Focal Clear Over Ear Open Headphones

Read full InnerFidelity review here: www.innerfidel...

[@TiagrajI]

I bought these since nearly a year. These headphones are so so so good. They bring so much detail, punch and body to the music . It is my endgame in dynamic headphones.

[@soulfulfool]

yes I consider Focal as the best dynamics but didnt hear ZMF yet

[@soulfulfool]

I heard ZMF and there is no winner both excellent

[@dtz1000]

The Aune AR5000 is better imo. I own it as well as owning the Focal Clear.

[@r00s.]

What an absolute legend this man is. I agree with every word of this review!

[@dtz1000]

This is the first review of his that I don't agree with. I wasn't that impressed with them.

[@notsimar]

I couldn’t agree with you more on this review. The Clear really hits all the right notes for me, focal really hit it out of the park with this one.

[@doma4947]

Never thought I'd say this about a pair of headphones this expensive, but they are worth every cent. These ladies and gentlemen are end game headphones, they are just incredible.

[@martinmullen71]

Can you plug them straight into your normal amplifier, or do you need a dac or headphone amplifier please ?

[@dtz1000]

It sounds very similar to the Focal Elear. I also have to mention that the Aune AR5000 is not only much cheaper but is also the better headphone.

[@Yogachara]

Always nice to hear "Merry Christmas" from Santa himself

[@marcusnz232]

You're much missed, Tyll. I hope your travels are going well.

[@random_ramblings]

Tyll has thrown the towel in. And here I am still following him for sound advice. Stay healthy and blessed in your camper van!👍

[@NeapolitanApe]

I only just heard of this.

[@69Muscle]

I bought them. Wow. They are astonishing. Focal products are spectacular.

[@sonicsaviouryouwillnotgetm6678]

Uhh, miss Tyll and his great reviews.

[@funkrafty]

Focal has arrived big time in the headphone market! Very impressive for a newcomer.

[@xXCrazyxNoobxX]

Great review, Tyll. You should try swapping Clear pads onto the Elear and measure it sometime. Measurements of Elear w/Clear pads nearly overlap with Clear measurements (FR and THD). Some are suspecting that the voice coil change in the Clear (being the only driver difference to the Elear) is insignificant, and that the addition of accessories serves as a way for Focal to justify the $500 increase for what's essentially a pad perforation (only significant acoustical change). Magnet, diaphragm and damping are all identical. Not necessarily asking for a review, but measurements from your rig, which is very trustworthy, would be nice. If it turns out that they're similar, it would be great since people could buy Elears for around $600 on sale and install Clear pads on them to get identical results.

[@OriginalMindTrick]

Sounds like a great suggestion.

[@sarfaraz.hosseini]

Massdrop is now selling the Elex. Elears with the Clear's Pads, in an all black paint job, with the braided cables from the Clear: one 1/4 inch and one XLR, but in a black/anthracite colours.

[@unzarjones]

After watching the video done by Jude about the driver the changes don't seem insignificant. Having both Elears and Clears the immediately noticeable differences for me were more upper mids/treble, better resolution and layering. The only thing I prefer about the Elears is the upper bass is punchier and it's "in your face" sound is great for metal/rock.

[@billboys9283]

It was a GREAT idea. Got my Elex from MassDrop yesterday. Oh man! Great headphones.

[@PvMLad]

Comparison to HD 800S ? I'm considering one of these two beasts.

[@themeggy]

Listening to this review on my new Focal Clear headphones - before I got these, I had Philips Fidelio X2. This gentleman recommended both these headphones, and I have reason to be glad I followed his advice, great reviewer.

[@TheMino3197]

Same for me 👌

[@x-ray3431]

@Otie Jason You look like Fenton from That 70's Show and that's on "POINT" 😂

[@Wadacup]

Same for me!

