Focal
Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black
Open-back
92
/ 100
From $1,499
VS
Sennheiser HD 800 S wins by 3
Sennheiser
Sennheiser HD 800 S
Open-back
95
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict
Sennheiser HD 800 S takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black lands at 92 and Sennheiser HD 800 S at 95. That puts Sennheiser HD 800 S ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Pick Sennheiser HD 800 S if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black 92
vs 95 Sennheiser HD 800 S
Score breakdown
Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black
92 anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Sennheiser HD 800 S
95 anc 0
sound 95
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black | Sennheiser HD 800 S |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back | Open-back |
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
Sennheiser HD 800 S
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: Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black vs Sennheiser HD 800 S
Which is better, Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +
Sennheiser HD 800 S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
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.
Is Sennheiser HD 800 S worth the price? +
At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800 S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in battery.
Does Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black or Sennheiser HD 800 S 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.