Focal Clear

"The top-of-the-range Clear open-back headphones promise a listening experience worthy of the best loudspeakers."

The Clear truly delivers on its promise—its clarity, precision, and dynamic sound are as engaging as a great set of speakers, just in a more personal format.

"Made in France in Focal's workshops, it is inspired by the best technologies and developments made on our Utopia headphones."

The craftsmanship is undeniable, and from what I've heard, approaches the quality of a Utopia for a fraction the price.

"[The Clear] boasts exceptional performance thanks to its exclusive full-range driver. It reveals the most minute details of musical creation."

The detail retrieval is outstanding—you can hear every nuance, from subtle background elements to fast, complex instrumentation.

The Focal Clear is one of the most versatile and technically capable headphones I’ve tried. The design is lightweight yet sturdy, and the plush ear pads and head strap make them comfortable for extended sessions. Build quality is premium, as expected from Focal, and the overall aesthetic is simply elegant. However, the headband is known to crack and fatigue overtime and the fabric on the inside of the pad and the pads is prone to discoloration.

The bass on the Clear is impressive—not in its sheer punch, but in its clarity and control. It extends deep and keeps up with the fastest speed metal tracks, while retaining a level of detail that lets you appreciate every nuance. Compared to bass-heavy headphones like many of the Sony's I have tried, the Clear trades impact for precision and it’s a trade-off I appreciate for music but a little less for games.

The mids are smooth and detailed, though they don’t have the warmth or fullness of the HD 800 S. The treble is crisp and clear without ever becoming harsh. Across the board, the treble helps the Clear excel in detail retrieval, making it easy to pick out individual elements in complex tracks. Out of the box, I think the Focal tuning is excellent, and with a touch of EQ these headphones can match your preferred sound quite easily.

The soundstage is wide but controlled. The Clears don't compete with the Edition XS or the HD 800 S for width, nor does it compete with the HD 600-series for intimacy, instead focusing on providing a wide enough stage that keeps small details noticeable. If the HD 800 sounds like you're on a stage, and the 660 sounds like you're at desk, these sound like you're listening to music coming speakers in a small room. The imaging is quite good and every sound has its place in the room. This makes the Clear not only great for music but also an excellent choice for gaming, where accurate positional audio is crucial.

Overall, the Focal Clear is a balanced and versatile headphone that delivers incredible clarity and detail without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re into fast-paced metal, gaming, or critical listening, these headphones are an easy recommendation.

Yes.

If you’re looking for a headphone that balances speed, clarity, and comfort, the Focal Clear is an old yet still outstanding choice. It’s versatile enough for gaming and music while delivering the technical performance you’d expect from a high-end headphone.