🔶 Focal Clear Mg

[mbvjmc]

Zach started out modding some Fostex planars (see ZMF Blackwoods), hence people used to refer ZMF as “Zach’s Modded Fostex.”

[rgdelato]

Linking some of the Clear MG chats from RikudouGoku’s thread over to here in case we want to continue the conversation:

RikudouGoku's Database (IEMs/Earbuds/Headphones Ranking list)

With what you have (BF2 + RNHP) the Clear or Clear MG should be a very noticeable upgrade from the Elex (different sound sig though since it’s a lot more neutral). I’ve had the exactly same setup, though I sold the Elex and returned the MG because I didn’t prefer the smoother treble and bass but I can definitely see the appeal for many. Typically it’s on a more entry setup that the Elex will sound more similar to a Clear, and because Elex has a W-shaped more fun tuning so the neutrality of the …

RikudouGoku's Database (IEMs/Earbuds/Headphones Ranking list)

Yes I’m aware, I followed your progression here and there in the forum. Like I said I think the MG is tuned more sophisticatedly as it’s got smoother treble and bass (also better extension) but personally it’s a bit too inoffensive for my taste. I also perceive it to have a slightly smaller stage and a more intimate presentation of sound for some reason. In the end I preferred the OG as it’s got a little bit more spice (which i understand might be a tad harsh or metallic for some). Having listen…

[mochimashu]

Cheers. Since you already have the RNHP and BF2 I’d suggest (if you haven’t) giving the OG Clear a go (open box can be found for around 890USD) as it really has very good synergy for a 1k setup

[CarpentersFan]

Didn’t know that, thanks. I know Dan Clark used to make the Mad Dogs though

[skeeb23]

Been dwelling on bringing up this topic since I love the sound of these headphones, but I definitely have an issue.
I have been getting skin irritation from wearing these around my ears where the pads touch. I thought for a while it was because I had not worn velour pads before…and I had to adjust. I do have finicky oily skin so I know that’s part of it.

I’ve seeked out on here about how to clean the pads because the oils from my skin have definitely darkened up the red on the MG Pros. I’ve also noticed that the cups bleed some of the red dye from the pads. I’ll have a slight ring around my ears after wearing them a few hours. So odd.

So I’m finally going to clean them with slight detergent and see how these come out. I’ve got the 2nd set of pads if I F something up. Worst case scenario would be I end up getting elex pads if nothing gets better.

I’ve seen things pop up about “pad-gate” and whatnot on these HPs and now I do have to wonder. Very strange for the dye to bleed like it does and it very well could be the dye and not the pad itself that I’m getting irritation from.

No way I would get rid of these for as good as they sound, but I also shouldn’t have to be compromising my discomfort. Go figure, all the cheap HPs I’ve ever used never did this to me, just sounded like poo.

[exitwoundz]

I’ve been reading this thread with a lot of interest and following these quite closely, so I’d like to lean in for a bit of advice. My daily driver for the past 4 years has been the ZMF Eikons (needed a closed back), which I like a lot for their physicality, timbre and general tone. Using a Singxer SA-1 and Ares II.

I was looking for an alternative open back though and blind bought Aryas, which I really didn’t enjoy for their plasticky timbre/sibilance, distant mids and lack of physicality compared to Eikons, so they got sent back. But still being interested (and thinking if I had bought Clear OGs, I’d have kept them), I’ve been keeping an eye on the MGs and am looking at booking a demo.

Overall I guess my questions are if I didn’t like the Aryas for reasons outlined, how might I find the MGs? I have tried and actually reasonably enjoyed the Utopias/Clears before (albeit briefly and years ago). I’m of course a big fan of the 6X0 line too.

[Alfredo3001]

The red color is not as bright as the pictures. It is more like a dark red wine.

[slichillax]

So I got the JDS Element 2 and my Clears are definitely faulty. Considering I bought them on ebay I’m definitely screwed on warranty and whatnot. The Focal website requires you to list a dealer/store in order for them to contact Focal and send the headphone to fix it. Considering how there are no stores in my country I don’t know what to do, I mean I’m willing to pay to repair them of course but I’m kinda lost here.

[rgdelato]

Sorry about your headphones, that really sucks. I poked around their website for a bit and it looks like this generic contact form lets you send them a message without needing to list a dealer. Might be worth a try?

https://www.focal.com/en/contact-support

[Pokrog]

Definitely file a complaint asap on Ebay. Like now.

