The Sennheiser HD800s vs. The Focal Clear. A premium headphone comparison!

[@robovirtuoso1354]

The magic of the HD800S, like its predecessor HD800, is that they easily trick you that some of the sounds are really coming from inside the room. It's that natural sounding. I don't care what the FR curves show. Sometimes when playing my digital piano with the HD800S late at night, I have to double check whether the headphones are plugged in, or I'm blasting loud piano sound in the middle of the night. LOL.

[@krazydiamnd8204]

So does it really sound like speakers? If so they would be more than worth it. I hate the headphones in your head tiny sound.

[@Krmpfpks]

@@krazydiamnd8204 I own hd800s and focal clear. I think the clears are more like speakers to me.

[@chasenelson4641]

@@krazydiamnd8204 I’ve tried both. I own the hd 800S. With the correct amplification, yes they sound like speakers almost. You should def get an amp that pushes a lot of power through. I use the Audio GD Master 19 with the bifrost 2 dac. The soundstage is unlike anything else. However. They don’t make all music sound special. They make exceptional recordings sound amazing and well produced music even sound good. But some music will sound small and the staging will seem unnatural. Perfect example is the Red Hot Chili Peppers californication album. I thought it was going to blow my mind like it does with more bass heavy headphones. But wow. It sounded awful. Soooo compressed and sounded small and distorted. The recording is trash. Basically these headphones show you what music sounds like without coloration. That being said they aren’t dead neutral. They benefit from a warm amp or dac. They match well with my warmer bifrost 2 and almost perfectly neutral master 19.

[@musicxxa6678]

@@chasenelson4641 What would you recommend for DT 770 lover ? HD800S, Clear, LCD X or Arya ?

[@ernestochang1744]

@@chasenelson4641 Right... so the reason why you bring up californication from the red hot chilli peppers not sounding good on the hd800s is because Rick rubin (bastard) is known for the Loudness war basically what the loudness war is, if your music is louder then all the others regardless of what volume the user has it set to then it will stand out from the hundreds of other albums and songs and artists with those hoping to have a "greater" impact on the user. Of course as you know there is only so much you can raise the volume of a track in the mastering before it starts clipping/distortion/ fatigue overly bright and starts to sound pokey/sharp edgey but no no no Rick rubin (misguided as he is) actually turned the volume way past 100% peak level and ended up clipping and distorting basically the entire Album of the red hot chilli peppers of californication and some others. The reason why this may sound better with headphones that are bass focused could probably be due to the fact that it tames the Sharp/edgey pokey overly bright sound, and tunes them to a neutral sound causing less fatigue on the ears and less stabby sound and more pleasant warming sound. The Sennheiser HD800s focuses on the midrange and treble more so then the bass and thats why it sounds horrible to you because distortion just like voices are noticeable to the human ear when its in the midrange and treble frequencies since that is where the human ear is the most sensitive, MAKES SENSE RIGHT? This is like the only reason why your ears could be hurting when playing those CD tracks on the HD800s i truly do feel bad for any human who actually listens to that album... MP3 version however... a little bit more tolerable I would not neccesarily blame the headphones for another mans poo poo accident piss poor job of a master album, depending of how an album is mastered it can significantly increase your enjoyment of the music or it can completely ruin it, and this is the case with almost all of the works that rick rubin has been involved in

[@Balanced--]

I got myself a hd800s with a tube amp and let me tell ya, it feels like the music is playing around you. Watching a live performance feels like you are there. Very happy with them

[@rlinhares]

Which amp, if I may ask?

[@Balanced--]

Vali 2

[@jacobsartorius8472]

Vali 2 does not match the hd800 well

[@HenryTheBoilermaker3rdYear]

same with my hd700

[@LorenzoNW]

If you REALLY want to hear what the 800S can sound like, get the ToneKraft headphone cable by Audio Envy. I'm running mine through a modified Cary 300SEI and it's a match made in heaven.

[@heartwire-music]

thank you. decided to go with HD800S after your in-depth review

[@godtiermedic]

You are an awesome reviewer. I hope to see you review the HD 820. I have had HD 800s for years and need something that blocks out sound more that sounds and feels like the hd800

[@VeeHausen]

Really enjoyed this review. Good info and well explained, Good job!

[@funkrafty]

Spot on comparison. I agree with everything you said having listened to both.

[@cyberathlete]

There is one huge difference between the two that no one has covered. Focal can not be driven to high volumes without the sound distorting and the drivers hitting their limits. Focal addressed this directly and they state the focals are made to listen to moderate levels where the music would sound its best. Best example is James Taylor - Gaia (4:09 mark when the drums kick in. The extended bass distorts the headphones). It's a great recording. Sennheiser can play louder with higher SPL. I'm looking to sell my Focal for this one reason alone. I can't listen to them at loud volumes otherwise a fantastic headphone for those who don't listen to music very loud

[@evodude919]

You shouldn't listen to any headphones at very high levels unless you don't mind accelerating your hearing loss over the next few decades. If you are in your twenties you may not think it's a big deal but you may later on when it is too late.

[@jeromejax8675]

I think Focal is saving you from yourself in making sure the SPL is kept at moderate listening. Your hearing would thank you later unless you want to trade your hearing for permanent ringing and hearing loss just to listen at full blast all the time...

[@casualmime2792]

This has to do with the Ohm load which is relatively low on all Focals.

[@gomez3420]

I have the Clears and can drive to them satisfactory levels of loudness without added distortion using balanced cables and good and potent amp. Try the new Focal Arche Amp/DAC. It pairs perfectly.

[@soulfulfool]

@@casualmime2792 driver is so light and suspension soft, if you gently blow at their speaker you can see it move, probably with lot of power it cant handle the movement :) it goes wild

[@jimmyhuynh5729]

im not an audio guy but I tried the Focal Clears and they are the best sound I've ever heard out of headphones.

