Verdict: Focal Clear Mg wins on accessibility with 55 ohms impedance and 104dB sensitivity versus HD 800 S's 300 ohms and 102dB SPL. HD 800 S leads in frequency extension from 4Hz-51kHz against Clear Mg's 5Hz-28kHz. Clear Mg's 2021-03 release provides a more modern driver option over the 2016 HD 800 S at a $209 lower MSRP.
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%).
Winner: Focal Clear Mg
Focal Clear Mg: 8/10
Sennheiser HD 800 S: 7.5/10
| Focal Clear Mg | Sennheiser HD 800 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 40mm magnesium M-shaped dome | 56mm ring radiator transducer |
| Impedance | 55 ohms | 300 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz-28kHz | 4Hz-51kHz |
| Sensitivity | 104dB | 102dB SPL |
Our pick: Focal Clear Mg.
The Focal Utopia uses a beryllium driver with 80 ohm impedance and edges out the HD 800 S in resolution and bass control per multiple head-fi comparisons. The Sennheiser HD 800 S maintains a larger soundstage but trails in imaging precision.
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