Focal Clear MG Comparison - Clear MG vs Clear vs Elear with Clear Pads

[@knorki5268]

The Clear Noctua Edition

[@ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRIST]

All it needs is two little fans blowing fresh air to the ears. 😅

[@riseuplight]

Yes lol

[@risumorino1876]

Sounds amazing for the hot summer

[@ChrisoneillART]

The MG is seriously one of the best looking headphones available right now, I love the new look.

[@jayh8840]

can't say I like the honey cone design, I'd prefer the radiance grill. The color is nice tho.

[@SubjectE57]

It's almost a shame it's open or you could look like a baller outside. It's practically jewellery.

[@ChrisoneillART]

@@SubjectE57 Assert your dominance and turn it up louder when in public spaces.

[@necrodh]

No.

[@yujonpradhananga9999]

@@ChrisoneillART exactly

[@msteele0]

I own the Clear MG and prefer it to the original Clear because of its elevated bass, smoother treble, no more metallic timbre and improved detail and speed. I feel the Clear MG is a clear upgrade to the original. Thanks for the review Andrew.

[@albertweedsteinthethuggeni7797]

No pun intended?

[@msteele0]

@@albertweedsteinthethuggeni7797 Actually, pun was intended.

[@bogdanadzic9305]

What about pro version

[@msteele0]

@@bogdanadzic9305 Both Clear MG and Clear MG Pro are the exact same driver. Just different colors and accessories.

[@bogdanadzic9305]

@@msteele0 is there a sound diff?

[@aemicek544]

1:37 “you guys know I’m dead inside” lmao

[@ryanhostudio]

lol every vid now

[@sancho7198]

same

[@paulwilliams6593]

I had the opportunity to listen to both the original Clear and new Clear MG this week and they are both fantastic headphones. To my surprise they are substantially different to warrant an audition of each type. My conclusion was that the Clear MGs were the best.

[@RayCabrera1]

Having owned both I must say I prefer the MG over the OG. The smooth clarity in the detail of the sound and that tight punchy bass, just sounds amazing to me. I have mine paired with the Topping A30 D30 Stack, which to my ears pair very well with the MG's

[@kavemankarl2588]

I've been collecting headphones since 1978 and from Focal I own both Clears, Elear, Radiance and Stellia so I do a lot of comparative listening sessions. Unike you I prefer the original over the MG but must I confess I modded the original by replacing the pads with Dekoni Elite hybrids (sheepskin and velour over memory foam) and I also replaced the cable. The bundled cables from Focal were okay, it's just because I like to tinker with 3rd party stuff that claims to be end-game, yeah, right. I don't know if the new cable sounded any different than the bundled pack. The pads however improved the SQ so dramatically that it left me wondering if the rather pricey Focal cans were not adorned with fancy-looking cloth that would hide low-grade foam underneath. Cost-cutting happens even at that lofty level, and it's not just with Focal. But the MG's pads appear to be of superior quality and I haven't replaced them. Anyway, all this to say that with the Dekoni pads the gray Clear loses that annoying grittiness and mid overemphasis of theirs when listening to several albums I have, and the same goes for Tidal streams. In a word they were dodgy a little too often for my taste. Now they sound great, tightened the bass into a punchy delight to the ear. Dynamics are under control at last, it's a sweet experience. Not as sweet as the Elear with Utopia pads (or even better, with the Dekoni Elite sheepskin perforated pads). At first I thought the Elear sounded just plain horrible. But since they cost the same to manufacture as the Clear (price difference is due to the Clear's bundle, the Elear had no bundle whatsoever) I was confident that they had serious potential with relatively minor mods and modest investment (about $200 total for the Dekoni pads at $120 and a new demo cable discounted at $75) turns out I was right.

[@wolandphotography]

good addition to the Elegia's?:)

[@soulfulfool]

with this stack you know nothing about OG or MG, I had cheap stacks and thought I know something about sound but nope I still cannot do justice for my headphones, each out of my collection scale so good that their limit is always my wallet

[@adatt4327]

I would love to hear some thoughts how MG stacks up with Arya and ZMF Auteur

[@PlaneCDR]

Thanks! I decided to make the jump from my HD660S to the Clear MG. I am looking forward to hearing the difference.

[@x-techgaming]

HD660

[@x-techgaming]

@@idkwmnsb What amp and DAC are you using? Clear sounded like trash on my D50s + ATOM :(

[@x-techgaming]

@@idkwmnsb Yeah, hm. Really curious. My thought on the situation is, if the headphone NEEDS special gear to actually sound OK/good, it's not worth my money. There really should not be such a vast difference versus the DAC and amp I already have, so perhaps it was a faulty unit. The comfort wasn't all that great, either, I thought. :\ I will try Arya next, I think. But I already KNOW that HE-6 and LCD-3 are the best 2 I've ever heard.

