While closed-back gaming headphones have long been the go-to choice for gamers, a notable shift is occurring in the gaming audio landscape. Gamers are increasingly adopting open-back headphones, drawn by their unique advantages. These headphones offer an expansive soundstage, enhancing spatial awareness and immersing players in the direction of in-game sounds. Moreover, their breathability makes them a comfortable choice for marathon gaming sessions.
The Best Open Back Gaming Headphones in 2023
Open-back headphones have traditionally found their place in music mixing and studio work, leaving gamers with limited options. However, the gaming community is catching on to the benefits these headphones bring. To assist gamers in their quest for superior audio experiences, we’ve conducted extensive research to compile a list of the best open-back headphones for gaming in 2023.
Exploring the Advantages of Open-Back Gaming Headphones
- Expansive Soundstage: The hallmark of open-back headphones, their wide soundstage, which immerses gamers in a realistic audio environment. This is crucial for precisely identifying the source and direction of in-game sounds, providing a competitive edge.
- Comfortable Gaming: Prolonged gaming sessions demand comfort. Open-back headphones excel in this department, as their design allows for better airflow, preventing discomfort from heat build-up that closed-back headphones can cause.
Unlock the Best in Gaming Audio
- Get budget with these gaming headphones under $100
- Turn off the noise with these $100 headphones with ANC
As open-back headphones gain traction among gamers, the gaming experience is poised for an audio revolution. Stay with us as we guide you through the top open-back gaming headphones of 2023, ensuring your gaming journey is defined by precision audio and enduring comfort.
Best Open Back Headphones for Gaming– Our top 3 picks
#1 Best Overall: Focal Utopia
Focal Utopia
Today, I have the honor of reviewing the Focal Utopia, a headphone that’s the epitome of luxury and audio excellence. As a fervent admirer of Focal, I’ve eagerly awaited the chance to experience the Utopia, their flagship offering.
- The best-sounding headphones on the market – Unrivalled sound quality
- Futuristic design and styling with high-end materials like carbon
- Build quality worthy of its high price
- One of the most expensive headphones I have ever tested
- It needs a good source device to maximize performance
Unveiling the Package: A Symphony of Elegance
Upon lifting the Utopia’s box, the first sensation is the velvety touch of leather covering it. Delicate red stitching accents the box, adding an air of sophistication. Opening it is a tactile delight as a small red ribbon beckons to reveal the headphones, cradled in gentle foam. Alongside, a discreet black envelope holds user guides and a 9.8” OFC cable featuring Neutrik 6.35mm to Lemo Connectors with a self-locking bayonet.
Design: Where Comfort Meets Craftsmanship
Gently extracting the headphones from their sanctuary reveals their soft leather embrace. Placing them on your head feels like slipping into a cloud – they are perfection. The outer cushioning of the headband contrasts with its inner support, coated in supple lambskin leather. The craftsmanship is top-notch. The band’s shape conforms to your head, ensuring the ear pads rest securely over your ears, and the weight distribution is impeccable.
The Utopia employs an open-back full-range speaker driver with a Beryllium dome. Beryllium foil, heated to 700 degrees, forms an incredibly robust Berylla (Beryllium Oxide). This unique material endows the Utopia with unparalleled transient response and distortion performance, making it transparent in its sound reproduction.
Cable: Sonic Integrity Preserved
The OFC cable utilizes stereo 1/4″ (6.35mm) Neutrik connectors leading to two Lemo connectors. Aligning the red dot on the connector with its counterpart is crucial when connecting the Lemos to the headphones. The cable itself is robust, and its length (9.8″) allows freedom of movement while ensuring headphone stability.
Focal Utopia
Embarking on an Auditory Odyssey
Bass: The Utopia’s bass response is extraordinary, capturing the nuances of low-frequency notes with precision. While the frequency range extends down to 5 Hz (though inaudible, you can feel it), the result is a spacious and clear low-end.
Mid-range: The mid-range is expansive, delivering transparent dynamics. Reverb tails decay, swell, and decay once more, imbuing it with warmth and roundness, making it detailed and lively across genres. Listening to Brahms, I was left with goosebumps, a testament to its clarity.
Treble: With a frequency range extending to 50kHz, the high frequencies possess an ethereal quality, lending vocals, cymbals, and stringed instruments a delightful openness.
