Focal CLEAR Over-Ear High-Resolution Audiophile Headphones (Gray)
Brand | Focal |
Model Name | Focal Clear |
Color | Gray |
Form Factor | Over Ear |
Connectivity Technology | Wired |
About this item
- Audiophile high-end circum-aural open-backed headphones for low-noise environments
- A pure, technophile and sophisticated design thanks to their solid aluminium yoke and the Leather headband
- Open high-fidelity headphone made in France
- Circum-aural open-back headphones
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This Item Focal CLEAR Over-Ear High-Resolution Audiophile Headphones (Gray) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $1,117.50$1,117.50 | $799.00$799.00 | $1,499.00$1,499.00 | $149.00$149.00 | -24% $379.00$379.00 List: $499.00 | $999.00$999.00 |
Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Comfort | 4.8 | 4.4 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.4 |
Sound quality | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.6 | 4.2 |
Noise cancellation | 2.3 | 2.4 | 2.5 | 3.4 | — | 3.7 |
Value for money | 4.0 | — | 4.3 | 3.9 | — | 3.6 |
Bass quality | — | 4.5 | — | 3.6 | — | 4.6 |
Sold By | Creative Audio | GRAMOPHONE | AudioExchange | HIFIMAN | HIFIMAN | GRAMOPHONE |
connectivity tech | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired |
headphones form factor | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear |
connector type | XLR | — | 3.5mm Jack | 6.35mm Jack, 3.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack |
headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 1.2mm | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack, 6.35mm Jack |
cable feature | Detachable | Detachable | Retractable | Detachable | Detachable | Detachable |
control type | — | Media Control | — | — | Media Control | Media Control |
From the manufacturer
About Focal
We Focal, strive to create sound equipment that honours the artist’s musical creation and empowers you to feel a new dimension of the music. We want every nuance to be revealed with precision and purity.
To do this, we push the limits of the current boundaries in sound technology, and go beyond the traditional approach thinking differently. With Focal, let the sound thrill your senses until you go beyond the usual perception of music and discover new fields of emotion.
THE EMOTION OF INFINITE SPACE
OPEN CIRCUMAURAL HIGH-FIDELITY HEADPHONES
Clear are audiophile circum-aural open-back headphones. They represent a new evolution of Focal’s now famous completely open-back full-range speaker driver. The 'M'-shape Aluminum/Magnesium dome benefits from a new copper voice coil. This provides remarkable dynamics over the entire audio spectrum; bass that is always controlled, even at high volumes, and exemplary linearity in the high-end. The new generation of perforated microfibre ear cushions give the headphones an extremely open design.
- Open-back design for use at home
- Exclusive full-range speaker driver with an 'M'-shape Aluminum/Magnesium dome (patent pending)
- Excellent performance when connected to an audiophile portable stereo
- A listening experience very close to that provided by high-fidelity loudspeakers
- Comfortable and ergonomic
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DETAILING FOR PERFORMANCEThis thoughtful design also maintains the realism of sound reproduction: micro-perforated ear cushions and the shape of the headband make them light, comfortable and even more open. The sound is characterised by unparalleled uniformity, guaranteeing the best performance. |
NEW GENERATION SPEAKERSClear use a new generation of Focal full-range speakers. For this, we have developed a copper 25.5mm x 5.5mm high unsupported coil. The effect of using copper is to achieve an extremely high magnetic field in the coil. In listening terms, this means uncompromised respect for the dynamics of the audio signal. The tiniest details of the recording are revealed. |
SUITABLE FOR ALL SYSTEMSClear come with 3 cables for use with every type of electronic equipment, from the audiophile portable music device to top-end amplification, with 3.5mm mini jack, 6.35mm jack and XLR 4 pin connectors. Cables are low resistance 24 AWG OFC copper, with cotton braided sheaths. |
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Product information
Item Weight | 5.65 pounds |
---|---|
ASIN | B0779H49FQ |
Item model number | CLEAR |
Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #207,301 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #4,383 in Over-Ear Headphones |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | October 6, 2017 |
Manufacturer | Focal |
Item Weight | 5.7 Pounds |
Units | 1.00 Count |
Number Of Items | 1 |
Cable Length | 9.8 Feet |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product Description
Clear are audiophile circum-aural open-back headphones. They represent a new evolution of Focal’s now famous completely open-back full-range speaker driver. The 'M'-shape Aluminum/Magnesium dome benefits from a new copper voice coil. This provides remarkable dynamics over the entire audio spectrum; bass that is always controlled, even at high volumes, and exemplary linearity in the high-end. The new generation of perforated microfibre ear cushions give the headphones an extremely open design. The user will completely forget Clear are even there, and will be overcome by the feeling of listening to the best loudspeakers on the market.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the sound quality, build quality, comfort, clarity, and appearance of the headphones. For example, they mention that it sounds completely transparent, good for acoustic and percussion based music, and that the overall tonal quality literally gave them goosebumps. They appreciate the engagement, resolution, and value of the product.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the sound quality of the headphones. They mention that it sounds completely transparent, and gives them goosebumps. They also say that it's good for acoustic and percussion based music, with an increased lower bass response. Customers also appreciate the perfect tonal balance, exceptional sound quality across the entire audio, and the soundstage paints a great stereo image. They say the harmonies are simply beautiful, and hours of listening are never fatiguing.