[@mttrashcan-bg1ro]

I use my Clear MG on a Jotunheim 2 and Bifrost 2/64 in balanced and I'm surprised how well it holds up on a Magni and Modi stack, it's definitely better on my personal stack, but the cheap amps and dacs run them well enough that you can definitely use them. I just think that for their price, they deserve more premium equipment

[@titienne3931]

Thanks for the vid, Andrew! Looking forward to getting my own Focal Clear Mg Pro and comparing it to the Clear OG

[@chrishall7601]

Why the professional over the standard?

[@Assimilator702]

@@chrishall7601 Some people prefer the color scheme of the Pro versions.

[@andrasnelhiebel6726]

@@chrishall7601 Other than the color scheme - which I prefer myself - the extra pads are way more useful than the balanced cable in the long run.

[@stevenreinholt9903]

Did you get a chance to do that? I'm very curious on people's comparisons. I auditioned the OG and MG the other day and was amazed by both. I would be happy with either, but with the OG being $500 off right now, I can't say the MG is $500 better. Hard to explain why, but at first I preferred the OG (listening to a few different genres of rock). After maybe 30~40 minutes of switching back and forth (throwing in some jazz classics) and getting accustomed, I prefered the MG. Compared to the OG, the MG's bass extended more without being overbearing, mids shined more, and treble was great on both, but was ever so slightly warmer(?) on the MG. The differences were subtle, but the sound from the MG seemed more analytical and neutral. Both are insanely fun and detailed. With the OG being on sale for $500 off, I sprung for that.

[@chav44]

@@stevenreinholt9903 Funny enough I felt the exact same way. I had both for testing purposes. In the beginning I felt both to be really, really similar but somehow enjoyed the OG a little more. But after some more intensive testing I started to notice more and more differences. The MG does have more extended bass and there is a feeling of "wrapped around your head" - sound. The sound of the OG seems a bit more "in the air" which I was accustomed with. In the end I liked the sound of the MG better and the OG went back.

[@sontung007]

@1:37 "you guys know that i am dead inside". The best line. I just subscribed to you for that.

[@Skeeb23]

Thank you for another stellar review. It's "clear" of your non-biased opinions and that's what also makes you a great reviewer!

[@briancaulfield7251]

Good to know I'm ok with my original Clear. Just got it last week for a good deal, which I think is another major factor, they tend to come up pretty often. Was really curious to know the differences and I'm glad to know they're rather small. I would think the Clear is a better value if you can get it in that $1000 or less bracket like I did.

[@nickpelayo3172]

Same. I got a clear for 880ish and it is pretty great all things considered

[@allen0088]

I got a new clear mg for 1099

[@StrangerInParadise58]

Yes, just confirming: I reached out to Focal on the differences between the MG & MG Pro. They informed me that they are the exact same headphone except for Color and Accessories, as you accurately noted. Thanks for your review!!!

[@JTB--]

Pro MG has a set of extra ear pads (Clear MG does Not). Clear MG comes with a Balanced XLR Cable ( Pro MG does Not)

[@JTB--]

@@aldarrin That's why they offer the option I guess. You get the version you value more. Focal charging $200 for the Clear pads is a rip off

[@zenboy2000]

Just the review I was hoping for, thank you.

[@MrXperx]

I saw the MGs in a store and was torn between it and the Radiance and eventually bought the Radiance. But the MGs just look so cool.

[@valhalla850i5]

What a really thoughtful and insightful review!! I absolutely enjoyed it! I have the Elear, so now I think I need to go get some Clear earpads?? I have to say IMHO, from a pretty short listening session with them, that these three have very very small differences that may or may not attract someones wallet.

[@divinecurrent9053]

Great review as always! I definitely agree with you about the midrange improvement in the Clear MG. I also love the new smoothness of the MG, the old Clear was too metallic sounding for my tastes around 10kHz, and now the new MG doesn’t need much or any EQ in the treble.

[@jamesnolan8023]

to me, I have to notch down 14khz by -3db. Once I do that, they're truly stunning.

[@Assimilator702]

@@jamesnolan8023 Which EQ do you use?

[@jamesnolan8023]

@@Assimilator702 Just the EQ built in to my Amp/DAC (THX788)

[@Assimilator702]

@@jamesnolan8023 Ok it’s hardware EQ. I thought maybe it was software EQ. I don’t like what software EQ does to highly resolving headphones. Of course maybe I haven’t tried the right one yet. I just bought a Schiit Loki Mini+ to use with my Elegia. They’re overall such an excellent headphone I want to nudge them into the tuning which Focal should have. For my tastes I need a bump in the bottom end and MAYBE a slight reduction in the largest treble peak which is really only bothersome with certain music. Hopefully it works out and I won’t go running to buy a Celeste or the Clear MG.

