Focal Clear Measurements and Impressions

There is nothing wrong with Utopia and DSHA2 IME. In fact, I find it to be a good pairing.

Doug makes an ‘F’ version of DSHA3 that he has designed specifically for Focal headphones. DSHA4/Ravenswood and Copenhagen are apparently not ideal, on the other hand...

 

Someone message me when they perform a "cut 200 grams off' mod for the Clears.

 

Could everyone please tell us the chain you are using. The Clear seems to be amp/chain dependent. It would help a lot to know what you are using with them.

Thanks.

 

Yes, this is the notion I got from my conversation with Doug as well. Apparently the '3F is an "OTL" version of the DSHA-3, making it a similar amp to the DSHA-2 (but without the input buffer). Its low output impedance make it a better match for the Focal offerings than his other amps, prevents cans like the Utopia from sounding overly bloated in the lower register.

 

sounds like you prefer the modded Elear over the Clear from this post - but can't quite tell!

could you please compare the two and what it is you think is better with each, even if just from memory (assuming you don't own the Elear still).

thank you!

 

Listening to the loaners right now.

A quick drive by ... Vinyl -> SS phono -> T3 -> Clears. Appropriately named; nice clarity. They are nimble and dynamic as well. Everything sounds a tad better on T3's 300R setting, than on the lower Z setting. Bass still sounds pushed either way, though there's not much bass overhang with what I've heard so far. So I do like the bass quality. And, on the other hand, if the entire midrange was more present, perhaps the bass level would sound appropriate. You can still hear some of the dreaded Elear black hole. To a lesser degree, but fluidity still suffers. Also, I'd consider them a bit chirpy to a moderately irritating degree. Though it's probably something I could live with, I'd want to roll tubes to the chagrin of many on account of it. So overall, I don't love them even though Sennheiser 6xx's are outclassed for the most part. Personally, I wouldn't buy these, though I can see them becoming popular with many at about 700-800 bucks. What do they cost at the moment? $1300ish. Nah, too abusive. I'll give Focal a few more customer beta test rounds to improve upon this mid-market offering before I sample them again. Incidentally, I can't think of any headphones I want right now. Barely used modded 650s going up for sale soon, if anyone wants them. The Clear clarity put that wishful thinking to bed.

So anyhoo, whoever's next, I'll likely have the loaners shipped off when the post office next opens. PM me your address.

Baz.


(Save @HitmanFluffy)

 

nothing's changed about the headphone. Just different accessories like a extra set of red pads

 

First impression impressions of Clears...

• Fit and feel is premium, overall comfortable, no issues.
• Much better clarity than my 6xx-k, though not as smooth.
  
• Love the bass and dynamics, especially out of the BW, though slight aggressive in the treble, and could see it being an issue for me if I was running something slightly brighter.
• Low out of the ZDS is not bad, actually quite nice. Loses a bit of the holographic presence, but bass doesn't seem to crowd mids to excess. That said, I'm seriously looking at the Elex now...

More to come.

 

I figured I would make a quick comparison chart while I have the Clear on loaner w/ the LCD-2 (2010), Code-6 (LFF Modded HE-6) and Code-LE (LFF Modded HE-5LE). I don't own them, though I have been using them for many hours daily since they arrived on Monday on their own and A/B'ing for the point of comparison.

All scores are relative and each headphone has its own strengths. I worked for many hours on these scores and made some tough choices - even looking at it now I could go one way or another with many of these qualities.

The chain is Theta Gen V > Valhalla 2 and/or Sys for safety and volume control > DIY ACA monoblocks (~6W into 8 ohms) terminated to balanced XLR. No hum or hiss issues, and made sure to be very careful with volume adjustment as the Clears are much more efficient than the LFF-modded planars.

I was going to do a more long-winded write-up but was hoping the above image would stir some discussion and yield more comparative impressions from more experienced ears. That being said -

I was surprised at first listen how much the Clears sounded like the Code-X variants, though having a more traditional dynamic driver presentation. I can definitely see them being a one-and-done headphone purchase for someone wanting a "neutral" or "reference" type of presentation with a touch extra bass that scales well with upstream gear. They aren't the last word in any particular quality, but they also don't have any glaring faults. A truly "jack of all trades" headphone.

I'd be happy to elaborate if anyone has particular questions.

 

Great effort with the comparisons and chart. Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with any of the other phones (heard the Audezes once). Is there any chance of throwing the HD650(modded) on there? I searched and didn't find any @E_Schaaf posts about the HD650. Maybe someone else can extrapolate?

Edit: Really kicking myself for not trying the HE/Code-6 that was at Marv's at the small meet in Feb.

 

Here you go! Keep in mind I have never owned the 650M, though I have spent a fair time with them at various meets, with direct comparison available to the Clears and LCD-2C (which is very much like the 2.1).

Take it with a grain of salt. FWIW my impressions of the 650M at least vs the Clear and 2.1 seem to align with other's ears too.

 

Gave these a good listen today through my Woo Audio WA8 - even with some tube warmth I found them too bright/bass light. If they were more downward sloping I'm sure we'd be in business, but as it is HD650s are more tonally correct, smoother, and a better choice for a lot less money in my opinion. When I listen to headphones I want to feel like I'm being transported to a well treated room with nicely balanced speakers, and not feel like my ears are attacked by micro razor blades.
On a side note, the Elegia was even brighter - I really wanted to like the new Focals

 

That's exactly how I felt when I received mine from The Source. I seriously thought something was wrong with them because they didn't sound that way when I heard @Mithrandir41's at Marv's last year. Jason told me they come into their own at 200 hrs, but I was skeptical. The bass did improve to where I now consider the response to be "flat", but I had to add some front damping to get the treble under control.

 

I found the Elear to be a little treble happy, but the Clears have been tonally consistent from day one for me. @gixxerwimp, have you reluctantly settled in to them, or are you pretty satisfied?