[TSAVAlan]

Alcantara stains are quite noticeable on the Clear especially it being the white-greyish color it is. There are a few guides floating around online on how to give alcantara a nice cleaning. I would say I am a fairly civil and clean guy but my skin can emit oils and sweat in these nasty heat waves. I would rather clean my pads every few months rather than buy pads often.

 

[Imusicman]

I’m trying to understand how Focal is responsible for the lack of cleanliness of a used pair of headphones. Our demo set of Clear has seen lots of heads and they look as good as new. I understand the replacement pads aren’t cheap but I’d think you were well aware from the Elear and Utopia threads. Maybe the seller of the used set should be subsidizing the cost of replacement pads since it’s his dirt the seller provided you in the sale. I’m guessing the dirt was a no charge feature in that sale. lol ....at least they are working and that’s a good thing

They are working beautifully.Thank you. I think the style of the Clear is great but the issue with pads and headband for me detracts from the overall look of the headphone.For me and I think this where we obviously disagree the colour and fabric is Focals choice by design and this why is I think Focal is responsible and should do something like bringing the cost of the Clear replacement pads to a more reasonable level. I am very aware of how much the replacement pads cost but being aware of how much something costs does not necessarily make it acceptable or right. Besides I've never needed them for the Elear or for my Utopias as they appear to be a lot more fit for purpose and have stood the test of time. I could be wrong but I think many Clear owners could be facing this potential issue sometime in the future.

This will be my last post regarding this issue as I don't want to labour the point too much and de-tract from what I believe is otherwise a superb headphone from Focal.

 

[TSAVJason]

They are working beautifully.Thank you. I think the style of the Clear is great but the issue with pads and headband for me detracts from the overall look of the headphone.For me and I think this where we obviously disagree the colour and fabric is Focals choice by design and this why is I think Focal is responsible and should do something like bringing the cost of the Clear replacement pads to a more reasonable level. I am very aware of how much the replacement pads cost but being aware of how much something costs does not necessarily make it acceptable or right. Besides I've never needed them for the Elear or for my Utopias as they appear to be a lot more fit for purpose and have stood the test of time. I could be wrong but I think many Clear owners could be facing this potential issue sometime in the future.

This will be my last post regarding this issue as I don't want to labour the point too much and de-tract from what I believe is otherwise a superb headphone from Focal.

Read TSAVAlan’s post. He’s given you information that can help through the cleaning process. Once you’ve cleaned them up and you take care of them you’ll be fine. Black hides the filth, so it’s no different other than the light grey makes it easier to see the filth.

 

[gLer]

Read TSAVAlan’s post. He’s given you information that can help through the cleaning process. Once you’ve cleaned them up and you take care of them you’ll be fine. Black hides the filth, so it’s no different other than the light grey makes it easier to see the filth.

Not to keep beating this drum, but perhaps you or @TSAVAlan can suggest what to do with an Elear headband that’s showing signs of fraying in the material? Because that’s what happens to fabric after a couple of years’ cleaning and maintaining - it starts to puck and fray. And since by that time the headphone is out of warranty (not that wear is covered by warranty) and the headband is not replaceable or serviceable, what do you suggest?

 

[TSAVJason]

Not to keep beating this drum, but perhaps you or @TSAVAlan can suggest what to do with an Elear headband that’s showing signs of fraying in the material? Because that’s what happens to fabric after a couple of years’ cleaning and maintaining - it starts to puck and fray. And since by that time the headphone is out of warranty (not that wear is covered by warranty) and the headband is not replaceable or serviceable, what do you suggest?

Better question than asking Focal to be responsibile for a multi owner used item. You’re right about the yoke pad. It’s not replaceable at least not yet. The pads as you are aware are not cheap. I’m a little puzzled how you ware them out so quickly. Our Elear has been on display since the launch and it shows no decay in condition at all. The Utopia is equally as resilient.

 

[gLer]

Better question than asking Focal to be responsibile for a multi owner used item. You’re right about the yoke pad. It’s not replaceable at least not yet. The pads as you are aware are not cheap. I’m a little puzzled how you ware them out so quickly. Our Elear has been on display since the launch and it shows no decay in condition at all. The Utopia is equally as resilient.

That's a great question. Normal use. I baby my headphones - but then all of them bar the Elear use leather wherever they touch skin/hair, and as you know, leather is exceptionally resilient with just a simple wipe once in a while. I think there's a reason Focal used leather on their $4k headphones.

The pads on my Elear compressed before the material started fraying, which I have no issue with - all velour/material pads wear out over time and need replacing. But the same applies to material/velour headband padding. Mine isn't too badly worn, and being dark, it's hardly noticeable. But I can imagine in a year or so it'll be far worse. I have quite long, sometimes oily hair, and short of using a headband protector or head covering (which you shouldn't have to do with a high-end headphone!), I see no way of preventing further wear. Which is why I asked the question - how can wear be minimised through regular use, and how can it be resolved if the headband is non-replaceable/serviceable?

The Clear is relatively new, but I can imagine with repeat cleanings, the material will ultimately start to discolour and/or fray over the course of a couple of years. At least the pads you can replace (price notwithstanding), but the headband you're stuck with. As a responsive and knowledgable Focal agent I was hoping you'd have some answers/suggestions, because my repeated emails to Focal have drawn a blank.

