I absolutely agree with this regarding Utopia as it is known to scale really well with sources just like the HD800. But we are discussing the Clear here. After auditioning Clear myself on different sources and from basically every review/impression of Clear thus far, the theme has been that it doesn't scale like Utopia and even its lower impedance and focus on portability from Focal indicates that it was designed to be less source dependent and just sound like itself and good on everything. I don't believe I have read one review yet that found a "bad" source pairing for Clear (not including tube amps).
Thanks for the insight. Haven't made it to the local dealer to try them out yet. Wasn't quite sure if they behaved like their older sibling or not.
I know with the Utopia it's quite easy to discern between different source gear. Sounds like that isn't the case with the Clear. Can't complain about that!
Thanks for the insight. Haven't made it to the local dealer to try them out yet. Wasn't quite sure if they behaved like their older sibling or not.
I know with the Utopia it's quite easy to discern between different source gear. Sounds like that isn't the case with the Clear. Can't complain about that!
Yep, the Utopia is on a different level with scaling. The Clear is still much closer to Elear than it is to Utopia. I'm just trying to save people from stressing about what amp to pair Clear with and have to ask about every possible pairing. Every time the answer always comes back with "it sounds good".
Yep, the Utopia is on a different level with scaling. The Clear is still much closer to Elear than it is to Utopia. I'm just trying to save people from stressing about what amp to pair Clear with and have to ask about every possible pairing. Every time the answer always comes back with "it sounds good".
No stress here. I was seriously considering pairing the Clear with the Woo Audio WA6. Happy to learn that it's been done, and that it works well. I'm new to this tube stuff . . .
I know everyone keeps asking about amp pairings, but I feel like you are missing the point of the Focal Clear. It is easily driven well and should sound great out of anything with decent power and low output impedance. Pairing it with higher output impedance tube amps could also be good but will start to color it and that just comes down to personal preference. But one of the biggest selling points for Clear is that it is so easily driven well and doesn't require the finicky (and often expensive) amp considerations of something like HD800. I also think that means HD800 can ultimately scale higher, but at a much greater cost. The Clear is just great in having a very pleasing tonal balance and presentation without needing a lot of source considerations and EQ to get it to sound right.
Do u think the Clears can benefit from a higher dollar amp. Over a less expensive amp,. For example. An entry level amp from Shiit or any amp company,vs the respective companies more expensive amp?
Thx
Sorry this was suppose to go to TSavalon since he a vendor. And deals with many amps.
Do u think the Clears can benefit from a higher dollar amp. Over a less expensive amp,. For example. An entry level amp from Shiit or any amp company,vs the respective companies more expensive amp?
Thx
Sorry this was suppose to go to TSavalon since he a vendor. And deals with many amps.
Yes, as every other good headphone. As Clear is now 2nd on innerfidelity wof and is competing with other TOTL headphones, if you believe that a good amp can make a difference not only in power, then yes, a good amp (not necessarly a higher dollar) is an option you won't regret. Schiit has a good scalable range of amps, I believe Clear will match very nicely their tube amps, namely Lyr2 which you have the option of tube rolling or a choice of their SS LISST modules, seems a great price/quality option. Schiit offer is very good if you're considering an external DAC or stacking with their DACS, but if you want a true balanced connection for your Clear it might get a bit expensive and then you have some other options to look from other brands, IMHO.
You don't won't to compromise the SQ of Clear using an amp with lack of dynamic, noisy background or a coloration of its own - you wan't it as much transparent as possible = AMP only!
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