Focal Clear OG
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
The Focal Clear OG is widely considered a benchmark for high-end open-back headphones, frequently praised for its punchy dynamics, precise imaging, and detailed resolution. While many users prefer its tuning over the newer MG successor, it is noted for a polarizing 'Focal timbre' and a treble response that some find sibilant or harsh. It is often recommended as a significant technical upgrade for fans of the Sennheiser HD600 series, though its soundstage is described as relatively intimate or narrow compared to competitors like the Hifiman Arya.
Pros
- Excellent imaging and technical precision, making it effective for both music and competitive gaming.
- Strong dynamic 'punch' and impact, particularly well-suited for genres like trance.
- High build quality and comfort for long listening sessions.
- Often preferred over the newer Clear MG for its perceived clarity and tuning.
- Excellent value when found on the used market (reported between $400-$700).
Cons
- Treble can be harsh or sibilant for sensitive listeners.
- Soundstage is relatively narrow or 'intimate' compared to other headphones in its class.
- Replacement ear pads are notoriously expensive.
- Concerns regarding Focal's long-term quality control (QC) and company support.
Caveats
- Many users recommend using EQ to smooth out the treble or boost the bass to personal preference.
- Pairing with a 'warmer' amplifier can help mitigate the brightness of the top end.
- Availability is becoming limited as the product is older and harder to find new in retail stores.
Best for
- Listeners upgrading from the Sennheiser HD600 or HD650 seeking more detail and punch.
- Trance and electronic music fans who value dynamic impact.
- Gamers who prioritize accurate directional imaging over wide soundstage.
Avoid if
- You are highly sensitive to treble brightness or sibilance.
- You want a vast, expansive soundstage experience.
- You are concerned about high maintenance costs for proprietary replacement parts.
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 6-month half-life. The evidence is drawn from 26 mentions between January 2025 and March 2026, with a median source age of approximately 277 days.
Sentiment
31 positive (62%) · 13 mixed (26%) · 6 negative (12%)
Trust + time weighted score: +47% · raw score 50%
What redditors said (10 of 50)
Some alternative options be the Arya Stealth, Focal Clear OG, or the Meze 109 Pro but your best bet would be either the HE1000 or the Arya Stealth
Focal Clear OG - I had to really upgrade my chain before I could hear what these could do
Parent context: OG or MG? Reply: A lot of people prefer the OG. I think it’s a bit too harsh.
Focal Clear OG, because the pads became dirty after 2 months. Also they are super expensive to replace. Also you have to baby them or they break. But they sound amazing.
Truthfully, I still think the HD600 is still better stock, but with EQ, the Clear OG has become the last missing piece of the puzzle.
I’ve had the Meze 109 Pro, Arya Stealth, Focal Clear OG, ZMF Bokeh Open/Closed, and the Heddphone D1, and while they were all good, I found they weren’t worth the jump in price compared to what I can get out of these
Both My Clear OG and Clear MG clipped at ~100-105dB at certain frequencies
Best upgrade of Clear in terms of sound quality and comfort.
Focal Clear OG
The best for trance I've found is Focal Clear og - you can eq the bass up a bit if you want but even stock it's good - but it really shines in the breakdowns...
Compare
Focal Clear OG vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKIIFocal Clear OG vs Sennheiser HD 550Focal Clear OG vs Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
Related
- Focal Clear · parent · 67 mentions
- Focal Clear MG · sibling · 51 mentions
- HiFiMAN Edition XS · related · 852 mentions
- Sennheiser HD 560S · related · 841 mentions
- FiiO FT1 · related · 750 mentions
- HiFiMAN Arya Stealth · related · 703 mentions
- Sennheiser HD 600 · related · 638 mentions
- Sennheiser HD 490 Pro · related · 598 mentions