[Pete Schiller]

I'm jealous!

Bifrost 2 may be just as good as my Yggdrasil A1 and a used Freya or Freya S could be picked up for $425-450.

 

[jaxtrauma]

Bifrost 2 may be just as good as my Yggdrasil A1 and a used Freya or Freya S could be picked up for $425-450.

I'm saving up for Freya+ now, it will be awhile before I can think about Yggy. Bifrost 2 is more doable for me. One day... Maybe when I win the lottery, wait I don't play it I still have trouble believing I actually have the Clear and the Jot

 

[DougD]

Ok guys, here it is, don't hesitate to critique , I didn't know whether to post it here or the Clear thread, maybe both?

FOCAL Clear (and Jotunheim) review - part 1

I gather you like the gear ... GOOD TO KNOW !!! Enjoy.

 

[Pedro Janeiro]

@Pedro Janeiro I also started out in photography with Nikon film (Nikkormat EL, Nikon F1/F2) as that is what my dad used, as well as medium format Mamiya RB67. I ended with a D300 and then switched over to Fujifilm X-Series (X-E1, X-T1, X-T2) and now use an X-T3 & X-H1. I have always loved being able to control aperture with a ring on the lens. Mostly landscape. Happy shooting!

Thats Great!, i also started with Nikon cause my dad, but when i switched to digital i chosen Canon. I love Fuji cause the experience is so much better, and intuitive, its a must change settings with dials and buttons, and the retro looks really get me! if you have any website with portfolio send me the link!

re: using a Freya or other preamp with a headphone amp. In general, this is not necessary since headphone amps (at least all of them from Schiit) are integrated amps with preamp functions built in. That being said, there is no reason why a user could not use a preamp with a headphone amp, and my advise is to set the headphone amp volume level to the max that does not induce clipping, and then control the volume using the preamp.

Yeah, looks like the right thing to do. I was in doubt between Freya, and a used Sugden La-4 Masterclass pre amp, cause it have "tape out". That´s a fixed volume RCA output right? So i thinked that would be better, so i can control volume in Asgard. But even used is around 1500€ and im not sure if its a "better" product to justify that price, For power amp im 99.9% sure it will by Aegirs, i just reserve the other 00.1% cause maybe until they come back in stock in Europe, Schiit came out with something different

Thank you guys for all the comments!!

 

[jaxtrauma]

I gather you like the gear ... GOOD TO KNOW !!! Enjoy.

LOL Thanks, I hope I made that...you know My first try at a review in a year. I didn't cover all the ground I wanted, but I was tired.

 

[tincanear]

The original question is something I have constantly wondered ever since I found out that the both of the outputs of the Saga were volume controlled - to me it was logical to have one of those non-variable for yes, headphone amps or subwoofers. Right now, maxing out the Saga then controlling volume on the Asgard 3 but indeed what I was doing before, I was treating the Asgard 3 as a non-volume control amp (Vidar for example) and maxed it out minus 1 and controlled volume from the Saga.

Which one is better?

@Ableza - yes the Schiit headphone amps have a pre-amp function - only one input - BUT I have a Bifrost 2, Turntable, SACD and a Nakamichi, going into Asgard 3 and speaker amp. The one input on the Asgard 3, not enough, therefore picked up a Saga (applies to Freya for that matter) - other option was a rube goldberg contraption of multiple SYSs!

But of course, I am saying the obvious here, probably someone else already made the point... But would love if the experts could answer my question! <3


v

I agree with @Ableza. If you have a preamp such as any one of the Saga or Freya models, use that the select from one of the multiple inputs and control the overall listening volume. keep the headphone amp's volume control at max or very near max.

 

[478773]

Why would you want non-variable volume output to a subwoofer? Then you'd need to adjust sub volume every time you adjust preamp volume. Non-variable output would make sense for a separate headphone amp, or recording device, but not a subwoofer, as far as I know.

oops - yep, brain fart disregard that part... kind of got mixed up with the the volume adjustment so you can calibrate, but yup, does not make sense.

v

 

[White Noise]

I placed my order for Modius today, so if all goes well I may have it by the end of the week... Actually I didn't even look at what I selected for shipping, I just went with the cheapest. But I live just 10 miles the other side of LA from Schiit, so here's hoping!

I was going to wait and splurge on an RME ADI... but my impression was that that could do double duty as a monitor controller, which it can't unless you buy the version that does ADC as well as DAC. And that model is about $700 more than I had budgeted for. And I can get a decent monitor controller solo for less than that. And I can do other things that are going to make more of a difference in my (and my clients') music than a DAC for the $1000 I'm saving. And since I've been using a Fulla to monitor and now a Fulla 2 to do D/A for the last 4 years, implementation should be a breeze.

And I know I could also have a Bifrost 2 at that price, but for now I need something that's a bit more comparable to most listener's and studios' systems. Multi-bit is still something I'm curious about in the future, just have to have DS nailed down first.

 

[jaxtrauma]

I placed my order for Modius today, so if all goes well I may have it by the end of the week... Actually I didn't even look at what I selected for shipping, I just went with the cheapest. But I live just 10 miles the other side of LA from Schiit, so here's hoping!

