[ubs28]

So while we're talking SE vs Balanced. Has anyone done any testing with the Clears on a balanced setup? Was there any noticeable improvement?

The only test I was able to make was using my Onkyo DP-X1's 2.5mm TRRS connector to which I connected a Sukira 4 pin XLR adapter, which I then used to plug in the Focal XLR balanced cable. I was unable to discern any improvement at all on this setup.

These headphones don’t even need a dedicated amplifier. So SE vs balanced is simply a colour preference if someone like the balanced over the SE output.

 

[SilverEars]

These headphones don’t even need a dedicated amplifier. So SE vs balanced is simply a colour preference if someone like the balanced over the SE output.

Yep, my experience has been something that needs a bit of oomph(more power) can make a difference balanced, and how different balanced sounds depends on topology of the amp and the headphone. I notice harder to drive planars seems to make a difference with balanced vs SE. Something like Utopia or Clear that are not hard to drive, don't notice(at least much) of a difference. Personally, I prefer single ended with the Utopia due to less punchiness, and my amp tend to make things sound a bit punchier balanced, and this perceived punchiness maybe mainly due to greater driving power of dedicated amping per driver rather than color difference of SE to balanced. Or simply the volume is greater balanced(but, without the volume knob turned greater), but not really noticing because the volume knob doesn't show it.

 

[Wildcatsare1]

Hi guys,

i have recently tried auditioned these headphones and absolutely fell in love with them, they are my next upgrade for sure.
I was wondering if we could expect the same price reduction we saw in the Elears and Utopia? they are currently going for £1399 in london shops (thats $1976). Do you think we could expect them to drop at all?

Also do hifi products ever go on black friday type sales? so far from what ive read only low end consumer headphones get discounted much around that time of year?

Apparently Focal is selling the Clear as fast as they can manufacture them, so I don’t believe you’ll see deep discounts anytime soon.

They are fantastic headphones, the best “all rounders” I’ve heard.

 

[ChasingDopamine]

Apparently Focal is selling the Clear as fast as they can manufacture them, so I don’t believe you’ll see deep discounts anytime soon.

They are fantastic headphones, the best “all rounders” I’ve heard.

Yes they were excellent the couple times I tried them. Do you know if there have been any QC issues reported like the elear? I know it's early days but it does make me a bit gunshy dropping four figures if it won't last at least a couple years.

Also considering the professionals. The colour scheme is cool and as far as I can understand the only functional difference is the lack of XLR cable?

 

[crayons23]

the clear is still out of stock everywhere in NYC except for b and h which i have
ethical opposition to. hoping it arrives soon but keep getting told it's delayed.

 

[Ekul61]

Put the Clears down for a couple days, been listening to my receiver and floor speakers. Headphones are great but if you really want great sound. Floor speakers it up!

 

[BunnyNamedCraig]

Apparently Focal is selling the Clear as fast as they can manufacture them, so I don’t believe you’ll see deep discounts anytime soon.

They are fantastic headphones, the best “all rounders” I’ve heard.

This is the case... they are in pretty high demand and since their hand assembled it adds to the equation

 

[TSAVJason]

the clear is still out of stock everywhere in NYC except for b and h which i have
ethical opposition to. hoping it arrives soon but keep getting told it's delayed.

Clears will be back in stock soon but at limited stores. It’s my understanding that only 4-8 stores will be authorized to sell them. The stores that will be selling them already know who they are. If your local dealer doesn’t know, he isn’t going to be a dealer for them.

The Clear Pro is what B&H sells not the consumer Clear.

 

[franz12]

Apparently Focal is selling the Clear as fast as they can manufacture them, so I don’t believe you’ll see deep discounts anytime soon.

They are fantastic headphones, the best “all rounders” I’ve heard.

Hopefully, Focal satiate huge demand for Clear in the near future.
And comes with an upgraded version of Clear, which probably will be my next purchase.

 

[Ekul61]

Hopefully, Focal satiate huge demand for Clear in the near future.
And comes with an upgraded version of Clear, which probably will be my next purchase.

That’s going to take some work. These things are quite amazing.

 

[TSAVJason]

That’s going to take some work. These things are quite amazing.

Ah it won’t be long. It’s my understanding they are using their production lines for the Elear variant known as the Elex. After that run is completed it’s back to Clears again and we are in Clear delivery again.

 

[kino lau]

Put the Clears down for a couple days, been listening to my receiver and floor speakers. Headphones are great but if you really want great sound. Floor speakers it up!

Yeah, I downloaded three new albums this morning and have my DAP feeding my receiver/amp. My vintage Heresy's and sub have a much larger soundstage. I can't wait for some more intimate listening with my headphones though.

 

[paul2qute]

Ah it won’t be long. It’s my understanding they are using their production lines for the Elear variant known as the Elex. After that run is completed it’s back to Clears again and we are in Clear delivery again.

Elex what's that ?

 

[TSAVJason]

Elex what's that ?

A variant of the Elear according to Focal

 

[paul2qute]

A variant of the Elear according to Focal

Just been reading about it,why would focal make a headphone that massdrop has modified?