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Focal Clear vs. Sennheiser HD 800s

maverickronin

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Only price, second hand is a bargain but I don't think that's a prime concern for you so go with the S. Not aware of any other upside to the OG but I'm a tightwad

The HD800S in black looks way cooler. :cool:

No quite cool enough for me to spend the extra cash over the OG though...
 

lordhumungous

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Imo the Sennheiser's sound better than the Clears with or without EQ.

The Clears also feel like you have a pile of cement on the crown of your head. Very heavy.
 

solderdude

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LCD-XC = 710 gr.
LCD4 = 600 gr.
D8000 = 520 gr.
Utopia = 490 gr.
Susvara = 450 gr.
Clear = 440 gr.
Stealth = 415 gr.
Ananda = 400 gr.
K812 = 390 gr.
Sundara = 385 gr.
HD800S = 380 gr.
DT1990 Pro = 370 gr.
DCA AEON = 330 gr.
SRH1540 = 285 gr.
HD650 = 260 gr.
HD560S = 240 gr.
K702/712 = 235 gr.
Grado SR125 = 150 gr.
KpH30i = 65 gr.
 
Last edited:

Yoda896

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I own both the Clear OG and the HD800S and love both of them without EQ. If one of them would break, I would immediately try to buy a identical replacement. However, for both the Clear OG and the HD800S I only like specific DAC/amp pairings. For the HD800S I really enjoy the combination of Ares II with the SA-1, even though I sometimes would enjoy a little bit more power coming out of the SA-1. After playing around for quite a bit with the Clear OG my preference is a D90LE/THX887 stack without ever needing the power reserves the THX887 could provide.
These sensitivities to DAC/amp combinations are in stark contrast to the resilience of the Arya Stealth performance on a wide variety of DAC/amp combinations. I currently enjoy the Arya Stealth on the EF400, but also like them on many other configurations, even though I more often reach for the HD800S and the Focal Clear ...
P.S. I mainly listen to classical music
 
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