[surfgeorge]

So if you can find used Utopias for $2200 or so do you hold out over getting the Clears for $900?

I have heard the Utopia and liked it better than the original Clear, but you pay a lot for a small difference. So for me it really comes down to how easily you spend the additional money.

I am now using the Dekoni Ltd Stellia pads on the Clears which gives them more definition at the cost of a slightly reduced midrange presence. Would love to compare again to the Utopia to hear if that reduces the gap.

Either way, the Clear Org are really good headphones if you like definition and dynamics. Maybe less so if you prefer a laidback romantic sound, expect basshead level low frequencies, a huge stage or an ethereal transparent sound like a Hifiman Arya for example.
But damn are they good at portraying a realistic bar stage, energy and nuances of music, vocals, guitars, piano… especially at the $1000 price they went for before being sold out.

 

[surfgeorge]

I just made a pretty interesting observation...
Looking at the effect of the Dekoni Ltd Stellia pads on the frequency response of the Focal Clear Org the differences look a lot like the differences between the Clear and the Utopia!
Look only at the difference between the 2 curves and they are surprisingly similar.
(I am not suggesting that the Clear becomes a Utopia, but they do sound great with the Ltd Stellia pads)

Focal Clear stock vs Dekoni Ltd Stellia pads from https://www.miniklangwunder.de/kopf...elestee-und-clear-pro-interessante-eindrucke/

Focal Clear vs. Focal Utopia from Crinacle's data base, set to match at 1500Hz

 

[Blotto80]

Regardless of whether they turn the Clear into a "Mini-Utopia", the Stelia LTD pads are the best thing I've done to my Clear. They gain a bit of slam and most importantly are not light grey and don't get gross over time. I'm a pretty hygienic guy but after a year with the stock pads they were kind of dingy. I bought the Dekoni Velour first and hated them both for comfort and sound, then I bought a NIB pair of the red pads from the Clear Pro, and then when the hyped kicked up about the LTD pads last year I grabbed those and love them.

 

[jriems]

Anyone know of reputable alternative sources for the Dekoni Stellia limited edition pads? Dekoni is out of stock. I want to try these with my Clear OG.

 

[surfgeorge]

Anyone know of reputable alternative sources for the Dekoni Stellia limited edition pads? Dekoni is out of stock. I want to try these with my Clear OG.

Bought the, here, but they are currently also out of stock: https://shop.wodaudio.com/produkt-kategorie/dekoni-audio/limited-edition/

 

[the machine]

Curious, what do you guys do when your ear pads get all dirty looking like this? Buy new ones?

That’s what I did…

Oops

 

[Durberg3]

I contacted Dekoni Audio directly and asked when the Stellia Ltd pads would be available again:
"I would like the Dekoni Audio Limited Edition Stellia Replacement Ear Pads for Focal Headphones .Can you please let me know when they are back in stock. Thanks."


Dekoni Audio Response:
The Stellia is no longer being made as it was only available for a limited time and we have sold out.

 

[jriems]

I contacted Dekoni Audio directly and asked when the Stellia Ltd pads would be available again:
"I would like the Dekoni Audio Limited Edition Stellia Replacement Ear Pads for Focal Headphones .Can you please let me know when they are back in stock. Thanks."


Dekoni Audio Response:
The Stellia is no longer being made as it was only available for a limited time and we have sold out.

I figured that was probably the case. Thanks for checking and confirming.

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Guess Fenestrated Sheepskin would be second best.

 

[jonathan c]

Guess Fenestrated Sheepskin would be second best.

 

[surfgeorge]

I figured that was probably the case. Thanks for checking and confirming.

https://www.audiosanctuary.co.uk/dekoni-audio-limited-edition-focal-stellia-replacement-earpads.html
Still has them and ships internationally.
I grabbed myself a spare pair...
Really love these pads, Not just soundwise but they also feel cooler and look great.

 

[jriems]

https://www.audiosanctuary.co.uk/dekoni-audio-limited-edition-focal-stellia-replacement-earpads.html
Still has them and ships internationally.
I grabbed myself a spare pair...
Really love these pads, Not just soundwise but they also feel cooler and look great.

Thanks for the link. I don't think I can justify $125US plus international shipping, though.

 

[surfgeorge]

Thanks for the link. I don't think I can justify $125US plus international shipping, though.

That's a pity! The more I listen to the Clears with the Dekoni Ltd pads the more I like the SQ.
There is an acuteness and definition of notes that was not there before, the stage is wider and deeper with better focus.
The slightly recessed midrange/vocals region leads to a perception of more depth, with the singer being at a more realistic distance.
I love it.

 

[AudioDuck]

Hey all,

Shifting gears (so to speak) to cable termination for a moment: Does anyone know if the Hifiman 3.5 mm plugs (used on some models) is terminated/same polarity as Focal’s models (Clear, etc.)?

Thanks-

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Hey all,

Shifting gears (so to speak) to cable termination for a moment: Does anyone know if the Hifiman 3.5 mm plugs (used on some models) is terminated/same polarity as Focal’s models (Clear, etc.)?

Thanks-

I use same XLR cables with HE6SE and Clear MG.