[netarg]

Has anyone tried the ZMF Crescent Snap with the Clears? I have the geekria headband but was hoping for a bit more padding.

I ended up buying the ZMF crescent snap (without leather) along with their perforated suede pads.
The crescent snap fits fine, though was a little tighter than the knitted fabric geekria cover to get on. The headband is noticeably more comfy now, but if you're not having issues with comfort with the geekria cover already I don't know if I'd recommend it. Also note that due to its height, you need to add roughly 2-3 clicks to the headband adjustment, so if you're near the high end already it likely won't fit properly.
As for the pads, they're better than the dekoni ones imo. The sound difference from stock is pretty much indistinguishable to me (as also evidenced by the measurements zach took in his video), and I'm a fan of the extra space in the cups. The clamp is slightly higher, but it's not a deal breaker. Something else I didn't realize I'd appreciate also is the fact it has a thin fabric cover inside - for me the cups tend to accumulate a ton of dust and dead skin without this.

Spoiler: images

(the ridges in the fabric are actually molded into the foam, not slack in the material)

 

[jonathan c]

Shane, this one’s for you :

[Clear OG - one of the headphone greats: ambience, balance, clarity, impact, & soundstage]

 

[Shane D]

Shane, this one’s for you : [Clear OG - one of the headphone greats: ambience, balance, clarity, impact, & soundstage]

I did Love my Focal's and HiFiman's out of my LP!

 

[adeadcrab]

Focal Clear Professional + Dekoni Stellia earpads are a great combination. Forgot how dynamic and punchy these things are! Much easier to take care of the Dekoni earpads compared to the stock microfibre.
When I first tried it I thought the bass was overwhelming; coming back to the Focal Clear after a few months the extra bass is a welcome change.

 

[cirodts]

I think clear mg has lost the sharpness of the old OG, what do you think?

 

[mainguy]

I think clear mg has lost the sharpness of the old OG, what do you think?

It loses some of the sharpness and definition in the treble, gains some body in the mids and a nicer Timbre. I prefer MG having owned both.

 

[Ichos]

It loses some of the sharpness and definition in the treble, gains some body in the mids and a nicer Timbre. I prefer MG having owned both.

+1

 

[roskodan]

These are the pads you want, roomy and fluffy to diffuse the forward sound, plus big gain in stage size and layering. Now you can turn up the volume.

@FocalOfficial make roomier, deeper, bigger pads.

 

[Tano]

Talkin about pad rolling for the Clears, I find the Utopia pads to be the best if you want an airier presentantion with improved imaging. You loose some bass and warmth, but that's not a problem if you EQ.

I've been comparing for a couple of weeks and it's surprising how close the Clears with Utopia pads gets to the Utopias. Id be hard pressed to recognise which one is which in a blind test.

 

[cirodts]

yesterday I did some tests with clear, arya stealth and dt 1990, I'm re-evaluating the clear because it has a truly realistic and captivating timbre, it has enviable power and body of sound, I miss the extreme cleanliness and separation of the dt 1990, however they are complementary headphones.
Today I will try better clear and arya.

 

[cirodts]

Talkin about pad rolling for the Clears, I find the Utopia pads to be the best if you want an airier presentantion with improved imaging. You loose some bass and warmth, but that's not a problem if you EQ.

I've been comparing for a couple of weeks and it's surprising how close the Clears with Utopia pads gets to the Utopias. Id be hard pressed to recognise which one is which in a blind test.

can you link the utopia pads you are referring to, are they on amazon?

 

[Tano]

can you link the utopia pads you are referring to, are they on amazon?

I mean the Utopia original pads, not dekoni or other manufacturer. I can't find them on amazon but they might be avalaible in your country. Best option should be getting it from an official retailer.

You can check the pads and search for retailers on this link.

https://www.focal.com/en/headphones-0/headphones/cables-and-accessories/utopia-ear-pads

 

[cirodts]

can a silver cable give a little more resolution to the clear MG?

It loses some of the sharpness and definition in the treble, gains some body in the mids and a nicer Timbre. I prefer MG having owned both.

can a silver cable give a little more resolution to the clear MG?

 

[wantan]

yesterday I did some tests with clear, arya stealth and dt 1990, I'm re-evaluating the clear because it has a truly realistic and captivating timbre, it has enviable power and body of sound, I miss the extreme cleanliness and separation of the dt 1990, however they are complementary headphones.
Today I will try better clear and arya.

Use EQ and add some db (1-4) at 1700Hz with Q1.4. You get better and deeper bass, more clartiy and more energy. At the cost of soundstage and smoothness. It's an interesting experiment especially if you can switch fast between EQ on/off with a remote like in RME ADI 2 DAC. You can try to find a setting that works best for you.

 

[roskodan]

can a silver cable give a little more resolution to the clear MG?

can a silver cable give a little more resolution to the clear MG?

Half measures won't get you far. PEQ or go for Utopia or Empyrean or get some of the new generation of under $1k headphones, that have more harman like treble and modern level of technicalities. But you are gonna miss the Focal, as you said:

truly realistic and captivating timbre... enviable power and body of sound...

From my collection, I can suggest th610, 109pro... and from the older generations the beyer T1 gen 1 and dt880...

... but if you really like the dt1990, you must try to get Empyrean imo...