Focal have unveiled a new reference open-back headphone named the Clear Mg. They replace the original Clear headphones from 2017, while keeping the same high-end $1,490 price tag. Mg is the chemical symbol for Magnesium, which has been used in the construction of a new ‘M’-shaped magnesium dome covering its full-range driver. Focal claims that the newly constructed driver is lighter, more rigid, and better damped. The sound is said to be even more transparent and detailed than that of their Clear predecessor; although their specifications are identical.
With so much completion from Audeze, HiFiMan, and Sennheiser in the $1,000 – $2,000 range, the Clear Mg will have to deliver a higher level of performance — something we suspect they will based on Focal’s recent track record in the headphone category. The French manufacturer let the dust settle before they jumped into the high-end headphone category and have delivered every single time with their product introductions.
Focal are one of the largest high-end loudspeaker manufacturers in the world and have access to cutting-edge driver technology designed in-house; although that is no guarantee of great sounding headphones as other loudspeaker manufacturers have fallen down with their headphone designs over the past decade. Focal’s more deliberate approach to headphone development; and active participation in the Head-Fi space (CanJam shows) has put some daylight between them and their rivals. Expect a review from us by the end of April.
The Clear Mg are also designed to deliver more precise and impactful sound from its redesigned drivers. Another issue that Focal have addressed with the Clear Mg is the ability to drive them with a portable dongle DAC like the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt, Clarus CODA, or Helm Bolt; the impedance (55 ohms) of the headphones makes them an easier load for those who may want to use them on their daily commute connected to their smart phone.
In addition to their sound quality, Clear Mg headphones stand out for their chic and elegant design. The solid aluminum yoke has been developed to perfectly mold to the face, the headband covered in genuine leather and microfiber offers a constant curve, no matter which way the head turns, and the perforated microfiber earpads result in enhanced opening and comfort. The outside of the earpads boasts a sophisticated honeycomb pattern: an elegance contributed to by the brand-new Chestnut and Mixed-Metals finish which blend classic and modern looks. To complete the package, the carrying case has been woven in colors to match the headphones.
Features
- High-fidelity open-back headphones for consumer use, made in France
- New cone material: Magnesium, for lightness and damping
- Remarkable sound performance: perfect dynamics, detail and balance
- Comfortable and ergonomic
- Low impedance (55 Ohms) to achieve very good performance with a portable player
Specifications
- Type: Circum-aural open-back headphones
- Impedance: 55 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 104dB SPL / 1 mW @ 1kHz
- THD: 0.25% @ 1kHz / 100dB SPL
- Frequency Response: 5Hz – 28kHz
- Speaker Driver: 1-5/8″ (40mm) ‘M’-shaped magnesium dome
- Weight: 0.99lbs (450g)
- Cables Supplied:
- 1 x 3.9ft (1.2m) mini-jack cable with 1/4″ (6.35mm) jack adapter
- 1 x 9.8ft (3m) 4-pin XLR cable1 jack adapter
- 1-1/8″ (3.5mm) female – 1/4″ (6.35mm) male
- Carrying Case: 9-7/8 x 9-1/2 x 4-3/4″ (250x240x120mm)
Pricing & Availability
The Focal Clear Mg will be available in the US in March 2021 for $1,490.
For more information visit here, https://www.focal.com/us/headphones/for-home/clear-mg.
Focal Clear Pro Mg Professional
There’s also a specially designed Professional version in red that was just released last month. We’re told the Pro model only differs from the consumer headphone in color, although it does come with extra cables and an extra set of earpads. Price is the same, $1,490 at Amazon.
ABOUT FOCAL NAIM NORTH AMERICA
Born from the merger of Focal, world leader in acoustic sound made in France, and Naim Audio, world leader in British-made hi-fi electronics, Vervent Audio Group’s brand subsidiaries signal a new investment phase and direction for Vervent in the US and Canada. By creating its own distribution entity, the group is striving to turn the North American territory into the market leader for Focal which turned 40 in 2019, and Naim which just turned 45.
ABOUT VERVENT AUDIO GROUP
Vervent Audio Group was born in 2011, incorporating Focal and Naim Audio. Each brand brings its own expertise: Focal is a French manufacturer of loudspeaker technologies and hi-fi speakers, whose expertise extends to pro-audio speakers, in-car audio, custom install products and headphones. Naim is a renowned British electronics specialist, specializing in two-channel Hi-Fi, multi-room music streaming systems, amplifiers and music servers. Both are recognized as exceptional brands in their countries: Naim is a multiple Queen’s Award winner, while Focal is designated by the French state as an Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant. Together, they have united their unique areas of excellence & innovation and constitute a High-Fidelity reference point in the world. Vervent Audio’s key markets are Europe, Asia and North America; strategic territories in which the Group open Focal Powered by Naim flagship stores.
Nicholas Dira
July 17, 2023 at 2:53 am
I just purchased the Focal Bathy’s Wireless Headphones. I own a Dragonfly Cobalt. Is this better than the Dac Processor that’s inside the headphones ?
Ian White
July 17, 2023 at 2:34 pm
Nicholas,
Completely different. The DAC inside the Bathys was designed specifically for those headphones. Using an external one would change the tonal balance and presentation. It’s not really a “better” scenario. It’s a “different” sounding scenario.
I wouldn’t mess with the sound of the Bathys.
Best,
Ian White