DEKONI PADS FOR FOCAL CLEAR MG – A REVIEW2024

DEKONI PADS FOR FOCAL CLEAR MG – A REVIEW introduction

This is an analysis and comparison of the five distinct Dekoni aftermarket pad options for the full-size Focal headphones. Everything I say about the sound is based on my experience with the Focal Clear MG, the headphones I’ll be using with them. Other Focal models will produce different outcomes.

If you’re looking for high-quality aftermarket headphone pads, go no further than Dekoni. There is an astounding variety of headphone models supported, with multiple variants available for each, and the product line has been continuously growing since the initial batch of pads in 2016.

MATERIALS AND QUALITY 

The acoustic characteristics of an earpad are primarily determined by three things. A number of factors come into play, including the form, the padding, and the fabric (leather, microfiber, velour, protein leather, PU leather, etc.).

It has come to my attention that all Dekoni pads are crafted from the same memory foam, which means that their cushioning possesses identical acoustic properties. Durable and pleasant, the foam that Dekoni utilizes is top-notch.

When you let go of it, memory foam gradually returns to its former shape, rather than instantly. Although the foam used to make the basic Focal pads isn’t memory foam, it is softer and thus more easily compressed.

Dekoni typically use the same versions of the outer fabric for all headphone models. They provide the following for the Focal:

Every sheepskin item
all fenestrated sheepskin
Inside, velour is fenestrated sheepskin; on the face, velour is velour; on the exterior, full sheepskin.
Stellia Custom: All sheepskin except for mesh, the inside portion of the inside. Every stock Focal pad features this kind of mesh on the inner part.

Standard issue Focal MG pads are crafted from a microfiber substance that resembles felt. As time passes, the pads appear very worn out and the fibers begin to break away. No Dekoni pad has ever had this problem.

The Focal headphones have a unique attaching mechanism; Dekoni has exactly duplicated this. They at least as boldly snap on and off as the Focal pads do.

The frequency response curves of Dekoni earpads are the only ones that are systematically measured by any manufacturer. The Dekoni website is where you can locate their graphs. The graphs presented by Dekoni are really peculiar, and for some inexplicable reason, this makes any discrepancies appear much larger than they actually are.

The origin story of Dekoni Audio is detailed in their first blog post, which you can see here.

DEKONI + FOCAL CLEAR MG LISTENING TESTS

I created a quick but well chosen playlist and started listening to obtain a decent picture of how the several pads sound on the Focal Clear MG. Pad switching was involved in great numbers. Fortunately, the pads are straightforward to replace.

While I was listening to the Clear MG, I also compared it to my Elear/Elex, which is equipped with Dekoni fenestrated sheepskin pads. I will highlight this comparison later on. For years, I’ve relied on a set of Dekoni fenestrated sheepskin pads with them; during the course of the comparison, I will only swap out the pads on the Clear MG and not the Elex. The Elear/Elex shall be called the “Dekoni Elex” from here on out because its sound is so different from the stock pads; in my opinion, it sounds far better.

At the outset, I will go over each track individually, describing the pads used on each one. My results for each set of pads will be summarized later on.

My two Topping A90s, which serve as my main amplifiers, were put to good use. On the other hand, I utilized the superb Mytek Liberty THX AAA Amp and the fantastic Sparkos Labs Gemini hybrid tube amplifier, the latter of which I believe to be the ideal amplifier for Focal headphones. There was no correlation between the preferred pads and the amplifier type.

Jambi by Tool 

As for stock pads, the Elex upholstered in Dekoni fenestrated sheepskin has a little harsher, sparklier, and sibilant tone. With virtually no sibilance, the Clear MG has a mellower, more diffuse, and less forceful tone. One has strengths that the other doesn’t quite match.

My Dekoni Elex also has these pads, which are made with Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin. Although the Clear MG retains its smoother tone, the addition of these pads makes it sound more concentrated and tight. Even now, it lacks sibilance. In this case, the Elex is also sounding more aggressive. By installing these pads, the Clear MG was able to take advantage of the Elex’s best features while retaining those of the stock MG. Even though both shoes have fenestrated sheepskin padding, my favorite is the MG.

The Dekoni MG receives somewhat more bass from the full, non-fenestrated sheepskin pads compared to the fenestrated pads. A little darker tone is produced by dialing back the treble. Though subtle, the shift is noteworthy.

Hybrid Dekoni Pads—With fenestrated skin on the inside, solid leather on the outside, and velour on the face, these pads are designed to achieve a sound that combines elements of both types of pads. In particular, they resemble the fenestrated pads in terms of sound. Not quite as full-sounding as the MG with sheepskins, but more full-bodied than the Dekoni Elex. That is nice.

Dekoni Velour Pads—These provide exceptional comfort. On this tune, they sound great—balanced, full-bodied, and smooth. Though bassy, it isn’t overly so; it isn’t harsh or bright either. Quite small is the soundstage.

Similar to velour pads, Dekoni Stellia Custom Pads are softer and more luxurious than standard and fenestrated sheepskin options. In addition to the low, soothing vocals, the highs are also fairly gentle and soothing. When compared to the Dekoni Elex, this is light years ahead.

