Comments on Profile Post by rlow

DAC is Yggdrasil A2. Looking for an “upgrade” over HD650 and Aeolus. Should note that I owned Elex and recently sold it because I just didn’t find the timbre to be realistic for acoustic instruments, voices etc. compared to HD650/600 and Aeolus, even though other aspects I really enjoyed. Also HD800 S significantly more expensive.

Used Auteur OG or Classic? Has exceptional timber if that's what you are after and more resolution than Aeolus.

Otherwise JAR mod your 650 and call it a day.

@RestoredSparda have been keeping an eye out for Auteur but they are rare up here in MQA-land. JAR mod I’m open too but quite pricey and the wait is long (and have never heard one, so feel a bit hesitant to shell out that cash beforehand).

I really like the og Clear with zmf perf suede pads. Stock pads and Lyr 3 wasn't my favorite combo. Boring and off timbre/bit grainy mids. Sold the Lyr before getting the new pads so i can't comment on that. Dac being Yggdrasil og. MJ3 could be interesting.

One more thought i think the Clear is a bit underdamped and benefits from a grippy amp and thicker pads. From reading about the MJ3 it has the grip but might be a little too dark? Idk...

Not sure if it helps but Elex was going to sell it. Sonett2 changed my mind completely on Elex. Made it perfect. Better than HD600 by far. My fav cans are JAR650, stock HD6XX and cherry Atticus. SW51+ and Aeolus was boring sounding IMO. MJ3 might have changed your mind on elex

@HotRatSalad yeah if I knew I was going to hit a used deal on Mj3, I would have held onto Elex a bit longer. Ah well. Actually I can get a used Clear OG right now for not much more than I sold my Elex for…might just grab em to try out with Mj3 when it arrives.

I always wanted to hear a clear OG but some peeps say not much difference from Elex, if the price is right though... interested to hear what you think of MJ3 and your headphones for sure.

I hope this helps: https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/focal-clear.5412/page-42#post-416552

just my 2¢, but i agree w/ @RestoredSparda, just go JAR650B/V2 unless you can find HD800S used for less than $900-ish. I'm going on memory w/ Elex, but Elex is a sidegrade to Aeolus (on EC Af), Auteur classic is an actual upgrade (and is the tits on MJ3), but JAR B nips at the heels of HD800S in terms of technicalities without the exaggerated headstage. and better overall timbre.

Having Clear and several HD800 of various mod levels, the HD800 spend more in recreational listening than Clears. My personal preferences, YMMV, etc.

The Clear OG might be good with the A2 but what’s in the middle might determine if it’s what you’re looking for. Also if you didn’t care for the Elex, you might not like the Clear (assuming metallic timbre that bugs some folks). I enjoy mine but yeah trade offs. It would be ideal if you can try before committing.

@rlow PM me your shipping; I'd be willing to loan you my JAR HD650 if interested