[Zeppmeister]

This is my EQ. This headphone really does not need much EQ to sound correct, in my opinion.

Pre-Amp = -4

1.25kHz = -2 Q 1.6
4.5kHz = +1 Q 3
6kHz = -2 Q 4.5
11.5kHz = -2 Q 2

Those are all peak filters, eh?

Extremely good on their own ... I added a low shelf of +2.4dB at 125hz ... this might be just right for me.

Thanks!

 

[ctrlm]

This is my EQ. This headphone really does not need much EQ to sound correct, in my opinion.

Pre-Amp = -4

1.25kHz = -2 Q 1.6
4.5kHz = +1 Q 3
6kHz = -2 Q 4.5
11.5kHz = -2 Q 2

Well the least adjustments the better - if you can get away with it. I'll try these settings when I get home tonight.

Preferred EQ will always differ amongst different age groups and I'm at a point where I'm struggling to hear frequencies above 11 or 12kHz. I suspect that might lead to some sort of compensation in the high mids/lower treble that wasn't needed before and is probably why I tend to like the Hifiman type of treble tuning in recent times.

 

[ctrlm]

I had a quick listen to the EQ suggested by @DW75 before I left for work. A bit too dark for these old ears

....and that is the issue I have with the Clears in stock form - I find the upper mids and treble a bit dark with an annoying peak, which I have since discovered is the 6k peak in the measured frequency response. For my ears I prefer increasing the frequencies around 6k, rather than decreasing that 6k peak.

 

[393699]

The last frequency I can hear is 17kHz. I am 40, and have better than average hearing for my age.

 

[ctrlm]

The last frequency I can hear is 17kHz. I am 40, and have better than average hearing for my age.

You are doing well!

The only upside to losing the ability to hear those higher frequencies is that it stops me from buying new expensive headphones, as I rationalise that I'm only getting 60% of what they can offer

 

[Nicolas from France]

Hi. I got a Focal Clear a few days ago and i am loving it. I am using a ifi nano black label to power it. I would not mind to smooth a bit the high notes a bit down. Do you have a recommendation for a possible Tube amp dac all in one to power it to power it and get a slightly smoother feeling? Without breaking the bank if possible...

 

[jonathan c]

Hi. I got a Focal Clear a few days ago and i am loving it. I am using a ifi nano black label to power it. I would not mind to smooth a bit the high notes a bit down. Do you have a recommendation for a possible Tube amp dac all in one to power it to power it and get a slightly smoother feeling? Without breaking the bank if possible...

Depending upon what would break the bank…if you can find a Copland DAC215, that should be up to your tasks. The ‘215’ is all in one, with ESS9018 chips and two 6922 tubes. It was introduced several years ago. Detailed and smooth. The headphone outlet is the traditional 1/4” TRS type.

 

[Nicolas from France]

Depending upon what would break the bank…if you can find a Copland DAC215, that should be up to your tasks. The ‘215’ is all in one, with ESS9018 chips and two 6922 tubes. It was introduced several years ago. Detailed and smooth. The headphone outlet is the traditional 1/4” TRS type.

That one would be breaking the bank. Was more thinking of around 500€....

 

[kRed]

So I found a cheap (at least for the used market of my country) Clear OG and was thinking if it could be a good idea to add them to my little collection.
It comes around 600$, there is no open box possibility from shops here, its usual price is more around 800-900 around here. It's quite used but in good condition (no bump or scratches) but the pads need to be changed.
Considering I already have an Arya Se (which I love deeply) will it make sense? Are they too similar in tuning?

My idea was to put a dekoni warmer sounding pads (like the hybrid) on them, to differentiate a bit.

 

[Zeppmeister]

Probably a longshot ... has anyone purchased aftermarket pads from this seller on eBay? Price is nice ... but you have to wonder about quality/durability. Buyer feedback looks good.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/174976681122

 

[dougms3]

Probably a longshot ... has anyone purchased aftermarket pads from this seller on eBay? Price is nice ... but you have to wonder about quality/durability. Buyer feedback looks good.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/174976681122

I bought the mounting rings from him and they work great.

Bought similar sheepskin pads off aliexpress for about $20 though.

I have about 8 sets of sheepskin pads from aliexpress, some seem to be sheepskin, some lambskin although they were all labeled as sheepskin.

The ones I purchased that look like that one in the listing are very thick and comparable to the dekoni sheepskin pads for the focals which I also have.

 

[393699]

The only issue with trying random pads is that many will completely change the sound of the headphone, and not in a good way.

 

[Zeppmeister]

The only issue with trying random pads is that many will completely change the sound of the headphone, and not in a good way.

Yep, certainly something to be aware of.

The stock pads seem to make the hair above by ears itch … it seems.

 

[393699]

Yes, that is the only issue I have with the Clear too. The pads makes the hair and skin above my ears super itchy, same as you.

 

[Zeppmeister]

Yes, that is the only issue I have with the Clear too. The pads makes the hair and skin above my ears super itchy, same as you.

Glad it’s not all in my head.

I meant *skin* of course. But because of the hair I suppose. Whatever.