A more appropriate comparison for the HD800s would be with the Utopia’s. The HD800s is probably the best performance to price value you can get. There are better performers like the Susvara and Abyss range etc but they are 3 times the price while only being slightly better in technical performance.
I am also a fan of the HD800S sound. Even the original HD800 can compete in this group. And since they were discontinued, getting a first-gen HD800 can be one of the best bargains one could hope for.
QUESTION of the week..: Which DAC and AMP to bring out the best in these 2 headphones? Which DAP to power these headphones when cannot use a desktop AMP?
*Very well put together review, and very honest. I had both of these headphones (actually the Clear in blue and not the Clear Pro). My best friend who hears more FELT the music in chest while listening to the Clear vs feeling only in throat while listening to the HD800S. To me it was the HD800S I stayed with and gave the Clear to my friend. But, I am wondering how the Focal Utopia is compared to these 2. ?*
I have watched a bunch of reviews on the Utopia, and have heard good things but the price vs performance ratio might not be worth it. I would love Focal to send me a pair for review ! :-)
I heard all three but the Focals only on brief occasions. Being brighter than the Clear, the Utopia's sound signature is closer to the HD800s than to the Clear. But again, these are based on first impressions. A longer side by side comparison would better give a more reliable assessment.
I think in the price range of the Utopia you should absolutely listen to the cans before you buy them. And if you get the chance try the stelia. They are insane for sepparation, detail and dynamics. Warmer than the utopia und have a giant soundstage for a closed back
@@tdfmike3915 man you got me wanting to try this for another review so bad lol! I wishhhhh - and yeah for most of these headphones should atleast be sitting with them for 30-60 days which I am doing for my next review on hifiman
@@gwapster13 Would be very useful to know more of the Utopia. The *Sennheiser HD800S* is too dry and analytical. The *Focal Clear* headphone is much less clear and less spacious than the *Sennheiser HD800S* is. The *Focal Utopia* might be THE answer to all. I am wondering.
I just ordered the Focal Clear MG'S. Some say the treble is not enough which makes the top end detail not the greatest while others say the 800 S are too bright. Looks like both have pros and cons
it's true, I'd say depending on your ears and how old are you are...that could also play a factor. I decided to keep the HD800s...and still LOVING them. They get me excited to listen to music!
@@IntuitiveReview I have the Beyerdynamic 1990's which have good top end. If I don't find the Focal Clear MGs provide something special above the 1990's, they are going back to the store.
@@IntuitiveReview I just received the Focal Clear MG's. I like them but don't love them. There are things to like, like construction, quality and good bass. However the top end is not open and airy. I have Focal Twins in my studio and Focal Arial speakers for audiophile and love them. However the lack on spatial high end is not good. I just played Yes Owner of a lonely heart and I like the 1990's open sound better. Yes the Clears have more meat but the top end which is there is good but the sparkle is not there. I will try some more music but don't think I will keep them. I will also see if breaking them in opens the top end at all. I will say after spending a little more time with the Clear's is they are more balanced sounding. The lows, mids and high's are all there in a proper balance. The 1990's are more low's and high's and the high's are extended. The Clear's are starting to grow on me.
@@revelationsoundstudio that's how I felt about the clears when I first got them. construction, quality, and exciting bass dynamics. and I think you are correct, give it a week or two and see how you feel. first impressions aren't always correct :-P
@@IntuitiveReview Nah, my budget is $ $ 1,000 and below , anything above that is the law of diminishing returns. I’ll stick with my Stax L300 electrostats. I am in Houston tx, and we don’t have a High end headphone store , sucks.
Nice review man! I own both and agree with your assessment, spot on. Also, i looked at your channel and you’re interested in all the hobby’s i’m interested in. Coffee, boarding and audiofile stuff. You got yourself a sup sir.
hahah that's awesome! I knew there had to be another person like me....are you into any wireless headphones for skating? I have been looking for a decent pair! glad you enjoyed the review, means alot to me dude
@@IntuitiveReview Hmm that's a hard one. I'm really excited to start surfskating. Maybe you could do a 'How to surfskate 101' for compleet noobs like me haha. I know there are a lot of video's on youtube but you just ride so smooth.
@@MrArtie72 OK, I think I will add that to the list...it probably wouldnt be that hard to do but maybe just do it from my perspective, and what I am working towards. Love the idea!
Thanks for your video! What is the best headphones for critical listening details wise? for example, limiter artifacts, mp3 artifacts, clicks, distortion, very low noises in the background, etc....Thanks ahead brother!
I think that is a really good short overview. I have the Sennheiser HD800S headphones and I absolutely love them. However I have never tried the Focal Clear Professionals and I'm sure I'd love those as well! I think the HD800s are like a little Hi Fi you wear. The sounds are coming to you, from a bit in front. They are not as immersive as other headphones, everything is laid out very precisely just in front of you. I do listen to a lot of classical and jazz, many will say that the HD800Ss are good for those, but actually they are also good for most genres. I think prog rock is absolutely fantastic with the HD800Ss. What they won't do is immerse you in bass, which is one of those really wonderful headphone experiences. So, they aren't great for dance music or reggae (both of which I really like as well). For that you will need a different set of headphones.
I agree with you, and that has been my experience with them. Its always nice to have another pair of phones to get bass atmosphere. What headphone did you end up getting for that experience? I have my he560 that I love for that
@@IntuitiveReview - Well at the moment I don't have headphones that do this kind of immersive bass really well. My plan is to look for some and the HE560 you mention would be something to check out. However I won't be doing this until later this year.
Which one would be a better choice between regular clear vs celestee? I will use them for in-door use, but they are both listed as same price, and I don't know which one is the right one for me.
I haven't tried the celestee BUT they are closed back, it will be a different sound overall. I prefer open back headphones. I would recommend purchasing both from bh or adoroma....demo for 30 days, and then just return the one you don't want. It's real easy to do!
@@IntuitiveReview I have already ordered for Clear after watching some review videos and going through the specs of both headphones. Since I will be using it for in-door use mostly, I think open-back headphones with higher specs is better choice for me!
@@JS-hf1qg I would say so also, really happy with the clear - I think they would be perfect for music but also gaming. That's the only thing lacking when I am gaming, not a fan of HD800s for those!
@@IntuitiveReview Whatever's available! I'm personally not a huge Hifiman fan because the egg-shaped Ananda and Arya cup shape puts annoying pressure on my neck/jaw area. Curious about ZMF because they're more rare, less opinions. But anything HD 800s generally - that's the next headphone I'm curious about adding.
@@michaelblum4557 yeah, I have the he560 love them but the arya and ananda egg shape even though loving the sound quality...the shape of it hurts after awhile :-(