[@Wadacup]

@Mino @Megi 99 how would you guys compare the Clear to the X2? Like what were your experiences? Just curious because they blew me away

[@themeggy]

@@Wadacup The X2 has a notably wide sound stage, which I liked a lot - by comparison the Clear's stage is more constrained. X2 has the V shaped frequency response - it's a good, musical presentation, but the slightly recessed mids make it not great for highlighting vocals. Clear is much more of a flat eq, maybe mids slightly pushed - but really fantastic for vocals. In terms of detail, resolution, speed, imaging, extension into the sub bass, it's not even close, the Clear is a league or several above the X2, but no surprise given the price difference. I did personally find the ear pads a bit small on the Clear, and the comfort wasn't the best for me, but that's a personal thing, and others won't have that issue. I've since moved on to the Hifiman HE1000se, which I find extremely comfortable, and imo they beat the Clear on pretty much every area, but even more money of course.

[@robinator3202]

Spot on review Tyll. I have the Clears and absolutely love them.

[@youtert]

Later this year Focal will be releasing a bargain version called the Unclear.

[@unzarjones]

The UnElear, (the Elex) already hit Massdrop. Reviews seem generally good tho.

[@leomignonneau1765]

Hahahahahahah funniest thing today for me.

[@takuan650]

Unclear of what?

[@PanosAnomioum]

This information has not confirmed yet, so it remaines unclear.

[@shiiomi]

Didn't know Mark Hamil was doing headphone reviews!

[@20puskinas1992]

Brendan Zachary spot on!!!

[@JeffJacquesmd]

I own a pair, truly excellent headphones. Audition them and purchase a pair if you can, can't recommend them more highly

[@jacksonville4932]

Does this comment still stand as true?

[@JeffJacquesmd]

@@jacksonville4932 clarify what you mean. Are they still excellent? Yes. Are there other headphones that might be a bit better? Yes.

[@scottlowell493]

I have TYlLL to thank for this. Week ending sept 25 2020: Got my Focal clears and there is NO WAY I'd want Utopia over these. The Utopia voicing is different and not what I am after. The clears completely blow away my overpriced HD800S and LCD-4's. The clears are my endgame headphones, and I lost interest in anything else. No more reviews, no more subjective opinions, my clears are my favorite period.

[@jacksonville4932]

I need to know. Does this comment still stand as true?

[@jacksonville4932]

Because I'm waiting for the clears rn they will be at my doorstep in 2 days

[@OptLab]

@@jacksonville4932 so what has been your impression of them ?

[@coderconvos254]

These are my favorite headphones and I own the LCD-3 and LCD-X and I've also demoed them side by side with the Utopias and have heard the HD 800s as well. Those may extract and highlight more detail, but these are much more engaging to listen to

[@soulfulfool]

@@coderconvos254 they give us many cables with Clear's but they all suck to be honest, higher quality copper with silver cables are the best in my opinion

[@VeggiePopper]

Officially I'm in love with these. Need them ASAP.

[@xiaobaozha]

...the happy enthusiasm was trying to burst out all the way through the review but you were trying to remain measured ☺️. Merry Christmas 🎄🤘

[@Nick_2i]

"1.2 millimeter cable" that's a little short lol

[@bert8904]

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@johnyang799]

Nah That's too long for me I use 0.666 nanometer cable.

[@vyathaen]

There is a 2.0 millimeter one but you have to pay 2499$

[@johnyang799]

Pirun Gaming millimeter bro

[@johnyang799]

Pirun Gaming that is like 1 fifth of a centimeter.

[@rustygates3367]

Bought these headphones and paired it to the Schiit Bifrost Multibit/Jotenheim stack using the XLR interface and HOLY HELL it's amazing. It's just as Tyll said it, spot on. The only issue I had was with the bass; it has nothing to do with the quality or extension of the bass because believe me the bass performance of this can is tremendous for an open back dynamic headphone (incredible resolve, texture, layering and transient response) but it was to do with the power in the bass. So I used Equaliser APO which is a free parametric equaliser to boost the 40 - 120 Hz region by 3dB and the outcome? - I've found my end-game setup. Also, I would say this headphone is probably the best value headphone I have ever come across to date with it's amazing case and supply of three extremely well designed, high quality cables - this is obv. in addition to the killer sound.

[@PanosAnomioum]

Hello, I ordered the clears and I'm searching for an amp. I'm between the Asgard 3 and topping a50s. Schiit works well with clears?