I was going to wait and splurge on an RME ADI... but my impression was that that could do double duty as a monitor controller, which it can't unless you buy the version that does ADC as well as DAC. And that model is about $700 more than I had budgeted for. And I can get a decent monitor controller solo for less than that. And I can do other things that are going to make more of a difference in my (and my clients') music than a DAC for the $1000 I'm saving. And since I've been using a Fulla to monitor and now a Fulla 2 to do D/A for the last 4 years, implementation should be a breeze.

And I know I could also have a Bifrost 2 at that price, but for now I need something that's a bit more comparable to most listener's and studios' systems. Multi-bit is still something I'm curious about in the future, just have to have DS nailed down first.

Good for you! I've only had mine since Friday, but its not been turned off except when I slept, since. I mean I always leave it on, but this was using it! I think they're broken in already, judging by the sq

 

[A Jedi]

Err... never said that, nor did I object to it - in fact - as per my post, that's what I was doing... before switching... not sure why... kind of asking everyone see if there is consensus of what the right thing to do it is

That said - maybe the confusion is that I did object a little bit to the



part - since obviously, I needed more inputs - but like I said, I was aware I was stating the obvious.

So, 1 vote for Asgard at max, control volume from Saga/Freya (thanks @Ableza )

curious what the rest of the peeps think

v

Set Asgard volume up to the point right before the noise floor ("shhhhhhhh") takes an obvious step up. Leave it there. Use preamp for volume control.

 

[silverbot01]

Is this a site error or is something going on with Saga S production? I'm not seeing it listed as a product on the website right now.

 

[JamminVMI]

That's kind of funny. I didn't do the ***, the site software converted my F-F-S into that.

For your protection, and that of the other young, impressionable minds here (like @CAPT Deadpool )

 

[Varejao17]

Is this a site error or is something going on with Saga S production? I'm not seeing it listed as a product on the website right now.

It’s dead, Jim.

 

[StevePNW]

Thats Great!, i also started with Nikon cause my dad, but when i switched to digital i chosen Canon. I love Fuji cause the experience is so much better, and intuitive, its a must change settings with dials and buttons, and the retro looks really get me! if you have any website with portfolio send me the link!

@Pedro Janeiro, this is a sample of my work. I don't make a living at it but it is one of my creative outlets. Thanks for asking!

https://500px.com/srgordon

 

[RickB]

Ok guys, here it is, don't hesitate to critique , I didn't know whether to post it here or the Clear thread, maybe both?


FOCAL Clear (and Jotunheim) review - part 1

They named her well. I was going to put up a review sooner, as I'm done going over my notes. However, I wasn't able to take the hp off long enough to write one. Don't try writing while using the Clear, it will demand your complete attention. Where to begin? I suppose I should start with my experience. I don't think I'll be able to write this review strictly focused on the FOCAL Clear. I'd never experienced a balanced system before. I got the Clear about a month ago, and it was killing me wanting to know how it sounded balanced. FOCAL included a ten-foot balanced XLR Neutrik terminated cable. So I just had to get a balanced amp. I had a great experience with my little Schiit stack but it was time to get serious. Once I had the Jot and balanced Modius DAC in my hands I didn't know how serious.

I ordered the FOCAL Clear about 4 weeks ago from HeadAmp. Justin and co. did a great job for me. The very next day, I received a beautiful, brand-spanking new Clear headphone via insured Fedex (driver got my signature, precluding delivery going amiss). I'll just say that was a real treat. Did I mention the fact that overnight was included in this deal? And if there ever is a problem, I'm know HeadAmp has my back, with their return policy and personalized customer service.
I got the Jotunheim and Modius last week so I could hear the Clear balanced, and reaped rewards with my loudspeakers, as well. These guys really know their Schiit. Amazing difference when you upgrade to a true audiophile quality balanced amp and dac.

For these tests I ended up wearing the Clear for about eleven hours in a caffiene-fueled rush of experiencing balanced audio. Proof enough of their comfort. I'd never worn hp that long before, they just disappeared. I can't give a higher compliment than that. It was a joy to live through. I even took notes, I was so impressed. I didn't go through my entire music library, but its fair to say it was an extensive sampling. Some albums I had to hear in their entirety. I was so enchanted once again by music.
I started with the single ended 1/4" terminated cable, in order to properly compare to my other, single ended HPs, then I did an A/B test with the HD 6XX and the HE-4XX (I guess it was A/B/C). I was really surprised at how well the Sennheiser held up compared to the Clear. The HIFIMAN fell by the wayside early (a surprise for planars), sounded like maybe it was driver breakup. All I know is I started hearing distortion at even moderate SPL. The HD 6XX hung in until I tried them at a bit more power, then the Clear started to show why they sell so dearly. I got jumpscares from music with which I was intimately familiar. If the separation wasn't startling me, the overall tonal quality literally gave me goosebumps, like when I played 'Abbey Road' balanced. The harmonies were simply beautiful. Its not like I didn't know that, but the Clear is so resolving that 50+ year-old recordings sound brand new. With the Magni and Modi 3 stack and single ended HPs I wasn't able to hear any of this at this level. I expect an improvement in sq when upgrading to a better amp, but the Jotunheim is fantastically rewarding.