[@Raziel_SSJ]

​@@jamesnolan8023 I've heard that THX-AAA Amps are not ideal for this _kind of_ headphones because they are too analytical.

[@ammar5400]

All companies should have to learn how to design headphone aesthetics from Focal.

[@reitencheng4878]

Totally agree, but most companies just don't bother to hire industrial designers. Aesthetic is less of a deciding factor in this particular market.

[@albertweedsteinthethuggeni7797]

Focal should have to learn how to control quality from Sennheiser

[@ammar5400]

@@albertweedsteinthethuggeni7797 so true.

[@revelationsoundstudio]

I just got the Clear MG'S. Compared to the Sennheiser 800s and Beyerdynamic 1990's, the top end of the Clears sounds dull. The other 2 headphones the cymbals, and are much brighter and has a more spatial sound. But at the same time they are thinner in sound. So they all have trade offs. With that being said the Clears are very balanced and sound great. On my NAD preamp I boosted the treble by 2 dB to make up for the lack of mid high end and they sound better. With saying all this I will say that the sound presentation on the Clear MG'S are the best headphones I have ever used.

[@wolandphotography]

for the bright dac i guess MG are better?

[@JimmieJamOfTheDay]

I recently purchased the Clear MGs. They are my very first set of headphones over $1,000. Fortunately, for me, they've turned out to be my very favorite set of headphones out of all the headphones that I have. Mainly, because I feel like there's a good balance between bass and treble. As opposed to a set of headphones that's have too much base and not enough treble. Or, too much treble and not enough bass. I really want to hear the Arya Organic because I like how those look but I haven't heard them as of yet.

[@TG_Goldy]

You’re talking so fast, you just wanna finish the video and get paid, bros ready for his KZbin check. That’s what I like, At this second mark 0:08 you was skipping straight to the point and I love that, subscribed.

[@jonmarinos7170]

Recently bought the Clear MG to compliment my Anandas (which I absolutely love, btw). Should be arriving soon! :) The MG is such a stylish headphone 😍 Huuuuge step up from the OG, imo. Hope it sounds as beautiful as it looks!

[@SwaggsB]

Update?

[@renamamiya9128]

Update? x2

[@CL4K.]

Update? x3

[@bobcoco6047]

Update? x4 (Well I'd like to break the chain by asking some sort of comparison between the Clears & the Anandas) :)

[@HiFiGOAudio]

Awesome one Andrew!!

[@sergejfahrlich2934]

I own these headphones and I personally find them currently the best BY FAR for my personal preferences in terms of the sound signature (and I really had a lot of headphones). I am looking now a while for a closed back headphone alternative for mobile usage which sound close to the focal clear mg, but I cannot find any :( They sound so gorgeuous "warm" with a spectacular amount if micro details.

[@MisterWrench]

Those MG's are some of the best looking headphones I've ever seen.

[@x-techgaming]

Awesome video! So Clear still seems the best option for $1000, for any headphone or IEM. Surely I can EQ the bass up on Clear if there is a problem lol. JDS ATOM amp + D50s DAC.

[@traindeluxe3789]

Are the Clear pads and the Clear MG pads exactly the same?

[@androcci]

I have the Focal Utopia but I love this one. The looks!

[@allen0088]

Wanna trade? I really want an utopia but can only afford the mg at the moment.

[@78kevinm]

Another great review - as always.

[@jamesnolan8023]

Great review, Andrew. I've had Clear MG's for a week now, been listening heavily. I was really looking for the ultimate HD600 upgrade (as I find their response to be perfect). Sadly, the upper treble you refer to is what makes these fall short. I find if I notch down 14k -3db,that does the trick, but if it weren't for that upper treble boost these would be the perfect headphones imo. I kind of just want HD600's with better bass extension and better imaging/dynamics. These were SO close to being that. On the fence about whether I live with having to EQ or just return them. Any other suggestions for the ultimate HD600 upgrade?

[@knightgsv]

What source/amp/dac do you use with Focals? Maybe it's better to get an upgrade for some other components?

[@jamesnolan8023]

@@knightgsv Lossless (FLAC/WAV), WASAPI USB output to 788 DAC/AMP.

[@Seconds84]

Arya?

[@jamesnolan8023]

@@Seconds84 Seems like it's also a "bright" headphone.

[@Seconds84]

@@jamesnolan8023 I don’t remember hearing anyone call the Arya bright, I could be mistaken though.

[@masterxyr]

The Focal Clear OMG is the best

[@indranilmitra6535]

Things I have learnt after watching every Headphone Show video : 1) Andrew is dead inside.

[@ResolveReviews]

My apartment during grad school had literally nothing on the walls. Just blank. I think that speaks volumes about my personality... or lack thereof lol.

