Focal Clear Headphones - Premium Sound at $790
Experience the Focal Clear Headphones, now available for $790, down from an MSRP of $990. These headphones are designed for audiophiles seeking a high-quality listening experience without breaking the bank. With Focal's proprietary technology and meticulous craftsmanship, the Clear offers a compelling alternative to more expensive models, delivering exceptional sound quality and comfort.
What Makes the Focal Clear Headphones Stand Out
The Focal Clear Headphones are distinguished by their advanced driver technology and premium build quality. Featuring Focal's proprietary 'M'-shaped aluminum/magnesium dome drivers, these headphones deliver fast transients and a natural soundstage. The open-back design enhances imaging, making them ideal for critical listening.
Technical Foundation:
The 40mm aluminum/magnesium 'M'-shaped dome drivers provide a sensitivity of 104 dB SPL/1mW @ 1kHz and an impedance of 55 ohms, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio sources. With a frequency response of 5Hz - 28kHz, the Focal Clear captures every nuance of your music, offering a balanced and detailed sound profile.
Sound Performance Analysis
The Focal Clear delivers an engaging listening experience, as noted by Theo Lee (writing as Precogvision) from Headphones.com. Here's a breakdown of its sound characteristics:
- Bass: The bass is near-neutral with deep extension, providing a solid foundation without overwhelming the midrange. It's fast and precise, typical of high-end dynamic drivers.
- Midrange: The midrange is rich and detailed, with a peak at ~1.5kHz that adds presence to vocals and instruments. However, a dip at ~4kHz can create a boxier presentation.
- Treble: The treble is detailed with peaks at 6kHz and 9kHz, contributing to a bright and engaging sound. Some listeners may notice a metallic timbre, especially in the presence of sibilance.
- Soundstage: While the soundstage is intimate, the imaging is precise, offering excellent positional accuracy. The overall presentation is forward and demands attention.
These characteristics make the Focal Clear suitable for a variety of music genres, from classical to rock, where detail and dynamics are essential.
Build Quality and Comfort
The Focal Clear is crafted with an aluminum frame and a comfortable leather headband, complemented by memory foam ear cups. Weighing 450 grams, these headphones are designed for extended listening sessions. The detachable cables with multiple terminations add versatility, allowing easy connection to different audio sources.
Perfect For These Applications
For Critical Listening:
The Focal Clear excels in delivering a detailed and engaging sound, making it perfect for audiophiles and professionals who demand accuracy and precision.
For Home Audio Enthusiasts:
Its open-back design and natural soundstage create an immersive listening experience, ideal for enjoying music in a quiet environment.
Equipment Pairing:
With a 55-ohm impedance, the Focal Clear works well with most devices, but pairing with a dedicated amplifier can enhance dynamics and detail. Consider amplifiers like the Schiit Magni or JDS Labs Atom for optimal performance.
How It Compares
Compared to the Sennheiser HD800S, the Focal Clear offers a more visceral and engaging sound with better bass response. While the HD800S provides a larger soundstage and analytical detail, the Clear's warmer signature and dynamic presentation may appeal to those seeking an immersive experience. At $790, the Clear presents a strong value proposition against the HD800S, which typically retails for over $1,500.
Key Features
- Focal's proprietary 'M'-shaped driver technology
- Aluminum/magnesium dome construction for fast transients
- Open-back design for natural soundstage and imaging
- Hand-assembled in France with premium materials
- Comfortable leather headband with memory foam
- Multiple detachable cables with different terminations
- Easy 55-ohm impedance works with any source
- Professional reference quality for critical listening
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Driver | 40mm aluminum/magnesium 'M'-shaped dome |
| Impedance | 55 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB SPL/1mW @ 1kHz |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 28kHz |
| Weight | 450 grams |
| Type | Open-back dynamic |
| Cable | Detachable with multiple terminations |
| Made in | France (hand-assembled) |
| Price | $790 (MSRP: $990) |
Expert Review Insights
Theo Lee (writing as Precogvision) from Headphones.com Assessment: "The Focal Clear offers a fantastic headphone experience despite some flaws, with a visceral dynamic driver performance that is engaging and demanding."
Practical Considerations
The Focal Clear is easy to set up and compatible with a wide range of devices, thanks to its 55-ohm impedance. While it performs well with portable sources, using a dedicated amplifier can enhance its dynamic range and detail. Maintenance is straightforward, with detachable cables and durable materials ensuring long-term reliability.
Value Assessment
At $790, the Focal Clear offers excellent value for those seeking high-end sound quality without the premium price tag of models like the Focal Utopia. Its performance, build quality, and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for serious listeners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compatibility Q: Will the Focal Clear work with my phone/laptop?
A: Absolutely! The 55-ohm impedance provides excellent performance from any device, though a dedicated amplifier will unlock additional dynamic range.
Troubleshooting Q: Does the Focal Clear have the "clipping" issue?
A: Yes, the driver can clip, but only under extreme conditions. As our reviewers noted, this only occurs on specific bass-heavy tracks at listening volumes that are generally considered unsafe for hearing. It is not an issue during any normal listening session.
Technical Specifications Q: What is the "metallic timbre" I've read about in reviews?
A: This is a known characteristic of the Clear's highly detailed sound. It stems from energetic peaks in the treble (around 6kHz and 10kHz). For most listeners, this translates to an exciting, authoritative sound. For those sensitive to treble, it can be perceived as a "metallic" edge on certain recordings. It's a core part of the Clear's unique, engaging signature.
Product Comparisons Q: How do they compare to the Sennheiser HD 6XX as an upgrade?
A: Reviews consistently position the Clear as "the best option" for HD600-series upgrades, offering similar tonal characteristics with vastly superior technical performance.