Reign of Gold by Beck

Standard pads—The Dekoni Elex has a sharper sound, particularly while playing guitar but also when singing. A more refined and carefree vibe permeates the MG.

Sheepskin with Dekoni Fenestration—The two headphones now have a more unified sound. Having said that, Elex is noticeably more vivid and sharp, whereas Clear MG is noticeably cozier and silkier. Compared to the default pads, these ones make the MG more accurate, tight, and imaging-friendly.

I am really impressed by the sound of these Dekoni sheepskin pads. A well-reproduced steel string guitar, crisp and clear vocals, and a robust bassline make for a really immersive listening experience. A little splashy and metallic, the Dekoni Elex has a more expansive sound and is crisper overall.

Dekoni Hybrid Pads—These pads bring out the best in the Clear MG. I much like the Clear MG to the Fenestrated Elex because to its richer bass, more intimate soundstage, and less sharp and harsh treble.

Dekoni Velour Pads—The Clear MG sounds great with these pads, especially with this track’s rather sharp tone. My preference goes to this pad over the other two, which are similar to a hybrid of the Dekoni Elex and the MG with stock pads. Although the MG is less crisp and has more bass, it is more concentrated than when using the original pads, and the Elex is brighter and sharper.

It has a lovely ring to it—Dekoni Stellia Custom Pads. The low end is deep and punchy. Velvety smooth vocals.

Lazarus by David Bowie 

Stock pads—The Dekoni Elex offers better imaging, is sharper and crisper, and really sounds more defined than the stock pads, despite how similar they sound. A friendlier, gentler tone characterizes the Clear MG.

With Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin, you may achieve a tighter fit and better definition than with stock pads, while yet enjoying a smoother feel than Elex. Although there is less of a difference now, the Dekoni Elex is still crisper. The Dekoni Elex is visually appealing, but I’m more drawn to the MG’s warmer and lusher tone.

Upgrade to Dekoni Sheepskin Pads for Denser, Fuller, and Lushier MG. Now it sounds like a really dark and cozy headset. Even though it’s fun, the Dekoni Elex has a better, more open sound.

When compared to genuine sheepskin pads, the warmth and fullness of Dekoni hybrid pads are slightly less noticeable. The MG’s midrange is also more relaxed than the Dekoni Elex’s, and the voices are less energizing but still prominent. Additionally, the bass is fuller and the soundstage is smaller. In my opinion, the MG is fantastic with these pads.

When compared to the Dekoni Elex, the bass on the Dekoni Velour Pads is significantly deeper. Compared to the stock pads, it sounds considerably deeper and more rich. My favorite here is the Dekoni Elex, which has a tighter sound.

A deep, rich bass is produced by the Dekoni Stellia Custom Pads. The vocals are clear and easy to hear. These mimic the velour pads in terms of sound significantly.

Come Away With Me by Norah Jones 

Standard padding – The Clear MG has a plusher, more natural feel. The Dekoni Elex produces noticeably sharper vocals, with a burst of energy in the high midrange and fuller, more nuanced texture and overtones. The Clear MG makes the piano sound more subdued and soothing.

With Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin, you can swap out the MG pads for a deeper, velvetier sound, which is drastically different from the voices when using Dekoni Elex. But now, in contrast to the default pads, the percussion and piano feel more defined and sharp. This is where the stock Clear MG and the Dekoni Elex really shine for me; with these pads, I get the best of all worlds.

Using the Dekoni sheepskin pads on the Clear MG produces a warm and velvety tone. I think it sounds great; it has a little, personal tone, but you can hear every nuance. Again, the Dekoni Elex has a clearer and more expansive sound, but the MG is my favorite because of how real and encompassing it sounds.

Norah Jones has gorgeous, velvety voice, and Dekoni Hybrid Pads can help you hear it. Everything sounds present, and the instruments are beautifully represented. The Dekoni Elex has a more open, sharp, dry, and textured tone. I still favor the MG’s rendition of the song since it is more personal, softer, and “musical” than these other options.

Velour Pads from Dekoni—Just like the stock pads, these are far cosier and warmer. Compared to the Dekoni Elex—which has considerably sharper voices, considerably tighter bass, and a lot darker sound—it isn’t without its charm.

The vocals sound far fuller and smoother with the Stellia-type pads, which are similar to the velour pads, compared to the Dekoni Elex. It’s a major difference, and I find it extremely colored.

Yoshimi Fighting the Pink Robots – Part 1 by The Flaming Lips 

The Clear MG is a more laid-back and silky option, while the Dekoni Elex is more pronounced and has a little darker backdrop.

There has been an improvement to the Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin, allowing it to sound warmer and more natural while yet being as tight as the Dekoni Elex, which is brighter and crisper. In contrast to the Clear MG’s more organic and natural sound, the Elex’s upper mids and treble have a slightly metallic quality.

