HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet vs Focal Clear Mg
HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet (#2, best value) vs Focal Clear Mg (#3, best premium): in our Over-Ear Headphones (Audiophile Music Picks) scoring the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet totals 9/10 and the Focal Clear Mg 8.8/10. At $599 versus $1,499, the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet costs $900 less.
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TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet | Focal Clear Mg | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 | $1499 |
| Driver Size | 90mm planar magnetic | 40mm magnesium dome |
| Impedance | 35Ω | 55Ω |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz-65kHz | 5Hz-28kHz |
| Weight | 404g | 450g |
| Design | Open-back | Open-back |
How they differ in real use
Built from our over ear music scoring, each product's published specifications, and verified owner feedback — not hands-on testing.
Both the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet and the Focal Clear Mg made our Top 5 Over-Ear Headphones (Audiophile Music Picks), at #2 (best value) and #3 (best premium). Flagship planar magnetic technology at mid-tier pricing. Originally $1,599, now around $599 with soundstage approaching the HD 800 S. Exceptional dynamic expression capturing music's emotional impact. What Hi-Fi? describes the presentation as 'elusive to most rivals.'
We score over-ear headphones (audiophile music picks) on Sound Quality (40%), Soundstage (20%), Comfort (15%), Build Quality (15%) and Value (10%). On that basis the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet totals 9 out of 10 and the Focal Clear Mg 8.8. The widest gap is Value, where the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet scores 9.4 against 7 for the Focal Clear Mg — performance per dollar. Soundstage also separates them: 9.4 for the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet versus 8.5 for the Focal Clear Mg. The Focal Clear Mg claws back ground on Build Quality and Sound Quality.
On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Driver Size — 90mm planar magnetic on the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet versus 40mm magnesium dome on the Focal Clear Mg; Impedance — 35Ω on the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet versus 55Ω on the Focal Clear Mg; Frequency Response — 8Hz-65kHz on the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet versus 5Hz-28kHz on the Focal Clear Mg; Weight — 404g on the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet versus 450g on the Focal Clear Mg. They match on Design.
Pricing as of July 29, 2026: $599 for the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet and $1,499 for the Focal Clear Mg, a $900 difference in the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet's favor. Owners praise the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet for exceptional value (was $1,599) and 90mm planar magnetic drivers; the most common complaint is requires powerful amplification. Owners praise the Focal Clear Mg for exceptional dynamic expression and 40mm M-shaped magnesium dome drivers; the most common complaint is heavy at 450g.
HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet
- Exceptional value (was $1,599)
- 90mm planar magnetic drivers
- Soundstage approaches HD 800 S
- Superior bass extension and control
- Requires powerful amplification
- Some treble peaks (responds well to EQ)
- Heavy at 404g
Focal Clear Mg
- Exceptional dynamic expression
- 40mm M-shaped magnesium dome drivers
- Full-bodied, engaging presentation
- French craftsmanship
- Heavy at 450g
- Very expensive
- Open-back design limits portability
Which should you buy?
The HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet is the better fit for electronic music lovers and rock and orchestral fans — it is the higher-scoring pick here, chiefly for Value and Soundstage. The Focal Clear Mg is the better fit for rock and pop listeners and vocal enthusiasts, and the stronger choice if Build Quality and Sound Quality matter more to you than the overall score. Since the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet is both the higher scorer and $900 cheaper, the Focal Clear Mg only makes sense for rock and pop listeners. The HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet is a poor fit for those without amplification; the Focal Clear Mg is a poor fit for travel use.
Choose the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet if
- Electronic music lovers
- Rock and orchestral fans
- Value-seeking audiophiles
Skip it if
- Those without amplification
- Office use
Choose the Focal Clear Mg if
- Rock and pop listeners
- Vocal enthusiasts
- Those valuing emotional connection over neutrality
Skip it if
- Travel use
- Budget shoppers
Common questions
Is the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet better than the Focal Clear Mg?
In our Over-Ear Headphones (Audiophile Music Picks) ranking the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet scores higher overall, 9 to 8.8, with the biggest advantage in Value. The Focal Clear Mg is stronger on Build Quality and Sound Quality, so it is the better pick if those matter most to you.
How much more does the Focal Clear Mg cost than the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet?
$900 more as of July 29, 2026: $1,499 for the Focal Clear Mg against $599 for the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet. Prices move, so the merchant page shows the current figure.
What is the main difference between the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet and the Focal Clear Mg?
The headline spec difference is Driver Size: 90mm planar magnetic on the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet versus 40mm magnesium dome on the Focal Clear Mg. In use, the gap that matters most is Value (9.4 vs 7 in our scoring): performance per dollar.