Overview

The Focal Clear is an open-back high-fidelity headphone that represents the French manufacturer’s design philosophy of combining innovative driver technology with luxurious materials and striking aesthetics. Originally released as the Clear (non-MG version) at $1,499, these headphones use a 40mm aluminum/magnesium M-shaped dome driver that delivers exceptional dynamics, low distortion, and a remarkably open, speaker-like presentation. They sit below Focal’s flagship Utopia in the lineup, offering a more accessible entry point into the brand’s distinctive sound without sacrificing the core engineering excellence.

Design & Build

The Focal Clear is a visually striking headphone with a headband wrapped in perforated leather, a brushed aluminum yoke and grille structure, and microfibre ear pads that provide exceptional comfort despite the 450-gram weight. The ear cups are generous in internal volume, accommodating larger ears without contact, and the open-back design features a distinctive perforated metal grille that exposes the copper-colored driver housing. The headband uses an elastic tension system that self-adjusts to head shape, distributing the substantial weight effectively, though the overall mass remains noticeable during extended sessions. Build quality is outstanding, with premium materials throughout including real leather, CNC-machined aluminum, and high-quality plastics, and the included cables are generous: a 1.2-meter 3.5mm cable with a 6.35mm adapter and a 3-meter 4-pin XLR cable for balanced operation.

Performance

The M-shaped dome driver delivers outstanding performance with exceptional dynamics, a wide frequency response extending to 28 kHz, and vanishingly low distortion at 0.25 percent at 100 dB SPL. The sound signature is remarkably neutral and balanced, with bass that extends cleanly to 5 Hz with tight, articulate impact, a midrange that is natural and transparent with excellent vocal presence, and treble that is extended, airy, and detailed without the sibilance or sharpness that affects some open-back competitors. Soundstage width and depth are exceptional, among the best in class under $2,000, with imaging that creates a convincing three-dimensional space that rivals the Sennheiser HD 800 S in spatial presentation while offering more engaging tonality. The 55-ohm impedance and 104 dB sensitivity make the Clear relatively easy to drive compared to other high-end open-back headphones, performing well with quality portable DAC/amp combos and premium desktop setups.

Features

The dual-cable system with both single-ended and balanced options provides flexibility for different amplifier configurations, and the included carrying case is a substantial hard-shell design with custom foam inserts that protect the headphones during transport. The microfibre ear pads are comfortable and breathable, though they tend to trap heat during long sessions and wear more quickly than leather alternatives. The elastic headband suspension system is a unique tension-based design that adapts to head shape without the need for manual adjustment clicks, though it can create uneven pressure distribution on some head shapes. There are no smart features, ANC, or wireless capabilities, as the Clear is designed purely for stationary high-fidelity listening with dedicated audio equipment.

Pros

• Outstanding dynamics and transient response from the M-shaped aluminum/magnesium dome driver, delivering attack and decay characteristics that rival electrostatic headphones while offering the weight and body of a dynamic driver design.

• Exceptionally wide and deep soundstage with holographic imaging that provides a speaker-like listening experience, placing instruments in a convincing three-dimensional space with precise localization.

• Neutral, balanced frequency response with extended sub-bass, transparent mids, and airy treble that avoids the peaks and dips common in this price range, making the Clear suitable for both critical listening and long enjoyment sessions.

• Relatively easy to drive for a high-end open-back headphone, with 55-ohm impedance and 104 dB sensitivity that allows good performance from premium portable sources and lower-powered desktop amplifiers.

• Premium build quality with real leather, CNC aluminum, and microfibre materials, and generous accessories including dual cables and a hard-shell carrying case.

Cons

• At 450 grams without the cable, the Clear is noticeably heavy, and the weight becomes apparent during listening sessions exceeding two hours, causing fatigue despite the effective weight distribution.

• The elastic headband suspension can create uneven pressure distribution on some head shapes, with some users reporting hotspots at the top of the head where the elastic band contacts the crown.

• Microfibre ear pads wear more quickly than leather alternatives and are not as easy to clean, requiring replacement more frequently to maintain comfort and acoustic performance.

• The price of $1,499 places the Clear in direct competition with newer models like the Audeze LCD-X and Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII, and the non-MG version is no longer in production, making availability limited.

Verdict

The Focal Clear is one of the finest open-back headphones available, offering a combination of dynamic impact, spatial presentation, and tonal balance that few competitors match at any price. It demands good upstream gear to sound its best but rewards with a listening experience that rivals headphones costing significantly more. The weight and elastic headband are comfort concerns for marathon listening sessions, but for sheer musical engagement and technical performance, the Clear remains a benchmark in the high-end headphone market.

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