Dekoni Sheepskin Pads—In comparison to the Dekoni Elex, which sounds very bright and sharp, the Clear MG sounds great with these sheepskin pads. The MG maintains its detail while sounding warm and appetizing.

Warmer sound would work better with this track on the Dekoni Hybrid Pads; personally, I like the Clear MG better than the Dekoni Elex because it isn’t as sharp and bright.

No one can deny that the Dekoni Velour Pads are giving the sound a unique hue. When compared to the Dekoni Elex, its sound is less defined and more bassy and diffuse.

Despite the track’s brightness, the sound of Dekoni Stellia Custom Pads is ominous and satisfying. The bass is heavy and somewhat fuzzy, much like the velour pads, yet it’s engulfing and pleasant.

Summer 3 – Vivaldi Recomposed by Max Richter

Stock pads—The Dekoni Elex gives the strings greater bite and attack and a more articulate texture. The timbre, on the other hand, is more metallic than the lusher and smoother Clear MG, making it sound less strenuous and more natural.

Pads made of Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin improve imaging, give the strings more texture, and make the MG sound more articulated. Compared to the Dekoni Elex, it sounds more lush, dark, and refined.

Compared to the fenestrated pads, the overall impression is darker and thicker with the sheepskin pads from Dekoni, and the bass is amplified. The soundstage has been shrunk slightly. More air is available in the Dekoni Elex, and its imaging is marginally better.

The Dekoni Hybrid Pads sound quite similar to the fenestrated pads, however the Clear MG isn’t as thick and black as it is with pure sheepskin.

Velour Pads by Dekoni—At first, I thought the sound was really muted, but after a time, I couldn’t stop listening and wouldn’t take them off.

The Dekoni Stellia Custom Pads have a sound that is comparable to that of the velour pads, with the exception of the bass, which is off, fuzzy, and diffuse, particularly when contrasted with the much tighter Dekoni Elex.

WRAPPING IT UP 

CLEAR MG with Stock Pads

The default Clear MG is amiable and has a quite full tone. Compared to the Dekoni Elex, it has a somewhat muted and gentle tone. The tone is lovely and relaxed, and the timbre is more natural. The Dekoni Elex has more bite, texture, and brightness while being crisper and tighter. The MG has a lot of detail, but it can sound overly polite at times, particularly in the upper mids where there is very little energy. The Dekoni Elex provides more accurate imaging.

The Dekoni Elex has several advantages over the MG, so picking one isn’t always easy—even though I always go with the MG.

CLEAR MG with Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin 

I practically obtained the ideal mix of the two headphones after switching the Clear MG’s pads for the Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin pads, just like those on the Elex. Most of the beneficial effects of the Dekoni Elex were translated to the Clear MG in the proper dosage without losing anything noteworthy.

Though the clearer and more crisp sound of the Dekoni Elex still has appeal, I always preferred the Clear MG once the Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin Pads were fitted.

MG with Sheepskin Pads

The MG is taken a step further toward greater bass and a richer, warmer sound by the complete sheepskin pads. Though not always, I think it’s better than the Dekoni Elex most of the time. The full sheepskin pads have a tendency to sound a little richer and thicker than I personally like. Though it sounds wonderful, I definitely prefer the MG with the fenestrated sheepskin pads. At first, I thought it was a bit too much.

MG with Hybrid Pads  

Compared to complete sheepskin pads and fenestrated sheepskin pads, hybrid pads provide a more balanced sound. While they have a more compact soundstage, these pads sound far fuller and warmer than the stock ones. They also feel slightly tighter and have better clarity and dynamics. In most cases, I find it to be superior to the Dekoni Elex.

MG with Velour Pads

The MG gets even blacker with these pads. While the bass is larger and heavier and the treble is more courteous, the midrange is extremely relaxed and smooth. The disparity is considerably more pronounced when contrasted with the Dekoni Elex than with the other pads. Instead of these, I like to use the stock pads.

MG with Stellia Custom Pads 

Just like the velour pads, these are dense and ominous-sounding. The Clear MG, when equipped with the factory pads, produces a far more vibrant sound with sharper highs, mids, and bass. Instead of these, I like to use the stock pads.

CONCLUSION

Both when compared to the stock MG pads and to the five different kinds of Dekoni pads that were tested with the Focal Clear MG, there are noticeable variances in sound.

Based on my listening habits, music preferences, and experience with the Focal Clear MG, I’ve discovered that the Dekoni pads may be organized into three categories:

My favorite kind of pad is a fenestrated sheepskin or hybrid pad. Evidently, the fact that they are both lined with fenestrated sheepskin is sufficient to give them a striking resemblance in terms of sound. In comparison to the stock pads, these have a tighter sound and a warmer, but not darker, tone. There is less room for sound to disperse.

Though they lack fenestration, the non-fenestrated sheepskin pads offer more bass and a warmer tonality than the fenestrated ones, therefore avoiding too drab. The middle gets somewhat darker than with the default pads.

My top picks for Dekoni pads are the Hybrid Pads and the Fenestrated Sheepskin Pads. I think they’re much more durable and have a far nicer sound than the original pads.