[@OptLab]

Does it have quality detailed bass in the 15-50Hz region ? I'm looking for open headphones who have to upgrade from my Shure Srh840. My fidelio x2hr has weak and wooly response in this region. (this is what I call the bass extension region)

[@rustygates3367]

@@OptLab I think 15 - 50Hz is far too much sub-bass for the original Focal Clears to handle, with enough power, to satisfy to the level you are looking for. I don't have them anymore by the way as I upgraded to a Utopia and Chord Electronics gear an year later, but if you're looking for accurate sub-bass performance I would go for a planar magnetic such as an Audeze.

[@OptLab]

​@@rustygates3367 okay thank you very much. I think I'm going to have to test those high end tech in a shop. The only way :) I love Focal clear tonality, dynamism and speed though. No headphones have satisfied me as much as this brand. I just need to be sure this sub bass is satisfying enough. Also, how does the Focal go for long ears? does it touch the side of the cups ? Do you experience fatigue ? Thanks again!

[@greglee7759]

Thank you for the review! I recently had an extended listening session with a pair of LCD-4 head-speakers on a very potent Mjölnir Audio Pure BiPolar being fed by an R-2R ladder DAC (differential signal end-to-end). The LCD-4 are fun as hell but I had to EQ the snot out of them to make them sound normal (to me). Maybe I won’t need to tame these “well balanced” Clears nearly so much. The LCD-4 is every bit as EQ’able as the MrSpeakers Aeon Flow drivers, which you noted in the Aeon review. Something about planar dynamics really takes to it. Maybe I’ve grown accustomed to a sharply rising treble response and a crotch kicking bass, but my EQ for them looked like the nike swoosh with tail pointing right. I know it was the right EQ to cancel out the response of the particular LCD-4 pair that I was wearing because every track (100+) sounded normal afterward. Guess I’m not a dark headphone dude. Anyway, thanks for the frank assessment, as always. I’ll have to get my hands on a pair of these Focal Clears and give them a whirl.

[@cybergod77]

Agree, love the SQ and best I've heard. Cons: A bit heavy and with that money, you can buy a pretty good set of speakers

[@Tigerex966]

KZbinrs need to respond to at least one post of each video in their comment section. That would be so practical, engaging, and shows that you care a little about your subscribers.

[@jpa244]

Just received my yesterday, I did not like the Elear, but the Clear is fantastic!

[@GC2TEJJ]

I got the professional version. Now i know why people love the chord mojo so much! It is a perfect match, more than enough power to drive the clear propper! I believe no desktop Dac/Amp ist needed for Clear. Noisefloor is almost Zero, Bass ist strong punchy and accurate. It is fun to listen. My HD800 not fun to listen, Clear yes! Music should be fun, this set is my „Endgame“ now, i‘m out!

[@nkenchington6575]

Got the pro's too; bit unclear (ha!) why they are considerably cheaper. Very happy.

[@ProtectMyLiberty]

Just bought a pair a couple of weeks ago and love them! Focal hit it out of the park with these! I EQ mine up just a couple of db in the base and it's perfect for me.

[@pointyfox]

If you want more bass you can also use a higher output impedance amp.

[@soulfulfool]

you was lucky to get working drivers, mine rattle at sub bass without EQ if I would push them few db using EQ they probably rattle/clip even at lower volume

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

It's a terrific ally well tuned headphone, its not the best at any one thing, but certainly one of the best jack of all trades cans out there.

[@DonHamlin]

Excellent review. Couldn’t agree more.

[@GC2TEJJ]

I sit in the garden now, mojo plays DSD Files from the SD Card of the Chord Poly. Both in my shirt pocket, with the just 1.2m cables! Mobile Highend-Heaven. The volume balls are green, the power ball is white. Trondheim Solestine Album Magnificat in QuadDSD made my eyes wet... Stars are shining, it is a warm summernight in germany. Not in a „desktop amp prison“ a can go outside now. Im happy the long searching ist over, what more a can-aholic could get? Thank you Tyl for this review!

[@vyathaen]

Merry Christmas Santa! ...I mean Tyll!

[@soulfulfool]

They are top quality but with hi end source, they scale with gear pretty well, even cable can help to clean up the signal they react to everything

[@wangelite5279]

I tried the focal utopia. Dont hit me, I just dont think they r very comfortable. The hd800/s in comparison. U feel the weight fairly soon and in a warm environment they get sticky very quickly. Thy sound really good, but it just not very comfortable. sorry

[@60zeller]

I would not run out and pay full price for these. I purchased the elear last year, yes very happy with them. But, felt like a sucker when the price was reduced $300.00 dollars just a few months later. The same may happen with these.

