Definitely going to try the HEDDs, but I’m not a fan of the HD800 or 800s. Thanks for the recommendation though!
Agree on the 800’s…had them here fir a few days and returned them…even with their soundstage…
Very nicely done review @Chrono - cheers!
Since you luckily limited your EQ settings to 5 bands I was able to straight up punch in your numbers into my ADI-2 DAC and try it out.
This curve sounds pretty cool, but to my 42 year old ears it’s quite dark though. I don’t think Clear needs -6b cuts anywhere, really. Also I guess I’m into keeping some of the headphones’ overall FR character alive after EQ. Clear has this nice kind of brightness up top, I didn’t want to lose it. (Same thinking applies for EQ’ing my HD800.)
I tried using (most) your Q-values and frequencies, just bringing the bass boost and cuts to a more conservative level. To something that works for my ears. And damn, first impressions, it does sound really good, better than my own previous EQ’s done for these Clears. Nice! Here’s my more conservative approach:
Low Shelf at 86hz, +2,5dB Q of 0.9 (I hate mid-bass bloat)
Peak at 1200hz, -2dB Q of 1.4
Peak at 4500hz +1.5dB Q of 3
Peak at 6000hz, -2,5dB Q of 4
Peak at 10000hz, -2,5dB Q of 3
Thanks again for your work, keep it up!
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You’re a better man than me! When I adjust eq settings in my ADI-2 it’s less “punching it up” and more “slow & awkward with some cursing.”
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Thanks for checking out the review and EQ! I really appreciate the feedback!
My EQ profiles are really just meant to be a baseline for fellow enthusiasts to try a different flavor from their headphones, and they’re meant to be adjusted to your preference and what suits you best; it makes me really happy to see that my profile worked for you and liked its tone on the clear after some tweaks!
Also, yeah I also ended cutting the bass shelf to 85hz myself, as I found my previous one to bleed a little into the upper bass.
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ADI has a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it’s quite alright useability-wise. Hang in there, pal! 
P.S. This collegial, friendly and also highly informative communication I see here is just what this community needs, cheers folks!
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Focal Clears with Hagermanns TUBA…
Listening to Brandi Carlile, The Story, “Until I Die”…
10/10
OMG lucious and just superb combination
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Good morning! I bought a used set of Focal Clears. The seller was nice enough to send a new pair of earpads at his expense, but the grey on the headband really needs cleaning. I’ve handwashed Clear pads before, but I just don’t know what is best to use with the headband as it appears to be non-removeable. I’m using Tennis wrap as a headphone cover and it looks sharp, but I really want to restore the headband to some semblance of it’s original color.
Thanks!
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Wow, thats a hard one, I tried the Sonex stuff from Germany on a set of Clear pads and it turned them into even a darker shade if grey, not to my liking at all…wound up buying 2 sets of earpads to replace and have a spare set…
I would probaly try some gentle detergent, maybe woolite and cold water and try this in a small space?
Maybe send Focal a note and see if it can be replaced? $$$
Let us know if your successful!
Alex
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Be very, very, very careful - I’ve seen people posting pictures of the damage they’ve done to pads by cleaning them with various chemical solutions. I’ll see if I can find examples to share with you. But do please note that the price of replacement parts from Focal is exorbitant!
Edit: I should add that the underside of the headband is no less susceptible to damage and discoloration
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yes it is. Similar to the Elegia.
My local dealer is getting angry every time, we speak about it. His demo Clears can’t wear the headband sock LoL. Have the headband cover on mine since first week and would recommend not to do anything with chemics. Aren’t there these rubber-brushes for microfiber or suede clothes? Really have to ask my mother the next time
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Yes, I bought mine from a nice guy who had taken very good care of them - I got the cover before the Clear even arrived! I love these headphones enough to want to keep them for many, many years.
@billqs - sorry, I missed the point where you mentioned that you’d cleaned the pads yourself; I’m not sure the material is the same in the headband. I’m still looking for the post on a forum I saw about pad discoloration, though - it’s an important warning for Clear owners!