"...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...." Read more
"...The soundstage paints a great stereo image and the depth within that image is good & feels open with very good imaging..." Read more
"...The sound stage is good, not great. But the clarity of detail and channel separation between frequencies is unreal...." Read more
"...'s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Anniversary Edition) - and the sound quality is excellent. I'm very happy with this purchase...." Read more
Customers like the build quality of the headphones. They say the construction is like a tank, with solid aluminum yokes and driver screens. The headphones are comfortable and have a high-quality feeling. Some customers mention that the headphones sound extremely good with EDM music and vocals.
"...Leather over the headband and solid aluminum yokes and driver screens. All with French styling. Sweet...." Read more
"...wise to complain about..I find them to be very comfortable and high quality feeling and beautiful looking in person... I would give these a 4.7 out..." Read more
"...Overall, a great value for the price range. The construction is solid and high quality execution. The cables, it comes with 3 (XLR, 1/4" and 3.5mm)...." Read more
"...Build quality is superb, although the headphone cables are not as manageable as I would like...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the comfort of the headphones. They mention that the 20mm memory foam is the most plush they have ever felt, and the headphones feel premium in the hand.
"...The comfort is almost unbelievable for a set of over-ears, due to their innovative cushioned and pivoting headband and gently springy ear capsule..." Read more
"...or quality of sound wise to complain about..I find them to be very comfortable and high quality feeling and beautiful looking in person... I would..." Read more
"...Headphones are comfortable to wear even after 2 hours of use. I am feeding music from my iMac, via iTunes (gasp!)..." Read more
"...soundstage,quick dynamic sound,adequate bass,wonderful midrange,excellent comfort and build quality...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the clarity of the headphones. They mention that the detail and inner detail in single notes is amazing. They also appreciate the clear and accurate reproduction.
"...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, dead horse)...." Read more
"...The soundstage paints a great stereo image and the depth within that image is good & feels open with very good imaging..." Read more
"...The sound stage is good, not great. But the clarity of detail and channel separation between frequencies is unreal...." Read more
"...These headphones perform exactly as several reviewers have described: clear, detailed, with no detectable distortion or brightness in the upper..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the headphones. They mention that they look fantastic, are well rounded, and have French styling. The design is well thought out and fits the headphones well. Customers also appreciate the extremely crisp and clear sound, without being fatiguing.
"...All with French styling. Sweet. The cables are even better than Utopia or Elear. Lighter, fabric covered with black and white stripes...." Read more
"...them to be very comfortable and high quality feeling and beautiful looking in person... I would give these a 4.7 out of 5 stars to be exact and..." Read more
"...quality on the Clear is basically the same as the Elear, but it looks cooler due to the silver/grey color...." Read more
"...Extremely crisp and clear without being fatiguing, and plenty of bass for me...." Read more
Customers find the headphones engaging, with a dynamism that is engrossing, hard-hitting, and never boring. They also say it's a joy to live through, a pleasure to own, and use.
"...I can't give a higher compliment than that. It was a joy to live through, and I didn't want to stop. I even took notes, I was so impressed...." Read more
"Awesome very high quality headphones. Very Clear, detailed, dynamic and fast - while being smooth...." Read more
"...good and analytical whereas on the Z1R, it's more 'right on' and engaging...." Read more
"...Hours of listening are never fatiguing yet a dynamism is engrossing hard hitting never boring...." Read more
Customers like the resolution of the headphones. For example, they say it's well balanced, with better upper mids. Some mention that the sound is airy and has greater continuity across the spectrum.
