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Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black

Planar magnetic

96
/ 100
From $4,500
VS
Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black wins by 4
Focal Clear MG — Open-back
Focal

Focal Clear MG

Open-back

92
/ 100
From $1,499
Specdex verdict

Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black lands at 96 and Focal Clear MG at 92. That puts Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Focal Clear MG if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black

Tuning, detail, and staging

Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black leads on sound (96 vs 92).

Noise cancelling

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Focal Clear MG

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Focal Clear MG more score per dollar ($1,499 vs $4,500).

Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black 96
vs
92 Focal Clear MG

Score breakdown

Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black
96
anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Focal Clear MG
92
anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black versus Focal Clear MG — full spec comparison
Spec Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black Focal Clear MG
Type
Planar magnetic
Open-back

Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Focal Clear MG

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black vs Focal Clear MG

Which is better, Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black or Focal Clear MG? +

Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black worth the price? +

At $4,500, Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.

Is Focal Clear MG worth the price? +

At $1,499, Focal Clear MG delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in battery.

Does Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black or Focal Clear MG last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black or Focal Clear MG? +

Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black — leads on sound (96 vs 92). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is the better value, Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black or Focal Clear MG? +

Focal Clear MG — more score per dollar ($1,499 vs $4,500). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.