[@ShiZo1337]

lmao I just bought these for $1100, good call!

[@Tigerex966]

early adopters always pay the high price

[@Assimilator702]

Tigerex966 I’m glad the Focals weren’t even on my radar when they were released. But a few weeks ago something happened and I started reading about the Elex and ended up finding an open box Elear for $500. Very nice headphones. To think these Clears cost almost 3X the price for basically the same headphone is kind of crazy.

[@Tigerex966]

@@Assimilator702 Yes crazy indeed, I will be looking at the Elear and Elex, beyedynamics 1990, Final Audio Sonorous IV and VI and other $500+ headphones this summen. I think in the case of focal and others their uber premium $1000+ headphones are essentially 90 percent the same Materials and rand d as their under $1000, with only tuning and sound absorption material, and once in a while more cables, better quality leather, better box and packaging making them more expensive. Many times they do not sound as good, and just have a boosted treble for more detail and less bass to make the detail and treble and resolution be perceived as higher when it really is not. A good eq can usually get the same results, because the drivers and cups and acoustics and construction are usually quite similar. Enjoy the Elear, what do you like most about them?

[@coldfinger459sub0]

Focal last two releases I was not impressed with especially their lack of accessories and their shortcomings $3000 plus headphone was kind of a joke even though it’s a very nice headphones. Both headphone manufactures and headphone amp manufactures need to figure out to release everything with XLR‘s and upgrade old amps with new releases with modifications to XLR‘s. Headphone amplifier is with XLR‘s in just over the hundred dollar range are starting to appear on the market. I waited for your review to see if I wanted to go down and spend the time testing out the Focal Clear, i’ve learned out of the many different KZbin review were‘s you’re one of the few who can truly be trusted for an honest opinion instead of trying to kiss the manufactures butt to get free product or make some monetary benefit by their links below. Focal must’ve been white knuckling their arm chairs waiting for your review to come out to see what you would say. Keep up the good honest work in your reviews. 👍

[@wasanderesalsihrseid]

Why the hell would you need XLR's?

[@stockboy87]

Hi! So I am a bit late to the FOCAL Clear Party although I have owned the Focal Elegia (switching the earpads to the Dekoni Elite Sheepskin brand) for over a year for my closed-back option and have enjoyed it. I understand there is a new version of the Clear out now called the Clear MG however there was such a tremendous sale price on The Clear OG you reviewed in this video that I just couldn't pass it up so I ordered and I am anxiously awaiting its arrival. I also ordered the Dekoni Elite Velour Earpads because I have heard from some reviews that these replacements may take a little bit of edge away from from that sometimes slight gritty treble you mentioned. Because this video is six years old now, perhaps this is a remedy you may have tried for yourself and, if so, I am interested in earing your thoughts and opinions. Thank you for the help your video supplied and I also just subscribed!!!

[@scottlowell493]

I am now going to sell my Beyerdynamic, and Sennheiser headphones and getting these. The description of the clear performance cannot be said of either of mine.

[@johneli495]

"it's $1499 and worth every penny"..... that statement for some reason made me do a double take 😁 I live in another world

[@mynameisjeffrey9732]

It's ok, the guy who said that can only hear up to 15khz. He can only imagine what these would sound like if he was 40 years younger. On the other hand, he didn't need that money anyway.

[@narq5099]

@Mike O'Horny I kissed your tiny pickle one time and now that's all you ever talk about!

[@tthbro]

@Mike O'Horny im sure you can hear even those youtube vids down to 5hz

[@Krmpfpks]

I had these for 9 months and I love them so much, but yesterday one channel failed out of nowhere. The dealer took them back and said that this happens sometimes but Focal will replace them quickly. Now I have to wait.

[@zaheedhasib]

Amazing review, thank you sir.

[@piotrosinski-petestradamus6204]

I just sent mines back to Focal N/A. I'm upgrading to the Utopia. But, these were amazing.

[@TheKingkikapu]

I love my Utopia cans. Coming from Audeze, they are way more comfortable, and the resolution is fantastic. With a just a minor touch of EQ in the bass region they are very, very nice. Just wish they came with XLR cable, but oh well, I made my own.