"...Reference, resolving, yet musical. When I say the sound is simply beautiful, its an understatement...." Read more
"...Like the other positive reviews say: these are very balanced tonally but with something extra that I wouldn't call neutral but close to it with a..." Read more
"These are definitely more resolving with better upper mids than the Focal Elear, and a bit less brittle in the highs than the Utopia...." Read more
"...Well balanced less resolving than 800s but sounds good with more sources of music and from mediocre mp3 and old or poor recordings to the best...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the headphones. They mention it's a great buy and great value for the money.
"...I think the Clear is worth the money...." Read more
"...Overall, a great value for the price range. The construction is solid and high quality execution. The cables, it comes with 3 (XLR, 1/4" and 3.5mm)...." Read more
"...Great value especially with the 125$ case and extra including balanced xlr cables...." Read more
"State-of-the-Art performance, Extremely comfortable. A great buy. Focal's amazing engineering capabilities are on display in this headphone" Read more
Reviews with images
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I ordered the 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 (from the mothership) last week, so I could hear the Clear balanced. I ordered on a Monday and they got here via FedEx that Friday, and I reaped rewards with my loudspeakers, its like I got new ones. I was eager to try the Clear but I couldn't pick my jaw up off the floor long enough. My speakers sounded better than I even hoped. I can definitely speak for the preamp outs! These guys really know their Schiit, duh. 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 caffeine-fueled rush of experiencing balanced audio for the first time. Proof enough of their comfort. I'd never worn hp that long before, but they just disappeared. I can't give a higher compliment than that. It was a joy to live through, and I didn't want to stop. 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 MassDrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX and the Drop + HIFIMAN 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, I thought there was somebody else behind me, beside me, in the room with me. The transients were transient! The sound was so realistic, I literally had company in my listening area. 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, dead horse). 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 sound stage wasn't just wide, I think it was half in the neighbors yard. It wasn't merely three-dimensional, it was truly holographic, 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 heard 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. Headphones! Several times I reached for the speaker volume, forgetting that its not them!! 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, harp 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 driver with pure copper formerless vc in the Clear is an upgrade (among others) from the Elear, which I haven't heard.
Don't get me wrong: they're no bass cannons, if you like that, 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 beryllium dome like the Utopia, but it is hyper-fast and resolving of the most minute details. The mids are where the Clear earns it's stripes, that's where most of the music lives.
To be fair, I need to get balanced cables for the 6XX and the 4XX (right, just an excuse to get more gear), 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!), that's a TWO, in other words. It was overpowering any louder than that. Won't be turning it up to 11 with this amp. Amazing separation, as expected with balanced, and there's so much more power that way that 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 that 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. Stated plainly, they have the most balanced tonality of any headphone I've ever 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.
Any mistakes are mine, any of the beauty described here belongs to FOCAL Clear and Schiit Audio.
I ordered the 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 (from the mothership) last week, so I could hear the Clear balanced. I ordered on a Monday and they got here via FedEx that Friday, and I reaped rewards with my loudspeakers, its like I got new ones. I was eager to try the Clear but I couldn't pick my jaw up off the floor long enough. My speakers sounded better than I even hoped. I can definitely speak for the preamp outs! These guys really know their Schiit, duh. 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 caffeine-fueled rush of experiencing balanced audio for the first time. Proof enough of their comfort. I'd never worn hp that long before, but they just disappeared. I can't give a higher compliment than that. It was a joy to live through, and I didn't want to stop. 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 MassDrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX and the Drop + HIFIMAN 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, I thought there was somebody else behind me, beside me, in the room with me. The transients were transient! The sound was so realistic, I literally had company in my listening area. 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, dead horse). 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 sound stage wasn't just wide, I think it was half in the neighbors yard. It wasn't merely three-dimensional, it was truly holographic, 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 heard 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. Headphones! Several times I reached for the speaker volume, forgetting that its not them!! 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, harp 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 driver with pure copper formerless vc in the Clear is an upgrade (among others) from the Elear, which I haven't heard.
Don't get me wrong: they're no bass cannons, if you like that, 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 beryllium dome like the Utopia, but it is hyper-fast and resolving of the most minute details. The mids are where the Clear earns it's stripes, that's where most of the music lives.
To be fair, I need to get balanced cables for the 6XX and the 4XX (right, just an excuse to get more gear), 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!), that's a TWO, in other words. It was overpowering any louder than that. Won't be turning it up to 11 with this amp. Amazing separation, as expected with balanced, and there's so much more power that way that 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 that 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. Stated plainly, they have the most balanced tonality of any headphone I've ever 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.
Any mistakes are mine, any of the beauty described here belongs to FOCAL Clear and Schiit Audio.
