[snafu1]

FYI, I've been using an Alcantara cleaner to clean the earpads and headrest. It works really well. However, it is mildly scented. But that goes away after a few days.

 

[franz12]

VAT 21%

21% taxes sound harsh.. In the U.S., local state taxes go around 6-8%. People even avoid those relatively small taxes completely by buying from stores in another state. It's hard to believe that the U.S. supreme court allowed this though.

 

[BunnyNamedCraig]

I've been doing some reading, and apparently others have a similar impression of the Utopia. But no doubt the tracks are a factor, and my ears/brain too. As a listen to it more and get used to the sound, the brightness is becoming less of an issue - and I'm becoming increasingly tempted to buy them. But definitely need to try the Clear first.

I would try to get your hands on both. Most people I have found who like the Clear, listen to the Utopia and then NEED the Utopia... but the Clear has a lot to offer.

They just don’t have the extreme speed that the Utopia has, and this to me is why Utopia is still the tops

 

[makne]

Part of the Clear club now

Having owned the Elear for a good while and using Sonarworks with them, this is my impression:
The Clear may be a few % more resolved/clear and dynamic than my Sonarwork’ed Elear was. Maybe it’s because of the digital preamp (-5,4dB) that sonarworks used for their eq software, «strangling» the Elear’s dynamics a bit when eq’d. Could also be that the tuning is slightly different (too little for me to tell what’s happening though), or simply that my mind is playing tricks on me because I just bought the Clear. It’s difficult to test as I never got the chance to try the Clear and the eq’d Elear side by side.

Anyway, the Elear eq’d and Clear sound really close to my ears. Despite that, I’ve been drooling on the Clears lately, because my listening habits have changed and I no longer spend most of my listening time on my pc (which is necessary to use sonarworks). So, I made the jump!
Also spent yesterday testing the Clear vs HD800S and HEX v2. This was before purchase, so you know I definitely preferred the Clear

 

[gLer]

Part of the Clear club now

Having owned the Elear for a good while and using Sonarworks with them, this is my impression:
The Clear may be a few % more resolved/clear and dynamic than my Sonarwork’ed Elear was. Maybe it’s because of the digital preamp (-5,4dB) that sonarworks used for their eq software, «strangling» the Elear’s dynamics a bit when eq’d. Could also be that the tuning is slightly different (too little for me to tell what’s happening though), or simply that my mind is playing tricks on me because I just bought the Clear. It’s difficult to test as I never got the chance to try the Clear and the eq’d Elear side by side.

Anyway, the Elear eq’d and Clear sound really close to my ears. Despite that, I’ve been drooling on the Clears lately, because my listening habits have changed and I no longer spend most of my listening time on my pc (which is necessary to use sonarworks). So, I made the jump!
Also spent yesterday testing the Clear vs HD800S and HEX v2. This was before purchase, so you know I definitely preferred the Clear

Hi, grats on the Clear. Curious as to how you'd compare the un-SW Elear to the Clear. I love the punch and dynamism of the Elear and don't hear (or maybe don't mind) the so-called midrange 'suckout'. It actually makes the Elear much less 'shouty' than some other headphones, to my ears (but then I also don't really find a 'neutral' sound very appealing). What made you go for the Clear?

 

[makne]

Hi, grats on the Clear. Curious as to how you'd compare the un-SW Elear to the Clear. I love the punch and dynamism of the Elear and don't hear (or maybe don't mind) the so-called midrange 'suckout'. It actually makes the Elear much less 'shouty' than some other headphones, to my ears (but then I also don't really find a 'neutral' sound very appealing). What made you go for the Clear?

thanks!
Easiest way to try the Clear-ish sound is to try sonarworks with your Elear
The difference is mostly a tighter, leaner mid/upper bass, with a more extended subbass, overall the bass feels more audeze-like, deep and solid.
And then the upper midrange is way more aggressive than Elear, it’s not elevated but it’s neutral. More «presence» to vocals and instruments.
The Clear also has a less peaky treble to my ears, I already liked the Elear’s treble a lot but the Clear’s is just a little more smooth/even, bringing a little more clarity and realism to cymbals etc.

In very short, and this is a massive cliché, it sounds like lifting a veil from the music.

 

[gLer]

thanks!
Easiest way to try the Clear-ish sound is to try sonarworks with your Elear
The difference is mostly a tighter, leaner mid/upper bass, with a more extended subbass, overall the bass feels more audeze-like, deep and solid.
And then the upper midrange is way more aggressive than Elear, it’s not elevated but it’s neutral. More «presence» to vocals and instruments.
The Clear also has a less peaky treble to my ears, I already liked the Elear’s treble a lot but the Clear’s is just a little more smooth/even, bringing a little more clarity and realism to cymbals etc.

In very short, and this is a massive cliché, it sounds like lifting a veil from the music.

Thanks that’s great feedback. I’ll download SW and give it a go!

