Focal Clear MG Review — The Essence of High-End Open-Back Sound

Headband adjustability allows fine-tuning of fit and even weight distribution. Some models, like the Focal Clear MG, feature metal sliders that hold their position securely. When comparing cable vs. wireless headphones, wired models such as the Audio-Technica M50x are often lighter because they don’t carry batteries or built-in electronics. Wireless models of similar construction inevitably weigh more — the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95, for example, comes in at around 285 g. Ultimately, it depends on whether the convenience of wireless is worth the few extra grams for your use case.

Design & Materials

The Focal Clear MG embodies Focal’s meticulous approach to high-end craftsmanship. Its honeycomb grille pattern, sleek metal structure, and luxurious mix of leather and microfibre create a look that’s both elegant and industrial. Every curve and joint feels engineered rather than decorative. The solid aluminum yoke not only gives the frame durability but also helps disperse weight evenly to improve long-term comfort.

At the heart of the design lies Focal’s 40 mm M-shaped magnesium dome driver — the “MG” in its name. Magnesium offers an exceptional rigidity-to-weight ratio, resulting in lightning-fast transient response and minimal distortion. This combination of science and artistry is what defines the Focal Clear MG audiophile headphones: precision materials chosen with the goal of pure sonic integrity.

Comfort & Fit

Despite weighing about 450 grams, the Clear MG is remarkably comfortable. Focal uses thick memory foam wrapped in soft, breathable microfibre for the ear pads, providing plush contact while keeping heat buildup under control. The adjustable aluminum yoke curves naturally to reduce pressure on the head, distributing the mass evenly.

In extended sessions — whether mastering, mixing, or long casual listening — Focal Clear MG comfort truly shines. The ear pads rest lightly yet securely, allowing hours of fatigue-free listening. As an open-back design, however, the Clear MG does not isolate outside noise, nor does it prevent sound from leaking out. It’s intended for quiet listening environments such as studios or dedicated listening rooms.

Build Quality & Craftsmanship

The build quality is exceptional — and distinctly French. Every pair of Clear MG headphones is hand-assembled in Focal’s facility in Saint-Étienne, France. Each component fits with precision, from the metallic grille down to the removable cables and connectors. There’s virtually no plastic where it doesn’t belong.

This construction doesn’t just look and feel premium; it also has acoustic benefits. The aluminum structure minimizes unwanted resonances, while the honeycomb grille disperses sound waves in a more natural pattern. Leather and microfibre details enhance the tactile experience, turning these headphones into both an acoustic instrument and a piece of art. For those who value durability and aesthetics as much as sonic performance, the Focal Clear MG audiophile headphones represent a rare blend of engineering and craftsmanship.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Open-back, circumaural over-ear headphones
• Driver: 40 mm M-shaped magnesium dome
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 28 kHz
• Impedance: 55 Ω
• Sensitivity: 104 dB SPL / 1 mW @ 1 kHz
• THD: < 0.25 % @ 1 kHz / 100 dB SPL
• Weight: 450 g
• Cable: Detachable OFC cables (various lengths) with 6.35 mm adapter; some packages include balanced XLR
• Origin: Handmade in France

Sound Signature

The Focal Clear MG review wouldn’t be complete without focusing on its sound, which is where it truly excels. The tonal balance leans slightly warm but remains natural and neutral overall. The midrange stands out for its lifelike texture, revealing subtle nuances in vocals, acoustic instruments, and string harmonics. Bass is tight and well-controlled with quick transient response, while treble is smooth and free from sharp edges, allowing fatigue-free listening for hours.

The Clear MG offers an impressively wide and open soundstage with pinpoint imaging accuracy. Instrument placement feels realistic — you can almost “see” where each musician stands. Instead of the in-head sensation typical of many headphones, the Clear MG projects sound outward, mimicking the spatial realism of high-end speakers. This is why many audiophiles shortlist it among the best open-back headphones for critical listening and professional use.

