[pbarach]

If the cable is microphonic, its sound quality is ‘interfered with’ by the extraneous noise from the cable via contact, rubbing…

Depends how you sit and what you wear. I'm sitting on a couch ad the cable doesn't really move much, hence no microphonics. But I see your point,

 

[David222]

The Clear absolutely blew me away the first time I listened to them. These headphones are clear (no pun intended), and are the punchiest audio I've ever heard, even more slam than my friend's he1000v1 imo.

Just curious what Amplifier you paired with ?

 

[David222]

I have a pair of Clear MG's and after almost giving up on them, I replaced the stock cable with a Audiophile Ninja cable and it made a WORLD of difference - probably the most dramatic one I've ever heard. The stock cables from Focal are garbage and belong there.

just my $0.02 but garbage seems a bit of a reach on the Focal OEM cables. They are really not terrible - certainly stiff - but seems a stretch to imply they are below average in sonic performance.

Hart Audio for me, but then I've been in their "system" for a while now (cables and interconnects).

I used to have a bin full of Hart audio - but at the end of the day - they do not post any information about what or how the cables are made on their website (let me know if I missed it). Certainly very fun colors - but would be nice to understand the component/parts within.

 

[Arora]

What’s the best DAC/amp combo for the Clears under $1000? I’m using a Topping DX3 Pro+ at the moment which does seem to be doing the job fairly well.

 

[roskodan]

What’s the best DAC/amp combo for the Clears under $1000? I’m using a Topping DX3 Pro+ at the moment which does seem to be doing the job fairly well.

I'd add an amp first. Maybe a hybrid like the Schiit's hybrid amps, or Audio GD solid states, or a Violectric HPA V200 (discontinued). That's what I liked anyhow. Tube amps are an option as well, but more expensive to match hybrids and solid state in performance.

 

[tyk103]

What’s the best DAC/amp combo for the Clears under $1000? I’m using a Topping DX3 Pro+ at the moment which does seem to be doing the job fairly well.

You have a ton of options for both DAC/Amp combos and stand alone stacks:

Under $300

1. Schiit Stack
2. SMSL SH-6 + SU-6
3. Topping DX3 Pro+ [Personal Recommendation]
4. JDS Labs Atom Stack

Under $500

1. JDS Labs Element III [Personal Recommendation]
2. FiiO K5 Pro ESS

Under $800

1. Topping DX7 Pro+ [Personal Recommendation]
2. SMSL SU-9N + SMSL SH-9* Stack
3. Burson Playmate II

 

[hundreth]

What’s the best DAC/amp combo for the Clears under $1000? I’m using a Topping DX3 Pro+ at the moment which does seem to be doing the job fairly well.

HifiMan EF400 could be a really great option. R2R DAC included for $600.

 

[Tuneslover]

I'd add an amp first. Maybe a hybrid like the Schiit's hybrid amps, or Audio GD solid states, or a Violectric HPA V200 (discontinued). That's what I liked anyhow. Tube amps are an option as well, but more expensive to match hybrids and solid state in performance.

I also use the Violectric HPA V200 with my Clear Pro and XLR Periapt headphone cable. Sounds much better than Focal stock cable.

 

[ColSaulTigh]

just my $0.02 but garbage seems a bit of a reach on the Focal OEM cables. They are really not terrible - certainly stiff - but seems a stretch to imply they are below average in sonic performance.

Maybe I have a defective one, but my stock Clear MG cable was terrible, to the point I almost returned them. Everything sounded very shrill, thin, and lacking bass. They made the phones very harsh and literally painful to listen to. I happened upon the Audiophile Ninja in the classifieds and figured I'd give it a shot. Changed the headphones so dramatically that I now enjoy them quite a bit.

Of all the brands of headphones I own, I would definitely rate them as the worst of the bunch. Again, YMMV, and maybe I just got a bad solder or something. But for $75, I upgraded and now the stock cable lives in the box in my storage unit somewhere, like the Lost Ark...

 

[Arora]

HifiMan EF400 could be a really great option. R2R DAC included for $600.

I do like the look of that. Seems the FIIO K9 Pro is a good option for a similar price too.

 

[Arora]

You have a ton of options for both DAC/Amp combos and stand alone stacks:

Under $300

1. Schiit Stack
2. SMSL SH-6 + SU-6
3. Topping DX3 Pro+ [Personal Recommendation]
4. JDS Labs Atom Stack

Under $500

1. JDS Labs Element III [Personal Recommendation]
2. FiiO K5 Pro ESS

Under $800

1. Topping DX7 Pro+ [Personal Recommendation]
2. SMSL SU-9N + SMSL SH-9* Stack
3. Burson Playmate II

Thanks for the list. What makes the DX7 Pro+ an upgrade over my DX3 Pro+?

The FIIO K5 Pro looks a good option but there is also a K9 Pro within budget.

I could also get the Focal Arche used within budget but reviews for that seem mixed.

I was looking at the Topping A90D and SMSL M500 MKIII as further options.

 

[tyk103]

Thanks for the list. What makes the DX7 Pro+ an upgrade over my DX3 Pro+?

I mean...if you do your research...significantly more power, balanced, etc.

 

[David222]

What’s the best DAC/amp combo for the Clears under $1000? I’m using a Topping DX3 Pro+ at the moment which does seem to be doing the job fairly well.

For AMP pairings with the Clear, I'd suggest the Hagerman Tuba, Lyr3 or the Violectric v200. You could consider pairing with the Schiit Bifrost and likely end up around $1,300 (maybe less).

 

[LoryWiv]

Just came across these pad options for Focal Clear...has anyone tried them w/Clear OG or MG?

 

[pbarach]

I mean...if you do your research...significantly more power, balanced, etc.

But these headphones don't need more power, and running them balanced does nothing more than...bring more power.