On me 'ead son! Sennheiser HD 800S Vs Focal Clear MG

/ Audio T Portsmouth/

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

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other hi-fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us

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Sennheiser can be found at the following Audio T stores

Focal can be found at the following Audio T stores

Acoustic Energy Squares² the Performance - Again!

/ Audio T Bristol /
image: Acoustic Energy Ae320-2

The law of diminishing returns doesn’t seem to apply to Acoustic Energy. Each series improvement—100, 300, 500, or Corinium—represents a significant step up in performance, build quality, and finish, while maintaining the distinctive Acoustic Energy sound signature that invites an enjoyable listening experience, whatever the budget.

The original 300 Series, launched in 2017, was an excellent solution. The standout performer at the competitive £2,000 price point, the AE320, was a three-way design with a relatively small footprint yet great control. The new AE320² builds on this, enhancing performance without inflating the price.

It “stands on the shoulders of the Corinium project,” both visually and in terms of sound performance. Acoustic Energy states that the new 300² Series is “a completely new acoustic and aesthetic design from the ground up,” sharing no components with the outgoing model.

Specifications

image: Acoustic Energy Ae320-2 Mid Range driver

The most obvious change is the new mid-woofer—a blend of paper and coconut husk. The AE320² comprises a 120mm midrange driver, two 140mm bass drivers, and a 29mm tweeter. The new material delivers a smooth, natural, and refined response, embodying warmth and clarity while retaining the punch and pace of the previous aluminium cone. Partnered with a newly developed soft-dome tweeter derived from the Corinium project, it offers open, delicate, and natural high frequencies, tonally matching the mid-woofer to enable seamless integration across the audible range.

The crossover frequencies are set at 240Hz and 2,800Hz, with a frequency response from 33Hz to 29kHz. These are true three-way speakers with an easy-to-drive 6-ohm rating and 92dB sensitivity—making them more sensitive than the outgoing 300 Series. Amplifier matching should be straightforward. Acoustic Energy appears to have found a material with properties very similar to the carbon fibre used in the 500 range—light, fast-response drivers that enhance presence, speed, and transparency.

image: Acoustic Energy Ae320-2 Tweeter driver

A first at this price point, the new 300² Series features constrained-layer RSC™ (Resonance Suppression Composite) cabinets, pioneered in the Reference Series nearly 15 years ago. This advanced construction is claimed to "significantly reduce cabinet radiation, allowing the drive units to perform at their best without enclosure interference, ensuring pure, uncoloured, and natural sound." There is significant internal bracing, with the rear housing a circular, traditional port for the midrange and tweeter section of the cabinet, and a slot-shaped port positioned between the two bass drivers. This arrangement is typically used when the midrange and tweeter drivers are isolated from the bass drivers to prevent colouration, resulting in better clarity. The new outriggers provide plenty of adjustability and a very sturdy setup.

The Proof is in the Pudding

We set these up in our large demo room (L = 8m, W = 6m, H = 3.3m) with the Naim NSC 222 and NAP 250. Every room is different, but positioning was very easy. Good imaging, depth, and transparency were best achieved with the speakers positioned around 50cm from the back wall and set about 1.5m wider than an equilateral triangle setup, with the slightest toe-in. There seems to be quite a wide dispersion—linear in both height and width—helped by the new WDT waveguide. Midrange presence and bass speed are where these speakers excel. The higher frequencies are clear and rounded, with no real sense of brashness, harshness, or brittleness.

Moving away from Naim source and amplification, we tried them with the Rega Aethos and the Auralic Vega S1 streaming DAC with its dedicated power supply. This setup seemed to extract even more from the speakers, delivering better resolution and a very clear presentation of the fine adjustments available in the Auralic DAC. I have no idea why this may be—it's one of the quirks of Hi-Fi systems. Component synergies are often experienced in ways that technical specifications alone don’t always predict.

With the new 300² Series—including the standmount AE300², the small floorstander AE309², the large three-way AE320², and the on-wall AE307²—this range would make a phenomenal home cinema system.

It was a real pleasure to listen to these speakers, and a big thank you to Acoustic Energy for the loan of these pre-production models straight after their debut at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show…

Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025 - Brad from Audio T sat down with James, Acoustic Energy's Creative Director and the mind behind the design of these speakers, to discuss the new range.

Book an audition and experience these speakers firsthand. Whether you're looking for exceptional clarity, dynamic range, or an immersive soundstage, a personal listening session will let you hear exactly what they can do in a real-world setting. Visit us in-store to discover how they perform with your favourite music.