Clear balanced, then it was game over for the Senns. High-end had crystal clarity. The Senn seemed 'veiled' a bit on the highs (I know ). Its really the mids where the Clear started showing it's stuff. Never heard vocals like this. The presence. The sq of the dynamics that must be heard to believe. The soundstage wasn't just wide, I think it was half in the neighbors yard. It wasn't merely three-dimensional, it was truly holograpic, all-encompassing. I can't believe what I've been missing, if you haven't gone balanced you need to try it, just to experience what its like to be in the studio when they're recording. Its Clear, alright. Its the low end with the Clear that got my attention most, I put on the first track from 'Dark Side of the Moon' on TIDAL flac. 'Speak to me' started with the bass drum and low synth, I felt my entire head reverberating to the almost heart-beat like thrum. I could literally feel the bass down to my toes, with headphones!! I seriously had never heard low end, this...low. The other hp just played it as bass notes, without attack and prolonged decay. Not even out loud with tower speakers had I hear notes this deep. Not even with the new Jot and Modius sending to my Audioengine HD6 and the Klipsch R100-SW subwoofer. I had to keep telling myself to calm down. I also had to keep reminding me that this is headphones we're talking about. Several times I reached for the speaker volume, forgetting that I'm wearing hp!! Fast, fat, smooth and deep? Check. Sub-sonics? Check. Cliche I know, but there were things in there I'd never heard, and I've heard 'Dark Side' a hell of a lot! My God, when 'Money' started I heard each and every ha' penny as they fell into the till. The Clear has the low end to end all low ends. Or high end. Never was the high end fatiguing in the slightest. It was like little tweeter fairies were bonking me on my ears with their little fairy wands. Crystalline cymbals. Even the little tinkle of bells, harps and triangles were clearly heard. There's that word again: Clear. That's probably due to the upgraded voice coil in the Clear. The inverted dome tweeter with pure copper formerless vc in the Clear is an upgrade (among others) to the Elear, which I haven't heard.

Don't get me wrong: they're no bass cannons, but they damn sure reproduce whatever bass notes are there, just no BS extra fake oomph added in. I've read comparisons to the Utopia and the sound architecture of FOCAL is on display here, to reduce harmonic distortion in the fragile mid-range register, which is so very crucial for presenting the artist’s emotions, the Clear doesn't have the berylium dome like the Utopia, but it is hyper-fast and resolving of the most minute details.
To be fair, I need to get balanced cables for the 6XX and the 4XX (right, just an excuse to get more gear lol), for a proper comparison. When I auditioned using single ended, the two others tried to keep up, but the 4XX went down first and the 6XX lasted longer but failing, in the end to keep up. Nice to know the more expensive one sounds better. The Clear took everything I threw at it and said "Thank you sir, may I have another?". The Jotunheim balanced would not let me turn the Clear up past nine o'clock (on low gain!). It was overpowering any louder than that. Amazing separation, as expected with balanced, and there's so much more power that way you have to be careful not to hurt your ears. Its a good thing that good amps sound good even at low volume.

The Clear is one of the finest-looking headphones on the planet (not just my opinion, but I agree). Leather over the headband and solid aluminum yokes and driver screens. All with French styling. Sweet. The cables are even better than Utopia or Elear. Lighter, fabric covered with black and white stripes. You get three cables with the Clear: A 1.2 meter with 3.5mm termination for portables, a three meter cable with 1/4" termination and a three meter balanced cable with Neutrik XLR termination. Comes with the gorgeous FOCAL hard-shell form-fitting case, standard. Easier to drive than Utopia or Elear at 55 Ohms, but quite scalable and will definitely resolve even more with a good amplifier.

The comfort is almost unbelievable for a set of over-ears, due to their innovative cushioned and pivoting headband and gently springy ear capsule design which keeps equal force around the ear, no hot spots! The ear pads are microfibre and 20mm memory foam, the most plush I've ever felt. FOCAL designed these capsules deep, with angled-forward mounted drivers, they treat the space as their 'room', employing techniques pioneered in their (legendary) loudspeakers. The critics say the Clear gives you 95% of the Utopia sound quality, just as the Elear is said to bring 90-95% of the Clear's sq. FOCAL has said they want you to forget you're wearing hp and think you're listening to loudspeakers. To my ears, I can tell you they've succeeded admirably.They have the most balanced tonality of any hp I've heard.The sound is just...open, with nothing between you and your music. Reference, resolving, yet musical. When I say the sound is simply beautiful, its an understatement. If you'd hear them you'll know why they called it the Clear. That's my prejudiced and totally biased opinion anyway.

I'll try to write more about the comparisons and the music choices at a later time. Any mistakes are mine, any of the beauty described here belongs to FOCAL Clear and Schiit Audio.

I'm tired now, lol.

Congrats, your enthusiasm is wonderful.