Over-Ear
AKG K812
78Great
$777
Full review dataAKG K812 vs Focal Clear: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Focal Clear comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Focal Clear - Outstanding overall at around $1499.
Over-Ear
Focal Clear
88Outstanding
$1499
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
AKG K812
Sound8.2
Value6.5
Focal Clear
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | AKG K812 | Focal Clear |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $777 | $1499 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2014 | 2017 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 53 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-54kHz | 5Hz - 28kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Warm neutral |
| Impedance | 36 Ω | 55 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW | 104 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 110 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 390 g | 450 g |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
AKG K812
The AKG K812 is a premium open-back reference headphone built around a large 53mm dynamic driver, offering exceptional detail retrieval and a clean, studio-oriented tuning. It demands high-quality upstream gear to perform at its best, and while its build and technical ambitions are impressive, its measured performance shows some transient and distortion issues that challenge its flagship status. Overall, it's a highly resolving headphone for critical listening, but not without caveats.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and resolution
- Pro:Clean, neutral reference-style tuning
- Pro:Premium build and large dynamic driver
- Con:Very demanding of upstream equipment
- Con:Measured distortion and transient-response issues
- Con:High price for the performance offered
Focal Clear
The Focal Clear is a wired, open-back-style over-ear headphone with a warm-neutral tuning that balances musicality and accuracy. Its dynamic driver delivers rich, natural timbre and strong technical performance, making it a versatile choice for critical listening across genres. The build is solid yet comfortable, with a detachable cable and balanced connection support for audiophile setups.
- Pro:Natural, engaging warm-neutral sound
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and imaging
- Pro:Comfortable fit for long sessions
- Con:Heavier than some competitors at 450g
- Con:Pricey despite discounts
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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