[@indranilmitra6535]

@@ResolveReviews is your favorite color....grey?

[@ResolveReviews]

@@indranilmitra6535 It's green actually. But for product aesthetics? matte black.

[@juanblanco7898]

@@ResolveReviews are you OK, mate? Seriously

[@juanblanco7898]

@i-mm-o res it's not a typical joke to make on a regular basis for an average adult, I think. Lot's of times some jokes aren't a joking matter, there might be more to them. People can make far-fetched assumptions off them and try to pain somebody in very bad light and antagonize them. But not assumptions are malicious, sometimes it's better to pay too much attention rather than too little, you know

[@AR-gk1kt]

I appreciate this review as I'm coming from Elex and Elegia and one day would like to pick up a £1k open Focal as an end game. I've found both a used Clear OG and a used MG for around the same price, both close to half price of a new MG. It seems the MG may be the better choice as they're a further step from the Elex, the reviews saying they're fatiguing puts me off though as a demo can only be for an hour at most.

[@AverieS820]

Great comparison, similar to my experience with the OG and MG, but I did prefer the MG in the end (which, as an OG clear owner, is unfortunate for me). Maybe look into getting a shock mount for your microphone though...

[@Raziel_SSJ]

Would be interesting to know what precisely makes you prefer the MG version.

[@AverieS820]

@@Raziel_SSJ I prefer the mid-treble smoothness (less harsh sounding on songs I like), the bass bump (although this sometimes feels a bit bloated compared to the OG) and separation seemed a bit better to me too. Overall, the MGs felt a touch more refined and pleasantly tuned to my ears. I also like the honeycomb styling of the grills and the new colors better than the original.

[@Raziel_SSJ]

@@AverieS820 Many thanks for your answer. That's exactly what I expected and I'm totally with you concerning the esthetic. I find it gorgeous. BTW. What type of music do listen to? I mostly listen to Electronic (Massive Attack, Bjork, but also more dynamic things). Do you think they will feat well?

[@NotOrdinaryInGames]

Hey Focal, replaceable headband when?? I had to remove Clear as my endgame from my "buy later someday" list.

[@Tripokaridos22]

The most Beautiful Headphone it reminds me the Noctua products

[@mrfrosty3]

That is a very, very pretty headphone. Another quality review.

[@kanz7329]

Having owned both the OG and the new MG , I have kept the MG and sold my OG clears, no more metallic timbre and fatiguing treble. EQ to add around 2 decibels around the 7-8 k range and we good

[@soulfulfool]

metallic timbre is such a bullshit to say, your amp must be poor quality, that kind of timbre is mostly downsides of planars, dynamics dont need EQ they need right tubes

[@aceofspades6667]

Glad to know the Clear OG isn't completely outclassed by the MG... The OG clear are my dailies and wasn't planning to sell them for quite some time.

[@Cal94]

The OG clear pros remain my fave of the bunch, looks wise

[@Raziel_SSJ]

Since it is already a Master Class, if it had been completely outclassed it would have been different headphones in another league and so called differently. Their purpose was just to slightly polish the complaints about the OG Clear while keeping its soul and strength.

[@chloecastleton6113]

Has Focal fixed the driver issue? I purchased a set of Focal clears a few months back, and the left driver began to clip/slap/rattle on very low extensions after about two weeks. I could not use them for watching movies, as the driver would clip on anything with 40hz ( sub sounds ) and below. If I listened to music, it had be on low volume or you guessed it, the driver clipped. This is an issue with many owners of these headphones, yet not one reviewer on KZbin has ever brought it up. I own 6 pairs, yes, 6 pairs of headphones, and the Focal Clears were the weakest of the bunch. With all that said, they are extremely nice headphones!! They are extremely comfortable as well. I ended up returning them. If they fix the clipping issue, so I can use them to watch late night movies, or listen to my music with "dynamics" without hearing a driver begging me to turn them down, then I might reconsider purchasing them. $1500 is a lot of money for a set of cans, so there should not be an issue with quality control at this level.

[@Karim-ik5ij]

Hi, I just ordered them because they looked really cool. wondering if Im supposed to do that?

[@Tendervittle]

Excellent review

[@krisrudecki9477]

Looks spectacular

[@teppolaaksonen59]

Nice video as always :) I have heard great things for Feeniks Audio Echo 2 tubeamp you the clear MG:s, i have too the Clear MG:s and want to try tube option. It should give it more bass, make that department more like Radiance level but keeping all the goods of Clear MG:s. But what is DAC option for it, i would love something around 500-1000e range. For the best synergy should i go cleaner analytical DAC for this Tube with clear MG:s. For example Mytek Liberty DAC or something else maybe that use the ESS Sabre chip like CA Dacmagic M200. Or do you some other Tube compo for these, max together price around 1500-1600 euros or dollars

[@shreyanshyadav3285]

This dude always looks so calm 😂

[@rodrigofigueiras4505]

Perfect headphone amplifier for Clear Mg?

