Focal Clear MG

[Paolo]

My first spotting of the new Clear MG:
https://www.musichall.fr/casques/focal-clear-mg

 

[Nitrium]

PDF with info is also up at https://www.focal.com/sites/www.focal.fr/files/shared/catalog/document/fp_clear_mg_en.pdf

 

[Paolo]

So today they lifted the embargo, I expect we're about to see reviews popping up.
I'm really curious since I was a couple of clicks away from ordering a pair of old Clear Pro right when they announced the new MG…

 

[3125b]

Funny how they talk about the fancy materials but no word about the actual headband being plastic
But I like the look.

 

[Tachyon88]

I like this more than the previous version, which wasn't bad either. I really hope these do not have clipping and QC issues.

 

[Helicopter]

I like this more than the previous version, which wasn't bad either. I really hope these do not have clipping and QC issues.

The crackling is likely to continue due to the open voice coil, but hopefully, like my Clear, they all are fine to earsplitting volume.

So... who's gonna offer to order a pair for Amir to test?

Also, what embargo @Paolo ?

 

[Nitrium]

The crackling is likely to continue due to the open voice coil, but hopefully, like my Clear, they all are fine to earsplitting volume.

So... who's gonna offer to order a pair for Amir to test?

Also, what embargo @Paolo ?

I think he was referring to the review embargo, or sales embargo. A lot of info popped up on Monday, and retailers put up their product pages in their storefronts.

 

[Zensō]

 

[Helicopter]

They look great. I am surprised frequency response is so close to the original Clear. I don't think the video is correct about the pure magnesium. I am pretty sure they went to a different alloy that contains primarily magnesium, but still contains aluminum. Clement mentions testing 'alloys' in the Focal promo videos for the Clear MG and the Clear Pro MG; and alloys tend to have better properties (strength, rigidity, etc.) than pure metal in applications like this. The M-shaped inner grille is nice, and the outer grille looks so cool, but I doubt they do much for the sound.

 

[Zensō]

They look great. I am surprised frequency response is so close to the original Clear. I don't think the video is correct about the pure magnesium. I am pretty sure they went to a different alloy that contains primarily magnesium, but still contains aluminum. Clement mentions testing 'alloys' in the Focal promo videos for the Clear MG and the Clear Pro MG; and alloys tend to have better properties (strength, rigidity, etc.) than pure metal in applications like this. The M-shaped inner grille is nice, and the outer grille looks so cool, but I doubt they do much for the sound.

Agreed; this refresh of the Clear seems to be more cosmetic than substantive. It is a pretty headphone for sure, but my preference will always be for black because in my experience light colored headphones often start looking soiled in short order.

 

[pimy]

Focal Clear MG Headphone Review:

https://www.avforums.com/reviews/focal-clear-mg-headphone-review.18542

 

[Paolo]

Also, what embargo @Paolo ?

As Nitrium said, I was speculating about the end of the press embargo. But apparently there aren't many Clear MG around and the reviews are very few at the moment.

 

[solderdude]

I see about 5dB less treble peak at 8kHz. This is most likely audible as less sharp sounding on some occasions. Might be worthwhile for people wanting the Clear but not owning one yet. maybe a tad better treble ?

 

[charleski]

Focal Clear MG Headphone Review:

https://www.avforums.com/reviews/focal-clear-mg-headphone-review.18542

No measurements = no review.

 

[Archsam]

 

[Zensō]

The OG Focal Clear has officially been discontinued and is currently on sale at headphones.com for $500 off.

https://www.headphones.com/products...n-back-headphones?_pos=1&_sid=6ae2d0331&_ss=r

 

[LearningToSmile]

The OG Focal Clear has officially been discontinued and is currently on sale at headphones.com for $500 off.

https://www.headphones.com/products...n-back-headphones?_pos=1&_sid=6ae2d0331&_ss=r

Very tempting, but I'm still happy enough with my Elears... maybe I'll hunt down a pair on the used market in a year or two if they keep coming down in price.

 

[Zensō]

Very tempting, but I'm still happy enough with my Elears... maybe I'll hunt down a pair on the used market in a year or two if they keep coming down in price.

Same here, I’m satisfied with my Elex’s.

 

[Tachyon88]

Ships in mid summer though, that is too much time to change my mind !!

 

[deafenears]

@crinacle ’s take comparing the Clear Mg to the original Clear

https://crinacle.com/2021/03/22/crinnotes-focal-clear-mg-quick-review-padgate/