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Head-to-head · Best Open-back Headphones For Mixing

Focal Clear MG Professional vs Sennheiser HD 650

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Sennheiser HD 650 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.4 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about audiophiles seeking neutral reference sound — read the strengths below before deciding.

Focal Clear MG Professional
Ranked #6 in Best Open-back Headphones For Mixing
Focal Clear MG Professional
8 sources3 derived$1,494as of Sep 25

The Focal Clear MG Pro delivers a well-balanced sound profile with dynamic bass, smooth mids, and refined treble. Reviewers noted its close resemblance to the Clear OG but with enhanced treble extension and slightly better definition in the mids and highs. While the bass is described as class-leading and punchy, some reviewers observed a subtle dip in the 3-6kHz range that affects brightness. The open-back design caters to professional use, making it ideal for producers and mix engineers. It maintains Focal's signature house sound while offering a more refined iteration of the original model.

Strengths
  • — Bass is dynamic, deep, and punchy with class-leading impact and slam
  • — Mids are smooth, organic, full-bodied, and articulate with a dip around 4-5kHz that adds softness
  • — Treble is well-tuned with lively presence and improved clarity above 15kHz
Watch-outs
  • — Slight dip in energy between 3-6kHz may make the sound appear less bright than expected
  • — The headphone tuning may differ from the Clear MG, despite both being part of the same series
$1,494 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Sennheiser HD 650
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Open-back Headphones For Mixing
Sennheiser HD 650
9 sources3 derived$299as of Sep 25

The Sennheiser HD 650 remains a benchmark reference headphone with its 42mm dynamic drivers and 300 ohm impedance delivering exceptional accuracy and musicality. Reviewers consistently praise its natural sound signature and build quality, though its high impedance means it requires a quality amplifier to fully realize its potential. While the proprietary cable connections may limit compatibility, the HD 650 continues to be considered a classic choice for audiophiles seeking neutral, transparent sound reproduction.

Strengths
  • — Nominal impedance of 30/300 ohms provides excellent compatibility with high-end amplifiers
  • — Iconic plastic design with spring steel headband offers comfortable long-term wear
  • — Natural and musical sound signature praised by audiophiles for its neutrality and transparency
Watch-outs
  • — Cable termination uses proprietary connectors that may limit compatibility with some devices
  • — Lack of isolation and sound leakage
$299 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Focal Clear MG Professional

The Focal Clear MG Pro offers dynamic bass and smooth mids, surpassing the AKG K-712 Pro's bass over-emphasis and treble dip. While it's less detailed than the Audeze LCD-X and lacks the open-back design of the HD 800 S, it provides a more balanced and refined sound compared to the HD 490 Pro, which has less clarity in the high frequencies.

Sennheiser HD 650

The HD 650 offers unmatched neutrality and build quality compared to the HD 490 Pro, which has less neutral high-mids and treble. While the HD 490 Pro provides better sub-bass extension, the HD 650's 300 ohm impedance and proprietary connectors make it more suited for audiophiles with high-end amplifiers, unlike the more versatile LCD-X or K-712 Pro.

Specs side-by-side

SpecFocal Clear MG ProfessionalSennheiser HD 650
DesignOpen-backOpen-back, Over-ear
DriverPure magnesium dome42mm dynamic
Impedance55 Ω300 ohms
Sensitivity104dB SPL / 1mW @ 1kHz103 dB (1 V)
Frequency Response5 Hz – 23 kHz10 Hz - 41,000 Hz
Weight450 g / 0.99 lb260 g
Connector1/4" - 6,35mm TRS jack, 1/8" - 3.5mm TRS jack1/4" (6.35 mm) stereo jack plug
Cable1.2m Jack 1/8" cable3 m
← See the full ranking of best open-back headphones for mixing