[@wichiewichie]

I have a Hifiman Sundara and a Burson Audio Conductor 3XP (I was planning to upgrade the Sundara). Which one would better complement my current setup, the Clear (Mg or not) or LCD-2F? Thanks!

[@ThePlatonas]

i had my eyes on the clear for a long time, now with the clear mg i hope that there will be a considerable discount of clears in stock, in that case i'll be getting the originals, otherwise the celestee are a good pick, can't strech my budget above the 1000 euros mark

[@omeee]

You should hurry, the discounts were a while ago. My local focal dealer does not have a single new og clear in stock, only mg for 1500 euro. I bought my clear from him for 1000 euros 1 year ago including 19% tax...

[@knightgsv]

Unfortunately the headphones are not in the same boat with the smartphones.. We can't buy 2018-year model for the half of the price as we can do with Samsung galaxy or any other((

[@brothatwasepic]

Hi guys do you know what the name of that cool metal wood headphone stand is?

[@einwithshades1677]

Need some pointers. I have the Focal Elex, should I get the Clear MG or something else with a different sounds signature; the Arya or ZMF Auteur. I also adore my HD650 and ATH-1000x.

[@Kirko_bangz]

Exactly the situation I’m in. Did you ever decide?

[@deadeye110]

I own arya and it's FANTASTIC 🎶⚡

[@johenkay1129]

Can you try the Clear MG's with the original clear pads? Could that be the best of both?

[@jekken333]

Do the MG drivers clip as easily as the clear OG?

[@indigocrystalknight8864]

The new CLEAR MG's have a newly designed and improved "high-copper voice coil", which helps to improve POWER HANDLING and should play louder, without clipping. I play my CLEAR MG's at reasonable and realistic listening levels, so the bass and dynamics sound realistic, with no hints of clipping, or distortion. So far, so good. I'm using a high-end CD only, headphone only playback system ------- ROTEL RCD-1072 CD (w/HDCD) PLAYER (TRANSPORT only), PS AUDIO DIGITAL LINK III (CULLEN modified LEVEL 4) DAC (230V), SCHIIT AUDIO "MAGNI 3" HEADPHONE AMP, 500W VOLTAGE CONVERTER / STABILIZER / REGULATOR, LAT International D-30 Signature DIGITAL CABLE (Copper / Silver ALLOY conductors), ANALYSIS PLUS "Silver Crystal Oval" interconnects, an AudioQuest 220V Power Cable (EU-Shuko plug) and a LaSpada Audio "Apollo" Power Cable (14 Gauge, with Red Copper contacts). I designed this CD playback system for: A BLACK BACKGROUND, SCARY DYNAMICS, DEEP BASS, ELECTROSTATIC-TYPE HIGH-END, SUPER-PUNCHY, EXACT TIMBRE and a large HOLOGRAPHIC SOUND STAGE (with LASER-SHARP IMAGING and tons of "AIR"). The SCARY DYNAMICS in my CD playback system can cause your eyes to blink and muscles to twitch (like when you hear a gun fire off or when a firecracker explodes). The DEEP BASS resonates my skull (like a sub-woofer). My eyes move to the SONIC IMAGES. Correct TIMBRE and MICRO-DYNAMICS make voices and instruments sound totally "live" and "vivid" sounding. Yet, there is a SMOOTHNESS to the sound, that doesn't hurt my ears. In conclusion, my CLEAR MG's have no problem, when played on my CD playback system, even with SCARY DYNAMICS and a POWERFUL DEEP BASS RESPONSE. No clipping, or distortion. Totally controlled music.

[@Patrick73787]

I would pick the Clear MG just for the look, lol.

[@gges1605]

Partnered with the focal arche the clear mgs are really good

[@serenitynow4132]

Would the Clear OG be a good compliment to LCD-X? Looking for my 2nd pair of HP. Running with the RME ADI-2 DAC FS.

[@YoZasuke]

Do the Clear MG and the Clear MG Pro really sound the same or are there differences? People seem to have different opinions on that question

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

Resolve here, from talking to Focal about this, they're meant to sound the same. Differences in opinion on whether or not they do is likely down to very subtle inconsistencies in the pads. So whether you'll get one that's actually identical... Your guess is as good as mine.

[@YoZasuke]

@@TheHEADPHONEShowThank you! :)

[@astorbeijer9424]

Good review but I miss the interviews and the live streams with Tyler and Antdroid 😟 Are there any plans to do one of these in the near future? Maybe one with Metal 571? 😁 Wasn't he supposed to start doing reviews again? Whatever happened with that?

