Focal Clear MG
Open-back
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Studio reference · Open · 250Ω
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Clear MG lands at 92 and beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII at 92. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Focal Clear MG if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Pick beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII if…
- ✓Reference-class detail retrieval
- ✓Made in Germany build
- ✓Includes both balanced + analytical pads
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKIITuning, detail, and staging
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII leads on sound (96 vs 92).
Comfort
TieLong-session wearability
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKIISpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII more score per dollar ($599 vs $1,499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Focal Clear MG | beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back | Open-back dynamic |
| Driver | — | 45 mm Tesla |
| Impedance | — | 250Ω |
| Frequency response | — | 5 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Cable | — | Detachable XLR / 6.35mm |
| Weight | — | 370 g |
Focal Clear MG
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
- +Reference-class detail retrieval
- +Made in Germany build
- +Includes both balanced + analytical pads
- −Open-back leaks sound
- −Needs amplification (250Ω)
- −No wireless variant
FAQ: Focal Clear MG vs beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Which is better, Focal Clear MG or beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII? +
Both score 92 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Focal Clear MG worth the price? +
At $1,499, Focal Clear MG delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in battery.
Is beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII worth the price? +
At $599, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.
Does Focal Clear MG or beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII 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, Focal Clear MG or beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII? +
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII — leads on sound (96 vs 92). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is the better value, Focal Clear MG or beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII? +
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII — more score per dollar ($599 vs $1,499). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.