[@piotrosinski-petestradamus6204]

Ryan Wickham The ones in my picture are the MX4 and they are a little more comfortable than an lcd4, but nothing compared to the Clear, I liked them more than the Audeze too. Easier to live with.

[@MegaFabioRocks]

Nice one Tyll! Sennheiser should listen and take some note!

[@GC2TEJJ]

Sennheiser is the german company putting gorilla glass in it’s cans for marketi... ähm sound!? 😂😂😂

[@GC2TEJJ]

France Germany 1:0 now.... the senn800 win with it’s comfort (if not headbanging)

[@Min2konto]

How many times are Focal headphones named in mixing threads on Gearslutz or KVR audio forums? How many times are Senheiser 600 and 650 mentioned? I almost never see anyone saying anything negative about those headphones. Furthermore - if you can pay about 300-400 dollars and have a pair of reference cans as good as a senheiser 600 or Audio-Technica ATH-R70x - why would you pay more than 1500 dollars for Focal headphones if they still can't replace speakers? If the sound is more "hi-fi" (drop any snake oil adjective that you'd like), then it's all about subjective taste and listening experience - and that is fine, but not necessarily where Senheiser wants to aim all their producs. So Senheiser does not need to take any note.

[@mrpositronia]

If you have never seen nirvana, you can't judge its beauty. All your 'Ifs' and 'whys' just show you don't know what you are talking about.

[@MrBazsi888]

1.2mm cable :D That's short, but its good against signal loss. 2:03

[@ImHavingaCoronary]

Hope your enjoying your travels in your camper!

[@warfam_clan6933]

Great review Tyll. I've been waiting for this. Nearly purchased the Elear but am glad I didn't. Will definitely be listening to the Clear. Merry Chrismas to you!

[@sp3595]

These headphones are great for listening to the clip where Reckful missed Lethal at blizzcon

[@alexh5343]

Spot on review ! I had a chance recently to directly try the Elear, Clear and Utopia. My favorite one is the Clear, had the best overall balance of the 3 cans. More forgiving than the Utopia and better highs than Elear.

[@dtz1000]

I just bought the Elear. Is the Clear leaps and bounds better than the Elear?

[@dtz1000]

I bought these and disagree with this bad review. The Aune AR5000 is a lot better and is also a lot cheaper than the Focal Clear.

[@keeferdog5617]

Wow...I think he likes them!

[@dbaileydrummer]

Til thank you I can’t believe I just found your channel I’m a sound man and love your review. Saw you first on Roll with it. I loved when you put your hat on and held the clip board in your hand. Your cool man😁

[@steveassante6797]

He,he.he ........ I don't know if Tyll realized that what he was describing is exactly what a great loudspeaker sounds like. The difference being that the headphones have taken care of all the careful ,necessary speaker placement steps that are needed to get this type of musical performance from the loudspeakers.

[@MrEliwankenobi]

Don’t remember the last time I saw Tyll so excited about a headphone

[@Adam-tp8py]

Santa Tyll reminds me of better times. EDIT: My Clears arrive soon. EDIT EDIT: They arrive today.

[@robm321]

Same.

[@Lasse3]

Focal is end-game stuff in the audiophile loudspeaker world, they produce all drivers themselves in-house.. Even so it's pretty astonishing how they're simply able step right into the world of headphones and hit it out of the park there too. I bought a pair of Focal studio monitors, very good price / performance ratio!

[@isaachy777]

Recently got one for 790. It is so well balanced I probably won't use EQ on it. My other ones I do.

[@YardenZada]

what another Spectacular review!! Thanks Ty !! Happy holidays 🤗

[@ralphfurley123]

I’m stocking up on ramen noodles!!! I’ve got this pair of headphones in my sight!!! Thank you for a fantastic review!!! ☮️🖖🏽

[@edwin97a]

Awesome! Nice review and We miss you !

[@onetwo3706]

I love fantastic headphones that are reviewed by Santa, keep up the magic my man!

[@onetwo3706]

Santa in a Hawaiian shirt, even better :)

[@Satfgk]

You can also use Roon’s great parametric equalizer and dial back the Utopia by a few dB, with a high Q-value at 5-6k!