[@jmlathion2909]

I tried both and the Focals were so much more musical, even plugged on a modest preamp. Sennheiser’s associated preamp was also extremely expensive.

[@Zillamp3z]

@Spongebob Schwanzkopf Oh the ignorance and stupidity in this

[@MrHakubi]

Sennheiser are the most musical / natural headphones..rather or not that makes them better is up to the listener.

[@johnius92]

@@Zillamp3z his name is spongebob dickhead in english. Dont expect him to say something that makes sense

[@scottlowell493]

@Alina RS shieskopf actually.

[@davidtalon5553]

Thanks bro getting the HD 800S tomorrow, loves the Focal ! I have the little spirit ones>

[@scottlowell493]

I have some 800S. Put on a recording of a 30hz sine wave. It will rattle you even at a moderate volume. If these were truly light (and not falsely perceived as) "bass light" , 30hz would be weak or nonexistant. Generally, they serve as my personal paradigm for accuracy and space, vs many "boutique" cans that roll off the treble and sound dark. Cymbals on dark cans sound like they are under a towel. (not necessarily focal- but Audeze and other fanboi favorites) The HD800S are my preference over focal as well.

[@alondite215]

I certainly wouldn't call the HD800S more transparent or accurate than the Clear. They have generally higher distortion across the board, and FR wierdness between 300-2000Hz, and are definitely elevated between 4kHz and 7kHz which throws off the midrange and adds some unnecessary edge to the treble. The bass on the 800S is also a step down from the original HD800, and is just a bit softer and "woolier" by comparison. Imaging and resolution on the 800S is still top-notch, but the Clears are, well, clearer and are much better, much more "correct" in terms of tone and timbre. They're much faster and more dynamic as well. Bass is fuller and much more authoritative without being bloated. 800S might be slightly more resolving in the bass, and maybe the treble, but its sonic advantages really end there (unless you're partial to its large headstage). I'd opt for the Clear over the HD800S in a heartbeat. They just play better with a wider variety of source gear and genres.

[@x-ray3431]

Good to read this comment. Im going to audition both soon. Thanks for your detailed Intel. 👍

[@alondite215]

@NR The timbre is easily solved with an R2R DAC and either a tube amp, or a good discrete SS amp. Measurements prove all of your comments on tone to be objectively false. Sub-bass is not only present, but might be of the highest quality in the entire world of open dynamics and remains tight, textured, responsive, and authoritative all the way down. It's also not a bright headphone, it's actually slightly laid-back relative to neutral. The drivers don't hit max excursion until _well_ over listening volumes, in the 100 dB range. This excursion range is also why they have such exceptional dynamics. What gear have you listened with? If it's the kind of garbage that they promote at audio cults like ASR then you've never actually heard what the Clear properly sound like.

[@gomez3420]

I have both and prefer the the Focal. The HD800S when paired with the right electronics and high rez source material get very close to audio nirvana. I prefer the HD800S powered by the Fosgate Signature Tube Amp which has a bass boost circuit and the older but still formidable Berkley Audio Design DAC Series 2 with the Berkley Audio Design USB. However, I just purchased the Focal Arche a new Amp/DAC which best the HD800S in that it sounds more "Organic" or analog/vinyl like to my ears. But good review of two great cans.

[@marklloyd4153]

My favorite focal floor speaker is there least expensive. The Choras. I use them with a Onkyo rz50 AVR for movies and music . I love them . I just ordered the Clears for $790 new . I may buy a second pair just to have as I’ve heard so much good about them. I will hook them up to my Topping DX9 and Eversolo DMP A8. I like those units for the AKMchips I lean towards.

[@moltenbullet]

I wonder if you'll be willing to take a look at this comparison again but with the Clear MG?

[@joej78]

I have the 800S, they're quite nice. Estats outclass them, especially in the bass. However, I don't feel cautious about sweating into them during hot summers which is really nice.

[@ZeroFidelity]

I recall checking out a set of Estats from Mr. Speakers. Good stuff. :) Also, I'm glad you enjoy those 800s headphones. They certainly don't suck!

[@LorenzoNW]

If you REALLY want to hear what the 800S can sound like, get the ToneKraft headphone cable by Audio Envy. No problem with bass running them through my modified Cary 300 SEI.

[@matrixz6]

Love my hd800s.

[@brendon3795]

I've got both. They are both very impressive headphones. The Focal Clear is an amazing value headphone, considering all the cables and the carry case you get with it. It has really nice balanced cables supplied. It looks really nice, distinctive. The HD800S is equally awesome, each with their slight distinguishing aspects in terms of sound. The Clear is a bit more of an all rounder in my opinion (more portable in my opinion), and they are tuned really beautifully for an immersive experience that is enveloping, but also slightly forgiving of the source. The HD800S is beautifully resolved with exceptional clarity and precision and spaciousness, but with a look that is so unique, some of you will be like I have to own these because they belong in a headphone museum so people in 100 years can marvel at the aesthetic design. Overall, I'm glad to own both, and the reason I own the Clear is because of an exceptional discount that I could not resist (around $1,400 off the RRP).

[@rdcb1057]

Hi, is the sound very similar?