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Thanks! I’m curious how to attempt to clean them. This is my third pair of Clear. My first I sold to purchase some Audeze LCD 24s. I ordered a refurb pair but had to send them back as one of the channels was distorted, and finally this pair which has new pads, but a dark headband.
I’m keeping the new pads new but I really want to clean the headband. After that I will wrap them in the Tennis grip tape which should protect it.
I went to email Focal and went to their website and they now say the fabric is microfibre. I’m wondering if some rubbing alcohol might yield some cleaning without water stains?
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I got a set of real Focal Clear pads from Bloom audio for $150.
Also got a set from Audio Advisor for even less 2 months ago.
Alex
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I’ve happily used 99% rubbing alcohol for removing grease from wood and fabrics, but never tried it on the Clear. It evaporates very quickly and doesn’t sog things down. However, it will bleach/gray out some surfaces. If I were to try it, I’d dab it on and use a fresh, dry cloth to absorb it ASAP.
[I have the gray knitted cover on my Clears.]
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I can guinea pig on the old pads since I have a new set of pads still in wrapper. On my previous pair I was able to clean them by washing in light detergent in a sink being careful not to scrub and then air dry.
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Ok, I found the example I was looking for: see this for sale posting here. Note the comment by the seller: “the last owner used Alcantara cleaner and it stained the pads to be a bit darker” (emphasis added by me).
And if you wanna be grossed out, check out this other pair (eeewwwww).
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A short review
Clear has become my nr. 1 headphone at home after 3 months of living with them. My HD800, LCD-2.1, HD600 and HE500 have gotten very little headtime… Much like the HD600-series, there’s very little to fault and they work with everything you throw at them. Also I just love the grey & chrome look, classy stuff.
Overall sound quality and comparisons
Their punchy and dynamic sound is a godsend with rock, metal and hip-hop - which is most of what I listen to. This is the first full-sized headphone that even approaches the slam and heft in the lows of my LCD-2.1, and it does so very admirably. And it’s obviously more balanced in the mids and treble than the Audeze.
HE500 has wider soundstage and is similarly balanced FR-wise but lacks Clear’s smack in the low-end. The Hifiman stock cable is totally horrible though and the stock earpads aren’t plush enough for my head. Also we’re talking old skool planars, they be heavy. They need some thick pads, much like the Audezes. Much more of a good sounding “modder’s dream” than a complete package.
HD800 can be EQ’d to similarly good results with an obviously larger headstage, but there’s a certain edge to the treble no matter what and it needs a lot of FR fixing. I use EQ with Clear too, but it’s totally fine without it (my Chrono-inspired graph is posted above).
HD600 is more mid-focused and lacks the subs and overall dynamic punch the Clear excels at. Also Clear has more pronounced highs than HD600 without being shrill. I love the
clean and, ahem you-know-the-word highs. Neither have a large soundstage, but I’m not too bothered about that with the kind of music I enjoy. For folks with a smaller budget the Sennheiser is a highly recommendable option still, after almost 25 years of existence.
Minor quibbles
The cables are nice quality but stiff, the headband creaks and the pads of my used pair needed a bit of a wash (gently rubbing in warm water with dishwashing liquid). The Pro versions red pads shouldn’t show dirt as much and there’s two pairs of them, but they don’t come with a balanced cable. Also I wouldn’t want a coiled cable, ymmv.
Last thoughts
Basically the 600 and Clear are the most mature and “faultless” of my full-sized openbacks providing good comfort and little need for EQ, pad mods etc. In comparison though, the Focal has much better sound technicalities, build quality and accessories. Overall I’d call Clear the livelier sounding natural update to the Sennheiser.
(Pictures taken with an iPhone Xs)
Well done Focal, a relative newcomer to the headphone game! 
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Uhh oh boy… that is not funny
Reminds of a set DT990s a buddy used over 14years
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thank you for the review Zed and the top quality pictures you provided for us, of this great set of headphones!
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