Head to head · for music listening
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO vs Focal Clear MG
More people recommend the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO overall (38 vs 22). None of the 15 comments that name both says outright which one to buy, so read the loves and complaints and decide by taste.
- Comments naming both
- 15
- Say they own both
- 3
- Choose the DT 1990 PRO
- 0
- Choose the Clear MG
- 0
Counted across 11 review videos, harvested Sep 2026. A comment counts as a choice only when it says so in plain words (prefer X over Y, upgraded from Y to X); questions never count. Quotes are whole sentences of 12 words or fewer, linked to where they were said. How we count.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $700cheaper | $1499 |
| Overall rank | #17higher | #24 |
| People who recommend it | 38more | 22 |
| Say they own it | 51more | 30 |
| Mentions | 470more | 255 |
| Type | open-back wired | open-back wired |
| Known for | DetailTwo pad setsNeeds amp | DetailPunchNeeds amp |
| Best for | Detail-first listeners and home producers who want a headphone that will outlast several amps. | The money-no-object pick for people who want punch and warmth instead of analytical detail. |
| Buy | Amazon · $700Direct | Amazon · $1499 |
#17 overall
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO (now sold as MKII)
3 of the 15 comments naming both come from people who say they own this one.
What owners love
- Build quality owners describe as the best in its class; metal, made in Germany, everything replaceable
- Detail and technical precision that producers and mixers pick it for
- Comes with two pad sets (analytical and balanced) that genuinely change the sound
The complaints
- Treble peaks: the reason most people who move on from it give
- Heavy and warm on the head after long sessions; pads flatten over time
- 250 ohm, needs an amp
In their words
“I got the DT-1990 mkiis and I love them”
A commenter under Almost all headphones are inaccurate. Only these are good. (AP Mastering) · Dec 2024
“These DT 1990 are worth every penny”
A commenter under Z Review - Beyer-Dynamic DT1990 [Like a German Porno...] (Z Reviews) · Mar 2017
“I love my DT 1990 Pros :)”
A commenter under Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Review: Big, Built, but TOO Bright?? (BadSeed Tech) · Oct 2019
#24 overall
Focal Clear MG
3 of the 15 comments naming both come from people who say they own this one.
What owners love
- Punch and dynamics owners rate above any planar; several call it their daily driver over the Arya
- Warm, even tuning that makes every recording sound good, without fatiguing treble
- Built and finished like a luxury object
The complaints
- Price, and Focal's steep discounting means owners who paid full price feel burned
- Focal drivers can clip on very bass-heavy music at high volume
- Pads and headband discolour; cables wear
- The original Clear was cheaper and some prefer it
In their words
“I also love my Stellias, and focal Clear MG's”
A commenter under the GIANT headphone tier list (end of 2023) (The Headphone Show) · Dec 2023
“I love my Focal Clear MG Pro's”
A commenter under The Best Headphones for Mixing and Mastering (ALL Models Compared) (SonicScoop) · Aug 2023
“You could get a focal clear for under 500, in decent shape”
A commenter under The Best Value in Audiophile Headphones (The Headphone Show) · Aug 2025
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