Thank you for reading,

Justin, George and Max - Audio T Bristol

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

Acoustic Energy can be found at the following Audio T stores

*All prices, credit terms and interest rates quoted are correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change. E&OE

INTRODUCING THE SONOS ARC ULTRA PREMIUM STREAMING SOUNDBAR

/ Audio T Swindon/

The Arc Ultra is the latest addition to Sonos' soundbar lineup, replacing the Arc at the top of their three-model range. Promising enhanced performance and new features, it’s set to be their most immersive soundbar yet. One has just arrived at Audio T Swindon, and we’re wasting no time unboxing it and putting it through its paces. Read on for our first impressions!

Unboxing the Sonos Arc ULTRA at Audio T Swindon

Connectivity

Placing the Arc Ultra next to the outgoing Arc, we can see it’s slightly wider and lower—good news for those looking to avoid obstructing their TV screen. The extra width allows for a significant increase in the number of drivers housed within the casing.

Connectivity remains similar, with just the eARC HDMI port, but Sonos has now added Bluetooth support. A vast range of streaming services are built in, and the Ultra is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

To optimise performance in any environment, Trueplay tuning is available, and for the first time, it now works with Android devices as well as iOS.

Control is straightforward, whether using a TV remote, the Sonos app, or the touch-sensitive controls on the unit itself for Play, Pause, Skip, Back, Volume, and voice assistant activation.

ULTRA IN THE FOREGROUND, ARC BEHIND

Construction

Inside the slim, perforated metal casing are fourteen drivers arranged in a 9.1.4 configuration—an upgrade from the Arc’s 5.0.2 setup. To perform at its best, the Ultra shouldn’t be placed inside a cabinet, as the upward-firing drivers require open space.

A notable addition is a dedicated internal bass unit, a feature Sonos is particularly proud of. This innovative technology, called Sound Motion, uses a unique flat, brick-like driver design. Instead of placing the motors behind the membrane, they are positioned at the sides, allowing for greater movement and significantly more bass output than the original Arc—all while requiring less space.

SOUND MOTION BASS DRIVER

Comparison with the Arc

Comparing the two side by side is fascinating. I expected the Arc Ultra to outperform the Arc, but the difference is far more pronounced than I anticipated.

My go-to movie test, Ratatouille, is packed with everything—deep bass, dynamic shifts, and great spatial effects. A standout moment is the scene where the ceiling collapses in the old lady’s cottage, an excellent test of bass depth and agility. The Arc Ultra not only reaches slightly lower frequencies than the Arc but, more importantly, is significantly more responsive. Later in the film, as the rats escape to the river, the Ultra delivers far superior soundstaging of the rain and thunderstorm, while the trip through the sewers digs deeper into the lower bass frequencies.

Sonos soundbars have always excelled with vocals—essential for following dialogue without constantly adjusting the volume. The Arc Ultra, however, takes this a step further, offering the clearest dialogue performance yet. The speech enhancement feature provides even greater vocal clarity when needed. Additional Sonos speakers and subwoofers can be paired with the Ultra for full multi-channel surround sound and even deeper bass.

OUR DEMONSTRATION ROOM

Conclusion 

The Arc Ultra represents a significant step up in performance over the outgoing Arc. Is it the best premium soundbar on the market? I can’t say for certain—but I wouldn’t bet against it.

Is it as good as a dedicated 5.1, 7.2 or 9.2 home cinema system? Unlikely. Even with additional Sonos speakers, it can’t quite match the impact of five or more well-placed speakers and a subwoofer, driven by a high-quality home cinema amplifier. However, if you’re looking for a premium upgrade to your TV’s speakers, crave the convenience of wireless technology or are already invested in the Sonos ecosystem, you may not need to look any further.

Thanks for reading

Jon and Andy - Audio T Swindon

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to contact us.

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Wait, What? A Naim Streamer and amplifier for under £1,500! Say Hello to the CI-Uniti 102.

/ Audio T Manchester/

For decades, Naim has been synonymous with high-performance audio, crafting systems that bring music to life with clarity and precision. Best known for their premium Hi-Fi separates and all-in-one systems, Naim has now entered the custom install market with the introduction of their CI range. This includes the CI-NAP 108 8-channel power amplifier, the CI-NAP 101 mono power amplifier, and the subject of this review—the CI-Uniti 102 all-in-one streamer and amplifier.