[@brendon3795]

@@rdcb1057I would say the Focal Clear is more immersive in terms of bass, slightly more smooth sounding. Enjoyable to listen to. The HD800S is very detailed, has a more spacious sound (slightly wider soundstage), very controlled and clean in terms of bass, still very engaging, just not as much as the Focal Clear. But in terms of vocals and instruments and resolution, the HD800S I think just edges in front of the Focal Clear. They are both fantastic headphones, each with their strengths, the Focal Clear tuning is very nice, the HD800S is super comfortable and has such a beautiful and unique aesthetic. The HD800S is more comfortable than the Focal Clear, because the clamp force is less, it's lighter, and the ear cup covers the entire ear (huge ear cup). This adds in my opinion to the comfort, you just need to adjust correctly for a nice seal on your head. Build quality and finish on both is top notch. Obviously source material is important, as well as having ample power to drive. The Focal Clear is easier to drive in that regard, so more suited to portable setups. The carry case that comes with the Focal Clear is great for travel. The HD800S has a large luxurious box, and is not something you would take with you to work and back. So depending on your need, one will be more suitable than the other. I use both of mine for desktop listening mostly, but I do take the Focal Clear occasionally to work. They are both open, and I feel open are the best dynamic headphones to get. I had closed pairs previously, but didn't like the sounds as much as open back. Just my thoughts to give you a perspective. Hope this comment helps!

[@TrampledReed]

Agree with your review. I tried both (and a few other flagship headphones including hifiman he1000 v2), and HD800s is a clear win: yes, it sounds thinner, which might be the only downside to it. But it might just be a byproduct of it being quicker and have better instrument separation. The focal clear, by contrast, is a bit loose in its bass. Far more sluggish than the HD800S. Even against the much more expensive he1000v2, the HD800s still performs better in many ways. Sadly, many people assume more expensive = better. For me, I really appreciate sennheiser for making its flagship at this price. It really is a bargain (well, relatively)

[@hpol3603]

Alvin Chan Agree 👍🏻

[@ACM1000000PT]

lol, hd800s is far away to be the best tolt

[@Catkat2907]

@@scottlowell493 you need a good amp.

[@Catkat2907]

@@scottlowell493 Get some Vioelectric V280 or SPL Phonitor X in your house instead of this schiit trash. If you ever looked at the measurements of the higher priced schiit stuff, you can clearly see it's not even hifi tier. The only good schiit product is magni/modi because they have decent value. The higher priced stuff justs sounds dull and distorted.

[@johnyang799]

Hd800s is silent at 7khz. Silent! How can a headphone that has a hole at normal frequency range be great.

[@charliedavidson3878]

If you are a headphone hobbyist / junkie you are probably going to own both . Had he gone over the specs of the Focal clear he would have mentioned they are 50 ohm 105 db headphones . Most amps perform extremely well at 50 ohms giving the Clear an advantage for most audiophiles . I owned the clear for about two weeks before I sent them back . Looking back I should have kept them . I just didn't have enough time to decide . To compare one model over another is foolish . is it fair to compare a 4 ohm speaker versus a 8 ohm speaker if you amp outputs 2X the power at 4 ohms ? For me the HD800 and HD800S sounded a lot better on my system . Every headphone made after 2009 is compared to the HD800 .

[@alex_8704]

A great comparison. Thank you so much.

[@GTRJohnny66]

Good to see you doing headphone reviews. Love the pair I got from you. Awesome Audio 46 deal at the end. Thanks, man! I heard a base pair of Focals and really liked them. I would agree that I was expecting them to be bright and they ended up sounding very smooth. I will have to check the Sennheisers out. I have not heard any of their newer cans.

[@Kevinjandro]

Thank you for your knowledge and input. Great comparison also....

[@timothyobrien5475]

I will soon be upgradeding my headphones, and both of these will be top of my list, my last 2 pairs of cans have been Sennheisers over a 20 year period, and the reliability has been excellent, I can say that the 800s will be bomb proof, as for the Clear headphones there is a question mark against reliability, they just haven't been around long enough to know that yet, I will test them with the Hugo 2 to see whats what between both sets of cans.

[@LorenzoNW]

Given the Hugo 2 has a solid-state amp, I'd be more inclined to go with the Meze Empyrean over the 800S for a fuller-bodied sound. I love my 800S but it's paired with a ToneKraft cable from Audio Envy and a Cary 300SEI so it's a match made in heaven.

[@hpol3603]

You are absolutely right!!! Agree with you 👍🏻

[@TheMusicForMasses]

Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio - Midnight Sugar background! Super cool pick ;)

[@anjin_x]

I was very impressed with the Focal Clear when the rep left them at the shop for evaluation. Overall I would have been very happy with them and they represented a better value over the Utopia's he also left. I'm not a fan of headphones so I haven't gone past HD800's for occasional home use but you can't go wrong with either one.

[@RC-qc2nz]

Bullshit. The hd 800s is not the truest to the source. It has a strong peak at 6 to 7 kHz and the focal clear is way better in terms of frequency response

[@MasterMark5]

It can be much better with EQ, i highly recommend running orratory1990s EQ settings with the HD800s

[@arthurwatts1680]

Sean, I watched the original HD800 go from hero to (near) zero with the head-fi cognoscenti in less than 2 years - a similar thing happened with the Audeze LCD-X and you can guess which two headphones were hanging on my wall when I began to read the naysayer reports. In the case of the Audeze, a lot of it was around driver inconsistency and varying build quality (allegedly) but I loved mine from day one. The HD800 is a slightly tougher sell, and I think a lot of it comes down to the incredible stranglehold the HD650 had on the hobby prior to the arrival of the HD800 : they're very different headphones and some folks just never got over that delta. It's interesting that many of the folks who recommend the Senn flagship come from a background like yours - more speaker listening than headphones - but they've definitely fallen out of the favor with those who cant get the warm, inviting sound the HD650 gave them. I love the soundstage on the 800 but others claim its artificially large - their choice - but the ultimate expression of how prima donna many in our hobby have become has to be the Clear. The people who snarkily post that 'it took Focal 3 $$$ headphones to get it right !', ask yourself this - how many *decades* has it taken Sennheiser to make the HD800S a reality, and how many more do you think it will be before its up to your impossibly high standards ? Be happy that you have so many choices and quit slamming engineers for being willing to go beyond the status quo that existed for at least a decade after the release of the HD580. Thanks for the video.

