AUDEZE LCD-X vs. FOCAL CLEAR MG Comparison Review2024

AUDEZE LCD-X vs. FOCAL CLEAR MG Comparison Review

For both experts and casual listeners, Audeze’s planar magnetic LCD-X headphones are the gold standard. It replaced the LCD-2 and 3 in 2013 and offered a low-impedance, high-sensitivity alternative. It was a fruitful attempt at reaching its target audience of experts. The headphones have undergone some subtle but significant updates from Audeze over the years, but the company didn’t announce the specifics until 2020. The LCD-X 2021 is a common name for the most recent iteration of the LCD-X. All LCD-Xs manufactured after the end of 2020 are the updated models, says Audeze.

The driver’s diaphragm and magnet array have undergone substantial modifications. Updated specifications for versions after 2021 are 20 ohms and 103 dB, down from the original 22 ohms and 96 dB @ 1 mW. Improved pads, a redesigned headband, reduced Fazors (waveguides), and updated grills are all part of the LCD-X.

The first Clear, released in 2017, was succeeded in 2021 by the Clear MG. Focal, a French high-end speaker manufacturer, initially ventured into the world of high-fidelity headphones in 2016 with the first Utopia.

The diaphragm of the Clear MG is made of pure magnesium, which is why it is called the MG. Although it isn’t nearly as light and stiff as beryllium—the motor of the Utopia—this material is nonetheless incredibly light and rigid. Diaphragm drivers made of an aluminum-magnesium alloy were standard on the original Clear (also called Clear OG).

LCD-X 2024 SPECIFICATIONS

• Style: Over-ear, open-back, wired
• Transducer type: Planar Magnetic
• Magnetic structure: Proprietary magnet array
• Phase management: Fazor™
• Magnet type: Neodymium N50 
• Diaphragm type: Ultra-Thin UniforceTM
• Transducer size: 106 mm
• Maximum SPL: >130 dB
• Frequency response: 10Hz – 50kHz
• THD: <0.1% @ 100 dB SPL
• Sensitivity: 103 dB/1mW (at the drum Point)
• Impedance: 20 ohms
• Max power handling: 5W RMS
• Minimum recommended power: > 100 mW
• Recommended power level: >250 mW
• Cable: 1.9 m (6.2 ft) length, XLR termination on headphone end with single-ended 1/4 (6.3 mm) TRS jack.
• Wire material: 20 AWG high-purity OCC audio-grade copper
• Weight: 612g
• Made in the USA 

FOCAL CLEAR SPECIFICATIONS 

• Impedance: 55 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 104dB SPL / 1 mW @ 1kHz
• THD: 0.25% @ 1 kHz/100 dB SPL
• Frequency response: 5Hz – 28kHz
• Speaker driver: 1 ⅝” (40mm) ‘M’-shaped magnesium dome 
• Cable connector on headphones: Standard 3.5 mm
• Cables supplied:
• 1.2m mini-jack cable with ¼(6.35mm) jack adapter
• 1 x 3m 4-pin XLR cable
• 1 jack adapter, 3.5mm female to ¼”/6.35mm male
• Carrying case provided: 250x240x120mm
• Weight: 450g (0.99 lbs)
• Included in the box are two cables: one short cable that terminates in a 3.5mm connection and one long cable that ends in a 4-pin XLR termination. A 1/4″ adapter is also included. Nice carrying case.

BUILD, DESIGN AND COMFORT

There is a significant difference, despite the fact that none of these headphones are particularly small or lightweight. Due to its massive construction, LCD-X is incredibly heavy. The LCD-X is a strong and pleasant watch if the 612g is not an issue for you; many people find it to be perfectly acceptable. Plenty of swivel action, a fantastic suspension headband, and big plush pads make this an excellent choice.

The Clear MG stands out at 450 g, 160 g lighter than the competition. It has a padded headband and smaller, oval pads. I barely get a good fit, and there’s not a lot of swivel action. Since everyone’s head is slightly different in shape, I’ve had this issue with multiple headphones.