Listening Experience

Paired with a high-quality DAC and amplifier, the Clear MG reveals micro-details that most headphones gloss over — the subtle intake of breath between vocal lines, the metallic shimmer of a hi-hat, or the faint room reverb in a studio track. It isn’t tuned for exaggerated excitement or heavy bass impact, but for authenticity and tonal precision.

The Focal Clear MG thrives in controlled environments — in the studio, at your desk, or in a dedicated listening room. Its high sensitivity means it can be driven by many desktop amps, though it truly comes alive with clean, high-current amplification. If you’re serious about high-fidelity reproduction, few models in this price range deliver this balance of realism, energy, and refinement.

Comparisons: Clear MG vs. Clear OG, Utopia, and Bathys

In Focal’s lineup, the Clear MG sits between the original Focal Clear OG and the flagship Focal Utopia. Compared with the Clear OG, the MG version introduces magnesium drivers that offer slightly warmer tonality and smoother treble. The Clear OG is more neutral and analytical, while the MG feels more musical and forgiving, making it ideal for longer sessions.

When compared to Focal Utopia, the Clear MG holds its ground surprisingly well. Utopia delivers greater resolution and a more three-dimensional soundstage, but it’s nearly twice the price. For many listeners, the Clear MG’s tuning hits a “sweet spot” — refined but not sterile, detailed but still emotionally engaging.

Against the Focal Bathys, the contrast is philosophical: Bathys represents modern convenience — wireless, ANC, and portability — whereas the Clear MG is the purist’s choice. Those seeking the ultimate reference experience will gravitate toward the MG, while listeners wanting daily usability might prefer the Bathys or Focal FBATHYSMG Bluetooth® Headphones with ANC (see related reviews).

This contextual positioning underscores why the Focal Clear MG audiophile headphones continue to earn respect among critical listeners — they strike a rare balance between precision and pleasure, sitting confidently in the “sweet middle ground” of Focal’s high-end range.

Focal Clear MG Comparison

Luxury Flagship (Beoplay H95) vs Everyday Premium (Beoplay HX) vs. Audiophile Sound (Focal Bathys)

The Beoplay HX is designed for everyday comfort and portability, while the Beoplay H95 delivers a more luxurious build and a wider, more refined sound signature. Focal Bathys focuses on audiophile-grade sound performance, while the Beoplay H95 balances excellent sound quality with superior comfort and everyday usability.

Focal Clear MG

The balanced reference choice — musical, detailed, and engaging for long listening sessions.

• Open-back dynamic headphone with magnesium drivers
• Slightly warm, smooth tonality with excellent midrange presence
• Strong detail retrieval without sounding analytical
• Comfortable design suited for extended listening
• Ideal for music lovers who want accuracy with musicality

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Focal Clear Pro MG

The studio-leaning evolution of the Clear MG, tuned for accuracy and critical monitoring.

• Magnesium drivers tuned for a more neutral presentation
• Enhanced clarity and micro-detail for critical listening
• Tighter bass and more controlled treble response
• Designed for professional and reference use
• Best for listeners who prefer precision over warmth

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HifiMAN Arya Unveiled

A planar magnetic alternative with a vast soundstage and exceptional spatial realism.

• Open-back planar magnetic headphone with stealth magnets
• Exceptionally wide and immersive soundstage
• High resolution with strong separation and imaging
• Airy, spacious presentation ideal for orchestral and live recordings
• Suited for listeners who value scale and openness over intimacy

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Special Features & Accessories

• Handmade in France with meticulous quality control
• 40 mm M-shaped magnesium drivers for lightweight dynamics and clarity
• Breathable microfibre ear pads with memory foam for extended Focal Clear MG comfort
• Detachable oxygen-free copper (OFC) cables (6.35 mm and XLR options)
• Premium hard-shell carrying case
• Open-back acoustic design for spacious, natural soundstage
• Recommended burn-in period (~24 hours) for driver stabilization

Pros & Cons

Buying Guide: Who Is It For?