The soundstage paints a great stereo image and the depth within that image is good & feels open with very good imaging (but the soundstage itself is close to your face on some songs more than others depending on the recording). Like you are in the front row at the concert or the singer is just above your face on the stage in front of you.. That is the only fatiguing part about these headphones on longer listening sessions, not anything tonally or quality of sound wise to complain about..I find them to be very comfortable and high quality feeling and beautiful looking in person... I would give these a 4.7 out of 5 stars to be exact and recommend them highly. All music types go well with them from Hip Hop to classical and everything in between. Everyone I let use them has been wowed when they hear them - (even if they don't know how much they cost yet).
The build quality on the Clear is basically the same as the Elear, but it looks cooler due to the silver/grey color. And, Focal finally includes nice cables that make sense with the Clear, versus the way too heavy and super long cables they included on both the Elear and Utopia. The included hard case is also something that is very well designed and fits the headphones perfectly.
I've stated before that I didn't feel the Utopia's were worth the $4,000 price tag, and I think Focal probably agrees since they then lowered the price by about $1,000. I think the Clear is worth the money.
And with regards to the Elear, I liked them for the price, but thought there was an audible upper midrange hole in the frequency response, on many vocals, something just felt missing.
The Clear sounds closer to the Utopia than it does to the Elear. When comparing them to my Sony MDR-Z1R, they certainly sound a bit brighter, with less bass. This is to be expected given that the Focal Clear is a very open headphone whereas the Z1R is a closed headphone. I do long for a bit more bass with the Clear, however you can boost the bass using some digital EQ. In the end, these are quite resolving headphones with a slightly lean sound signature when comparing them to warmer headphones such as the Sony Z1R or Audioquest Nighthawk. The sound stage while quite wide, still seems not quite as wide as with Sennheiser HD800/S by the way.
The Focal Clear bridges the gap between the Elear and the Utopia models well. I suspect it will eat in to sales of both the Elear and Utopia. My guess is Focal is likely working on a Utopia 2 for a super expensive flagship headphone, and the Elear may be discontinued.
I will be updating this review as the headphones get more "burn-in" and I also listen to them more, so be sure to check back.
NOTE: Mine did arrive with a defect in the finish of the mesh on one side. It looked as if the factory did not get a good silver coating on the mesh. I had to sent them back and think Focal could have done better with quality control here.
UPDATE: When direct comparing the Focal Clear to my Sony Z1R, the Z1R sounds more engaging due to increased lower bass response and also smoother vocals. Example, when playing the recently remastered release of Metallica's Master Of Puppets album, on the Clear it sounds good and analytical whereas on the Z1R, it's more 'right on' and engaging. Also quite interestingly, the Z1R has about the same wide sound stage as the Clear. The Clear has a narrow sound stage for headphones as open as they are, whereas the Z1r has quite a wide sound stage for closed headphones.
HEADPHONES I CURRENTLY OWN:
Sony MDR-Z1R
Audioquest Nighthawk
Shozy Zero earbuds
Apple Ear Pods (hate them for music, only use for phone calls/podcasts)
PREVIOUSLY OWNED:
Focal Utopia (loaner)
Focal Elear
Sennheiser HD800 S
Sony MDR-Z7
Cardas A8 Ear Speakers
Audeze LCD-3
Beats Executive
Denon AHGC20
AKG Q701
AKG K702 65th Anniversary Edition
Audeze LCD-2
Cardas Ear Speakers
V-Moda Crossfade M100
Accidentally Extraordinary 51st Studio
Audio-Technica ATH-M50
BeyerDynamic DT880 Premium
Beats Pro
Fostex TH900
Sony MDR-1r
Sennheiser HD600
Sennheiser HD800
Sennheiser HD598
Denon D7000
Denon D5000
Ultrasone Pro 900 S
Klipsch X10 Earbuds
Sony MDR-7506
Sony MDR-V6
Grado SR60
Top reviews from other countries
Reviewed in Canada on March 6, 2020
Trovo anche che siano estremamente comode, ed infatti dopo un pò che le porti ti dimentichi di averle.
Ottima anche la dotazione che arriva in confenzione, con ben tre cavi di cui uno bilanciato XLR.
In questo senso molti concorrenti dovrebbero prenderle ad esempio visto quanto sono micragnosi nelle dotazioni che accompagnano le le loro cuffie.
Le consiglio senza riserve, per me sono cuffie quasi da endgame come dicono gli americani.
Confort et son exceptionnels