The Clear MG’s ability to switch pads is a major plus. In contrast to the LCD-X’s glued-on pads, these snap on and off. As with every pair of Focal headphones I’ve tried, the pads have a noticeable impact on the sound of the Clear MG. The stock pads aren’t usually my favorites.

The cords of both headphones are removable. The 3.5 mm connectors on the Focal get it points, but the 3-pin small XLR on the Audeze is standard on all of their products.

LISTENING COMPARISONS

Relevant gear includes an RME ADI-2 DAC FS and an A90 amplifier.

You and I on Our Odyssey

A throbbing bottom beat runs the length of this quite repetitive piece. The Clear MG and LCD-X are quite close to one another.

While both have respectable fundamental performance, the LCD-X has a little more body, depth, and heft—all positive qualities. The sound of the Clear MG is lighter and slightly brighter.

By The Cure, performed at 10:15 on a Saturday night

The Clear MG has a much roomier and airier sound. In general, the tuning isn’t too far off, but you can tell they sound different. Both are ideal for imaging. The LCD-X has a softer, more personal tone. A richer bass is audible. Details appear to be on par.

Faraj Suleiman’s Akka-Safad

An incredibly vivacious piano trio composition. The LCD-X makes it very appealing to me. A lot of care and attention to detail go into it. Despite the somewhat cramped stage, the imaging is excellent. That bass is just mind-blowing.

As a result of using the Clear MG, not only does everything become more transparent, but the imaging also becomes somewhat less sharp. Lighter and brighter is the new LCD-X, replacing its wonderful warmth and incredibly robust bass. Just because you’re sitting further away from the speakers doesn’t mean the frequency responses are drastically different. I prefer the traditional Audeze sound, but I can see how this may appeal to those who find the LCD-X too personal.

Jambi by Tool

The LCD-X produces a huge, full sound from the drums, bass, and guitars. The flavour is rich and savoury. A little too polite, those vivaria c are. Despite the close proximity of the speakers, the soundstage is spacious and clear.

The soundstage is much more expansive when using the Clear MG. Guitar riffs have a sharper sound, and the bass drum isn’t as big. Compared to the LCD-X, the vocals are pushed further back.

Nevermind by Leonard Cohen

With the LCD-X, the bass is amplified. When compared to the Clear MG, it seems to dig less deeply and has a drier sound. In contrast to the somewhat more distant sound of Cohen’s voice on the MG, the LCD-X brings out his warm and personal voice. The Clear MG has a far bigger soundstage.

Never Forget the Good Ones by Solveig Slettahjell 

The voices sound lovely, close, and cosy when paired with the LCD-X. With the MG, the vocals aren’t as full and there’s more roughness. In most cases, the soundstage is lighter and less obtrusive.

Sunrise by Norah Jones 

There is a lot of room in the Clear MG. There is a wonderful feeling of air and excellent instrument separation on the rather small soundstage. Compared to the LCD-X, which presents Jones’ voice with more thickness and meatiness, his voice sounds more like it’s floating in space. On the other hand, they aren’t actually that dissimilar or distant from one another. The sound is full and pleasant, and there is a lot of detail in both

Graceful Touch by Tord Gustavsen Trio 

With the Clear MG, it sounds incredibly subtle and well-balanced. The room is large and airy, and the piano is delicate and clear. The LCD-X isn’t as roomy, but it has a richer, cosier personality that’s delightful and delicate in its own unique way.

Keep Distance by Magnus af Uggla 

In this respect, they are identical. The MG has a little more room for air, while the LCD-X has a little more volume.

Self-Portrait in Three Colors by Kurt Rosenwinkel

With this guitar-led jazz trio, the Clear MG sounds considerably roomier. While the MG expands the club and places you back a few rows, the LCD-X makes it sound more intimate, like being in the first row of a small jazz club.

Bored by Deftones 

Compared to the Clear MG, the LCD-X brings out much more body to this metal track. Despite the similarities in tonality, there is a significant disparity.

In The Mountains by Espen Eriksen Trio 

The LCD-X and the Focal Clear MG both produce respectable renditions of this energetic piano trio track. The piano has a more defined and distinct tone, while the drums have more energy.

