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Headphones Newbie; Senheisser HD 800s or Focal MG Clear

Hi

I'm currently down to one pair of speakers, Quad 2905's. And because these speakers are with the repair technician on a continual basis, I need a backup. While another pair of Quads or another brand of speakers would be ideal, I don't  have that kind of money at the moment. So I've been thinking about buying a pair of headphones that punch above their weight class. My local Senheisser dealer says the HD800s and my Focal dealer says the MG Clear. I really like the looks of the Focal's and am leaning in that direction. I'll just use the headphone input on my ASR Emitter Exclusive II. All suggestions are appreciated, thank you!

goofyfoot
goofyfoot OP
1,316 posts
 

@tds3371 thanks for clarifying.

goofyfoot OP
1,316 posts
 

@larsman I've read a few reviews on the Focal Clear MG's and it seems like they've really made improvements over the original Clear's, one being detail. One thing I'm really wondering about the Focal's is whether or not the treble frequencies can seem weak or truncated?

I do have some time before making the purchase. I've got to clear some financial matters before I do anything. Hopefully my dealer might get a pair of the Clear MG's before then.

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,496 posts
 

The ERA-1s do it all. I have them for opens and Kennertons Magni s for closed backs. Very similar (neutral) sound signatures.

goofyfoot OP
1,316 posts
 

I’m sorry for not mentioning this but I am looking for a pair of open backed headphones. My understanding of the differences between the two may be mistaken but when I’ve had the chance to hear headphones at the dealer, I’ve preferred the open to the closed.

big_greg
6,554 posts
 

@big_greg so are you saying bass is noticeably lacking in the Sennheiser's? For the treble region, which would you say is easier to listen to?

The Sennheisers are not lacking in bass, they are pretty balanced from top to bottom. Both do well in the treble region. The best way I can describe my experience between the two is that the Sennheiser are more realistic and the Focals are more fun. Which one I would pick would vary based on my mood.

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