Focal Clear

Since I hear those clicks even under low volume I don't think the amplifier is a source. But other people don't hear anything with Bifrost 2, so it is a mystery to me.

 

Did you update the firmware of Bifrost 2.
Below may be of some interest for you
https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/schiit-bifrost-2.8226/page-20#post-273851

 

I did another set of experiments. I decided to connect my iFi iDSD micro BL to my DSHA-3F via RCA-XLR connection (using 2 as active and 1 + 3 as shield). Likely DSHA-3F has input transformers so it is possible without damaging the amplifier. Imagine what - no clicks! But that's not the end of the story. I decided to do the same with Bifrost 2. And I didn't hear those clicks either! Now I understand why other people with Bifrost 2 don't hear them - they use Bifrost 2 via RCA, not XLR. But if I connect the amplifier to Bifrost 2 via XLR I clearly hear those clicks.

So there is something unusual with my Bifrost 2 when connected via XLR. I don't know if it is an issue with the DAC or a "feature" of the DAC. @schiit could you please read my experiments description and maybe add some comments? Thank you!

 

I think I have the latest firmware, since it is my second unit (the first one was replaced because of that bad capacitor issue).

 

If anyone is interested in testing here is a file https://my.pcloud.com/publink/show?code=XZpcPSkZGWVePCp1kUpsQX3X4XbqCfg9kTfV
I uploaded it to my cloud for your convenience. But please don't listen in the browser, download it and listen in your player of choice.

 

Maybe a ground problem? Dirty switch mode power supply from another device? Did you try the stack in another part of the house or an entirely different house?

 

I doubt that. Grounding issues would affect both RCA and XLR. In order to say what's going on some other people with the same configuration should test the file. If they don't have issues then my Bifrost 2 is faulty, otherwise it might be something specific to Bifrost 2. I haven't heard any sound quality issues when playing music, but I'm really curious and want to understand the nature of those clicks.

 

Sounds like this is something that might be worth putting in the Bifrost 2 thread. I see Schiit posting there regularly and Possibly someone there can reproduce the clicks

 

I also hear weird artifacts, more like pops rather than clicks and at quite a low volume. I guess this is an issue with the Clears. Increasing the volume makes it much worse. My guess is that it's a Focal thing and changing sources from BF2 to something else probably messes with your overall volume and thus the differences you hear.

 

@Roman and @oldschool
I have downloaded and played the file.
foobar - 851N - V280 -Clear pro.
There is nothing heard at all at any given volume.
Clears are perfect.
You guys should check your chains.

 

Started to experiment with front dampening. Had some old AKG K240 foam pads left that i used in a HD650 but they had the coin holes. Still it was interesting and it took a bit of bite out of the upper registers. Then i tried some regular HD6xx foam inserts and it reduces it a bit less but also interesting.

Installing them is easy just remove the pads and the pins will make holes and keep it all in place. Could make a pilot hole to keep it neat and flat. Probably want to trim the edges a bit afterwards if you like the sound.

Anyways I've ordered fresh inserts from AKG and Sennheiser. Time to do some experimenting.

 

Yes, you are right, pops is a more suitable description. Focals are fine, sorry. As I mentioned before I hear the same pops with my Hifiman Arya and only when using Bifrost 2 and only in balanced mode. So I assume it is Bifrost 2 related.

 

Hmm will try later on with running the Clears straight from my Xonar sound card

 

I tested several combinations:

1) Bifrost 2 → Jotunheim → Clear (XLR) - noticeable pops/artefacts that occur very low on the Foobar volume slider

2) Bifrost 2 → Jotunheim → HD 600 (XLR) - noticeable pops/artefacts but the HD 600 are much less sensitive than the Clear and this occurs higher on the Foobar volume slider (on purpose I am not saying "at louder volume" as I cannot measure the loudness but just the volume slider position in Foobar)

3) Asus Essence XTS II → Focal Clear (3.5mm) - noticeable pops/artefacts but they occurs higher in the Foobar volume slider, as XTS is less powerful than Jotun

4) Asus Essence XTS II → HD 600 (3.5mm) - no noticeable pops/artefacts but volume could not be turned too loud. I bet if this could get louder the same pops/artefacts would again appear.

As there are pops/artefacts regardless of source/amp and headphones used (though they occur at different volume) I don't think there is anything wrong with the equipment per se. It's just that the combo of BF2+Jotun+Clear is more prone to those pops.

The Clears are also known to clip noteceably at some low bass frequencies, though YMMV depending on music type and source/amp.

 

Maybe something with your PC?
I have taken all the tests from the above mentioned web page and I cannot hear any pops or clicks or whatsoever.
Please note that my system is heavily resolving.


As for bass I tested my new production Clear's pro with very low frequencies - program and tones - at ear bleeding levels and there is no such thing as clipping , distortion or the drivers reaching their physical limit.

 

The mechanical clipping was confirmed by Focal themselves and is inherent to their driver tech. Happens only in certain frequencies and seems to vary from pair to pair. The issue on my pair appers to be particularly pronounced but I am definitely not the only person to report this.

 

May be old production units and it is corrected?
I don't know.
Can you kindly point me to the official Focal reply about the issue?

 

I think my unit was made mid last year, so not a production issue.

Here's the quote from HeadFi, it refers to all their headphones:

And here's a thread on reddit:
https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/ckujt0/encountered_the_mechanical_clipping_from_the/

 

From what I am reading the key point is this

”On very special tracks with only very low frequencies at very high level, you can thus hear some noises - as you will do on classic loudspeakers."

I can't reproduce the effect in real human very loud volumes.
Although some people may actually hear very very loud.

 

Not that special tracks. I hear the artifacts when the big drums come on Hotel California, In the Air Tonight, etc. and I didn't have those issues with the HD 600.

I tend to listen loud but definitely not earpiercingly loud (I think) , though it seems many other people can't really tolerate my listening volume.

So yeah, YMMV