Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Audeze MM-500 — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze MM-500

Planar magnetic

92
/ 100
From $1,699
VS
Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black — Open-back
Focal

Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black

Open-back

92
/ 100
From $1,499
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze MM-500 lands at 92 and Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black at 92. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Audeze MM-500 if…

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

Pick Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

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

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 · Midnight Black

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black more score per dollar ($1,499 vs $1,699).

Audeze MM-500 92
vs
92 Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black

Score breakdown

Audeze MM-500
92
anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black
92
anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Audeze MM-500 versus Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black — full spec comparison
Spec Audeze MM-500 Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black
Type
Planar magnetic
Open-back

Audeze MM-500

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 · 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

FAQ: Audeze MM-500 vs Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black

Which is better, Audeze MM-500 or Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black? +

Both score 92 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Audeze MM-500 worth the price? +

At $1,699, Audeze MM-500 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in battery.

Is Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black worth the price? +

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

Does Audeze MM-500 or Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black 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 the better value, Audeze MM-500 or Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black? +

Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black — more score per dollar ($1,499 vs $1,699). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.