[@jimtelesford4072]

I got to admit your reviews on headphones are the best peace out !

[@purpasmart_4831]

I'm not saying the Focal Clear are best headphones, but they are. -Tyll

[@zeeMuniStacksBundles]

Listening on some brand new Focal Clears

[@akshat3516]

Review Stax L700, same price as the clear.

[@randomdudeman4782]

Ditto. Just be careful pairing it with the KGSSHV, might be a bit bright. Tubes might serve you better. Otherwise, I have the L700 and am very tempted by the Clear.

[@akshat3516]

Random Dudeman I am straight going for the omegas.

[@kaleisbased]

Not exactly, the same price as the clear's. While the earspeakers do cost about $1500, you also have to factor in the cost of the specialized amp (the amp ONLY being usable with Stax earspeakers) I'd say a fairer comparison would be the Stax L500 (earspeakers) + SRM-353X (amp) or better known as the STAX SRS-5100 Earspeaker System making for a grand total of around $1500.

[@randomdudeman4782]

If you go for the Omegas, use an aftermarket amp. Stax's own amps don't really have the juice to drive them. Off a standard Stax amp the L700 actually sounds better than the 007 IMO, and I have both a mk1 and a late-version mk2... and still use the L700. But with a Blue Hawaii or similar level amp, the 007 is unbelievable.

[@akshat3516]

Random Dudeman Yep, I know that, going for both the 009s and 007s and Mrspeakers ether electrostatic if I actually save money that is, diy kgsshv and carbon are on my radar now.

[@JD-qp9ox]

I listened to the Clear through a $4500 McIntosh amp and it was ASTOUNDING.

[@Capybarainahumansuit]

The mcintosh is 5k now. But I wouldn't buy that I'd get a portable.

[@vm6038]

Excellent review as always Tyll! Seems like a great headphone indeed. Too bad it retails for $1900 + tax in Canada, although most audio gear is expensive as hell here compared to US... I do have a problem with the Clear knocking the other two Focals off the Wall Of Fame though. I mean, the Utipia is still technically superior, while the Elear is significantly less expensive... In fact, the Elear is readily available on the used market for well below the retail price, while I don't expect many used Clears to be available anytime soon, if ever, especially if it really is that good...

[@rickg8015]

Merry Christmas, Santa Tyll..🎅🏻 Thanks for the Aeon Open recommendation. I like it much better than the Closed version..

[@arthurwatts1680]

Tyll, I respect your opinions as much as ANY reviewer on YT or elsewhere - even more so when it comes to headphone amps - but I'm a little gun-shy after your to-and-fro re the Elear/Utopia on their initial release. I also consider some of your Mr Speakers reviews a little schizophrenic, but at the end of the day you're human like the rest of us. It's interesting to read your reviews alongside Bob Katz' impressions of the same headphones - probably an excellent illustration of the need to audition gear with our own rigs before making a purchase decision. Thank you for being willing to swim against the tide with your Senn reviews - I look forward to whatever you've got in store for us in 2017.

[@pirelli9186]

Hey Tyll,, Merry Christmas! What's a suitable headphone amp for this beauty? Actually I've an Oehlbach XXL Ultra Witch ja HD600, but i don't know if i should go for a better amp too, if i buy this headphone!?

[@consistency1907]

Well.. this was one hell of a compliment that lasted for 10 minutes

[@scottlowell493]

My credit card just burst into flame

[@farisx1425]

A pretty good review. Tyl, are these (Focal Clear) worth the upgrade from HD800S?

[@falcodarkzz]

Nooo, ive auditioned both, thatd be a sidegrade. Actually, id say the hd800s is a bit better tbh

[@catgirlrancher7240]

@@falcodarkzz comment is from 2 years ago but its an interesting topic. And yeah, definitely a sidegrade. Personally far prefer the focal clear for anything that isnt classical (and even then, a lot of tchaikovsky sounds better on the clear for some reason).