[@scottlowell493]

I question anyone's listening ability that thought the ear-bleeder HD800 were great. They had an obvious treble spike that was fixed in the S model. Those forums are too rife with fanboi's that worship things that are unsuitable for anyone besides themselves. They are also heavily price-driven. They have this delusion that something must be great due to a high price.

[@joej78]

bro just EQ it out man lol

[@arthurwatts1680]

Question my 'listening ability' to your heart's content : at 59, I'm not about to enter into a pissing match with younger people re my hearing acuity. The treble issues with the HD800 are more obvious with some tracks than others, but I dealt with it because the headphone's pluses outweighed its minuses for me. Plenty of people still using them with simple mods, and I think 'ear-bleeder' is an exaggeration but I guess you'd be happier with the HD650 - such is life.

[@joej78]

Arthur Watts bruh why deal with it when you can just use EQ and get a million times the fidelity as this HD650boi will ever experience

[@arthurwatts1680]

EQ is a whole other ball of wax - all I will say is that I was happier driving the HD800 from the Auralic Taurus than another other amp I had when I bought them. I think both headphones scale very well so I'm not going to get into another '650 vs the rest debate. He likes what he likes and I like what I can live with - such is life.

[@FrogmanINDK]

Great review , thanks

[@bernamej]

You’re the best reviewer man.

[@hellschatt]

The Focal Clear were so uncomfortable. They were hurting my ears after 10 minutes, the clamp was so strong that it hurt my head because they were pressing the glasses on to my head. The pressure build-up inside the ears was also unbearable. I'm one of these persons who gets incredible headache after wearing headphones for longer than 30 minutes. The HD800s on the other hand were the most comfortable headphones I ever tried. 0 pressure on to my glasses because the pressure is distributed over a bigger surface and because the clamping is very soft. I could listen to them for hours without feeling dizzy or getting headache or anything. They won't get hot and they won't make you sweat. The only complaint I also have is the top part, which starts to hurt after an hour or so. I have to move it little bit every so often so that it won't hurt anymore. Sound wise they were both absolutely great. I'd say the HD800s were noticeably clear sounding while the Focal definitely were far from clear but with a stronger personality so to speak. I loved listening to the Highs with the Clear but other than that everything else was sounding better with the HD800s. Also the soundstage was almost non-existant with the Focals, absolutely garbage compared to HD800s with the most amazing soundstage you'll ever hear. I don't know how or why they'd make them even open-back with such a bad soundstage. Don't get me wrong, the HD800s are way clearer and are closer to neutral sounding, but they are definitely not sounding boring or anything like that. I've listened to many Hi-Fi Headphones that sounded clear and neutral that were so boring to listen to that they'd take the enjoyment from listening to anything. The HD800s though are so much fun to listen to while still sounding clearer than most (or rather all) Headphones I've tried. I don't think that anyone will be disappointed from either choice. However for that price point I'd say that the HD800s deliver more. Also you should really try them on your head and listen to them for at least 30min - 1 hour each before choosing, not because of the sound, you'll like both of them in terms of sound... but because of the comfort.

[@robbie36melb]

I find the clears to be the ultimate in comfort. I can leave then on for hours with no discomfort at all. Weird that you find them the opposite.

[@v3kanon]

very good review!

[@jeromejax8675]

I would go with the Focal Clear. The look, build and SQ is understated here. I can live with an 8 out of 10 rating.

[@x-ray3431]

@Spongebob Schwanzkopf 👆 douche

[@theizer7612]

HD800S HAVE EAR SCREAMING SHARP TREBLE, THEY ALSO LACK ENJOYABLE SUB BASE. THE CLEAR ARE LIKE A SUPER HD650.

[@jmlathion2909]

Capois W. LaMort From my experience with the Clear pros, I would not recommend jumping to conclusions before the headphones are given 100-150 hours of use. The drivers are simply not ready before.

[@caprisun6]

Wish I could walk into a Best Buy and pick me up one of these badboys.

[@dzemoski45]

Club Soda or Radio Shack.

[@Cooliewhistles]

I’m at Circuit city rn

[@slavak592]

Does Michael Scott speaks in this video?

[@RyanZNO]

HD800S is more of a studio monitor and is super flat. The Clear is not a monitor headphone, it’s designed for music. Having owned both I love the sound of my Clears and still own them, the HD800S went on eBay after a month.

[@4bdull784]

So do you recommend me to get the clear for music? And little bit for gaming

[@angel.feathers]

4bdull 800s for gaming because of its imaging.

[@Snxgur]

800s for purely comfort, the comfort alone is worth the price, i cant stand wearing the clears for over like 2 hours, hd800s ive broken forgetting i have them even on@@angel.feathers

[@PartySpock]

Nice and open review.In this highend headphones you can,,t talk anymore about wich is better.They are different of each other.

[@baronvonlichtenstein]

I find sennheisers always seem to mute the highs. Would rather listen on shure 440, akg 361, Samson 850 or superlux 668b.

[@LorenzoNW]

“The best fit for you” will depend not only on your music and sonic signature preferences but it’s also important to consider one’s system. I would NEVER consider pairing the 800S with a solid-state amp or use their stock cable. I own the 800S and a Cary 300SEI integrated amplifier with Synergistic Research Orange Fuses, Grayhill selector switch, two Bybee iQSEs, 1 NOS TUNG-SOL Made In USA 6sn7 (preamp tube), 2 NOS BRIMAR Made In England 6sn7 (driver tubes), and 2 Genalex Golden Lion 300B (power tubes). Stuart Jones (Chapman Audio) is going to upgrade it through the roof with silver bypass caps and other magic. I’m using a ToneKraft cable from Audio Envy that complements the 800S beautifully. I can’t even listen with a stock cable after being spoiled. And Captain, President of Audio Envy, is releasing V.3 of the ToneKraft in a couple months. He promised it will impart an even more analog character and golden halo to the sound without sounding artificial. I’ll be first in line. But while the 800S sounds great in my system, it can sound awful with components that don’t complement its sonic signature. I was over at a friend’s apartment last week listening to my 800S through his solid state McIntosh integrated amplifier. And it sounded clinical and lifeless.