Stereo Field: The stereo field is expansive and precise. It immerses you in the recording space, enhancing the music’s emotional resonance.
Loudness Warning: A word of caution – the Utopia sounds so exceptional that the temptation to increase the volume is constant. While they excel at high volumes, their clarity might lead to unintentionally loud listening. Protect your hearing and remain mindful of volume while enjoying the Focal Utopia.
In Conclusion: An Audiophile’s Pinnacle
The Focal Utopia Headphones are the epitome of luxury and audio fidelity. They meld aesthetics, comfort, and sound quality seamlessly. With Beryllium drivers, they achieve precision and transient response that few can match. Admittedly, they come with a price tag of $3999.99, but for those who cherish highly detailed music, these headphones are an investment that truly pays off. Such recommendations are rare, but for the Focal Utopia, they hold true.
#2 Best Open Back Headphones for Audiophiles: Audeze LCD 5
Audeze LCD 5
Audeze has taken the audiophile world by storm with its LCD series headphones, known for their high-end audio prowess. The LCD-5, their latest flagship model, has set new standards in this already distinguished lineage, and I’ve had the privilege of spending ample time with it, exploring whether its $4,500 price tag is justified.
- Natural soundstage
- Immersive spatial imaging
- Clean bass
- Rich midrange
- Airy treble
- Good-sized ear cups
- Cost
- Slight passive amplification of ambient noise
- No 3.5mm jack adaptor
- No vegan leather alternatives offered
One recurring concern with the LCD series has been their size, often towering over competitors. Audeze has made reducing this colossal footprint a central objective with the LCD-5. They claim it weighs one-third less than its predecessors. Having worn various LCD models without much discomfort in extended listening sessions, I never criticized Audeze for their size. However, the LCD-5’s reduced weight is a revelation. It remains heavier than many headphones but feels featherlight compared to its predecessors.
Slipping on the LCD-5 for the first time, it’s evident that meticulous design work has gone into ensuring a snug cup fit. The frame, crafted from aluminum, magnesium, and acetate, strikes a balance between durability and lightness. The premium leather earpads offer a warm embrace. In the LCD-5, these pads are ergonomically sloped, not only enhancing comfort but also mitigating unwanted resonances.
Design
The LCD-5 boasts an open-back planar design with a substantial 90mm transducer. Audeze’s engineering feat lies in housing this driver in a smaller enclosure. Their patented Fluxor magnet technology returns here, accompanied by new Fazor waveguides aimed at reducing diffractions within the ear. The introduction of Parallel Uniforce voice coils increases voltage, lowers impedance, and optimizes the space between magnets, enhancing soundstage and audio fidelity.
Soundstage: A Sonic Revelation
Audeze’s reputation in delivering an expansive soundstage is upheld magnificently by the LCD-5. It offers a splendid stage, impressively wide without feeling artificially stretched. Instead, it excels in depth, creating a deeply immersive experience. The LCD-5 excels in portraying the spatial properties of tracks, creating a three-dimensional, holographic space that envelops and immerses the listener.
Low End: Rich and Articulate
The LCD-5 doesn’t disappoint in the bass department. It delivers an extended, satisfying low-end response. Sub-bass adds depth and resonance, harmonizing with energetic mid-bass to inject dynamism into the sound profile. The tonality remains crystal clear, maintaining its impact without becoming bloated. The dynamic range is noteworthy, offering a potent bass response that harmoniously blends with the overall sound signature.
Mids: Musical Brilliance
The midrange is where the LCD-5 truly shines. It brims with detail, unveiling natural musicality across various mixes. Each element of a track, from intricate instrumentation to crisp vocals, is presented with exceptional clarity. The frequencies exude power, rendering timbre vivid and captivating. Listening to tracks like those from the “Let It Be” Super Deluxe album on the LCD-5 is a sheer delight, with performances feeling transparent and studio-like.
Audeze LCD 5
Highs: Airy Precision
The treble region, as expected, maintains the LCD-5’s signature clarity. It introduces an airy quality, contrasting with the solidity of the bass and mids. This balance complements the headphone’s spatial attributes, lending tracks height and coloration. While the LCD-5 delivers fidelity, it refrains from being too biting, opting for a smoother timbre. It avoids piercing elements in the highs, ensuring a universally enjoyable listening experience.
