MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Closed vs Focal Elegia Review

MrSpeakers and Focal are huge names in the audiophile world. Their open-back headphones, including the Focal Clear and Aeon Flow Open, are some of the best sellers on the market. And both companies have released closed-back headphones based on these models. The Aeon Flow Closed and Elegia are separated by only 100 bucks in price. Which sound signature is right for your ears? Let’s find out in this MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Closed vs Focal Elegia Review.

MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Closed vs Focal Elegia Review

IN the BOX

FIT

Both headphones are light and comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. But the Elegia offers the wider, more classic fit with its round ear pads and wide, sturdy yoke. So, it feels solid and steady on the head.  I also preferred the cooler microfibre material of the Elegia, which sits a more gently around the ears than the Aeon Flow. The Aeon Flow has less conventional, triangular leather ear pads that are thicker and tighter on the head. So, if comfort tends to be a problem of you, the looser, more ventilated fit of the Elegia is the better option.

DESIGN

The Elegia employs 40mm dynamic drivers while the Aeon Flow uses planar magnetic technology.  Although the Aeon Flow has the lower impedance, at 13 Ohms, it took a little more power to drive than the 35 Ohm Elegia. But a small portable amp is plenty to juice them both. Mr. Speakers won’t disclose the Aeon Flow’s frequency range, but the Elegia is the brighter headphone, with a range of 5 – 23,000 Hz. Both headphones have detachable, fabric-covered cables that seem equally sturdy. Accompanying balanced cables would have been nice, but they are sold separately by both brands.

SOUND

Overall Impressions: The Aeon Flow’s luxurious smoothness vs the Elegia’s accuracy and detail.

Lows

Neither headphones offer a fat, thumping low-end. So, audiophiles with bass-anxiety can relax. While the bass on the Aeon Flow is close to conservative, the Elegia’s performance in the lows is downright anemic. The Elegia may put out a tinsy winsy bit of punch, but certainly not enough to do justice to pop or electronica. The Aeon Flow exhibits a somewhat richer feel with the sub frequencies more pronounced. However, the Elegia displays a more melodic and much more detailed sound in the lows. Listening to acoustic double bass, the texture came out more clearly on the Elegia, while the Aeon Flow had a thicker and more buttery feel.

Mids

Both headphones show off a present midrange. But the Aeon Flow produces more emphasis in the lower mids, making rock songs feel fuller than they do on the overly restrained Elegia. Both cans display a similar amount of detail in this range, but the Elegia offers more separation and pinpoint accuracy. The Aeon Flow, on the other hand, handles notes with a bit more softness and polish. Listening to cello, the Elegia conveyed more transparency, while the Aeon Flow was smoother and more refined.

Highs

Listening to strings, I heard more nuance on the Elegia. It is also the brighter headphone, giving percussion a more crystal, snappy feel. On the flip side, the Aeon Flow offers an easier listening experience with its mellow, rounded peaks. The more pronounced high frequencies on the Elegia can become a little piercing when listening trumpets, for example.

Soundstage

We have a clear winner here. The Elegia offers a much vaster soundstage than the Aeon Flow. In fact, where the Aeon Flow makes you feel like you’re in a small club, the Elegia convinces you that you’re at a stadium. The Elegia also produces a greater sense of accuracy in terms of instrument placement, displaying a more multidimensional feel.

SUMMARY

If you’re looking for a super accurate closed-back headphone with the soundstage of an open-back model, then the Elegia is for you. But if you like some fatty meat in your sandwich and a little bass in your Michael Jackson, then the Aeon Flow will be the more satisfying listening experience.

You can find these closed-back babies for the best price at:

Audio 46: Mr. Speakers Aeon Flow Closed (Use our promo code, “majorhifi” to get a 10% discount)

Audio 46: Focal Elegia (Use our promo code, “majorhifi” to get a 10% discount)

Amazon: MrSpeakers AEON Flow Closed Back Headphones (Black)

Amazon: Focal Elegia Audiophile Circum-Aural Closed-Back Over-Ear Headphones – Black/Silver

MajorHiFi may receive commission from retail offers.

SPECIFICATIONS