[@AlexM-td3ro]

Damn I just wanted some high quality gaming headphones

[@AlexM-td3ro]

Why does the amp cost more than the headphones 😭😭

[@LorenzoNW]

@@AlexM-td3ro I assume that's a rhetorical question. Lol I recently replaced the preamp tube with a NOS Made In USA Hytron 6sn7 and the driver tubes with two NOS Sylvania Bad Boys. HUGE upgrade in musicality. My amp was a bargain, considering it sounds more musical than any SS integrated amp at any price. Some people derive pleasure from a $30K+ new car. I'd rather own an inexpensive used car and a nice stereo. To each their own.

[@HPMIKE55]

Great job bro & can I put the Footprint01 with my tv or would that be to much? Thanks

[@ZeroFidelity]

You absolutely can. And is it complete overkill for a TV setup? Yep. But hey, if you can afford a badass overkill setup, go for it!

[@HPMIKE55]

No its cool pro thanks but Im looking at the LS50 Wireless or the Genelec 8341? I just want to take my time and shop before i up in to the over the $1000. lol

[@sergeykichuk2586]

Why Focal Clear but not Utopia ?

[@JTCPingas]

I have a regular HD 800 and was debating on getting the HD 800 S to replace it. Only because once you go black...

[@user-vi3tb3bw5t]

Why not just take the 700 dollar "gumball" into the middle of your driver housing and just make an 800s yourself. It's hilariously easy and thats the ONLY difference between the two is a little piece of material partially obstructing the driver.

[@LorenzoNW]

Along with the suggestion to modify your 800S, I would highly recommend ordering a ToneKraft headphone cable from Audio Envy.

[@vitusalekhine]

Focal are better headphones. Incredible sound, precision, balance and built. But as anything in sound...is a matter of each person "taste" for music, type of music and sensitivity to certain frecuencies.

[@jamiesmith6838]

That's what's Up! I've purchased several headphones from Audio 46 on 46th St NYC with satisfaction. I'm looking into Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt. Let's see what weight Zero Fidelity carries? Thx for the video also!

[@dougg1075]

I want the Focals. I like thick and full bass

[@LorenzoNW]

Based on your preferences, you should really consider the Audeze LCD-X, especially at the current sale price of $1199: www.audeze.com/products/lcd-collection/lcd-x Incredible rich, full bass with high-end audiophile sound. The only downside is that they're kind of heavy so they can begin to feel fatiguing after wearing them for more than an hour.

[@bigyeetus2866]

@@LorenzoNW Yea, even though how amazing Audeze's sound, the comfort was too much of a dealbreaker for me

[@LorenzoNW]

​@@bigyeetus2866 Good point, I'm used to my 800S so when I tried a friend's LCD-X, it felt like a brick. Lol One thing he's done since I've heard it was to put a broader pad under to headband to disperse the weight. I've never auditioned Focals. The only negative thing I've read and heard about them is that they tend to impart an exaggerated "hi-fi" sound. That's not necessarily bad, in fact, it's a lot of listeners' preference.

[@RX-rd4sc]

z1r vs focal clear in sound quality?

[@Nephilim-81]

Well done. The 800’s really do act as a conduit for the electrical signal and integrity to what you hear in a recording. A lot of modern recordings sound terrible on the 800’s cause the compression usage is ridiculously overdone. The 800’s can educate one on how their music should truly sound. I recommend original sound recordings from Alan Parsons, early Killing Joke and of course dire straits to audition your gear with the 800’s. :)

[@janmichael1728]

Thanks for the interesting and well-done review. I own the HD800S and love them, but a couple of months ago my relationship was in danger, and I started flirting with an Utopia. Oh oh. But by now, this ship has sailed. I had several chances to test-listen to the Utopia and Clear, and in that testing environment, there was hardly any audible difference between these two focals. Comparing the Sennheiser and clear/focal, I very much agree to what you are saying - the focal sound very nice and have their merits, but I love the Sennheiser for what they are -- ultra analytical in instrument separation with a huge soundstage. And unlike many reviewers, I think the Sennheiser deliver a nice bass experience (I am using an ifi BL with Xbass on - works perfect). If I want to have a warmer and non-analytical headphone, I'd recommend to skip the focal and go right to the closed Sony Z1R. These would be the complete opposite, in a positive way. The focal, in my eyes, sit in between.

[@tonyleungnl]

Jan Michael , did you also compare the hd800s to the hd820? If so what's your opinion?

[@janmichael1728]

Tony Leung Only very briefly. They have a similar sound profile to the h800s but are closed back ... which means that the stage is a bit less wide (still huge for a closed back) and the bass is punchier. I’d probably go for them if I’d need to downsize to one pair of headphones only. With the Sony and HD800S in combination, I feel all my needs are fulfilled.

[@eddiebaby22]

I want to try both :(

[@astralboy]

you missed comparing the soundstage.......so i want to know how are the 800s/820 for movies ?

[@juanp756]

Would you say the hd800s present movies and games better?

[@screwmerunnin]

Which set did the stuffed sheep in the background prefer?

[@x-techgaming]

"roughly $1,699". Precisely, rather. =p

[@vmmd8229]

Just tested the focal one

[@BaptizedTTV]

I can't tell exactly what "cream filling ... but then you notice it's there" means. Does HD800S have a bass boost or is it bass light?

[@godtiermedic]

It is bass light but the cleanest set you have ever listened to

[@disruptfam]

Awesome! Do more headphone videos.