In Summation: Audiophile Nirvana
The Audeze LCD-5 is an impressive feat in the world of high-end headphones. Its smaller earcups make it a worthy upgrade, particularly for Audeze enthusiasts. The meticulous attention to detail across its various facets positions it as a benchmark for audiophile headphones. Amidst fierce competition, the LCD-5 distinguishes itself, appealing both to Audeze loyalists and newcomers. It offers an unforgettable listening experience, a privilege only a headphone of this caliber can provide.
#3 The legend Continues : Grado SR80X
Grado SR80X
The Grado Labs SR80x is a niche product with a sort of studio-style frequency response, intended for casual listening in quiet environments. It’s not especially versatile with its open-back ear cups, however, for at-home use, it’s a lightweight and comfortable set that’s easy to power.
- Clean and Spacious sounding
- Above average soundstage for the price
- It can be modified cheaply to improve acoustics further
- Synthetic earpads can build up a lot of heat
- Limited availability
Grado, the renowned Brooklyn-based audio company, holds a special place in the hearts of audiophiles worldwide. The SR80 headphones, born in 1991 on a kitchen table, are the company’s cherished originals, laying the foundation for Grado’s empire of open-back headphones. The SR80 model, now part of the Prestige X Series, has seen numerous iterations, with the SR80x being the latest successor, following the multi-award-winning SR80e from the previous Prestige E Series.
Affordable Excellence
Prestige X is Grado’s entry-level headphone range, offering quality sound experiences just below the Reference Series. The SR80x, priced at £129.95, $125, AU$179, qualifies as budget-friendly by today’s standards. However, these wired, open-back headphones are primarily intended for home use, as they allow sound to escape both in and out. While your surroundings may hear your music (especially at high volumes), you’ll enjoy immersive sound quality.
Design and Comfort
The SR80x retains Grado’s signature industrial aesthetic, featuring perforated ear cups that hint at its open-back design. Notable changes include an ‘x’ replacing the ‘e’ on the ear cup, a robust 4-conductor 1.8-meter cable with a grippy braided jacket, and thicker cushioning on the headband’s underside. The circular foam earpads comfortably cover most ears and maintain their shape and padding over time. The addition of padding to the headband enhances comfort during extended listening sessions.
Enhanced Sound Quality
The SR80x’s true evolution lies beneath the surface. Grado has introduced a fourth-generation 44mm driver, featuring a more powerful magnetic circuit for improved efficiency and a lower-mass voice coil and diaphragm to reduce distortion. This enhances both sound quality and compatibility with portable devices. The headphones come with a 3.5mm end but include a 6.3mm adapter for devices with that headphone socket.
Grado SR80X
Immersive Sound Experience
Despite their budget-friendly classification, the SR80x headphones excel when paired with various devices, showcasing transparency and participating seamlessly in sophisticated setups. The headphones offer a clear, clean, and detailed sound profile with a heightened sense of presence and texture. They maintain Grado’s characteristic nimbleness, rolling dynamics, and frequency range, delivering a clinical yet refined presentation.
Final Verdict
The SR80x headphones are exceptional in their open, dynamically fluid delivery of sound. However, they do leak sound, making them best suited for quiet environments and personal listening experiences. Grado’s tweaks to the SR80x have enhanced its value without departing from its iconic sound signature. At its price point, the SR80x remains the market’s finest, a testament to Grado’s dominance in the wired headphone niche. It’s a sound experience that captivates listeners, inviting them to immerse themselves in their favorite music. Grado hasn’t rewritten its rulebook; it has simply continued to refine its legendary headphones, ensuring they remain unrivaled in the world of wired audio.
#4 Best Value Headphones: Sennheiser PC37X
Sennheiser PC37X
Massdrop x Sennheiser PC37X is one of our top picks. These headphones have designed angled drivers that produce superb sound and utmost clarity. This headset gives a unique locational accuracy feature that lets you play your games meticulously.