 

[betula]

I couldn't resist and picked up a Focal Clear on a bargain secondhand price. 2 months old, pristine condition. I don't even dare to tell you how much I have paid, but not much more than the price of a new Elear is (at least here in the UK). 2 weeks ago I was more than impressed by the Clear at an audition, but we all know living with a headphone for a couple of weeks is different than enjoying 2 hours at an audition. I can't wait to find out how life with the Clear is.

 

[easo91]

I couldn't resist and picked up a Focal Clear on a bargain secondhand price. 2 months old, pristine condition. I don't even dare to tell you how much I have paid, but not much more than the price of a new Elear is (at least here in the UK). 2 weeks ago I was more than impressed by the Clear at an audition, but we all know living with a headphone for a couple of weeks is different than enjoying 2 hours at an audition. I can't wait to find out how life with the Clear is.

I happened on a similar situation, but the guy threw in the headphone stand (which I do not need and was too tempted to sell since they go for $250 new?!) and I already had a headphone case that fit the Clears and really didn't care about having the branded case, so in total I got them at a discounted price was subsidized more when I sold off their prohibitively expensive accessories. I've had them since February and they're the first pair in a long time that hasn't left me listlessly browsing the For Sale section chasing some other type of sound. (Hence why I'm not worried about hanging onto the accessories for re-selling the whole package). I didn't sell the cables though, those things are sexy.

 

[betula]

I happened on a similar situation, but the guy threw in the headphone stand (which I do not need and was too tempted to sell since they go for $250 new?!) and I already had a headphone case that fit the Clears and really didn't care about having the branded case, so in total I got them at a discounted price was subsidized more when I sold off their prohibitively expensive accessories. I've had them since February and they're the first pair in a long time that hasn't left me listlessly browsing the For Sale section chasing some other type of sound. (Hence why I'm not worried about hanging onto the accessories for re-selling the whole package). I didn't sell the cables though, those things are sexy.

My first thought at the audition was: 'this is my endgame'. Which we all know doesn't exist, but we also know this feeling.
They arrive in 2 days. I can't wait to find out if they are really 'end game' at least for a good while. I was absolutely impressed by the tonality, that sweet smoothness yet exceptional dynamism. My potential worries are: weight on long term listening sessions, bothersome treble after a while, wanting more bass.
I listened to the Clears for a good hour through my Mojo and what I found magical was the 3D space (depth and height, not too much width). Coherence, resolution and a sweet, easy-listening tone. Best headphones I have heard so far, will see if I can live with them.

 

[makne]

I happened on a similar situation, but the guy threw in the headphone stand (which I do not need and was too tempted to sell since they go for $250 new?!) and I already had a headphone case that fit the Clears and really didn't care about having the branded case, so in total I got them at a discounted price was subsidized more when I sold off their prohibitively expensive accessories. I've had them since February and they're the first pair in a long time that hasn't left me listlessly browsing the For Sale section chasing some other type of sound. (Hence why I'm not worried about hanging onto the accessories for re-selling the whole package). I didn't sell the cables though, those things are sexy.

The thing about their sound is, at least to me, they don’t really have much character other than being very clear and very balanced. Which means that over time, there isn’t any «signature» to grow tired of or get annoyed about. I can’t see myself selling these either.

Was about to get them on a 2nd hand deal aswell but in the end I chose to support the local dealer, it’s thanks to them that I get to audition this kind of gear in the first place.

And regarding the cables, yeah they’re nice, definitely usable but a little stiff imo. I miss the Forza audioworks-cable I used with my elear (sold it together with the Elear). The connectors and y-splitter on the Clear cables are gorgeous though!

 

[betula]

The thing about their sound is, at least to me, they don’t really have much character other than being very clear and very balanced. Which means that over time, there isn’t any «signature» to grow tired of or get annoyed about. I can’t see myself selling these either.

This might be the clue why the Clears sound so good to me. There is nothing between you and the music. No headphones, no presentation, no coloration, no 'signature'. Just music.

 

[makne]

Btw about headphone stands: With the Elear I’ve been using one with a relatively small surface area that the headband rests on (maybe like 5cm). Near the end, the Elear’s headband padding got a little worn in the middle where it had been resting on the stand...
Anyone got a headphone stand recommendation that’ll distribute the pressure more evenly over the whole headband? Looking at something like the Omega stands, but something that doesn’t touch the earpads is preferable.

 

[betula]

Btw about headphone stands: With the Elear I’ve been using one with a relatively small surface area that the headband rests on (maybe like 5cm). Near the end, the Elear’s headband padding got a little worn in the middle where it had been resting on the stand...
Anyone got a headphone stand recommendation that’ll distribute the pressure more evenly over the whole headband? Looking at something like the Omega stands, but something that doesn’t touch the earpads is preferable.

Couldn't be happier with the AQ Perch. Best stand I owned so far. Fits most headphones.

 

[makne]

Couldn't be happier with the AQ Perch. Best stand I owned so far. Fits most headphones.

hmm expensive, but maybe worth it. So far I've just laid them on a chair covered with a thick cloth mousepad.