Following the success of their Bathys wi-fi headphones, Focal has expanded their mid-fi lineup with two new choices: the open-back Hadenys and the closed-back Azurys. The Focal Azurys enters a extremely aggressive market section, going through stiff competitors from established gamers like DCA Aeon 2, Beyerdynamic 1770 Professional, and Audeze LCD-2C. Let’s dive deep into what makes these Focal headphones stand out on this crowded subject.
Design and Construct High quality
The Azurys clearly attracts design inspiration from the Bathys, however its sound signature carves its personal distinct path. On the coronary heart of those headphones lies Focal’s famend 40mm aluminum/magnesium “M-Formed Dome” driver, a expertise that has confirmed its value throughout their product vary.
Technical Specs:
– Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 22 kHz
– Harmonic Distortion: <0.3% @ 1 kHz / 100 dB SPL
– Impedance: 26 Ω
– Sensitivity: 100 dB SPL
– Cable: 3.5mm to three.5mm (4 foot/1.25m size)
The swivel cup design mirrors the Bathys, making these headphones significantly appropriate for on-the-go listening. Whilst you can simply drive the Azurys from a cellphone or pc due to their excessive sensitivity (which I discovered barely greater than the reported specs), they really shine when paired with a top quality moveable or desktop amplifier.
Consolation and Ergonomics
Focal has made vital strides in consolation with the Azurys. In case you benefit from the Bathys’ match, these will shock you with even higher consolation. The up to date reminiscence foam earpads provide supreme softness, although they do sit comparatively skinny with drivers positioned near the ears. The fabric cowl, whereas maybe not matching the premium supplies of higher-end fashions, really enhances consolation for me.
The clamp pressure mirrors the costlier Celestee and different high-end Focal fashions, putting a pleasant steadiness between safety and luxury. Whereas the scarf options barely much less padding than the Bathys, the distinction proves minimal in observe. The general consolation degree approaches that of consolation champions just like the Meze 99 Basic and DCA Aeon 2, making these a wonderful selection for listeners preferring conventional headphone match and really feel.
Sound High quality
Soundstage and Imaging
The Azurys reveals Focal’s attribute revealing intimacy in its soundstage presentation. Like most closed-back headphones, it creates an correct soundstage with exact imaging, although it maintains the anticipated “in-your-head” sound typical of closed-back designs.
When listening to “Punish” by Ethel Cain, the spacey vocal reverb comes by way of with distinct readability, although it maintains that attribute closed-back intimacy. The medium width soundstage presents some vertical dimension, however you may discover a transparent boundary the place the staging ends. This makes the Azurys significantly appropriate for monitoring functions, the place its correct imaging and managed soundstage assist pinpoint particular components within the combine.
Bass Response
The bass efficiency stands out as one of many Azurys’ most spectacular traits. It delivers tight, responsive low frequencies with remarkably linear sub-bass extension. Slightly than overwhelming the listener with extreme bass, the Azurys gives a clear, heat timbre by way of a slight bump within the excessive bass area.
This tuning creates among the most resolving bass I’ve heard on this worth vary, providing unbelievable readability whereas sustaining musical engagement. Nevertheless, bass lovers in search of large affect may need to take into account options just like the Denon AH-D5200. The Azurys as a substitute goals for versatility, dealing with each bass-heavy mixes and stripped-down acoustic music with equal competence.
Midrange Efficiency
The midrange takes middle stage within the Azurys’ frequency response, although it approaches this important area in a different way than some rivals. In contrast to the HD600’s outstanding higher midrange emphasis, the Azurys presents a extra managed increase that sounds extra pure and fewer ahead.
This tuning creates a full-bodied sound that works splendidly for varied content material varieties:
– Vocals preserve wonderful readability and presence
– Podcasts and films profit from the pure vocal replica
– Music throughout genres comes by way of with correct tonal steadiness
– Gaming functions work decently, however excel with slight bass discount
The midrange does not significantly favor any vocal vary, as a substitute offering enough resonance throughout the spectrum to create a full, balanced sound.
Treble Response
The treble area may generate probably the most dialogue amongst listeners. The Azurys contains a notable peak round 3.5kHz that will increase readability and enhances imaging, although some customers may need to apply EQ to tame this area. In case you like brighter cans, this isn’t going to be an issue. If you wish to make the most of this Harman-style tuning to combine or monitor with, I’d positively advocate some EQing within the treble area.
When testing with “Put together for Payback” by Sworn Enemy, the mixture of sharp vocals and brilliant cymbals can change into intense on this naturally brilliant observe. The tuning reveals some similarity to Focal’s higher-end fashions just like the Celestee and Stellia, significantly in its resolving character, although the improved excessive bass units it other than the standard Focal home sound.
For listeners who recognize additional readability of their impartial headphones with out sacrificing bass response, the Azurys presents a compelling answer. The treble emphasis helps create wonderful separation and element, particularly after making use of some strategic EQ to style.
Worth Proposition
The Azurys makes a powerful case for itself within the aggressive mid-fi closed-back market. Whereas it faces stiff competitors from established gamers, it brings a number of distinctive strengths:
– Glorious construct high quality and luxury
– Exact imaging and correct soundstage
– Extremely resolving bass response
– Pure midrange replica
– Detailed, if considerably brilliant, treble
Sensible Purposes
These headphones excel in a number of use circumstances:
– Important listening and monitoring (with EQ adjustment)
– Basic music enjoyment throughout genres
– Podcast and film watching
– Gaming (with minor EQ changes)
– Cellular listening due to excessive sensitivity
Conclusion
The Focal Azurys represents a considerate entry into the mid-fi closed-back market. It efficiently combines Focal’s experience in loudspeaker expertise with sensible options for on a regular basis use. Whereas the treble may require some adjustment for delicate listeners, the general package deal presents distinctive worth for these in search of a flexible closed-back headphone.
The Azurys manages to keep up Focal’s fame for element and readability whereas establishing its personal id by way of its distinctive tuning decisions. Its mixture of consolation, construct high quality, and sonic efficiency makes it a worthy contender in its worth bracket.
For listeners in search of a closed-back headphone that balances neutrality with partaking sound, the Azurys deserves severe consideration. It proves particularly interesting to those that recognize correct bass replica and clear midrange presentation, although potential patrons ought to take into account their tolerance for brilliant treble earlier than making a remaining resolution.
The Azurys demonstrates Focal’s means to create compelling merchandise at extra accessible worth factors whereas sustaining their dedication to sound high quality. Whether or not utilizing them for important listening, normal leisure, or skilled functions, these headphones provide a compelling mixture of efficiency and practicality that many customers will recognize.
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