[Shane D]

Reson for going balanced in my case is to future proof my setup.
I have a DX3pro+ probably has enough juice to power them.

Anyway 1st I'll order the clear's then I would decide if this steup is enough!

Btw I in terms of QC, do I have something to worry about?

No, but having said that, anything can happen with any headphone.

 

[jfox8]

Would suggest for consideration an iFi Zen Can at this price point to pair with the Clears. They paired well (to my ear).

IMHO --> as noted above, you likely don't need balanced, but this AMP can take (input) 4.4mm TRRS (hart makes adapter). I was tinkering a while back via an RME ADI2 fs DAC. I recall there is also a 4.4mm TRRS output (for your headphones).

This. This amp is really good for the money. I bought one a while back, and ended up doing what I always do... Blow more money on more expensive gear. At the end of the day, this has been the one amp that I have kept. It is just a nice sounding, competent amp.

 

[enz0pt]

Would suggest for consideration an iFi Zen Can at this price point to pair with the Clears. They paired well (to my ear).

IMHO --> as noted above, you likely don't need balanced, but this AMP can take (input) 4.4mm TRRS (hart makes adapter). I was tinkering a while back via an RME ADI2 fs DAC. I recall there is also a 4.4mm TRRS output (for your headphones).

nice, I'll diggin into that amp as well.

 

[Powermankw]

I hear wonderful things about the Forza - have never heard them myself -- will have to try a pair for 23' resolutions

I've been primarily running HPC from Audio Envy - a small shop out of Colorado Springs.

So what can you tell me about the Audio Envy cable?

 

[David222]

So what can you tell me about the Audio Envy cable?

I don't want to derail this Focal thread with interconnect banter. I enjoy them very much and use throughout my chain.

Here are a few articles if interested. Feel free to PM me - always happy to share more thoughts.

1. https://www.thesoundadvocate.com/2020/12/audio-envy-cables-reviewed/
2. https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2019...the-most-underrated-cable-in-hi-fi-rmaf-2019/
3. https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/audio-envy-prestige-interconnect-cables.872519/

 

[Tuneslover]

Do you have any recommendations on a balanced amp up to 200 euros?

I have a Lake People G109S for sale if you’re ever interested, seeing how you received a couple of recommendations pairing it with the Focal Clears. I have the Clear and I agree the Clear sounds very good with this amp. Cheers.

 

[Powermankw]

Thank you, appriciate it. Maybe I should give him a call....

 

[enz0pt]

I have a Lake People G109S for sale if you’re ever interested, seeing how you received a couple of recommendations pairing it with the Focal Clears. I have the Clear and I agree the Clear sounds very good with this amp. Cheers.

Lake G109S is a little to expensive right now for me
I'll keep in mind for the future, thanks

 

[NexusOne]

I actually use the r70x which i really like. Now i am looking for the Next step or better an endgame headphone with the same tonality. I read that the Elex Sounds better than the Elear because of the different Pads and the Elear is a Bit Wonky and the drunken version of the Clear. I could get a Clear for 999 € and the Elear for 499 €. It is a difficult decision. Maybe These French headphones are more an Sidestep than an upgrade in comparison To the r70x?

 

[Musiccc]

Hello,

I have 2 pairs of Sennheiser headphones: HD 600 & 660s. I usually listen to classical music using one of these paired with Lotoo Paw 6K and Topping NX7. I am quite satisfied with the result. Now I am thinking of getting Focal Clear or MG; would it be a wise upgrade ?

Facal Clear has wider sound stage. I would describe it as going from small to medium. Deeper (not bigger) ear-cups.
Focal cost more. Heavier than HD600. Focal ear-pads are expensive. I think the HD600 would be more durable than Clear.

 

[NexusOne]

if you use the Clear Daily for Hours How often should you Change the pads? And only the Clear Gets Dirty but Not the Elear?

 

[Musiccc]

All pads get soiled/dirty from usage. Some material is more difficult to clean than others. I think the Alcontara (Focal Clear) is probably more difficult to clean than velour or leather.
How long would your ear-pads last is difficult to say as it depends on many variables.
Dark colors just hide dirt better but does not mean it's cleaner.

 

[anon4835]

Never had any ZMF , but to me the Clears are a super HD600 on steroids with the resolution of a HD800.

My thoughts exactly. They're a steroid version of the HD600s.

 

[Heyyoudvd]

I’m curious, what are the thoughts here on the Clear OG vs the Arya Stealth?

Those seem to be the two most beloved headphones in their class (with the 800S and LCD-X also being widely loved, but a little more polarizing).
Which do you prefer between the Clear OG and Arya?


Also, what’s the story with production? The OG has allegedly been discontinued for a long time now, yet it still appears to be widely available - especially at Headphones.com. Was there that large a batch of unsold stock? For such a highly regarded headphone, it seems odd to me that the old batch is lasting so long - especially at the significantly reduced price of $890, or even $839 recently.

Also, its replacement (the Clear MG) is nowhere near as beloved. Virtually every review I’ve seen prefers the OG. So I have to wonder what Focal’s thinking is behind all of this.

 

[jonathan c]

• A few thoughts about Focal Clear (OG) after two —> three years of ownership:
• Musically coherent & cohesive; excellent tonal balance; highly detailed regardless of volume; wide dynamics; ‘force’, ‘heft’, ‘slam’ in delivery across volume levels; reasonable soundstage; excellent rendition of depth and ambience; airiness & openness.
• What is missing / has not happened: driver clipping; headband breakage / squeaking; emblem erosion; earpad ‘crud’ (Dekoni fenestrated sheepskin); ‘metallicity’ / steeliness in sound spectrum.
• Focal Clear remains one of my stalwart headphones.

[Norne Audio Vykari headphone cable]