- Angled drivers
- Lightweight
- Comfort fit
- Average mic quality
The Massdrop x Sennheiser PC37X is a testament to the art of improving an already excellent product. Building upon the success of the Sennheiser PC 373D, the PC37X offers a sleeker design, enhanced drivers, and greater versatility with its analog audio cables. Priced at $119, this gaming headset is a fantastic choice for both competitive and casual gamers seeking exceptional audio quality. However, acquiring one can be a bit challenging due to availability constraints
Design
The PC37X sports an understated, all-black design, replacing the PC 373D’s red highlights. Its unobtrusive appearance allows it to blend seamlessly into any gaming setup. The headset features Sennheiser’s renowned open-back ear-cup design, offering expansive sound at the expense of some sound leakage.
Unlike headsets with a plethora of buttons and knobs, the PC37X keeps it simple with a volume dial on the right ear cup and a flexible, flip-up microphone on the left for muting. While the non-removable microphone is a minor drawback, it’s a comfortable choice for music enthusiasts during daily commutes.
Comfort
The PC37X excels in comfort, making it an ideal choice for extended gaming or work sessions. Plush cushions on the ear cups and headband provide a snug yet non-intrusive fit. The lightweight design, weighing in at 12.5 ounces, ensures you’ll forget you’re wearing it, whether you’re typing away or immersed in gaming. The adjustable headband and swiveling ear cups make customization easy to match your head shape.
Gaming Performance
Sennheiser has removed the virtual 7.1 surround sound found in the PC 373D, focusing on delivering high-quality audio without the need for customization. This simplifies the audio experience but may disappoint those who prefer personalized settings.
The PC37X shines in gaming scenarios, particularly in titles like Overwatch, where precise sound cues are crucial. The headset’s clarity and directional audio make it easy to identify footsteps and gunfire, enhancing gameplay in intense situations. In games like Mortal Kombat X, known for its impactful sound design, the PC37X delivers punches and kicks with a satisfying sense of impact and preserves the game’s gruesome audio details.
Music Performance
As a Sennheiser product, the PC37X naturally excels in music playback. It faithfully reproduces music, capturing the nuances of guitar riffs and drum beats. Whether you’re enjoying the Doom soundtrack or any music genre, the PC37X offers a rich listening experience.
Sennheiser PC37X
Microphone and Cables
The PC37X’s microphone provides clear voice communication and effective noise cancellation, making it suitable for gaming chat and live-streaming. While there may be minor distortion, it’s more than adequate for most users. Notably, the microphone effectively suppresses background noise.
The headset includes a 10-foot, removable cable with 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks, ensuring compatibility with various PC setups. It also functions well with the Xbox One for game audio, though separate cables hinder voice chat. Solutions, such as adapters or cable replacements, are available to simplify console use.
Alternative Considerations
While the PC37X is an excellent choice, those seeking alternatives in a similar price range might consider the SteelSeries Arctis 5, priced at $99. The Arctis 5 offers impressive sound quality, comfort, and versatility for both console and PC gaming.
In conclusion, the Massdrop x Sennheiser PC37X delivers outstanding gaming and music performance. Its comfort, clear microphone, and expansive sound make it an excellent choice for gamers and music enthusiasts alike. While acquiring one can be a challenge, the rewards are worth the wait.
#5 Sennheiser HD 560S
Sennheiser HD 560S
The Sennheiser HD 560S is a rock-solid choice if you’re aiming to grab a set of headphones that live by the computer but don’t break the bank. They’re not going to make you forget about ultra high-end headphones, but they offer extremely good performance for the price at the tradeoff of build materials being a little cheaper.
- Sound quality
- Removable cable
- Price
- Comfort
- Dongle
- Mainly plastic body
- Long cable
The Sennheiser HD 560S opens with an ancient Chinese proverb, “Although gold dust is precious, when it gets in your eyes it obstructs your vision.” This wisdom, attributed to Zen master Hsi-Tang Chih Tsang in 800 AD, sets the stage for examining these headphones. Priced below £200 ($200) and boasting to be “crafted for the analytical audio enthusiast,” the HD 560S teeters on the precipice of being either an outstanding value or a letdown. Let’s uncover whether Sennheiser has struck audio gold or left us with dust in our eyes.
Comfort :
Constructed with a plastic headband and an adjustable mechanism, the HD 560S offers a comfortable fit. The earcups are designed to provide flexibility, ensuring an optimal fit for various head shapes. These wired headphones come with a 3-meter rubberized cable, featuring a 6.3mm plug for hi-fi sources and a bundled 3.5mm adapter for compatibility with digital audio players and smartphones. The cable is detachable and connected to the left earcup.
