Focal Clear MG

The Focal Clear MG sounds great after a break-in period, with detailed mids and a wide soundstage. But comfort is one of the worst we've seen, and the price is steep for average sound scores. Worth it only if you're a dedicated audiophile with a good amp and a high tolerance for luxury pricing.

The sound is detailed with punchy bass and a wide soundstage, especially after a break-in period. Owners consistently praise the mids and highs, and the magnesium driver does deliver dynamics that make well-recorded tracks shine. But the numbers are mixed. Sound sits at the 47th percentile, which is about average for this category, not the standout you'd hope for from a $1,344 headphone. Build quality is mediocre at the 34th percentile, and connectivity is a weak spot at the 19th percentile. The included cables are a common complaint, and you'll likely want a good amp to get the best out of these.

Against the Sony ULT WEAR, Sennheiser Momentum M5AEBT, and Technics EAH-A800, the Clear MG is a different animal entirely. Those are wireless, ANC-focused headphones with better connectivity and battery scores. The Clear MG is a wired, open-back audiophile piece. It beats them on pure sound detail and soundstage, but loses badly on comfort and connectivity. The JBL Tune 670NC and TOZO HT3 are budget options that don't compete on sound quality at all. If you want wireless convenience and ANC, look elsewhere. If you want a dedicated wired listening experience, the Clear MG is in a different league, but you'll pay for it.

At $1,344 USD, the Clear MG is a serious investment. You're paying for the Focal name, the magnesium driver, and that premium design. But the value proposition gets shaky when you look at the data. Sound is only average for the category, comfort is terrible, and the cables are a letdown. Owners mention the Hifiman Sundara as a cheaper alternative that gets you close in sound quality. If you have the budget and love the Focal tuning, it's a luxury buy. But it's not a slam dunk value.

The Focal Clear MG is a high-end open-back headphone built around an M-shaped magnesium dome driver. Focal says magnesium gives you better damping and dynamics while keeping the sound neutral. The design is a mix of chestnut, leather, aluminum, and microfiber, and it looks the part of a luxury audio piece.

But our database tells a more complicated story. Sound quality lands at the 47th percentile, which is solid but not the top-tier result you'd expect at this price. Comfort is a real problem, sitting at the 2nd percentile. That's one of the worst scores we've seen for fit, and it matters a lot on a headphone you'll wear for long listening sessions.

Skip the Clear MG if comfort is a priority. The 2nd percentile comfort score means these likely won't work for long sessions or larger heads. Also skip if you want wireless, ANC, or good connectivity, since this is a wired open-back with no noise cancelling. And if you're value-conscious, the Hifiman Sundara gets you close in sound for a fraction of the price.

The Focal Clear MG is for audiophiles who already have a good amp and don't mind a break-in period. The sound is genuinely excellent once everything settles in, with detailed mids and a wide stage. But the comfort score is a dealbreaker for many, and the price is hard to justify when the sound percentile is only average. Buy these if you love the Focal house sound and want a beautiful, well-built luxury headphone. Skip them if comfort or value matter more than brand cachet.