[@ExacoMvm]

How they compare to lets say HE-400i / 400 / 4XX or HD 598 ? HE 4XX slightly better than 598 in music, so i was wondering how these would sound? Would i be like "OMG, finally i understand how music sounds" and then zone out from real world while listening. Or i would be like "Hmm, thats better.. i think i can hear improvement..". ?

[@marcusnz232]

I snagged the Clears brand new at 50% of the cost of the HD800S so really it was no competition!

[@drastic209562]

Travelling Light Photography Where? 😮

[@davidcastaneda6111]

A photon walks into a hotel and asks for a room, clerk behind the counter: -do you bring any luggage? photon: -No thanks, I'm traveling light... :D :D :D

[@drastic209562]

ROBERT TEMPLAR Lol. I had to google photon

[@janbeggebeen]

Did you by any chance pit the HD800s against the Beyerdynamic DT1990Pro ?

[@robinraff1486]

if you are sensitive at about 7-9k the amount of treble on the 1990pro could be a bit much. Extreme detail but that comes with a price :) I personally havent listened to the 1990 or the HD800s but i did listen to the HD800 and that one has a spike at 6.3k but for me it was ok exremly wide stage and super details. If you want a huuuge stage there is no way around trying the HD800s i think. For gaming a have the mmx300/DT770Pro ant that 9k spike is hard to get around for me.

[@janbeggebeen]

Thank you for the info. I am treble sensitive as well. just don't know which treble region bothers me the most

[@robinraff1486]

janbeggebeen look at the Graph on rtings.com compare 1990 and hd800s For me it’s 7-9k you will definitly hear that 9k Peak. What you can do is Boost that region on your headphone maybe that give you an idea.

[@allansh828]

I find Focal Clear has far better resolution than HD800s. HD800s is just harsh and sibilent and pretends to be resolving.

[@zenboy2000]

In 2021 you've just nudged me towards the HD8XX from Drop, thank you.

[@daviewavie112]

U gonna preorder?

[@zenboy2000]

@@daviewavie112 I think so, its a hell of a offer, especially if you factor in the $200 of in store credit Drop is offering. I might put it towards a XDUOO TA-10R or a THX AAA 789.

[@daviewavie112]

@@zenboy2000 preorder ends in a couple days

[@zenboy2000]

@@daviewavie112 Yip, I think we're down to two days, I'm probably going to pull the trigger when I wake up in about 8 to 10 hours from now, if nothing better pops up between now and then. How about you? Tempted to get a pair?

[@hollydillion1315]

@@zenboy2000 Thing is though about buying a balanced amp like the 789 you're gonna have to buy a balanced cable for the 8xx because it won't ship with one (a good balanced cable can be $150-$700). I'm debating on whether or not I should pull the trigger for the 8xx with a cable and amp or get an open box Focal Clear with the same amp for considerably much less because it comes with a balanced cable.

[@Tigerex966]

Please add the FInal Audio Sonorous IV/ SennHeiser HD600-650, Focal Elex to these two, for us with less money :) Thanks. Clear comes with 2 cables and a hard case, for $200 less, Just saying.

[@s7robe297]

The sonorous IV is completely out classed by the other headphones you listed, and the elex is in a completely different price point so there’s no point in comparing them to the 6** series headphones.

[@81Mendel]

Sennheiser looks like machinery while the focal looks like jewellery. I think my wife would be more comfortable with the french design but I'd feel rather embarrassed if seen wearing them I can almost smell the perfume just by looking at them. If a man was wearing them, he'd probably have at least one ear ring too. Sennheisers dont give the impression of being expensive by the looks. If you didn't know any better, you'd have no idea if they cost maybe 300 while they actually cost more like 1300. I wouldn't feel like I would be catching any eyes if I was to wear them with my computer anywhere. Oh... and I like big drivers.

[@81Mendel]

@Secret_Armor I meant to say they don't *look* like they would be expensive, in my opinion. I was saying nothing about how they sound or how good they are as headphones. They are probably great. In fact if it wasn't clear from what I said, I would much rather have something that looks like the Sennheiser HD800 rather than something that looks like that Focal Clear because I want that german kind of machinery/technology look much rather than that french style of "stylish hippie" look. That said, if I did not know any better, I could easily mistake the Sennheiser hd800, based on looks alone, as something cheaper. Of course people such as you and people who are into audio DO know better. They look expensive to you? So be it! Which one sounds better? I haven't tried. Haven't got the faintest. So I can only judge the looks because I can see them :D

[@XRayTube]

Are the Sound BlasterX G6 enough to power and decent to pair with these headphones?

[@1badjad189]

The G6 will power them to sufficient volume but won't make a decent pairing. The Senns (both the HD800 & HD800S models) are my pickiest headphones for amp pairing...they scale very well with the right setup. They may still sound ok to your ears, but you certainly won't be hearing a true sample of what they're capable of. You can sometimes find a used pair in "like new" condition on head-fi.org for around $900 if you're patient. Do some research and then use the money you saved (by buying them used) to find a decent amp/dac. The cheapest alternative that comes to mind in the "decent to good" category would be something like the Topping DX7S, which usually goes for around $380 on drop.com...it's a DAC/Amp combo. If you can afford a little more than that, go for something like the Monoprice Liquid Platinum for $699, but that's only an amplifier...no on board DAC. Just my .02 cents. :-)

[@ExSkyCyclePilot]

Does Sennheiser make a single pair of open headphones that don't suffer from bass roll-off? I haven't heard them all, but the FR graphs I've seen show bass roll-off and a lack of low and sub-bass on all Sennheiser open headphones. Comments??? And I'm also an Audio46 fan. They answer their emails, and are knowledgeable and helpful...

