Focal Clear Mg Open-Back Headphones (Open Box)

What a sound

After being thrilled with a pair of Focus Celestee, I wanted to try with my first pair of open-back headphones. The audio experience is truly at a different level. Besides the outstanding stereo separation and soundstage, the look of these headphones is amazing. Also, being an open-box item, they were in a like-new condition. And shipping was amazingly speedy: I had them at home the they after my purchase. Very happy overall with my purchase!

Changed my perception of what sounds "good"

Disclaimer: I bought these open box, they were in basically new condition. I have this paired with a Schiit Bifrost and a Drop THX 789 amp, out of the balanced output. I wouldn't say I'm the most qualified technical reviewer. Terms like bright and warm aren't in my vocabulary when describing sound. These are my first pair of headphones above the 4 figure mark. The previous most expensive open back headphone I own are the Audeze LCD2s. After 3 weeks or so with the Focal Clear Mg, I think I have a better understanding of what soundstage is supposed to be. I was using the Abyss Audio soundstage test file and had left it playing while away from the computer. When I got back, the part of the track playing contained what sounded like someone banging a pot or pan nearby and I was startled because I thought someone was in the room with me. I find myself listening to music I haven't listened to in years, simply because it's so much more enjoyable now. I don't favor a particular genre but everything sounds "better" coming out of these. For open backs, these have a good amount of bass (coming from an HD650 and LCD-2 owner). I consider myself a bit of a basshead at times but don't exclusively listen to bass heavy tracks or stick to closed back headphones. The Focal Clear Mgs have exactly enough bass for me while having that natural open back sound. The build quality is very nice and the headphones are simply very aesthetically pleasing. I also like how easily the earpads come on and off, though from what I have heard, Focal charges a pretty penny for. The headband is also not likely easily serviceable. I believe these are also on the heavier side of the spectrum but I don't feel it and I wear them all day working from home. Fanboying over headphones isn't something I expected to be doing but simply put, I really, really like how they sound. Do I think they're worth MSRP? I think it's a hefty asking price, but I don't regret my purchase at all. I believe I can at this point sell all my other open backs and am kind of concerned I'll end up spending even more down the line now that I've broken through this price tier.