[mochimashu]

eBay should cover you for 30 days after receiving the headphones. Try to contact the seller and if it can’t be resolved between you you can raise a complaint to eBay

[slichillax]

The seller told me to return it fortunately, let’s see what happens now. Man what an endless journey this has been.

[Alfredo3001]

Guys what is a good amp dac pairing with the clear MG?

So far I have read:

• Bf2+jot2
• Bf2+RNHP

I am running mine with the Bf2+RNHP. I have 5h with them so far.

[Michael]

Opinions seem to vary based on what you want from the music. There are indeed several of us that like them with both the ones you mentioned. But if you want the DAC and amp to get out of the way and not color the sound, @Resolution loves the D90SE+A90 pairing. He also has another amp he enjoys them with that I’m too lazy to scroll back up to find, lol. But they should also scale similarly to the OG Clears with higher end gear, so checking out the OG Clear thread might be worth your while.

Continuing though, a Soekris 2451+Violectric V281 might be good? But I could also see that pushing it a bit too warm for some people. Now if you want to stay with the Bf2, a Burson Soloist 3XP might me a good choice. Or even a Conductor+Soloist stack might work. But I’m not sure if anyone here has tried that? But again, back to the Bf2, a while back M0N pointed these out to me:

Advice on where to go from here

I’d say generally around 1-1.5k ish used is a good place to be for an upgrade. For a clear (I haven’t heard the mg, only the og for now) and bf2, I might want to look for an xi audio broadway if you wanted to lean a bit warmer but not too relaxed with a wide stage and very good bass grip, a headamp gsx mini for something a bit more brighter analytical but still somewhat tonally dense and not harsh, for something neutral but organic if you can find a pass hpa-1 at 2k ish that would be really nice…

Of course, this is all dependent on what your budget is. Beyond that, I’m pretty much at a loss for advise to give, lol.

[rgdelato]

@mochimashu

But personally my pick would be something like the Little Labs Monotor with maybe again BF2 (Since the A90 is in fact quite smooth to my ears and the BF2 will make it sound less transparent whereas the Monotor is even more analytical, despite measurements, I know) so this time the BF2 would pair better than with A90 or Jot 2.

There was also a recommendation of Little Labs Monotor + BF2 for the Clear MG as well.

[Resolution]

@Michael

@Resolution loves the D90SE+A90 pairing. He also has another amp he enjoys them with that I’m too lazy to scroll back up to find, lol.

For anyone wondering about my DACs & amps…

Here are some photos of my personal DAC amp setups I have experience with in combination of the OG FOCAL Clear & FOCAL Clear MG. I no longer own the OG Clear and only have the Clear MG Pro on hand currently.

(My Darkvoice is heavily MODDED)

Hope these are helpful to anyone trying to recall any amps or dacs I might have been referencing in my discussions.

[Jcsun]

Nice set up! Do you mind me asking what tubes you use with your DV?

[Alfredo3001]

Selling My Focal Clear MG pro!

Buy/Sell and Looking for Thread

WTS: Focal Clear MG pro 1200$ Schiit Modius/A3 stack 335$ (+ Anker mini USB cable and world best cable RCA 35$ approx Amazon.com: WORLDS BEST CABLES 0.5 Foot RCA Cable Pair - Gotham GAC-4/1 (Black) Star-Quad, Audio Interconnect Cable with Premium Gold Plated Locking RCA Connectors - Directional - Custom Made: Electronics ) THX789 190$ Hifiman He5XX 170$ Team Tygr Bundle 270$ Everything comes with its original box and accessories. Paypal and US only. Free shipping. Discount if buy together. …

[Michael]

Review by GoldenSound

Focal Clear MG Review - A Mixed Bag

Not sure I agree with what he says about their timbre, and I can’t hear above 16.5-17kHz, so I can’t comment on them being fatiguing to people who can. Thoughts?

[Resolution]

I think he did a great job. I think he’s my new favorite reviewer.

He’s being very critical as he should be.

I can’t hear over 16K so I can not comment on his comments of the treble above 18K, but I believe him. I’ve enjoyed most of his reviews, and he’s very well educated in everything he discusses and uses music to describe his feelings/opinions.

As for the timbre, he’s right. Timbre has always been the weakest point and my biggest gripe with all the FOCALS I’ve owned. I personally feel the Clear MG has much better timbre than FOCAL’s other headphones.

He’s a GREAT reviewer. I can’t for him to review more products.