Focal Clear headphones

[gLer]

[Edit by mod, removed deleted quote however majority of below makes sense - except the debate on the word "toxic"]
It would be very useful for you to elaborate on your musical tastes and the way you listen before chiming in with your opinion on a headphone (or any audio gear for that matter), because otherwise it’s quite difficult for anyone to get a handle on why you’re saying what you’re saying. I personally don’t mind how you describe the sound of a headphone as long as you qualify it. “It’s toxic because it makes song A sound harsh and distorted” is so much more useful than “it’s toxic”. Most people come to this forum to learn and compare, so if you have a useful experience to share, share it.

 

[rutter]

It's neither about harshness nor distortion. It's about the strength of the sound being too much. Electronic, dance, pop, I'd imagine even rock, alternative, and more metally type stuff would be similar. Furthermore, there's not much of a soundstage. It's a rather dry, clear, I suppose quick headphone that produces strong sound, kind of like having speakers on your ears. There's not much wrong with the quality of the sound, it may well be very advanced, but let's say with its presentation, and I do not accept a superlative headphone having an "intimate" soundstage.

 

[AnakChan]

I've deleted a whole bunch of posts firstly about burn-in - this goes to the Sound Science. I may tolerate a little about burn in -about the specific headphones in discussion- but if it degenerates to a generalisation of whether burn in is real or not, off that topic goes to Sound Science.

Secondly, choice of words by the poster - if it's not derogatory, insulting or profanity, then the poster can choose whatever word (s)he likes - even if it's an exaggeration. Readers can choose to ignore, ask for a clarification, or block the other member if you guys/gals just can't get along.

If this persists, next mod actions could be just locking this thread for good, locking members out, or just banning members.

 

[up late]

thanks for intervening @AnakChan and clarifying where it is appropriate to discuss burn-in. i hope that our newer members will take this on board.

thanks also for your determination on the discussion that followed the choice of words by a poster, which i have taken on board and addressed by using the ignore feature.

 

[Phronesis]

It's neither about harshness nor distortion. It's about the strength of the sound being too much. Electronic, dance, pop, I'd imagine even rock, alternative, and more metally type stuff would be similar. Furthermore, there's not much of a soundstage. It's a rather dry, clear, I suppose quick headphone that produces strong sound, kind of like having speakers on your ears. There's not much wrong with the quality of the sound, it may well be very advanced, but let's say with its presentation, and I do not accept a superlative headphone having an "intimate" soundstage.

I can understand where you’re coming from. I personally either don’t listen to those genres or wouldn’t choose the Clear to listen to them.

An energetic presentation may not be for everyone, or for every mood, but if that’s what someone wants, the Focals deliver it well.

Preference on stage is also very subjective, and for me also depends on mood. Intimate stage + intimate music can be a potent combo if intimacy is what’s desired. But the sense of intimacy also depends on the recording, in terms of stereo separation and especially reverb, delay, etc.

Maybe not reasonable to expect any headphone to be the best fit for every person, mood, music genre, and recording. That’s why I personally like having a menu of different headphones to choose from.

 

[betula]

What has this thread become lately? Honestly, you guys wasted so much of my time recently...

 

[Hoegaardener70]

Not realistic to expect people to read and search hundreds of pages of threads before posting. And regardless, my comments are in response to what I've read in threads recently. Lots of subjective opinions presented as objective facts, people confused about why they perceive the sound of their headphones changing over time, comparisons of headphones flawed by relying on memory, etc. Consider that maybe some people get something out of the discussion, even if it doesn't interest you personally. Now how about not cluttering up the thread again, and sticking to discussing the Clear?

Hi Phronesis, thanks for your comparisons between the clear and utopias, I enjoyed reading them. You put a lot of effort in comparing them side by side, and since I have not the option to do that, I greatly benefitted.

 

[Phronesis]

Hi Phronesis, thanks for your comparisons between the clear and utopias, I enjoyed reading them. You put a lot of effort in comparing them side by side, and since I have not the option to do that, I greatly benefitted.

You're welcome. It was the most time I've ever spent comparing two headphones. Rather than just assuming that the more expensive and famous one is better, I wanted to compare them carefully to determine which one sounded better to me (and under what conditions), and only then consider the price aspect. I guess I'm lucky that I wound up preferring the one which costs less. The process of comparison was more tedious than fun, but it enabled me to have confidence in the decision I made. My local shop was really great about letting me borrow the Utopia twice, and keeping the Clear for more than a week, before deciding.

 

[AnakChan]

I've whacked out more posts and have locked a member out. As mentioned before, if you guys can't be civil to each other, then I'm happy to lock more of you guys out of the thread or just lock the thread up permanently.

 

[Hoegaardener70]

You're welcome. It was the most time I've ever spent comparing two headphones. Rather than just assuming that the more expensive and famous one is better, I wanted to compare them carefully to determine which one sounded better to me (and under what conditions), and only then consider the price aspect. I guess I'm lucky that I wound up preferring the one which costs less. The process of comparison was more tedious than fun, but it enabled me to have confidence in the decision I made. My local shop was really great about letting me borrow the Utopia twice, and keeping the Clear for more than a week, before deciding.