Young Vivaldi Violin Concerto RV 813 III by Ensemble Modo Antiquo 

In my opinion, the Clear MG really improves the sound quality of this. While LCD-X is pleasant, this string piece suffers from an excessive absence of airiness.

Brahms Symphony No. 2 III by Paavo Järvi 

In this case, the LCD-X makes the air gap less noticeable. Perhaps it is less significant since the symphony has so many other things happening. In any case, I think it’s fantastic. With a lot of pliability in any direction, it’s soft and delicate. Without becoming harsh or unpleasant, as can happen with other headphones that distort, the complicated passages—particularly the great crescendo—are handled with power and elegance.

I also really like how clear it sounds. The sound is thinner and lighter as usual. It has a distinct character; it lacks the LCD-X’s velvety smoothness but is more detailed and distinct in its speech. In this case, I lean towards the LCD-X; however, I must say that both are top-notch.

Cadenza by Marcin Wasilewski Trio 

A more defined and lively sound characterises the Clear MG. More so in the upper registers, where some percussion stands out. Although it lacks dynamics, the LCD-X has resolution. That being said, it’s still an excellent listen.

Summer 3: Vivaldi, Recomposed by Max Richter

The Clear MG really improves the sound quality of this. The strings sound slightly harsh on the LCD-X, but they sound perfect on the MG. Separation is better, and there’s a lot of fresh air.

Lift Me Up, by Rihanna

As a last point, I will use this song. A significant disparity exists between the LCD-X at low and high listening levels. The song makes it easy and especially noticeable. At high volumes, the LCD-X shines, but at medium levels, it sounds dull and uninteresting. Especially in this song, the Clear MG sounds best at middle volumes, but it gets a little harsh and annoying at high volumes.

WRAPPING IT UP 

In terms of tonal balance, they are not very far apart. They have a similar amount of bass, the mids are slightly dark, and the treble is well balanced and not bright. 

Treble

While neither is very light nor dark, the Clear MG does have a little more treble vigour. I hear very little difference between the two in terms of treble quality, but the Clear MG sounds more articulate, distinct, and lively.

Midrange 

Their tuning is very similar, and they both feature a present but laid-back midrange. Compared to many headphones, the higher mids lack some oomph. On the other hand, compared to the LCD-X, the Clear MG offers slightly greater upper mids energy. Compared to the MG, the LCD-X has a more refined and velvety midrange presentation.

Bass

The bass level is about the same. Their bass response is extremely linear down to about 30 Hz, which is a fair level—they aren’t bass heavy nor bass light. Both have excellent bass, but they sound distinct. A little broader and warmer, the LCD-X has a richer, meatier sound.

Soundstage and Imaging 

The LCD-X boasts an exceptionally personal soundstage. The LCD-X continues Audeze’s tradition of producing headphones that sound as intimate as their other models, rather than like they’re in a massive arena. Having saying that, it does open up considerably when the volume is turned up a little. In addition, the picture is accurate and well-layered, and the depth is respectable.

In terms of soundstage height and width, the Clear MG is head and shoulders above the competition, making it noticeably more spacious. Nonetheless, compared to larger-sounding models like the Hifiman XS or Sennheiser HD800, it falls short.

Whatever, it’s still a pair of headphones, and the experience you’re after will determine your preference over the LCD-X. The LCD-X is what it is, and I can’t help but admire it.

Details, Dynamics and Timbre

They present material differently, but I think they are rather similar in terms of the retrieval degree of detail. While the Clear MG has more definition and microdynamics and is more articulate, the LCD-X is smoother and more liquid.

In general, the dynamics are better with the Clear MG. It has more punch, is more articulate, and is a little bit snappier.

It’s crucial to remember that the LCD-X has a far greater dynamic range when played at higher volumes. With increasing volume, its performance gets better with time. At middle volume levels, the Clear sounds great, and at lower volumes, it definitely outperforms the LCD-X. However, when played at very high volumes, it might get a little shouty, whereas the LCD-X keeps getting better. However, with that said, I have no trouble enjoying the LCD-X at average or medium listening settings.