[@user-vi3tb3bw5t]

Go watch audio46 then loser

[@akshat3516]

Dynamic headphones in general suffer from bass roll off issues, have to go to planars for flat bass extension

[@user-vi3tb3bw5t]

@@akshat3516 open back, not Dynamic. and I'd hardly call them "issues" unless you are used to over bloated bass

[@akshat3516]

@@user-vi3tb3bw5t I am used to flat planar/estat bass, hd 800 is excellent in other ways though.

[@user-vi3tb3bw5t]

@@akshat3516 can't use 800s as a representative for all Dynamics though. Hell I don't even think the 800 is as good as it's predecessor the 650. Also fucking estats good joke pay a couple grand EASY just to have them be super dust attractive and make your head a literal dust magnet when wearing them. Not to mention if not covered constantly or in a dusty home estats membrane gets weighed down. Not worth it.

[@EgilWar]

Good review - more applicable to the average listener.

[@barneywee514]

hi sean, when is your next review on Parasound stuff or Speakers? Many people are having withdrawals from not having inputs on amps and speakers.

[@ZeroFidelity]

I have a loudspeaker review coming up. I'll be riffing about some more Parasound gear next month. Otherwise... reviews will be slow goin as I haven't focused too much on em' lately.

[@barneywee514]

Kool! Which country is it from? And could you comment on the difference between 6 ohms and 8 ohms speakers? What should people be cautious about, does it mean the 6 ohms needs more power? I've read the impedance blah blah blah (resistance), but in practical terms what should an intelligent person do with a 6 ohms vs 8 ohms?

[@simonm8586]

I own both of these phones. Out of the box, the Clear is the crowd pleaser. Punchy bass, great tonality, good with lots of music... But, if you venture into digital EQ and adjust the tonal balance of the Sennheiser, then venture into XLR amplification, cable mods, and minor cup mods... it's much better overall. It's a rabbit hole and not for those wanting an off the shelf solution

[@Doctaj54]

Thanks @Doctaj54

[@oscarv8305]

Good video, got myself into headphones a little this week by getting a pair of HD600’s. Haven’t had any good headphone ever really besides some Vintage Stax cans. I’m getting pretty hyped about it even with the DragonFly I bought with it.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Enjoy the new setup! The HD600's are legendary. So are Stax for that matter. That reminds me of when I nearly broke a pair while at a show. I was sitting in one of their rooms, listening a set of their latest entry into the Stax line. Somehow during this process, the headphone cord managed to wrap itself around my foot. Of course, I didn't notice what was going on until after I stood up and began to move. Before I could react, the headphones jolted from the table and flung to the ground at a speed that must have been only a hair under the sound barrier. They hit the ground with a loud BANG! My eyes met theirs. There was a brief moment of silence. I thought I just bought myself a broken pair of headphones. Thankfully, when I bent down to grab what I expected to be metal shards, I was relieved to grasp an en-tact product. Suffice to say, I smiled, made my exit, and then did everything in my power to avoid that room for the rest of the show. :D

[@rlinhares]

I'm about three years into this (expensive) game. And I have the HD 600, the Hifiman 400i and the Focal Elear. I love them all, but in my opinion you only need the HD600 and an amp. It's just too fun to listen to and a bargain for under $300.

[@j0hnc00]

Are the focal clear the best high end bass headphones?

[@guthc9776]

Not at all. They have very similar bass to the HD800s

[@NiSHAN256]

you will like the hifiman ananda then

[@ZeroFidelity]

Really hoping to review a set of those in the near future.

[@bigshoe84]

Zero Fidelity I should have a set of Ananda’s in a few days if you still need a review set.

[@nicktan4530]

Where to get good recording

[@ConnahJay]

Love your videos! I'm looking for a good recommendation on budget Subwoofers for music. I'm looking into the ELAC S8 sub, Pioneer SW-8mk2 which both are Andrew Jones designs. The Yamaha 8 sub looks pretty good too. Thoughts?

[@ZeroFidelity]

Thanks man. So, out of the three subs you listed, I have the most experience with the Pioneers. In the music-only application, I feel like they represent a very solid value for the money. Whatever you buy, just be be sure to double down and get two subs. I say that because integrating just one sub into a traditional 2-channel system can be a proper pain in the butt!

[@ConnahJay]

Thanks so much for your response! Would that be due to phasing issues?

[@ZeroFidelity]

NP. :) There are a variety of reasons that play into this. Instead of rehashing what other people have written, let me direct you to the following link: m8audio.com/subwoofers-in-multiples/ This company breaks down the benefits of using dual subs in a way that's easy to understand. Cheers!

[@zcreto]

These sounds good with my HD800s :)

[@mariosupa4027]

Another cool pretty honest review Sean. Keep up the good work kid. Not all that big on CANS. I do own a couple though. AKG 702 Beats Studio Pro. Night and day as you might guess. Beats exaggerated bass AKG a lot more natural and easy to listen to. My first set are the very good entry level KOSS Porta Pro

[@s7robe297]

You’re insane saying that the hd800s is faster than the clear. The drivers focal uses are the fastest I’ve heard in headphones. Sounds like good studio monitors.

