Focal Clear Mg

The reviewer compares the Focal Clear Mg to the original Clear and an Elear with Clear pads, finding them very similar overall. The main difference is in the treble: the Clear Mg has a smoother mid-treble but a more elevated upper treble, which reduces focus on cymbal hits. The reviewer personally prefers the original Clear's more balanced treble, but notes the choice depends on whether you value smoothness or balance.

The reviewer finds the Focal Clear Mg Professional to be an excellent headphone for vocal-focused listening, with outstanding mid-range and bass performance, but notes significant drawbacks including a dark treble response, limited soundstage, and a potential quality control issue with channel imbalance. He recommends it for general listeners who prioritize vocals, but advises against it as a primary tool for professional audio work.

The reviewer is highly impressed with the Focal Clear Mg, calling them the best Focal headphones they've heard, with exceptional imaging and a detailed, engaging sound. They praise the build and comfort, though they note the included cables are subpar. Overall, they strongly recommend them despite the high price.

The reviewer finds the Focal Clear MG to be a well-built, comfortable headphone with excellent detail retrieval and powerful bass slam, but criticizes its dark tonality, muddy low-end texture, and a significant issue where male vocals are positioned too close and sound unnatural. Overall, they consider it a mixed bag that is not worth the asking price due to these trade-offs.

The reviewer finds the Focal Clear Mg to be a brilliant and competitive high-end open-back headphone, with a tuning that is an improvement over the original Clear due to a more laid-back treble that is easier on the ears. It delivers excellent technical performance, including great resolution, precise imaging, and outstanding dynamics, making it a strong recommendation for those seeking an engaging listening experience. However, the reviewer notes that owners of the original Clear who are happy with its tuning have no real reason to upgrade.

The reviewer finds the Focal Clear MG to be a beautiful, well-built, and comfortable headphone that sounds smooth, neutral, and natural with a slight treble sizzle. They consider it an upgrade over the original Clear, with excellent separation and dynamic punch, though the soundstage may be slightly less expansive. Overall, they see it as a solid, consistent all-rounder in the $1500 segment, though not without minor caveats like stiff stock cables and occasional comfort hot spots.