Build :
Beneath the surface, Sennheiser has incorporated a new 120-ohm driver unit with a specialized polymer-blend diaphragm and a high-strength magnet to deliver clear and controlled reproduction of deep bass and treble. Sennheiser’s Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement (EAR) angled driver alignment aims to recreate the ideal triangular listening position found in high-end recording studios and hi-fi loudspeaker setups. Although the headphones are open-back, they exhibit less sound leakage compared to some competitors, making them suitable for shared spaces.
Sound :
Listening to Sean Paul’s “Dutty Rock,” the HD 560S impresses with its spaciousness and analytical accuracy. The instrument separation and clarity are notable, with the presentation maintaining cohesion even in complex mixes. The agile bass and detailed midrange performance shine, although the Grado SR325e, albeit pricier, offers slightly more weight and impact.
Sennheiser HD 560S
Transitioning to Melissa Etheridge’s “Come To My Window,” the HD 560S excels in placing instruments accurately in the soundstage. Etheridge’s vocal is detailed, and every element in the mix is noteworthy. The headphones handle classical music exceptionally well, offering emotive and refined sound. However, when it comes to punchy and energetic tracks, the HD 560S falls slightly short in delivering the desired zeal and excitement.
Verdict:
Sennheiser’s legacy of five-star and Award-winning headphones spanning over five decades adds the HD 560S as a budget-conscious option with sonically detailed performance. While the headphones provide an acceptable listening experience, those seeking audiophile-grade sound may find them slightly lacking in punch and enthusiasm. In essence, the HD 560S unearths audio gold for its price range, but it might not fully satiate the cravings of zealous music enthusiasts.
#6 A MID-Priced High-Resolution Headphone: Sivga P-II
Sivga P-II
The Sennheiser HD 560S is a rock-solid choice if you’re aiming to grab a set of headphones that live by the computer but don’t break the bank. They’re not going to make you forget about ultra high-end headphones, but they offer extremely good performance for the price at the tradeoff of build materials being a little cheaper.
- The best price to Performance in any open-back headphone
- Comfortable fabric pads keep ears cool
- Attractive wood and metal earcups
- The suspension headband will divide the opinion
- Slightly heavier than other open-back headphones from Hifiman and Monoprice
The Sivga P-II headphones offer a captivating listening experience with their planar magnetic drivers and unique design. While they may not cater to the meticulous audiophile, these headphones shine in providing rich, full-bodied sound across various music genres. In this review, we delve into the design, sound quality, and overall experience offered by the Sivga P-II.
Design and Comfort
The Sivga P-II headphones prioritize both style and comfort. They feature a metal suspension headband that eases the weight of the headphones. Although they are not as heavy as some premium models, the earcups do have some weight. The earpads, designed with a leather-like material on the outer sides and a fabric lining on the contact area, ensure a cool and sweat-free experience. The earpads are contoured for an optimized fit, although the clamping force might be on the firmer side for some users.
In terms of design, the P-II shares similarities with other models like the Aiva and Blon B20. It boasts an open-back design with solid wood earcups that can tilt forward and swivel for a flat profile. The headphones come with a detachable balanced cable featuring a 4.4mm termination and a 4.4mm to 3.5mm adapter for those without balanced setups. The cable is robust, with quality connectors, although detailed information about its design remains limited.
Sound Quality
Low Frequencies: The P-II offers a warm and thick low-end with a voluptuous feel. While the bass response is not exceptionally tight, it delivers a rounded punch, making it suitable for rock and genres that benefit from a meaty low end. It may not provide an extremely subby experience for bass-heavy tracks but excels in delivering a juicy low end.
Middle Frequencies: The balanced low and high mids create a natural and immersive feel, particularly for tracks with heavy instrumentation. However, the P-II’s presentation is not about hard definition, resulting in a softer and rounded sound profile. While it maintains decent separation, it doesn’t cater to audiophiles seeking a meticulously clean sound. These headphones prioritize a luxurious and full-bodied sound.