[@s7robe297]

Also the hd800s has more 2nd order harmonic distortion than the clear. Senn did this to increase bass presence

[@RealHIFIHelp]

I tried the HD800s, I really did not like the bass on it. It felt like a compensating bass. I like how the Hd800 series, is basically the only headphones that are true HEADphones. No pressure on the ears at all. For me the 800 series in general are good for modern movies, but suck at music. I had the original mk1 model, and it only took me a couple of days to mentally predict where the sound was going. And that ruined it for me. It just is emotionally dead and only into the structural part of music tracks. Same with the hd800s and the 820 model. I am really disapointed, because I tried the Focal Utopia, and it was only then and there that the sound began to blossom and open up and feel human like. Still the Utopia was a tiny bit predictable. The smalle model Focal Clear for me was a bit like the HD800, unnatural and locked in sound with of course a different sound signature, which is fine for lower level DSD or movie tracks, but not for music in the long run. It's almost impossible finding a headphone that is not predictable in sound, even the really expensive ones, there you still have to change the cable for it to sound true in the long run. For me the only really interesting gear is the top Abyss model, or LCD 3 audeze, Focal Utopia or Heedphone, all with an improved cable. (that is the only stuff I consider to give me a proper sound on par with a top speaker)

[@olivrrrr]

Snake oil cables 🤡

[@Tripokaridos22]

I.have 3 Senns HDs but yeah Focals are waaaay better driver s build quality is another league.

[@DNGR369]

The pads are called either 'Over ear' (HD800) or 'on ear' (Clear)

[@HenryTheBoilermaker3rdYear]

My hd700 sound spacious too.

[@gtbweo]

the treble spike is killing me

[@HenryTheBoilermaker3rdYear]

@@gtbweo ow yes same. Thats why I returned it back to sennheiser. Don't know why they would release it if it gives people fatigue.

[@dnalekaw4699]

reckful?

[@Fiend404]

:(

[@mechminded2207]

I just got me some Focal Clears after trialling both of these for a moment in-store. On looks, I dislike the Clear, the look like a cheap headphone. Build, they're tough, exact and weighty. On the head, they're very well fitting for my head - weight disappears. For the Senny, fit was OK but as I took them off they would pull hair out! Sound wise (via Mojo Chord, hi-res audio)... I like vocals (acoustic, folk, rock, gospel, blues) and have historically had Grados... I enjoyed both. The Senny felt more open and intimate - it made me think of sitting in a small cafe with live music. Neither favoured the vocals like my Grado SR80e / SR225e do, but they had nice qualities. In the end, I think price was the deciding factor, and I may be back to grab the others when I can.

[@bogdanadzic9305]

Lol clear doesnt look like cheap headphones d fuc

[@mariosupa4027]

Sean what's up kid, how's your weekend been ? Still haven't committed to speakers. But just saw two of your videos the comparison review of Sennheiser & Focal headphones and audio cable opinion. Based on your word picture of the two I'd go with the Focal Clear over the HD800 if l was shopping for cans of coarse you already know I own a couple of those with that said would you think I'd be better off with the Buchardt S300 Mk 2 or like you've already said before the S400 also l haven't decided if I'm going to be using my old Audio Research VT200 and an undetermined preamp or a new Intergrated such as Halo Hint 6 lastly using my Galaxy phone according to sound meter app I listen normally between 100-107dB and 88-90db at low level that's the reading right now watching Steelers game on my LG TV freaking Jets blew it again not that it even makes a difference at this point. As usual long winded post. Peace bro. Keep on Rockin you've rubbed off on Ron for the good.

[@Lynxiro]

The reason why bought the Clears was because I walk around the house a lot and I like to have headphones on all the time. I can't wait until my Clears arrive.

[@hakan7346]

So.. did they send oreos?

[@GC2TEJJ]

Senns are „Divas“ it‘s a hatelove... Clear are doing the Job, good with mp3s top!

[@andrewganley9016]

If looks won 'best headphone' Focal would walk it,i have a pair and love 'em no offence to Sennheiser but the 800s looks cheap

[@shadouxg7150]

It can look cheap, but it has an amazing sound and it will last u a lifetime

[@donunus]

I just bought sennheiser hd58x from massdrop and they are insane for the money. In fact, I prefer them over hd600s and hd650s

[@donunus]

I really liked the hd800s when I tried them with classical music out of sennheisers own amp when I heard them at a show.

[@user-vi3tb3bw5t]

Lots of happy new fans got the 58x for under 200 and now pretend like they are knowledgeable and experienced on the whole 6 series and theirs is the best however. lmao fucking humans.

[@mikehanks1399]

Yum...Double Stuffed Oreos. No review needed there. Somehow, someway, I wound up with a pair of Focal bookshelves. And ya know, you are RIGHT. They actually DO stand up and wave their arms and scream, look at me...look what I can do! Kinda sad too because they don't have to do that. They are works of art and one's eye is naturally drawn to them. I guess I should mention that they sound amazing. I hope I don't sound censorious (yes, that's a real word and I do use it from time to time so I'm not showing off) but those Sennheiser's are butt ugly. They look cheap too. And that little divot in the headband makes no sense. In my view, the Focal's are what a thousand dollar pair of headphones SHOULD look like. For me it's NOT all about the sound. That is to say, any audio product I buy has to not only sound good, it's has to be aesthetically pleasing as well. Those Sennheiser's look like a pair of Koss Porta Pro's that had a few too many Double Stuffed Oreos. However, I know that's a subjective thing, some people like that look. Kudos for another great review.

[@SinnerJ]

Focal Clear is my choice.

[@Greg042869]

I thought Sennheiser moved to Ireland.

[@kahyyamdavis7783]

I’m getting the 820 I like the tonal balance

[@zstarwarsz]

I'll send you a box of double stuffed oreo's if you put your hat back on!

[@frog382]

You begin video by saying you are not going to talk technical stuff, but sound and then you proceed to talk technical stuff. This is why i skip video reviews

[@StukaUK]

Did you get your pizza ? ..or do you still have the headphones? ... or are you in prison now?

[@skipsterz]

It’s a good thing sennheiser doesn’t design automobiles, that’s be some truly fugly cars.

[@kalel33]

To each their own. I think Sennheiser makes some of the best looking headphones on the market.

[@ductritran8637]

Forget both of them . None as good as Stax headphones.

[@jonasgmunder7214]

Had the elegia...Sound superb, but the Build quality, just as Bad als it get...Never again made in france... Zut alors!!!