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Focal Headphone Repairs?

Unfortunately, it appears that despite their high-end reputation, Focal has crap quality control. Their Drop Focal Elex is infamous for driver and connecting wire failures. And now, I find so is their Focal Clear model.

I bought a pair in May, and after less than 20 uses, the left channel is dead. It’s not the cable or anything external, but definitely something internal. I take extremely good care of my stuff, so there’s no excuse for this type of failure.

Although the headphones are still in warranty, I’ve been told Focal is awful about honoring US-based claims. Plus, shipping them back to France will be expensive and take weeks, if not months. So, I’m afraid my only choice is to pay someone to fix them stateside. I’d be grateful if anyone can recommend an experienced, reliable repair shop for the Clears in the US.

Thanks.
output555

Showing 3 responses by corelli

corelli
942 posts
 
Wow. Great reason to cross Focal off your list. Too bad your dealer did not tell you that ahead of time. Almost sounds like a no win. Blow the bucks to fix them just to have them break again. Fix and sell them--I’d have a hard time doing that with a known quality issue. Sorry to hear your misfortune but your post is valuable to others looking to purchase headphones.
P.S.  I'd find a new dealer as well
corelli
942 posts
 
Unlike the OP, sounds like you have a good dealer.  Again, he ought to dump his.
corelli
942 posts
 

Upscale audio has great closeout pricing on Focal phones.  After rereading this thread I would never consider them, even at steep discounted prices.

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