Focal Clear MG Review | 93 Data compared

The Focal Clear MG open-back, over-ear headphones deliver exceptional "crystalline clarity" and an expansive, wide soundstage that easily beats lower-tier competition like the Sennheiser HD650. A key physical benefit is their unique design, featuring drivers that are angled and set ahead of center, allowing the outer ear to naturally shape the audio just like an in-person performance. Acoustically, the headphones feature powerful bass, clear highs, and perfectly balanced mid-frequencies. They are heavily praised for being solidly built and highly comfortable, using half-inch thick ear pads that offer a firm yet secure clasping force suitable for speedwalking. Additionally, their open-back nature allows for external awareness, making them safer for outdoor walking. However, the headphones do have a few notable drawbacks. Because they are built out of premium materials, they are significantly heavier than the Sennheiser 600-series. They also lack portability as they are rigidly constructed and cannot fold together. Performance-wise, they are highly dependent on high-end source equipment; while they possess a low 50 Ω nominal impedance for use with Digital Audio Players (DAPs), pairing them with a shallower DAP can...

In his review for FluxWithIt.com, flux302 provides a highly enthusiastic analysis of the Focal Clear MG Professional open-back headphones, evaluating their performance for daily professional sound design and studio usage. Priced at $1,490, these circum-aural headphones feature custom-milled 40mm inverted "M"-shaped magnesium dome drivers operating at an impedance of 55 Ohms, a frequency response of 5Hz to 28kHz, and a total harmonic distortion (THD) of just 0.25%. The reviewer notes that their relatively low impedance allows them to be driven efficiently by standard professional audio interfaces without requiring a powerful external headphone amplifier.

The Focal Clear MG is an open-back, high-fidelity headphone featuring 40mm "M"-shaped magnesium dome drivers designed for a slightly warm and dark-leaning acoustic profile. A major strength of this model is its exceptionally tight, rock-solid bass presence and strong punch, which remains controlled even during demanding, bass-heavy tracks. It delivers highly accurate imaging, excellent microdynamics, smooth, natural mid-range vocals, and a non-fatiguing treble that makes it ideal for long listening sessions. Additionally, it is easy to drive using simple portable USB dongles like the Dragonfly Cobalt, scales well with premium desktop amplifiers, and features convenient snap-on pads that allow for flexible sound tuning—such as using Dekoni fenestrated sheepskin pads to tighten the bass and brighten the upper midrange. On the downside, the headphone's dark sound signature results in a polite upper midrange and a relaxed, less energetic treble that will likely disappoint treble enthusiasts seeking absolute crispness and air. Its soundstage is only medium-sized, lacking the expansive, massive spatial presentation found in similarly priced open-back competitors like the Sennheiser HD800S or HiFiMAN HE1000SE. Physically, the 450-gram weight can feel heavy...

The Focal Clear Mg review thread highlights a shift toward a warmer, punchier, and more refined sound compared to the original, driven by new 40mm magnesium drivers. Pros include exceptional micro-dynamics, smoother high-frequency extension, and improved comfort with a premium chestnut finish. Conversely, identified cons include a recessed 3kHz–4.5kHz region that can make the midrange sound flat, a 450-gram weight, and stiff stock cables, with some users reporting a minor 6kHz peak.

The SoundGuys review highlights the Focal Clear MG as a premium open-back headphone offering a spacious, detailed soundstage with a unique, warm, and engaging sound signature, aided by magnesium drivers. Its luxurious, durable design and comfortable, perforated microfiber ear pads make it a strong choice for long, analytical listening sessions. However, the open-back design results in significant sound leakage and no noise isolation, while the sound profile features a reduced, darker treble that may not suit users desiring intense, bright treble. Furthermore, the $1,490 price point and need for a dedicated amplifier represent a substantial investment for this high-end, consumer-focused headphone.

The Focal Clear Mg headphones, featured on Headphonesty, are characterized by a luxurious design with chestnut and mixed-metal finishes, offering exceptional comfort through plush microfiber earpads despite their 450-gram weight. They are noted for easy driveability and a warm, engaging sound signature, characterized by impactful bass, natural mids, and quick, detailed dynamics. While delivering high-end audio performance, the unit is criticized for a narrower, more intimate soundstage, dark treble, stiff, cumbersome cables, and very high-priced replacement pads.

The Focal Clear Mg is a pair of high-end, open-back headphones priced at $1,500 (£1,399) that delivers world-class resolution and highly dynamic sound quality. Built with premium materials like aluminum, leather, and perforated microfiber, these headphones offer excellent comfort and breathability for long listening sessions. They feature innovative 40mm magnesium "M"-shaped dome drivers and have a low impedance of 55 ohms, making them exceptionally easy to drive with modest amplifiers or even smartphones. Sonically, they provide a slightly warm tonal balance with deep, textured bass, mealy midranges, and an incredible ability to magnify details while remaining forgiving to poorly recorded source material. The primary advantages of the Focal Clear Mg include its amazing sonic detail, punchy dynamics, gorgeous aesthetics, and high efficiency, which eliminates the need for expensive supporting audio gear. However, it does come with several drawbacks. Its open-back design limits usage to quiet rooms due to severe sound leakage, the headband can occasionally creak, and the overall soundstage presentation is somewhat narrow or forward rather than widely immersive. Additionally, at $1,500, they are an expensive splurge meant strictly...

The Focal Clear Mg are premium, open-back headphones that deliver an exceptionally clear, refined, and expressive sound presentation. They feature 40mm magnesium dome drivers designed for lightness and stiffness, offering excellent dynamic expression, tonal richness, and precise stereo placement. The build quality is superb, featuring high-end materials like leather and microfibre, providing superb comfort for long sessions.

The Focal Clear Mg are premium, open-back wired headphones designed for critical, neutral listening with a luxurious aesthetic and magnesium drivers delivering fast, transparent audio. They offer exceptional comfort for long sessions, precise bass, smooth mids, and an open, natural soundstage. While offering excellent detail, they lack isolation, leak substantial sound, and require a dedicated DAC/AMP, making them unsuitable for commuting or office use.