To a certain extent, timbre is a personal preference. It also involves making adjustments. In absolute terms, they are not all that different, but you still have to get used to them when you move back and forth. Although the Audeze’s midrange tends to sound a little too relaxed at times, I personally like the MG’s cleaner-sounding mids.

Because of the LCD-X’s richer sound, the bass tone seems more realistic, yet the Clear MG is still excellent.

With both, the treble sounds fine. The LCD-X has an extremely clean and clear treble that sounds quite natural to me, in contrast to Audeze’s reputation for having a relaxed and dark sound. Depending on your frame of reference, neither it nor the Clear MG—which is likewise quite dark—are treble-heads’ dreams.

PADS

As previously said, you just don’t replace the pads on the LCD-X unless they’re completely worn out because they’re glued on. In that sense, the focal is far more enjoyable, and switching pads takes only two seconds.

There’s no denying that switching out the pads affects the sound. I’ve tried a few of the alternatives, and I think there are several pads that I like over the original. In particular, I think the Dekoni fenestrated sheepskin pads (as well as the Elex/Elear) sound fantastic with the Clear MG. I plan to release an additional piece comparing different pads on the Clear MG.

AMPLIFICATION 

Desktop Amplifiers

The volume wheels on my Topping A90 and LCD-X are practically exactly the same, with the LCD-X being a few degrees lower. These headphones are both simple to use.

Their responses to varying levels of amplification are fairly comparable. My favourite test amp, the Topping A90 desktop amp, performs admirably with both.

With both, the Schiit Magni Heretic sounds excellent, but I think the more organic A90 is better. In direct comparison, the Magni seems a little bit dry.

Now for the Mytek Liberty THX AAA amp. It sounds slightly tighter, more detailed, and has better definition and clarity than the Topping, but it is still less warm-sounding.

Though it sounds a little warmer and more fluid than the Liberty, the hybrid tube amp Sparkos Labs Gemini retains about the same level of detail.

The best is saved for last: I think the Clear MG works wonderfully with the Woo Audio WA22 tube amplifier. In some way, it is simultaneously more articulate, detailed, lively, warmer, and rounder. Although the change is not great, it is significant enough to provide a little more magic. While the Clear MG amps outperform the WA22 when used with the LCD-X, the difference is not as great.

Portable DAC/Amps 

Finally, for those looking for something portable, the xDuoo Link 2 Bal is very amazing when using both headphones. Although I have only tested it in balanced mode, this tiny device can also be fairly strong in unbalanced mode. It has a roomy, lively, and intricate tone. Although it doesn’t sound quite as natural as desktop amplifiers, it comes quite close. In terms of listening volume, there is more than enough power available.

Comparatively to the xDuoo, the Dragonfly Cobalt has a pleasing sound as well. It sounds a little bit drier, though, which is why I much more like the much less expensive xDuoo.

Even the THX Onyx USB C-dongle has a nice sound. Even if it’s slightly warmer than the cobalt, I still like the xDuoo better.

Lastly, I use the THX Onyx as a DAC and the ifi xCan portable amplifier as a dedicated amplifier. It is slightly superior to the other portable choices since it has a slightly smoother, more organic sound. Still, I like the desktop amps better, even though they sound fantastic.

CONCLUSION 

With linear high-quality bass, present but lush mids, and a fairly neutral treble, the Audeze LCD-X and Focal Clear MG both keep to a balanced tone profile.

The sound of the Clear MG is noticeably lighter and brighter when compared to the other. The LCD-X has a more expansive bass response, a more refined midrange, and a very personal soundstage.

Although they display details differently, both headphones excel at retrieving details. While the Clear MG has greater articulation and life, the LCD-X has a silkier, more fluid quality.

They are both simple to operate and require only minimal portable equipment. But, with the right amplifiers and sources, they can really shine, and a solid desktop setup is essential.

The substantial weight of the LCD-X, which is distributed very evenly, is something to think about when thinking about comfort. Plus, you can easily adjust the sound quality by replacing the pads on the Clear MG, which is a huge improvement over the LCD-X’s glued pads.

Last but not least, I highly recommend these two headphones as two of the best in their price range. They aren’t cheap, but the sound quality is comparable to that of significantly more costly headphones.