The Focal Clear MG review reveals a headphone that is not built for everyone — it’s built for those who care about truth in sound. If you’re a casual listener who mainly streams Spotify on the go, this might not be your ideal pick. But if you have a dedicated listening setup or love exploring sonic textures and mix nuances, the Clear MG will feel like an intimate instrument of rediscovery.

It’s best suited for:

• Audiophiles and critical listeners who value accuracy and balance over heavy coloration.
• Music producers and mastering engineers need transparent reference tools.
• Hi-fi enthusiasts who appreciate craftsmanship and comfort during long listening sessions.
• Collectors who enjoy the tactile luxury of French-made high-end gear.

If you’re upgrading from consumer-grade headphones, the Clear MG offers a profound step into the audiophile world — one that reveals the true quality of your source and amplifier. However, it also exposes bad recordings mercilessly, which is a hallmark of high-fidelity headphones.

Setup & Pairing Tips

To extract the best from your Clear MG, pairing matters. Because of its 55-ohm impedance and high sensitivity, it can run from a good portable DAC, but it scales significantly with cleaner amplification. Solid-state amps like the Topping A50 III, or Topping A90 Discrete bring out their speed and precision, while tube hybrids like Feliks Echo add a touch of warmth that complements the headphone’s natural tone.

For cables, using balanced connections (via XLR) can help reduce noise and improve dynamics. And because it’s open-back, choose a quiet environment — ideally a treated room or studio desk setup. Allow a burn-in period of around 24–48 hours for the magnesium drivers to stabilize and open up fully. Once settled, you’ll notice the soundstage expand and bass articulation improve.

Finally, remember that the Focal Clear MG audiophile headphones respond directly to your source quality. Feeding it compressed MP3s won’t do justice to its capabilities; lossless or high-resolution files through a competent DAC will reveal what these headphones were truly designed for.

Value, Use Cases & Comparison

The Focal Clear MG sits in a clearly defined space within the premium headphone market: it’s for those who demand reference-grade listening without wireless conveniences. Its sound precision makes it a tool for professionals, yet its comfort and finish make it an indulgence for serious music lovers.

If portability or active noise cancellation are must-haves, the Focal Bathys or Focal FBATHYSMG Bluetooth® Headphones with ANC (see related articles) may suit you better. But when it comes to pure sound reproduction, the Clear MG remains one of the most faithful representations of music you can experience through a pair of headphones.

Its openness, balance, and built integrity make it a standout among Focal Clear MG audiophile headphones — especially for listeners who prefer a wired, studio-level experience. If you search for terms like “best open-back headphones 2025” or “high-end wired headphones for audiophiles,” the Clear MG consistently ranks as a top contender.

Final Verdict

The Focal Clear MG review ultimately reaffirms why Focal remains a dominant force in the audiophile space. The Clear MG distills everything the brand does best — meticulous craftsmanship, innovative driver design, and a sonic signature that feels effortless yet engaging. It’s not about wow-factor bass or DSP tricks; it’s about hearing music as it was meant to sound.

For critical listening, home studios, or anyone who values detail and realism over convenience, the Clear MG is a compelling investment. Its blend of engineering precision, luxurious comfort, and organic sound reproduction puts it in rare company — a true audiophile headphone that justifies its premium price.

Where to Focal Clear MG Open-Back 

Focal Clear MG Open-Back Audiophile Headphones

Handcrafted in France, the Focal Clear MG combines luxury materials and acoustic mastery. Its open-back design and magnesium M-shaped drivers offer lifelike transparency and warmth, while the leather headband and perforated microfibre pads keep listening sessions supremely comfortable. If sound quality is your top priority and you’re looking for a long-term reference headphone for home listening, the Focal Clear MG is a safe and rewarding investment.

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