Focal Clear Mg vs Sennheiser HD 800 S

Focal Clear Mg wins — Focal Clear Mg wins on value and drivability with 55 Ohm impedance and 104dB sensitivity versus the HD 800 S's 300 Ohm a…

Scores: Focal Clear Mg 8.5/10 · Sennheiser HD 800 S 7.5/10

Focal Clear Mg wins on value and drivability with 55 Ohm impedance and 104dB sensitivity versus the HD 800 S's 300 Ohm and 102dB. The Sennheiser HD 800 S leads in raw frequency extension from 4Hz-51kHz but requires more amplification. Both remain current open-back models per the provided facts with MSRP prices of $1490 and $1699.

Focal Clear Mg lists at $1,490 while Sennheiser HD 800 S lists at $1,699 — Focal Clear Mg undercuts Sennheiser HD 800 S by $209 (14%).

Spec-by-spec comparison

Focal Clear MgSennheiser HD 800 S
Driver40mm Magnesium 'M'-shaped dome56mm ring-radiator transducer
Frequency Response5Hz-23kHz4Hz-51kHz
Impedance55 Ohm300 Ohm
Sensitivity104dB SPL102dB

Focal Clear Mg

What works

  • Lower 55 Ohm impedance for easier amplification
  • Higher 104dB sensitivity for louder output
  • Released 2021-03 with modern driver design

What doesn't

  • Narrower 5Hz-23kHz frequency response
  • MSRP $1490 higher than many competitors

Sennheiser HD 800 S

What works

  • Wider 4Hz-51kHz frequency response
  • Larger 56mm ring-radiator transducer
  • Status remains current since 2016 release

What doesn't

  • High 300 Ohm impedance requires powerful amp
  • Lower 102dB sensitivity than Focal Clear Mg

Bottom line

Our pick: Focal Clear Mg.

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