With this move, Naim brings its renowned engineering expertise to the world of custom installation, offering solutions designed to integrate seamlessly into whole-home audio systems while delivering the sonic performance the brand is famous for. The CI-Uniti 102 stands out as the most versatile of the lineup, combining streaming capabilities, powerful amplification, and high-fidelity sound in a compact, rack-mountable form factor. But does it live up to Naim’s storied reputation? We put it through its paces to find out.

A Powerhouse in a Slimline Form Factor

The Naim CI-Uniti 102 is a slimline streamer-amplifier designed for the custom installation market, yet it delivers a staggering 150 watts per channel into 8-ohm speakers. It features a variety of inputs that accommodate TV audio, streaming platforms, and gaming consoles, alongside an analogue input for added flexibility.

Primarily designed to be housed in a comms cupboard or loft, the CI-Uniti 102 offers the kind of performance that makes it equally viable as a standalone integrated amplifier and streamer. From the moment you power it up, it becomes clear that the CI-102 punches well above its weight.

no Aerial acrobatics chromey, you landed on your head last time.

Are There Any Compromises?

If we’re nitpicking, some may argue that the CI-102 doesn’t offer as many inputs as some competing streamer-amplifiers. However, if your primary needs include HDMI for TV audio, an optical input for a gaming console, and an additional analogue input—perhaps for a turntable—you’re well covered.

Beyond these physical connections, the CI-102 embraces modern music consumption habits by supporting an extensive range of streaming services, including TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, and Internet radio. It also features AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Bluetooth for seamless wireless playback. Additionally, it provides outputs for subwoofers and integrates smoothly with major home automation systems such as Crestron, Control4, RTI, Savant, and Elan.

so officially chromey , your height is 1U, told you it was worth eating your greens

User Experience: A Digital-First Approach

While the CI-102 excels in many areas, it’s worth noting that it lacks a front display and a traditional remote control, relying instead on app-based operation. This design choice makes sense for a device intended for discreet installation, but it may take some getting used to for those accustomed to physical controls.

Fortunately, the accompanying Naim app is a joy to use. It offers a responsive, intuitive interface with minimal latency, making navigation effortless. Those familiar with the Naim app will find the setup process straightforward, and the full-screen real estate of a tablet arguably makes a conventional remote unnecessary.

you can add rack mounting to sides of the Ci-102

Sound Quality: Performance Beyond Expectation

Let’s be clear: the CI-102 isn’t positioned to replace a Naim Uniti Nova or outgun a high-end separates system. However, its sound quality is nothing short of exceptional for its class.

With a high-quality DAC and meticulously engineered analogue circuitry, the CI-102 delivers a sonic performance that is both refined and immersive. From deep, controlled bass to shimmering treble, the soundstage is expansive, detailed, and effortlessly engaging.

We put the CI-102 through its paces with a pair of DALI Oberon 1 speakers and found that streamer-amplifier competitors like Bluesound and WiiM simply don’t come close. Even the Roksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier, priced around £1600, only just manages to hold its own in comparison. While the Roksan might tick more feature boxes, purely from an audio quality standpoint, the Naim is the stronger performer.

To push things further, we paired the CI-102 with the Dynaudio Evoke 30, an outstanding speaker set retailing around £3000. Once again, the CI-102 impressed, handling the Evokes with finesse and delivering a level of performance that exceeded expectations for an installation-focused amplifier.

For fun, we then connected the CI-102 to our demo room’s ATC SCM50 passive speakers. While it understandably didn’t exhibit the sheer drive and authority of a dedicated high-end power amp, the fact that it powered them at all—given the £10,000+ price disparity—was remarkable.

Naim Ci-102 with Dali oberon 1

A Crossover Product with Broad Appeal

Though the CI-102 is firmly rooted in the custom install market, its features and performance make it a compelling choice for traditional Hi-Fi enthusiasts as well. Our time with it has reinforced its potential as a high-quality standalone integrated amplifier and streamer, as well as a powerful solution for multi-room audio.

Final Thoughts

The Naim CI-Uniti 102 is a formidable blend of power, versatility, and value, making it a serious contender for both custom installations and personal Hi-Fi setups. Whether you’re looking to integrate it seamlessly into a whole-home audio system or simply want a discreet yet high-performing amplifier-streamer, the CI-102 is a strong proposition.

Stay tuned, as we’ll be exploring Naim’s full custom install lineup in a future blog, examining how the range works together in a comprehensive multi-room setup. Watch this space!

Thanks for reading

Munir, James and Dave - Audio T Manchester

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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