I know what you mean with the comparing being more tedious than fun. I actually spent - or wasted, depending on my mood - a lot of time doing this, but unlike you I did it on stuff I already owned. In case of making a buying decision, it is the better way, no agonizing on what you think you missed. Now you have peace of mind with the clear, plus some leftover cash. Enjoy!

PS: I was torn between Utopia and Clear, as you know from the other thread. I have now a third contender which is totally different, the Sony Z1R. I love bass especially when it is authorities and deep, and not just blown out by eq. It seems it is a great headphone set for me ... let’s see. But thanks to you, the utopia are out, and I am thankful that I know why I took the decision. I only had a short session in my local shop, but I found the clear too close to the Utopia for the expense. Now your review gave me the last tip to decide.

 

[Phronesis]

I know what you mean with the comparing being more tedious than fun. I actually spent - or wasted, depending on my mood - a lot of time doing this, but unlike you I did it on stuff I already owned. In case of making a buying decision, it is the better way, no agonizing on what you think you missed. Now you have peace of mind with the clear, plus some leftover cash. Enjoy!

PS: I was torn between Utopia and Clear, as you know from the other thread. I have now a third contender which is totally different, the Sony Z1R. I love bass especially when it is authorities and deep, and not just blown out by eq. It seems it is a great headphone set for me ... let’s see.

Though tedious, I do find it educational to compare things in various ways and see how the results vary. It helps me get a handle on what factors affect my perception.

If I had bought the Clear instead of the Utopia simply to save money, that probably would have tainted my experience of the Clear because I would have wondered what I was missing out on by not getting the Utopia. And if I had bought the Utopia simply because I assumed it was the best, that probably would have also tainted my experience of the Utopia because I would have wondered if the Utopia was superior enough, or superior at all, compared to the Clear, to justify the much higher cost. With the process I followed, I can now enjoy the Clear with peace of mind, no looking back and wondering.

I'm too am actually still on the hunt for a really good closed back, and have been considering Z1R. I haven't had a chance to listen to it, and unfortunately my shop doesn't carry it, but it's on my radar.

 

[koiloco]

Though tedious, I do find it educational to compare things in various ways and see how the results vary. It helps me get a handle on what factors affect my perception.

If I had bought the Clear instead of the Utopia simply to save money, that probably would have tainted my experience of the Clear because I would have wondered what I was missing out on by not getting the Utopia. And if I had bought the Utopia simply because I assumed it was the best, that probably would have also tainted my experience of the Utopia because I would have wondered if the Utopia was superior enough, or superior at all, compared to the Clear, to justify the much higher cost. With the process I followed, I can now enjoy the Clear with peace of mind, no looking back and wondering.

I'm too am actually still on the hunt for a really good closed back, and have been considering Z1R. I haven't had a chance to listen to it, and unfortunately my shop doesn't carry it, but it's on my radar.

You like and bought the Clear. Using the Clear as reference, IMO, you won't be happy with Z1R.

 

[Phronesis]

You like and bought the Clear. Using the Clear as reference, IMO, you won't be happy with Z1R.

With a closed back, I'm looking for something that complements the other gear I have, doesn't need to have a signature similar to others. Maybe something like the 99 Classics (which IMO is great for the price), but sound quality in the same league as the other more expensive stuff. I'd be interested in details of you comparison of the Z1R vs Clear.

 

[rutter]

In headphone threads you'll of course find a collection of people who like a headphone but the Campfire Cascade is an interesting option for a good closed back performer. Apparently plenty of bass as well.

 

[BunnyNamedCraig]

I know what you mean with the comparing being more tedious than fun. I actually spent - or wasted, depending on my mood - a lot of time doing this, but unlike you I did it on stuff I already owned. In case of making a buying decision, it is the better way, no agonizing on what you think you missed. Now you have peace of mind with the clear, plus some leftover cash. Enjoy!

PS: I was torn between Utopia and Clear, as you know from the other thread. I have now a third contender which is totally different, the Sony Z1R. I love bass especially when it is authorities and deep, and not just blown out by eq. It seems it is a great headphone set for me ... let’s see. But thanks to you, the utopia are out, and I am thankful that I know why I took the decision. I only had a short session in my local shop, but I found the clear too close to the Utopia for the expense. Now your review gave me the last tip to decide.

The Z1R could totally be a contender. I think it compliments the Clear really well! You get more of a fun sound with the bass, and not to mention the build quality...

With a closed back, I'm looking for something that complements the other gear I have, doesn't need to have a signature similar to others. Maybe something like the 99 Classics (which IMO is great for the price), but sound quality in the same league as the other more expensive stuff. I'd be interested in details of you comparison of the Z1R vs Clear.

like @Hoegaardener70 make sure you check the Z1R out. If you want cheaper and less detail the Meze99 is a good fit.

The Z1R signature seems to be hit or miss with people. The "miss" group I think comes from the fact that they were expecting a headphone to be over 2K to be dead neutral. I accept it for how they wanted to tune it and love it.

The Clear which is faster and all around tighter would be your "analyze" set(you can still enjoy the music out of it thankfully), and Z1R when you just want to jam but also want details.