lh-95

lh-95 t1_jednbxm wrote

Reply to What is everyone's opinion on focal headphones? I'm curious. by NoobBrawler0211

I first listened to Focal Clears auditioning them next to HD800S and Hifiman Arya Stealths.

They did not stand out to me for any particular aspect whilst the HD800S had that grand soundstage and the Aryas were great in their all round technicalities.

Unfortunately the HD800S were not suited to my music choices and I experienced sibilance with the Aryas and ended up not buying any of them.

I then realised that whilst the Clears didn’t “stand out” there wasn’t anything wrong with them. Technically great, with an enjoyable sound signature (for me) and available at a discounted price (in Australia) I bought them on a whim thinking I was “settling”.

Now after several months of living with them, I’ve become very appreciative of them. With great dynamics, a fun tuning and good levels of comfort without being too picky with sources they truly a jack of all trades, master of none.

In my mind they’re basically a direct upgrade to my HD6XXs and I don’t find the compulsion to buy anything else dynamic driver based. I have become cautious about the headband but no issues have developed with my manhandling and was a bit peeved about the cost of the pads (ZMF to the rescue) but am definitely a fan of Focal now and would look towards a newer Clear Mg or perhaps a Utopia if I decided to full send.

I love them and don’t feel like I’m missing out on much (except for maybe having a planar for the sake of having a planar)

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lh-95 t1_je3c0nw wrote

Reply to comment by -perchance- in Ready to ascend by -perchance-

Fuk ye cunt, a fellow Aussie.

I got the Clears last year on sale and similarly to you I went from a HD6XX, been loving them except for maybe the cables that are included.

Happy listening 👂

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lh-95 t1_jd5yppj wrote

Reply to Technophobe struggling with new kit by Bob90d

Aside from the issues of MQA I’d like to ask:

  • Not to insinuate anything but the XM4s are plugged into the Bolt right?
  • what colour is the LED on the bolt, it should be Magenta when rendering MQA
  • Don’t have an android but does the tidal app hand off to the USB DAC and lead to the LED turning magenta? When I previously used Tidal on iOS it knew that there was a USB DAC and handed off the “unfold” to the DAC
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lh-95 t1_iy35c6u wrote

Reply to am I the only one that enjoy listening to music with virtual surround? by Dr-Georgy

I don’t mind it with my AirPods Pro but it’s also highly dependent on the mixing of the track. There’s a very inconsistent quality of stuff even when they have been supposedly mixed in Dolby Atmos.

Fine on my commute but when I’m at home or sitting around somewhere it’s just stereo mixes thanks

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