[@Berserkism]

This is interesting, Massdrop x Focal Elex $799.99 "A refinement of the $1,000 Elear with elements of the $1,500 Clear, they boast several improvements to the sound, build, and aesthetic, too. The perforated microfiber ear pads bring the bass down a bit, the matching perforated microfiber headband ensures breathable comfort, and the colorway has been simplified to a subtle, mostly matte black. Finally, we’ve replaced the Elear’s 9.8-foot rubberized cable with two 6-foot cloth-wrapped cables: one with a quarter-inch connection and one with a four-pin XLR plug by Neutrik."

[@andrewganley9016]

Come back Tyll all is forgiven! was considering between the Utopia and Stax SR009 till these babies came along

[@mfmishere]

At 2:03, I for sure thought he was going to say "This cable is the shit".

[@mjd8793]

Hi Tyll. Love your headphone reviews, think I will buy the Focal Clear, thanks for the info/reviews. I like 50s' & 60s' classic rock and some easy listening music and really all types of music except classical, also I like a lot of bass as long as it is clean sounding. What would you recommend? Also, I purchased the Oppo 205 4K Blu-ray player recently, it has a very good dedicated headphone amp built into the player, it also has two XLR (3 pin) "outs" on the back of the unit. If I were to cut off the 1/4" pin on the Clear headphones and terminate the wire ends with XLR connectors (like you said) would it be OK to plug the headphones directly into the back of the Oppo or do I need a separate audio device between the player and the headphones? Do you have a DIY video that shows how to terminate the headphone wires with XLR connectors? Could I hire you to do it for me? Thanks for the info/reviews, keep up the good work, Mike kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4mYf6F9qs54grc

[@Supperconductor]

My dilemma is that I own the HD600s. This is quite a price premium. Yes, performance is not linear with price. But damn $1500 is a lot of coin that could go to DAC/AMP part of one’s system.

[@andrecostin1288]

Supperconductor yeah I tend to agree. Nice balance but too laid back for me.

[@DIsmayedConfuse]

Agreed. That's how I felt before I listened to them. But now I'm scraping together the cash to buy them.

[@andrecostin1288]

DIsmayedConfuse I reckon price will come down a lot with time, as with Elear and Utopia. I listened and yeah it was nice, but I think I only just got my system to sound resolving enough with an HD800 where I can finally tune for timbre, and Clear is a lot more laid back than that. Note I also made an HD800 mod that kills 90% of the excess treble energy while keeping the overall sound unchanged. I think for me it would be an overall step backwards in resolution for some nicer stock sound signature, but I guess a safer bet for someone not chasing every bit of resolution they can get and just wanting a nice well balanced sound just slightly laid back vs some other top of the line headphones.

[@alondite215]

That money is much better served going toward a Yggy.

[@OriginalMindTrick]

The headphone make the biggest difference, then amp and then DAC. Try a blindfolded test with one of the greatest DACs under 200 and compare it to the best under 1500 and I doubt most people will notice much difference. You'd be MUCH better off finding some complementary DSP like EQ and Isone Pro OR even better still buy the new Smyth Realiser. Biggest game changer in headphones bar none. That would make even more sense with your HD600 than buying a new headphone.

[@matejbalogh]

Hmm, I thought that after this review, it will be easier for me to choose between these and Aeon Flow Open. Guess it's even harder now :D

[@johnyang799]

Balanced sound across the board. Nicely built, nice look. But less textured in the bass than utopia, same unnatural high frequency as utopia. Overall, pretty good, not my favorite but definitely not bad.

[@johnyang799]

Utopia is not bass shy on 430had btw.

[@alexandergomes3317]

couldnt agree with you more actually

[@andrecostin1288]

Maybe it's a housing thing?

[@andrewganley9016]

An Elear fan but have to get these you should be Focals PR maybe!

[@fightingcarrot]

Hi! thanks for the great review as always. The Elear's are now on sale for $800 - would you recommend the Clear over the Elear with that near 2x price difference? Hope to hear from you, thank you!

[@operamatthew]

miss your reviews big time... no one can do it better

[@melona3727]

Hello. Love your Videos. Can you consider making a review video for Roland RH-300? i think its very Flat response and popular in Japan. Thank You :)

[@H-4-D3423]

On the website, Tyl's friend had the HE-560 cans. On paper, they are quite comparable, and I'd love to know what the 560 owner thought of these in an A/B situation! I really doubt they'd be worth almost double the outlay

[@Tartifless]

Just scored a pair for 800€, I am thrilled

[@jaxtrauma]

But...did you like it? ;-) Got it yesterday, your review was spot-on. I'm very happy with my Clear. Thanks Todd.

