[roskodan]

So did I, too much bass for my taste. I still prefer my Clear w/o any sort of EQ in conjunction with the 35Ω output impedance of my Titanium HD.

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD? Don't you have a headphone amp?

So I tried that 2049 track with the EQ boost from the screenshot before. I managed to make 'em clip with 2V line input into my Mjolnir, pot at one o'clock, at around mark 1:55 into the track. EQ APO pre amp was at -10dB. This was way above the SPL that anyone could be listening to. My ears are ringing. I'm pretty sure that has to do with the virtually free edge driver design, to maximize dynamics. As Focal wrote about it before, and seems legit to me. Whoever complains about clipping at the SPL level that I experienced it: "that's not how headphones are mean't to be used". Can't see any fault in this. Terrific headphones. If those guys on the other forum got it to clip at a much lower level, then yes, I can see the problem. Too bad they didn't measure it.

Focal explanation (from here):

"What you are describing is a known phenomenon but it is not a defect of the helmet.
Let me explain, we made a choice in the design of our high-end helmets. The latter were designed to respect as much as possible the dynamics of the audio signal rather than the compression dynamics which would offer a higher SPL but would respect less the audio signal. In short, we preferred to favor the acoustic quality at the SPL, which allows us to benefit from optimal performance until the heightening occurs (the click heard). So, on some songs, at very low frequencies or at very high volume, you can hear this click. This also exists on hi-fi speakers.
Therefore, swapping in your helmet will not change anything.
The only solution we offer is to listen at a lower volume.
Best regards,
Marine, Focal Community Manager "

 

[HTSkywalker]

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD? Don't you have a headphone amp?

So I tried that 2049 track with the EQ boost from the screenshot before. I managed to make 'em clip with 2V line input into my Mjolnir, pot at one o'clock, at around mark 1:55 into the track. EQ APO pre amp was at -10dB. This was way above the SPL that anyone could be listening to. My ears are ringing. I'm pretty sure that has to do with the virtually free edge driver design, to maximize dynamics. As Focal wrote about it before, and seems legit to me. Whoever complains about clipping at the SPL level that I experienced it: "that's not how headphones are mean't to be used". Can't see any fault in this. Terrific headphones. If those guys on the other forum got it to clip at a much lower level, then yes, I can see the problem. Too bad they didn't measure it.

Focal explanation (from here):

Agree as enjoyable listening volumes are normally below clipping barriers in non faulty

 

[surfgeorge]

I'd appreciate if someone with the CHORD Hugo 2 could tets their Clears for clipping since I am not sure if mine are within specs. They do clip at high (but not crazy) volume, without EQ.

Using this track: https://tidal.com/browse/track/79530261 directly from Tidal (100% volume) via USB from the PC to Hugo 2, no EQ.
At the 12" mark I get clipping at 4 clicks dow from line level (or 4 clicks up from the dark blue volume setting).
At 6 clicks below line level I get through the whole track without clipping.

Thanks in advance!

 

[HTSkywalker]

Seems clipping is the new trend around
Trying hard to clip my Ananda for quite sometime now to no avail. Should I be worried???

 

[Ifalna]

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD? Don't you have a headphone amp?

Why would I need additional amplification?

but it is not a defect of the helmet.

Gotta love google translate. *chuckles*

 

[dontfeedphils]

I'd appreciate if someone with the CHORD Hugo 2 could tets their Clears for clipping since I am not sure if mine are within specs. They do clip at high (but not crazy) volume, without EQ.

Using this track: https://tidal.com/browse/track/79530261 directly from Tidal (100% volume) via USB from the PC to Hugo 2, no EQ.
At the 12" mark I get clipping at 4 clicks dow from line level (or 4 clicks up from the dark blue volume setting).
At 6 clicks below line level I get through the whole track without clipping.

Thanks in advance!

I can't test that exact scenario since I have Utopia rather than Clear, but I can say that I know that's louder than I have ever listened on the Hugo 2, by a decent margin.

 

[Cuthbert 80]

Speaking of EQ, I personally think the right EQ settings transform this headphone from excellent to truly incredible.

I couldn't agree more.

EQ just turns the Clears into something else...and it's already pretty amazing lol

Recently I purchased the new(ish) iFi iDSD NEO and while it's missing features and that the amp section is fairly underpowered considering the price....it's a damn good pairing with my Clear Pros when it comes to synergy, heh

 

[roskodan]

Why would I need additional amplification?

I know this is the place that was meant to save one's wallet... but we all know how that turned out. Had that feeling you might be hiding a bunch of head amps from us... ... this being head-fi.org and all... sometimes I plug the Clear into my laptop's headphone output and wonder...

 

[Ifalna]

I know this is the place that was meant to save one's wallet... but we all know how that turned out.

I have no idea what you are talking about. *whistles in an innocent manner*

 

[Warrenk]

So last night I had a few glasses of wine, and just listened to music, all I can say is wow these are amazing. My listening volume did increase to really loud but did not clip with the music I was playing. Yes I've had them clip but that's at extreme loudness.

So all in all I'm happy. Well I need a longer cable but around a metre longer would have been great.

 

[HTSkywalker]

So last night I had a few glasses of wine, and just listened to music, all I can say is wow these are amazing. My listening volume did increase to really loud but did not clip with the music I was playing. Yes I've had them clip but that's at extreme loudness.

So all in all I'm happy. Well I need a longer cable but around a metre longer would have been great.

A longet cable would be the Utopia or Elear (same)

 

[dontfeedphils]

A longet cable would be the Utopia or Elear (same)

FYI, Utopia uses different connectors.

 

[HTSkywalker]

FYI, Utopia uses different connectors.

Sorry my bad ‍ Elear would definitely do.

 

[DAPpower]

Do any of you think the Focal Clear would be appropriately driven by a Fiio M15 or have paired it with the M15?

 

[Ichos]

They are appropriately driven by M11Pro (balanced) so for M15 it should be a piece of cake even from the single ended.