On me 'ead son! Sennheiser HD 800S Vs Focal Clear MG
/There’s something special about sitting down with a great pair of headphones, closing your eyes, and losing yourself in the music. Recently, we had the chance to do just that at the Portsmouth Audio T shop, where we put two exceptional high-end models through their paces in a head-to-head comparison. The Sennheiser HD 800S and Focal Clear MG are both renowned for their outstanding sound quality, premium craftsmanship, and long-term comfort. But as we found, they are likely to cater for slightly different audiophile tastes.
Both of these top-tier ‘cans’ are designed for discerning listeners seeking a high-end home listening experience. Neither is intended for use on the go—on a train or plane, for instance—as their open-back design means they leak sound like a sieve (not that sieves leak sound, but you get the idea).
However, for high-quality listening at home—when you don’t want to disturb the rest of the house or the neighbours—these headphones, paired with a quality headphone amp, are simply superb.
Look and feel
The sennheisers sport a modern, almost industrial look
The HD 800S continues Sennheiser’s legendary HD 800 series, famed for its open-back design and generously sized ear cups. These headphones have a sleek, modern aesthetic with an almost industrial edge, combining matte black with silver accents.
Built with longevity in mind, the HD 800S features high-quality materials, including a lightweight yet sturdy plastic frame and metal ear cup components. The large, oval-shaped ear cups house Sennheiser’s distinctive "ring radiator" driver, a key element in shaping their renowned sound signature.
The Focals combine aluminium and leather for a premium look
By contrast, the Focal Clear MG takes a more decorative approach to design. Crafted with a blend of aluminium, magnesium, and leather, these headphones exude a sense of luxury. The ear cups are more circular in shape, contributing to a refined, cohesive look. The build quality is exceptional, with robust materials ensuring durability while keeping the overall weight comfortable for extended listening sessions.
Sound Quality
The Sennheiser HD 800S headphones are often described as open, airy, and exceptionally detailed. With a frequency range stretching from 4Hz to 51kHz, they deliver remarkable transparency and resolution.
They excel in the upper frequencies, making them particularly well-suited to classical music, jazz, and other genres that demand clarity and precision. The expansive soundstage enhances immersion, giving listeners the impression of being in the recording space itself.
Some argue that the HD 800S has a slightly recessed midrange, though this may simply be a contrast to its sparkling treble. Compared to other headphones in this price bracket, including the Clear MG, they don’t have a particularly warm sound—perhaps a by-product of their exceptional clarity.
The bass, while tight and controlled, isn’t as pronounced as some might prefer, reinforcing the sense that the HD 800S prioritises clarity over warmth. For those who enjoy a weightier low-end presence, these may be less than ideal.
The Focal Clear MG, by contrast, offers a well-balanced sound signature, delivering crisp highs, a well-defined midrange, and deep, controlled bass. While not exaggerated, the bass is powerful and impactful, potentially making them more versatile than the Sennheisers for those seeking a fuller low-end presentation.
The Clear MG presents a slightly more "in-your-head" soundstage compared to the HD 800S, but it still retains an impressive sense of openness and airiness. Focal’s proprietary magnesium driver material (hence the MG in the name) contributes to a fast, dynamic sound with excellent detail retrieval.
Comfort and Fit
The Sennheisers large ring radiator driver
The large ear cups of the Sennheiser HD 800S provide a comfortable and natural fit. The adjustable headband, combined with the soft velour padding on the ear cups, ensures excellent comfort even during extended listening sessions.
The Focal Clear MG has a slightly more compact build compared to the HD 800S. Its ear cups are made from memory foam, wrapped in a plush microfibre fabric, offering a soft and luxurious feel against the ears.
Although the Clear MG’s ear cups are not as large as those on the HD 800S, they remain comfortable for long listening sessions. The ergonomically designed headband distributes weight evenly, further enhancing overall comfort.
The Focals have a more compact design housing their magnesium drivers
Which pair is right for you?
Both headphones sit firmly at the premium end of the spectrum. The Sennheiser HD 800S is priced at £1,499, while the Focal Clear MG comes in at £1,399.
At this level, the HD 800S offers fantastic value for those seeking an open, highly detailed sound. Its expansive soundstage and precise treble make it particularly well-suited to genres like classical, acoustic, and jazz. However, its more subtle midrange and bass presentation may not appeal to everyone.
The Focal Clear MG, on the other hand, arguably provides a more versatile sound, with added bass weight and a punchier overall presentation.
Ultimately, both the Sennheiser HD 800S and Focal Clear MG are exceptional headphones, but they cater to slightly different preferences:
Sennheiser HD 800S – Ideal for those who appreciate an expansive, highly detailed soundstage and a transparent, analytical listening experience.
Focal Clear MG – A strong contender for the more versatile option, with a richer bass response and a more dynamic presentation across a variety of genres.
In the end, the choice comes down to personal preference and, to some extent, the type of music you listen to. Both models are superbly crafted, offering outstanding sound quality and comfort—so you can’t go wrong with either.
If you’d like to compare these headphones for yourself, or explore other options, feel free to give us a call on 0239 266 3604 or email us at portsmouth@audio-t.co.uk.
Alan, Aga and Luke - Audio T Portsmouth
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Sennheiser can be found at the following Audio T stores
Focal can be found at the following Audio T stores