High Frequencies: The P-II is not overly dark but also not excessively sparkly in the high frequencies. Female vocals are rich, velvety, and fluid, demonstrating the planar magnetic richness. These headphones are suitable for listeners sensitive to harsh high frequencies.
Sivga P-II
Soundstage and Imaging
The imaging on the P-II impresses with clear and nuanced gradations in instrument placement concerning depth and height. While the soundstage may not feel tremendously expansive, distant instruments maintain their character, providing a holographic listening experience worthy of the price tag.
Conclusion
The Sivga P-II headphones are a delight for music enthusiasts looking for a balanced and rich sound experience. They may not meet the stringent demands of audiophiles seeking clinical transparency, but they excel in delivering a luxurious and full-bodied profile. With their planar magnetic drivers and captivating soundstage, the P-II headphones offer a blissful listening journey, particularly for modern genres that benefit from warmth and body in their tracks.
#7 HiFiMan Sundara
HiFiMan Sundara
The HiFiMan Sundara is the set of headphones to get if you want high-end audio, but don’t want to shell out a king’s ransom for it. These planar magnetic headphones are comfortable, straightforward, and excellent performers.
- Sound quality
- Comfort
- Pads are eyeglasses-friendly
- Weight
- Open backs mean no isolation
Tim Hecker’s music, known for its expansiveness and oppressive mechanical nature, can be a revealing test for headphones. When listening to his album “Ravedeath 1972” through the Hifiman Sundara, a unique synergy between music and equipment emerged, leaving a lasting impression. In this review, we explore the design, build quality, comfort, and sound performance of the Hifiman Sundara.
Build Quality
The Hifiman Sundara is expected to surpass its predecessors in build quality, but it falls prey to Hifiman’s typical quality control issues. Driver failures are a concern, raising questions about the headphone’s reliability. Some users have experienced driver whines at specific frequencies, although this is not always audible during music playback. Additionally, the included cable is prone to breaking, necessitating the purchase of a more durable aftermarket cable.
The headband adjustment also varies in tightness, with one side being too loose and the other excessively tight, resulting in uneven wear and tear. Despite the potential for improved build quality, these issues persist.
Comfort and Design
While the Sundara boasts a stylish look with circular earcups and minimalist aesthetics, there are design elements that leave room for improvement. The silver accents on the headband can disrupt the minimalist design, and the “Sundara” branding on the earcups may detract from the overall look. The earcups, however, are comfortable and provide a secure fit without excessive weight or clamping force. The headband minimizes pressure points, enhancing comfort during extended listening sessions.
Sound Performance
The Sundara delivers a unique sonic experience with strengths and limitations. In the bass frequencies, it offers a tight, well-extended, and neutral response. While it lacks a midbass hump typical of dynamic headphones, it provides a clean and controlled bass thump, although some users may find it overly clinical.
Moving to the midrange, the Sundara exhibits linearity up to 1000Hz, followed by a subtle recession up to 3kHz. This results in a laid-back, smooth midrange with a hint of coldness. While the midrange is smooth and free from shortness, it may lack the intimate warmth needed for certain genres, occasionally creating a sense of detachment. The headphone’s speed, however, ensures fatigue-free listening even during extended sessions.
HiFiMan Sundara
Amplification
The Sundara is described as “easy to drive,” and while it benefits from high-quality amplification, it remains enjoyable even when powered by a smartphone. It retains its soundstage and overall character when underpowered, making it versatile for various setups. However, dedicated amplification enhances its performance, revealing its true potential.
Conclusion
The Hifiman Sundara offers a compelling listening experience at its price point, characterized by its laid-back midrange, tight bass, and non-fatiguing high frequencies. While it excels in multiple genres, its sonic signature may not cater to those seeking a highly dynamic sound. Quality control issues, including driver failures and cable durability, persist, posing concerns for potential buyers.
Despite these shortcomings, the Sundara presents an appealing option, especially when considering its value for the price. While there may be different headphones available in this range, finding one unequivocally superior to the Sundara proves challenging, making it a contender worth considering, even with its build quality concerns.
#8 Best Bass: Focal CLEAR Over
Focal CLEAR Over
We’ve compiled reviews from across the web for your reference. What you’ll find here are the TLDR versions of the full reviews (which you can access with the provided links). We’ll continue updating this compendium as reviews come in.