[@ResolveReviews]

Folks are just busy. We'll do that stuff again soon.

[@rene837]

Even though the Clear OG has a pretty even FR with only minor treble spikes, I still found it to be very sibilant as well as it having a slight metallic timbre. The MG might has fixed that with the "new" driver.

[@jasonbhatnagar7134]

The clear OG needs worn in pads as Crinicle said. It’s perfect then

[@soulfulfool]

nope there is zero sibilant or harsh metallic timbre as you said, Its just a case where you have good or bad audio chain for it, I have my Whitesnake album that can literally kill ear drums if headphones are too bright, for Example my Hifiman Arya was so bright and unpleasant that I cannot listen to that specific album, switching to Clear was like magic smooth and painless, just bare in mind that I use custom cable + my beautiful tubes + 2x AK4497 DAC

[@rene837]

@@soulfulfool I don't care what you think. I stated my experience with the Focal Clear OG and it was horribly sibilant. The metallic timbre was even mentioned by a bunch of other reviewers, probably caused by the aluminum voice coil.

[@soulfulfool]

@@rene837 cry a bit more baby :) maybe Focal gonna care more about you or go buy yourself a pair of beats

[@HobbyTalk]

I couldn’t do the timbre at first listen… I might need to try them again…

[@gwapster13]

CLEARly, the tonality is not the main thing that Focal wanted to improve with the Mg driver here. 😀

[@JennyDarukat]

I did wish the original Clear had just a little more air and sparkle to it when I demoed it (a few different models) so this is looking very interesting. How would you compare the MG to the Utopia?

[@LifeLongCaboose]

Where did you get your in ear recording mics from? I'd like to pick up a set for measuring differences.

[@jackyli1517]

Are these good for classical / violin music if not what do you recommend

[@hannibalhector3719]

How do these compare to the Shure SRH1840?

[@johnrogers7782]

Resolve , the artist formerly known as Andrew😂😂

[@hollydillion1315]

Hey, do these new MGs clip at higher volume?

[@Aniki91PL]

Hi, what about the clear with the pads of the clear mg? :)

[@digitalnation2876]

nice

[@redrich2000]

What's that headphone stand to your left?

[@lukel7660]

I own the focal clear and clear MG now and I can't decide which one to sell. I love them both!

[@door1002]

tell me how about it now

[@lukel7660]

@@door1002 Focal Clear MG was my choice. Instrument separation and Bass is better. Treble is more pronounced on the original Clear, but you can fix that on the MG using EQ.

[@allen0088]

@@lukel7660 you can fix it with a better silver cable too

[@wolandphotography]

@@lukel7660 for the bright dac i guess MG are better?

[@lukel7660]

@@wolandphotography Yes, MG would be better.

[@TeleporterM11]

Which one had the best Bass

[@ryanblack1251]

Mind helping me decide between 800S/800 vs Focal Clear MG for neutral tone and performance (at least that somewhat justifies the price tags)? Can't decide and have nowhere to test these things in my area currently due to COVID.

[@omeee]

800 has the biggest soundstage but is very bright. Focals soundstage is slightly bigger than 650 but sounds natural. Focal has balanced sound and doesn't need any eq. If soundstage is number 1 prio go 800s. If not Focal is really great and most people love them.

[@ryanblack1251]

@@omeee Crin's review of Focal MG is killing me lol

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

Hd800s for soundstage, Focals for punch and dynamics.

[@ryanblack1251]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow Oh wow. Thanks for taking the time to answer. I'll go for the Focal then.

[@knightgsv]

Focal clear are just better headphones than 800s. I would never pick 800s over any of Clears. Sennheisers are not as involving as clears. Besides, the soundstage is just too bloated. Sounds not very real for me. Should say the tonal balance is more neutral on 800s imo. But is it really what your need?

[@dystasia]

Is there any way to confirm that MG has more bass than the original? That's exactly what I have ever wanted: a clear with slightly more bass.

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

Jude's measurements show that there's no difference. He obviously has different units from mine. I honestly think they probably aren't any different in the bass, but if you need that, just EQ.

[@msteele0]

It does!

[@GrumpiestKitten]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow The difference in bass could be due to the pads on your clear being more worn. Crinacle has measurements of an elear with worn pads and it loses a lot compared to new pads.

[@spiritualarchitect4276]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow I want to get one of the trophy wives, either Stella or her sister Clear MG. Do I have to get a dedicated headphone amp to make them worthwhile? If I plug that dedicated amp into say a Yamaha amplifier, does that mean I can no longer use the Yamaha remote control?

[@JS-hf1qg]

Which one would be a better choice between regular clear vs celestee? I will use them for in-door use, but they are both listed as same price, and I don't know which one is the right one for me.

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

Regular clear is better. Open back

[@JS-hf1qg]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow do you have any specific reason for that? Better sound quality?

