo A800 for $200 (a headphone that pretty much no one has or ever will hear thanks to Onkyo's poor marketing and distribution), the AH-D5200 represents one of the best value headphone steals I've managed to snag. The driver wasn't made by Foster, but it's a biodynamic driver that shares the same DNA and general sound profile as the Fostex line. The earlier AH-D2000 was manufactured by Foster.
The DT 1990 are much less amp-dependent than other Beyer headphones I own or have owned like the T1.2. I've used them with my Schiit Lyr 3, Schiit Jotunheim, Drop THX AAA 789, and iFi Micro iDSD Black Label, and they performed well with each. I imagine they would do just fine with the well regarded JDS Labs Atom, though don't quote me as I don't own it.
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I used up my audio budget on a pair of LCD-X and Denon D5200 otherwise I'd try these out.
I've been reading and have arrived at the monoprice m570 as the next step up / best value since they are $200 right now. Any other suggestions in that price range that I might've overlooked.
Tia
(his daily driver for a year) and it has a good review from the Audiophiliac as well. You might want to try Andrew's PEACE EQ profile. IMO listening side by side by with the K702 this is far better in every respect except bass including sound stage, detail retrieval etc. Also have the X2HR and the K702 already outclasses it in every respect except for "more bass" so did not bother to try it with the Elegia. If you can deal with the low bass I don't think there is a better closed back in the sub $500 range.
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Also, for anyone else who has or is getting these 'phones, I saw Andrew from headphones.com mentioned. I tried his EQ profile for a while, and while good, I found Oratory1990's to be even better IMO. Turns these headphones into something completely else. Nice, clean, punchy bass, lots of detail, and pretty decent soundstage as well (for a closed-back anyway).
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Share your experience with the Slickdeals community
Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!