- Expressive and entertaining presentation
- Excellent comfort
- Terrific build and finish
- Standard cable is just 1.2m long
- Lots of sound leakage
- Lack of isolation from noise
When it comes to renowned audio brands, Focal has made a name for itself by crafting exceptional speakers. However, since venturing into headphones in 2012, Focal has consistently proven its ability to deliver top-tier audio experiences. The latest addition to their impressive headphone lineup is the Clear Mg, a pair of high-end open-back headphones that aspire to set a new standard in their price range.
Impeccable Build Quality
Upon the first encounter, the Clear Mg headphones make a strong impression. They arrive in opulent packaging that exudes quality, emphasizing their status as a premium product. The headphones themselves are undeniably stylish, though some may prefer a more understated appearance. Nevertheless, the high standard of construction and finish is evident.
The materials used are of outstanding quality, from the thick, cushioned leather headband to the cosseting microfiber earpads. The open-backed earcups feature intricate hexagonal metal detailing, contributing to their durable feel.
At the core of the Clear Mg headphones is a newly developed 40mm magnesium-coned full-range driver. Magnesium is chosen for its combination of lightweight properties and stiffness, with a carefully selected surround that helps manage damping and resonant behavior.
In the luxurious packaging, you’ll discover a robust carrying case along with two detachable cables. One cable is 1.2 meters long and equipped with a 3.5mm jack, with a provided 6.3mm adapter. The other option is a 3-meter cable with a 4-pin XLR connector. While the inclusion of the balanced XLR cable is commendable, it would have been appreciated if Focal also provided a longer cable with a 3.5mm connector in the box. Many headphone amplifiers lack a balanced output, making the longer cable essential in some scenarios. Focal does offer an extended cable separately, but it comes at an additional cost of £129 ($190), which some may find steep for a necessary accessory. Nonetheless, the redesigned cables transmit less movement noise compared to previous iterations.
Comfort and Sound
In terms of comfort, the Clear Mg headphones are impressive. They boast a well-judged inward pressure and a weight of approximately 450g, distributed evenly thanks to the wide, cushioned headband and well-designed earpads. However, it’s important to note that these headphones are open-backed, meaning they do leak sound. Listeners in the same room will hear your audio, and external noises may disrupt your listening experience, which should be considered if you plan to use them in public settings.
Despite the sound leakage, open-back headphones offer greater transparency and dynamic expression due to the absence of an enclosure and its associated resonances.
Focal CLEAR Over
Exemplary Sound Quality
The Clear Mg headphones excel in delivering remarkable sound quality. When paired with a high-quality source like the Chord Hugo TT2 DAC and Naim ND555/555PS DR music streamer, they reveal intricate details and an engaging sound signature. While initial listening may reveal a slight sharpness in the lower treble, this gradually dissipates to leave a detailed and expressive sound. It’s advisable to avoid pairing them with forward or aggressive electronics.
Listening to tracks like Jay-Z’s “Blueprint 3” showcases the Clear Mg’s clarity and refinement. These headphones offer a precise stereo image with a sense of openness that closed-back alternatives typically lack. They effortlessly convey the power of an orchestra and handle dynamic crescendos without losing composure.
Verdict
In summary, Focal has created an exceptional product with the Clear Mg headphones. They deliver a refined and explicit sound while remaining comfortable during extended listening sessions. Combine this with their superb build quality and finish, and it’s clear that they are among the best in their price range. Highly recommended for audiophiles seeking an outstanding listening experience.
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Are open-back headphones suitable for competitive gaming?
Open-back headphones are excellent for competitive gaming due to their wide soundstage, allowing for precise audio cues.
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Do open-back headphones leak sound?
Yes, open-back headphones allow sound to escape, making them less suitable for noisy environments or shared spaces.
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Can I use open-back headphones for music as well?
Absolutely! Open-back headphones excel in music reproduction, providing a rich and natural listening experience.
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What is the advantage of planar magnetic headphones like the Audeze LCD-2?
Planar magnetic headphones, like the Audeze LCD-2, offer superior sound accuracy and detail compared to traditional dynamic drivers.
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Are open-back headphones comfortable for long gaming sessions?
Yes, open-back headphones are designed with comfort in mind, making them ideal for extended gaming sessions.