 

[TSAVJason]

That's a great question. Normal use. I baby my headphones - but then all of them bar the Elear use leather wherever they touch skin/hair, and as you know, leather is exceptionally resilient with just a simple wipe once in a while. I think there's a reason Focal used leather on their $4k headphones.

The pads on my Elear compressed before the material started fraying, which I have no issue with - all velour/material pads wear out over time and need replacing. But the same applies to material/velour headband padding. Mine isn't too badly worn, and being dark, it's hardly noticeable. But I can imagine in a year or so it'll be far worse. I have quite long, sometimes oily hair, and short of using a headband protector or head covering (which you shouldn't have to do with a high-end headphone!), I see no way of preventing further wear. Which is why I asked the question - how can wear be minimised through regular use, and how can it be resolved if the headband is non-replaceable/serviceable?

The Clear is relatively new, but I can imagine with repeat cleanings, the material will ultimately start to discolour and/or fray over the course of a couple of years. At least the pads you can replace (price notwithstanding), but the headband you're stuck with. As a responsive and knowledgable Focal agent I was hoping you'd have some answers/suggestions, because my repeated emails to Focal have drawn a blank.

I wish I did have answers to your question as it relates to the Yoke pad. I have suggested the use of an alternative yoke replacement pad that allows for an easy install and showed them how it can be done. They did say it was a good idea and said they’d take it under consideration. I’m not sure it will get done but I did give them a very easy resolve to the issue. I’ve also let them know I think all the pads are over priced and should be priced a bit more friendly to the brand enthusiasts.

 

[kino lau]

I just finished cleaning the yoke and pads on my Pro's with the Sonax Alcantara cleaner. For those wanting to clean the Red pads...be aware that the red color will transfer to your hands and cloth (I used) that you're cleaning them on. After letting the cleaner do its job, I just kept going back over the material with a moist microfiber cloth until there was no further red transfer from the pads to the cloth (per the directions they suggest frequently rinsing the cloth with clean water). Everything is drying at the moment. For anybody that is worried about any color bleed during the cleaning process, you can either eliminate as much as possible while cleaning or let it transfer to your head from oils or sweat...lol
Of course, members with the gray pads won't have to be concerned about it much. I'll post before and after shots when everything is completely dry.

I would rate the anxiety level experienced during the cleaning process as slightly lower than when I removed the memory wire from the stock cable that came with my CA Andromeda's...lol

 

[Phronesis]

Seems that the smart thing for Focal to do would be to offer replacement pads at a reasonable price, say $50 or less.

 

[TSAVJason]

Seems that the smart thing for Focal to do would be to offer replacement pads at a reasonable price, say $50 or less.

So you’d prefer they use lower quality materials is my understanding of your comment. Being that I know the manufacturer of the pads I’m going to add that your suggestion would be imposiible based on cost of materials and labor.

 

[TSAVJason]

I just finished cleaning the yoke and pads on my Pro's with the Sonax Alcantara cleaner. For those wanting to clean the Red pads...be aware that the red color will transfer to your hands and cloth (I used) that you're cleaning them on. After letting the cleaner do its job, I just kept going back over the material with a moist microfiber cloth until there was no further red transfer from the pads to the cloth (per the directions they suggest frequently rinsing the cloth with clean water). Everything is drying at the moment. For anybody that is worried about any color bleed during the cleaning process, you can either eliminate as much as possible while cleaning or let it transfer to your head from oils or sweat...lol
Of course, members with the gray pads won't have to be concerned about it much. I'll post before and after shots when everything is completely dry.

I would rate the anxiety level experienced during the cleaning process as slightly lower than when I removed the memory wire from the stock cable that came with my CA Andromeda's...lol

Yeah Alan should have warned you guys on the pro. That red die bleeds out real easy. It’s better on the pro to use soap and water. To be fair to Alan I’m not sure I’ve ever told him about the bleed issue with the red pads

 

[Phronesis]

So you’d prefer they use lower quality materials is my understanding of your comment. Being that I know the manufacturer of the pads I’m going to add that your suggestion would be imposiible based on cost of materials and labor.

Do you have actual cost data? I doubt it costs more than $50 to make those pads. And selling the pads at cost (or even a little below) would create goodwill for Focal, which is good for business. The $200 price is evidently making people feel that Focal is gouging them.

 

[catscratch]

https://www.moon-audio.com/focal-clear-headphone-pads.html

Thanks. I periodically check for pads, didn't see that. But I have read some time ago of people being quoted more than twice as much for new pads by their dealer. So Focal came to their senses, at least if $200 pads can qualify as coming to their senses. But at least that's in line with their other spare part costs.

If only Focals didn't sound so good, then I could ignore them...

 

[TSAVJason]

Do you have actual cost data? I doubt it costs more than $50 to make those pads. And selling the pads at cost (or even a little below) would create goodwill for Focal, which is good for business. The $200 price is evidently making people feel that Focal is gouging them.

Well doubting Thomas, doubt all you like. That is on you not me. Isn’t it you that intimated the entire brand was a rip off but then suddenly and scientifically the Clear became your superior nirvana?

 

[Wildcatsare1]

Do you have actual cost data? I doubt it costs more than $50 to make those pads. And selling the pads at cost (or even a little below) would create goodwill for Focal, which is good for business. The $200 price is evidently making people feel that Focal is gouging them.

The replacement pads for my Abyss is almost $400, think of it as if your buying a Ferrari, expensive car, expensive repairs.