[@Xenaman]

Whish my stellia had that design. Would it be possible to recolor stellia to match that clear design??

[@brighton_dude]

Focal Clear MG certainly look great.

[@Canoneosmiami]

Is the honeycomb grill still made out of metal ?

[@FabFeline]

Is Clear a good upgrade from 560S for similar sound?

[@fercontreras8]

I love the look of the Chestnut MG, but I am concerned with some negative reviews of it compared with the OGs. With EQ, can I match the frequency response of the OGs?

[@fethryduck]

In German Headphone Forums there is a recommendation to burn them in with high Volume. That changes the Soundquality in a positive Way.

[@CL4K.]

@@fethryduck I have yet tl find evidence of burn-in existing. At this point I think it's just placebo.

[@fethryduck]

@@CL4K. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpXOhqyaqr1paas

[@soulfulfool]

@@CL4K. not much a burn but suspension of driver can be stiff brand new so its not a dark magic that it soften up after time changing characteristics of bass + soften highs

[@CL4K.]

@@soulfulfool oh wow. This was quite an old comment. Anyway, I'm just not entirely sure of it, because after hundreds of hours with my 990 pros, I don't think the sound signature has changed at all. They sound as good as ever, but I've gotten better at hearing the differences in the sound stage.

[@andrewganley9016]

Invested in the Clear MG superb 'phones gives my Stellia's a hard time!

[@spiritualarchitect4276]

Do your Focal Clear MG’s sound great even if they are NOT plugged into a headphone amplifier?

[@andrewganley9016]

3@@spiritualarchitect4276 Er they dont work at all without a headphone amp they sound great through my Schiit amp and my Naim Nai XS3

[@spiritualarchitect4276]

@@andrewganley9016 You cannot plug them into a phone or ipod and hear music? What Schiit amp are you using?

[@MichaelSidneyTimpson]

what price is good for the elex?

[@steven2640]

Are the original Clear pads the same as the red Clear professional pads? I have an Elear and I was concerned about the original Clear pads becoming dirty over time. Thanks.

[@AliArghavan]

Yes they are.

[@traindeluxe3789]

Steven, the red clear pads bleed color. The original white Clear pads are made in such a way, that they attract dirt like shit attracts flies. It does not matter what you do and how carefully you watch after them, the white pads look really dirty after one year and you want to replace them. This is one of the reasons I would NOT buy any colored fancy Focal again. The design just makes you buy 200€ pads every year.

[@omeee]

@@traindeluxe3789 my clear pads look OK after 1 year, not like new though. I use them daily and wash myself daily. Personally I do not care, this are not for office use or for commuter

[@traindeluxe3789]

@@omeee I started washing my ears before using my Clears, lol. But the material of the pads just attracts dirt and become dark. Imho it is a design choice to make people buy new pads.

[@omeee]

@@traindeluxe3789 the washing part war more of a joke. I understand what you mean but I do not care tbh. Maybe after a couple more years, I will buy new pads.

[@DBSTH0R]

The review I was waiting for. One question: if you EQ the old Clear to the new MG version, does the MG still win out in detail? I think many people would be interested in measurements between Clear and Clear Pro, to end this debate once for all. :) Thanks, enjoyed it.

[@AliArghavan]

It should. The tonal balance and technicalities are mostly two separate things. The edge MG has over the OG must come from the lighter magnesium drivers.

[@DBSTH0R]

@@AliArghavan What I'm trying to ask whether the new driver is the actual reason for more detail, or is is the different tuning. Most likely it is both, but I'd be interested to hear what Andrew has to say. :)

[@dnalekaw4699]

🦀 ANDREW PARK 🦀

[@metal571]

You've been 🌲PARKED🌲

[@dnalekaw4699]

the 🍑 PARK™ 🍑 is inevitable

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

Who?

[@mono_7928]

I hope he replies

[@aah57]

Could you please provide a link to that headphone stand?

[@Lamizeharblu]

May I know which brand is the headphone stand in this vid?

[@taronlissimore5613]

The stand is made by Grovemade grovemade.com/wood-headphone-stand/

[@Lamizeharblu]

@@taronlissimore5613 Thank you

[@memoli801]

It looks realy good but that price!?

[@daretobe957]

Focal have to address their pads inconsistency issue, or we are going to see more and more conflicting measurements/perceptions for their headphones.

[@ResolveReviews]

I'm really not sure what's going on there - there are varying subjective impressions from people out there who have heard them - but if I figure that out then maybe I'll do a post or vid on that in the future.

[@daretobe957]

@@ResolveReviews @Resolve Reviews I got different pads in Radiance left vs. right. One of them is too soft and the other one is firm. I'm pretty sure @Michael De Lazzer got Radiance with 2 soft pads and his experience of those headphones is not fully satisfactory.

