I have the Piety. I would say yes PMAX is the perfect upgrade. Its more neutral that the Piety but has better details, larger soundstage, better dynamics and tonality. Plus if you get the ESS DAC chip it makes an all in one which is convenient.
I have the Piety. I would say yes PMAX is the perfect upgrade. Its more neutral that the Piety but has better details, larger soundstage, better dynamics and tonality. Plus if you get the ESS DAC chip it makes an all in one which is convenient.
The Pmax has cleaner, much more controlled bass than the Piety, and it's more resolving top to bottom. It's still a very fun amp! A noticeable upgrade to Piety.
• With Nitsch DSHA-3FN on a 'rotation break', Clear OG is thriving on Liquid Platinum (RCA 5814A 'triple mica' tubes): The Dekoni Stellia pads, non-perforated, continue to be superb. Clear OG with even more 'slam', deeper bass, better imaging? Yes!
My clear OG getting lots of head time out of m Field and newly acquired gungnir A1.
I can enjoy clear OG out of Jot 2, liquid platinum w/12AU7 tubes, DNA starlett, Flux Labs M Field and even Hip Dac 3 is a nice pairing with the clear. I've had it a year but it's recently got tons more head time and I've grown to appreciate them more and more, especially for $790 !
This is my top shelf setup now. I added the Capra strap to the Clear and it improved the comfort significantly, and I'm less concerned about headband wear.
This is my top shelf setup now. I added the Capra strap to the Clear and it improved the comfort significantly, and I'm less concerned about headband wear.
I've had ZMF's lambskin perforated pads on my Focal Clear OG for a good while now. My original stock pads are still in decent shape, but after I switched to the ZMF pads I've not had any desire to swap back to the stock pads. They are thicker than the original pads, and do alter the sound signature a little bit. Personally, I think they improve it slightly while not detracting from the "Focal Clear OG sound". To me, there's a little more spaciousness. It's a subtle difference, but is definitely there.
I also have the Capra strap (and yes, the link you posted is the one I'm using), and I find it significantly improves the comfort.
On a side note, I also like the ZMF suede solid Focal pads for the Focal Radiance. To me, there's a bigger sound change than with the Clear. The Radiance with the stock pads could get a little boomy for me with some tracks. With the ZMF suede solid, the characteristic Radiance bass is still very much present, but is toned down just a bit. I also think there's a little bit more clarity and detail. In some ways it makes the Radiance feel more like a Clear OG, just with more bass heft. I don't (yet?) have a Capra strap for the Radiance, and I'm not sure I'll get one. It seems strange, since the Clear and Radiance have basically the same shape, but I consistently develop a hot spot on the very top of my head with the Clear (without the Capra strap). Whereas with the Radiance, even if I wear them all day, a hot spot never develops.
My Focal Clear OG, with a new headband installed by Focal USA/Canada (yes, it's black leather on the top, with the original color Alcantara on the bottom), Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin pads, the Capra strap, and the GUcraftsman silver balanced cable (on a Woo Audio stand). I am trying out these Dekoni pads and their Elite Velour pads (per Resolve's comparison test). And also playing around with the various EQ settings available in Roon and Morphit, and crossfeed settings...
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
A noticeable upgrade to Piety.
The Dekoni Stellia pads, non-perforated, continue to be superb. Clear OG with even more 'slam', deeper bass, better imaging? Yes!
.
