[Ohhellyea]

Anyone have a cable recommendation to a 4.4mm termination, was looking at the Norne Drausk Lite, the only other one I can really find is the Moon Black/Silver Dragon.

Listen to mostly EDM, hip hop, Metal

https://mezeaudio.eu/collections/accessories/products/99series2-5-balanced-cable

Dont overthink cables, get this and be happy. I got it and its awesome o!

 

[angelus55]

aside from fostex stuff, would the clear or clear mg offer some of the best dynamics/bass slam/punch out there? better dynamics then the hd 800s and lcd-2 fazor? with or without eq

please and thanks

 

[jonathan c]

aside from fostex stuff, would the clear or clear mg offer some of the best dynamics/bass slam/punch out there? better dynamics then the hd 800s and lcd-2 fazor? with or without eq

please and thanks

To your first question, yes. I do not have experience with either HD-800 or LCD-2 fazor. [I own Focal Clear (original, with Dekoni fenestrated sheepskin earpads)].

 

[PhazeCrive]

Honestly from my PC 3.5mm out and the Dekoni LE Stellia pads, I find it hard to want any more bass than that. Never thought you could hear the 20hz from an open back but here we are.

 

[Guidostrunk]

aside from fostex stuff, would the clear or clear mg offer some of the best dynamics/bass slam/punch out there? better dynamics then the hd 800s and lcd-2 fazor? with or without eq

please and thanks

Compared to the regular HD800 the Clear/Clear MG handily bests it in every category you mentioned. The only thing the HD800 has going for it is a big soundstage. Which sounds artificial to me anyways.

Both the Clear OG and MG hit really hard. Dynamics and Imaging are insane!

 

[rickydenim]

Honestly from my PC 3.5mm out and the Dekoni LE Stellia pads, I find it hard to want any more bass than that. Never thought you could hear the 20hz from an open back but here we are.

Stelia pads on the Clear? Interesting! I might try my Elite Sheepskins that I've had on the Elegia on the Clear and see how I like them. Never thought to!

 

[PhazeCrive]

Stelia pads on the Clear? Interesting! I might try my Elite Sheepskins that I've had on the Elegia on the Clear and see how I like them. Never thought to!

Yeah I'm about to order the elite fenestrated sheepskin and see how they compare to the dekoni stellia LE. I'm still stunned on how moving to different sources changes the sound so much. Then stack on some pads for extra effect.

 

[roskodan]

I was against non stock pads, but if it's ok too EQ, now that we have even pads swap measurements, I guess it's still a legit way to go.

 

[aleniola76]

I am impressed by the sound I get out of the Clears connected to a Violectric DHA380... the bass is super impactful

 

[Ifalna]

Can anyone else listen to this song and tell me if you have this popping noise issue with your headphones?

I don't hit the excursion limit of my Clear Pro... at least not with a volume that my ears can withstand.
In fact I find the bass to be painfully loud, not to mention the Ney (?) flute.

I have encountered the excursion limit during movies on a high output impedance amp though. As others have said: it's a deliberate design decision from Focal. Instead of compressing like other cans do, they just hit Xmax.

Right, I rarely hear anyone mention what, even roughly, the level they're using when their Focals clip

I think I measured it once. Mine clip at around 110dB @ 30Hz. Lower dB value at 20Hz, obviously, guesstimate around 95dB.
20Hz is inaudible to me, so I don't give a hoot about this. I can sleep next to a subwoofer outputting 20Hz.

Just so you know, I've got the Arya's and I'm running them out of the Benchmark DAC3-B and HPA4, and that Bladerunner OST still has quite a bit of buzz and fuzz in the bass on the first track. It's just in the recording. Frankly, it's downright shameful coming from Hans mf Zimmer working on a Hollywood budget to hear that kind of hash in the final mix.

While I don't like it either, given the movie's story I do believe that this is a case of artistic design. It's a dystopia after all so the soundtrack should sound dirty and oppressive / distorted.

Well said! I have developed tinnitus despite listening at or under 75 dB range, and while one can adjust it is preferable to prevent it!

I got a low frequency tinnitus (I hear an intermittent ~ 60Hz hum) from being inside my apartment when they did some construction in the neighboring flat.
1) you easily underestimate the volume necessary for such damage
2) it SUCKS. Avoid at all costs!

My go to listening volume is 90dB SPL Z-weighted peak. The higher I go, while bass hits impressively, the less details I am able to hear. Allow your ears to adjust and you will be surprised how little volume you actually need. That being said: it's not a problem to crank it for a track or two. It's long term exposure that is dangerous.

 

[NuclearRedfield]

If you guys want to have an significant upgrade over the Clears. Purchase the Utopia second hand from a dealership that specialises in audiophile gear.

I use to own the Clears for 6 to 8 months. I used them daily with the Topping A90 and Gustard A18. And to the people that claim the Clear are 85% of the Utopia. May I ask, what are you smoking? Id put the Clear at 60% of the Utopia. I'm 24 years old and have decent hearing going up to 18.2khz.

The Clear, if purchased for the right price used. Would be a steal. I still have respect for the Clears given it's price.

But if you want the ultimate from Focal. Go straight to the Utopia. It took me 3 months to fully grasp why the Utopia is regarded as one of the best headphones on the planet.

 

[PhazeCrive]

What about the bass? I haven't heard Utopia but I'm inclined to agree. The Utopia has a lot going for it other flagships don't.

I'm also 24, full range hearing. Should I get Utopia and ditch the Clear (that I had for 2 weeks LOL)

 

[NuclearRedfield]

What about the bass? I haven't heard Utopia but I'm inclined to agree. The Utopia has a lot going for it other flagships don't.

I'm also 24, full range hearing. Should I get Utopia and ditch the Clear (that I had for 2 weeks LOL)

Well if you're a bass addict. It wouldnt be for you. With EQ. The bass does get quite a bit better. Especially the slam.

I'd keep the Clears for a while then upgrade in a year or so. So that you truly comprehend the significance of the upgrade. And if you're going to be putchasing the Utopia. Avoid any gear bellow £2000. You need high end gear that works well with it. Like the Focal Arche. The Topping A90 does not work well with the utopia. The sound is too analytical, dry sounding and not musical.

 

[PhazeCrive]

That hit me hard especially since I run the Clear out of my PC's 3.5.

Got the Clear brand new for $800

 

[aleniola76]

since I run the Clear out of my PC's 3.5.

that is not fair for the Clear
Instead of putting money on the Utopia upgrade, get a proper DAC & Amp or DAC/AMP and they will fly.

Currently you are not listening to their full potential