[@IISocratesII]

According to measurements and reviews the Massdrop x Focal Elex is extremely similar to these, but a nicer colour imo, for way less money, i'd probably go for those instead, save some cash.

[@StahlerMarble]

IISocratesII The only problem is they won’t ship from massdrop until far from now, and there’s bound to be delays

[@IISocratesII]

+Stahler Marble Well worth the wait still, $700 difference, that's enough for a great DAC and Amp setup to match them or another headphone all together to compliment them.

[@HungryCheff]

The Elex is just an elear with clear pads and accessories nothing else has changed , from what i've heard it has less bass then the elear and missing the sub bass and the completely refined sound from the clear. I know from experience that buying the clear is probably your best bet, because the headphone is near perfect and you don't need that complimentery headphone anymore, and the elex probably just leaves you with just more desire.

[@IISocratesII]

+Cheff Clear and Elex seem too anemic for my tastes anyway, i wouldn't go Focal at all if i had that kind of cash, i'd get the ZMF Auteurs, much more my sound signature.

[@Tom_Brennan]

So the Clears are better than the Utopia's?

[@youtert]

I was going to donate $1500 to starving orphans this Christmas but Tyll has convinced me this is a better use of my money.

[@user-vn3se9km1j]

LOL

[@x-ray3431]

You douchebag!

[@soulfulfool]

haha kudos !

[@Kevinjandro]

Hello thanks for the info.... could you also review the Bowers and Wilken's px wireless headphones curious to see what you think of them thank you.

[@AngelGonzalez-gi5yt]

Hello, love your videos , can you do a review forma the Sony mdr xb950bt

[@SzynszyL01]

Hi Tyll, can you do review and measurements new headphones of Yamaha HPH-M5? :)

[@tucatucz]

"That's a headphone I want to be mine". Walks away with a beats.

[@ulsterman2021]

And the Aeon Flow. ;)

[@adrianfuhrer5832]

I have one of these. It‘s really worth every penny!

[@xzackly7131]

he actually has one now i think. a hifi audio shop gifted him one for his retirement. he's seen wearing it in this video right here kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5CkgqqeeaatjZo

[@vladimirussachevsky1315]

I'm very curious how well they scale with different dac/amps from Chord to Schiit for example.

[@jonathanbarnes7641]

What’s the best closed headphone for HipHop and Reggae in your opinion $300-$500 range?

[@Tigerex966]

$999-$1199 is the max they should cost and that is for the case and accessories over the elear. They should include the elear pads too at this price. Any solution to the creaking in this design. I must admit they look sensational.

[@aniksinha3784]

What amp + dac would you recommend for this? Budget under $500. I am leaning towards JDS Element 2

[@SuperBrockMister1]

One day i'll buy these

[@mellen8394]

lol randomly see a kripperino in this fking comments

[@lextr3110]

what about square waves rendering for the focal clear ? vs a stax l700

[@konadbenz3383]

thanks btw black is old-school

[@bill3117]

Any updates for 2023??? I have a pair on the way that were on sale.....and not returnable! I hope they work out. Is it okay to use a headphone amp/DAC on low gain with these headphones? Should I upgrade the cables?

[@Mauntium]

I have a pair on the way too (guy was selling it second hand at a very good price). I hope I actually receive something other than a brick! These headphones are very efficient, low gain should be OK. And I don't see any reason to replace the cables unless you want a different connector, or if you find them stiff. You'll see when you receive them.

[@bill3117]

@@Mauntium I have received mine, and I've been listening to them for a couple of days. As an owner of six wired headphones (Sennheiser, Audeze, Sennheiser, Grado and Audeze) I have to say I like their sound very much. Though I have tweaked the bass a little on the iFi Neo 2 DAC/Amp. The stock cable connected to my iFi Neo 2 DAC/Amp is way, way, too long for computer desktop use. So I did order a third party, shorter cable with a 4.4mm balanced connection to my DAC/Amp's balanced input. I understand that these are easy to drive via a computer, phone or tablet. I have yet to try that. I hope you find these well built, good sounding headphones meet your needs!