[@traindeluxe3789]

Focal has to stop making bright pads that attract dirt like cheese hungry mice. The pads become so dirty so quickly that you basically have to replace them once every year for the price of 200€

[@Raziel_SSJ]

@@ResolveReviews People having different hearing and bias, there are no questions to ask about it. For the measurements, since you are not using the same equipment and possibly technique/placement/etc... as Jude, it is somewhat obvious that the results will be slightly different. Would be interesting if you could exchange your units to confirm if these differences comes from the units themselves or equipment/method

[@Raziel_SSJ]

@@daretobe957 Interesting to know 🤔

[@albertweedsteinthethuggeni7797]

I remember you saying you would pick the arya over the clear. What about clear mg?

[@Uebelkraehe]

As he prefers the Clear over the MG, the answer should be obvious.

[@VickyLovesHeadphones]

Some say that "Both Clear MG and Clear MG Pro are the exact same driver" and therefore sound the same 🧐 Please share a link to this info.

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

That part is true, but I can't confirm that they sound the same. Only that they're supposed to.

[@VickyLovesHeadphones]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow Did you have a chance to measure the Clear MG Pro ?

[@aditya7955]

I read clear's are more punchy and slammy than clear mg and actually a better choice for rap, electronic or similar genre?

[@deadeye110]

I've heard that as well

[@tjandrayosua]

this focal dynamic or planar magnet?

[@WorldView22]

Sound demo presents the MG with very significantly more open and deep sound than that of the OG...

[@michaelsk87]

Great channel, love it, but it seems to me over the past 100 years no manufacturers have ever made a perfect sounding headphone, why is that? All headphone reviews will only give a slight interpretation of judgment, when was the last time any reviewer has had a hearing test? I’m 51 had a hearing test two years ago and can only hear up to 13,000hz, every ear is different, and not everyone can hear certain frequencies.

[@Raziel_SSJ]

1st, Because nothing is perfect and the design/conception of drivers, loudspeakers or headphones is mainly a duel between many compromises that are very difficult to mix together with the technologies at our disposal. But also because nature laws are what they are. For example: Adding on one part of the spectrum will mask the rest of it. Like, adding basses will cover trebles and mask details in there. 2nd, You are pointing to something that would be very interesting to develop in detail. From a "golden ears" point of view this will most likely introduce some bias/errors in the tonal balance of the high end of the spectrum, and ultimately in the rest of it, as well as judging technicalities and details retrieval. But since these reviews are essentially *comparisons* between different equipment *"with the same ears",* I think that overall, this shouldn't be a big deal if the hearing loss is not that dramatic. There shouldn't be any big mistakes but maybe just a slight lack of details in technicalities of the high end of the spectrum?

[@cussyrichards6121]

Not sure why when there's a difference in the bass between original Clear and Clear Mg you think it's down to 'unit variation' and not a true difference, yet when there's a difference in treble you put it down to being a true difference rather than just unit variation? Surely the difference you're hearing in treble could also just be unit variation and really there's no difference between the two (in sound quality) at all?

[@Raziel_SSJ]

Probably because of Jude's measurements which shows no differences in the bass region. But since some people are claiming that the new version sounds warmer, are there any differences in the bass or is that just due to the differences in the treble region? That is the question.

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

Yeah Jude's measurements line up with what we've found in the treble, plus I measured two Clear MGs so this is fairly indicative.

[@tomscy2000]

Big heads for big brains

[@ljurk1]

>> ... we all have lager heads for big brains ...

[@BigBoss-kk8hq]

Fokal clear or Arya ? Both priced at $1,500 but which one would you recommend ?

[@TheSPazCORE]

What music do you listen to? For more bass heavy upbeat music (rock, metal, EDM etc.), get the Clear. Otherwise, get the Arya.

[@AliArghavan]

He's done a comparison video between clear, Arya and LCD-X. go watch that video

[@BigBoss-kk8hq]

@@TheSPazCORE thanks for the info, I have the Ananda and they lack punch in the bass when I listen to rock and alternative. Gonna try to sell them to buy fokal

[@JTB--]

@@BigBoss-kk8hq If you want punch and slam get the Clear. The Arya will be very similar sounding to the Ananda in a lot of ways

[@vincenthusvh]

Another option is the ZMF Auteur

[@lextr3110]

any closedback MG soon?

[@-Ambos-]

My local seller says the mg is much more spaceious and better for classical music.

[@soulfulfool]

local dealer will always try to sell more expensive one XD

[@Karim-ik5ij]

I wonder if youd be able to tell the differences if you were blinded and did not know which headphones you were wearing.

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

In this case, yes the differences are noticeable enough. It's not difficult to tell and I don't think you need to be a 'trained listener' or anything like that to hear the difference.