Maybe take a look at Tor Audio, Woo Audio
Maybe see if you can find a WA7, or a Feliks Echo. I think someone here had mentioned using Quicksilver Headphone Amplifier with them.
One more to checkā¦
If definitely heard good things about the tuba. Iāll do some more research. Thanks.
Focal Clear MG Review: Beautifully Flawed
Ultimately, I came away from the MG feeling like Focal missed the mark.
2 Likes
They did, and mostly in the mid-range, as you point out. Brace yourself for āaggressiveā feedback on this one. The MG is one of the models I learned has a spirited following.
hahaha I feel attacked 
Kidding aside, I get where you coming from. Especially Crinacle explains it very well in his written review. Let me quote.
The Clear Mg is definitely warmer and possesses less upper mids than the original. This is quite a big problem considering that the Clear has what Iād like to call āhidden honkinessā, where there is a hint of honkiness thatās thankfully being masked by a slightly more forward upper midrange.
I sometimes feel that in some songs. But these days Iām finding Iām more sensitive to upper midrange than say 1k-2k region like you. So in a way, MG is a pretty good fit for me. All of us hear differently and I appreciate how you always mention your hearing quirks both in your videos and written reviews. Not every reviewer does that. A big big thumbs up! 
2 Likes
Hi friends, I will share my impressions of the Focal Clear MG tomorrow morning at 8 am PT! This video will focus on the build quality, design, and sound impressions about the Focal Clear MG. I will also briefly compare them from a sound perspective to the Sennheiser HD800s, HEDD Audio HEDDphone, and the Focal Stellia. We will also discuss some synergistic amp pairings for the Focal Clear MG. All of us from TSAV hope you enjoy it!
Marcello TSAV
5 Likes
A little late to the party here but thought I would ask.
Just got my Focal Clear mgās. Currently running off an Audioquest Cobalt on my computer and an Oppo BD-105d. Looking to upgrade DAC/Amp.
My other hpās are a Senn HD650 and Audioquest Nighthawk Carbon.
I believe in the garbage in garbage out so want to start with a good DAC. Thinking of either the Bifrost 2/64 or a Gungnir. Putting aside the price difference which would sound best with the Clear mgās?
The money after the DAC would probably go to a Jotunheim as it has balanced in/out to match the Bifrost/Gumby. Is the Jot a good match for the Clear mg Bifrost or Gumby?
Thanks
The Bf 2/64 pairs pretty well with the Mg. While jumping to the Yggy would likely be worth it, Iām not sure going to the Gumby would be. As for the amp, you might be better off with a RNHP or a G111mk2 over a Jot2. Iāll freely admit that I liked the Bf2/Jot2 with the Clear Mg, but when I moved up to the Oor/Hypsos stack it was pretty obvious that the Mg can be better with a better quality amp. And thatās not even taking into account the issue of the nearly complete lack of pot control youāll have with the Jot2. Even on low gain, unless you listen quite loud, youāll be ~9-10 oāclock.
For anyone that missed my post under the deals thread, the Clear MG is currently 20% off and you can get it for $1200. Here is the full Focal lineup thatās on sale on Apos Audio:
[Nov 24 - Dec 2 11:59pm PT][Affiliate links]:
55% off, $400 Focal Elegia
20% off, $1200 FOCAL Clear MG
20% off, $800 FOCAL Celestee Headphone
Thanks, Michael for the good info. Per your recommendations, I checked into the RNHP & G111mk2. They both have got great reviews and look like solid amps but I need a pre-amp out and it looks like neither of these has that function. I need to allow switching between my desktops powered speakers and headphones.
You do have me concerned about Jot2 gain making pot control difficult.
The Oor/Hypsos look great but at this time are out of my budget range. Iāll put the Oor to a possible upgrade down the road.
I was considering the Gumby as it is on sale with only a $100 difference to the BF2. Some posts have said that the BF2 2/64 upgrade puts it past or at least equal to the Gumby. For sure the BF2 footprint is easier on the desktop, stacks with the Jot2, and is user upgradeable.
If you need a pre-out then you might be going with the Jot2. You could try to find something like a used Soloist 3XP. That should pair fairly well with the Mg. If the sound suits your preference, thereās also always Toppingās stuff. But Iāve not tried a Topping amp myself, so I canāt personally speak to the pairing. Of course, thereās SMSL as well. Slightly different kind of linear than Topping, but again, canāt personally say anything about any synergy there.
Going with the Bifrost 2/64 Dac.
Have narrowed down the amps to either Jot2 or Singxer SA-1.
Anyone have thoughts on either or both of these amps?
Some reviews favor the Singxer but Schiit has been making amps a lot longer so have a proven reliability record and a 5 year vs 2 year warranty.
I tried to get the Jot 2 but Schiit just could not get it together and I could not get my hands on one, so I gave up and went with the SA-1. I have not regretted it, as the SA-1 has proven to be an exceptional headamp for me. Reviews I have seen seem to suggest that the SA-1 might just beat the Jot 2 in overall sound quality, but as always, that is a matter of personal taste. Consensus seems to be that the two are very close to each other. It will be interesting to see which one you end up going with. I think the Jot 2 is much more available now than when I was trying to get one.
1 Like
Hi Raptor. Good to hear you really like the SA-1.
How long have you had the SA-1 and are you pairing it with the Clear mg? Also curious what is the DAC you are using? Some reviewers have said a high-output DAC is preferred to drive some headphones.
If with the Clear mg how do you find the bass, sub-bass, and bass slam? That seems to be the area where reviewers feel the SA-1 may be lacking vs the Jot2.
I have had the SA-1 for about a year now. I did not do the jumper mod, so the amp is still stock. I am pairing it with the OG Schiit Bifrost 2 DAC, which is a very nice match in my opinion. I donāt have the Focal Clear MG but I do have the Elegia, which sounds really, really good on the SA-1. Full dynamic range, plenty of bass and sub bass for me. I also have the Focal Radiance coming and am very anxious to hear how they sound on the SA-1. One headphone that didnāt sound as good as I thought it should is the HiFIMAN Edition XS. For whatever reason, I find the XS to be lacking when paired with the SA-1; the SH-9 does a much better job of driving the XS. So, if you have cans that are known to be hard to drive, the Jot 2 might be a better choice.
If I had to do it all over again and both amps were available, I think I would go with the Jot 2. As it sits now, my next amp, though still TBD and quite a way down the road, could well be the Soloist.
Ordered BF2 and Jot2 from Schiit last night. The order said all shipping in 1-3 days. Hope to have the units by the beginning of next week.
I did seriously look at the all-in-one Burson Conductor XP. Burson dealers all had a 20% off for Black Friday/Cyber Monday. Burson amps are highly rated but their DACs are not. If it allowed the DAC to be bypassed then I would have got it and maybe upgraded the DAC down the road if need be. It only allows the Amp section (the best part) to be bypassed.
My Clear Mg has about 30 hours burn in and it sounds way better than when first out of the box. I used my Oppo BD-105d hp out being fed by Sonos providing continuous rap (heavy bass).
Thanks to everyone as you all helped me figure out my path.
Will let everyone know how it turns out!
4 Likes
Solid choice - not only a great sounding setup but also quite versatile. Have fun !
2 Likes
Great combination, the amp is very powerful, will handle most anything out there very well.
The BF2 is also a really decent dacā¦
Enjoy!
Alex