Short answer: the Austrian Audio The Arranger, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #363 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 2.9/5, at $1,299. The Focal Clear Mg ranks #420, rated 2.5/5, at $1,197, $102 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 481 over-ear headphones, and the HIFIMAN Ananda Nano, ranked #6 at $319, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The Austrian Audio The Arranger is the better-sounding choice. The open back delivers a spacious presentation, and the 25 ohm impedance with 110 dB SPL/V sensitivity means it gets loud from a phone or laptop without a dedicated amp. The tradeoff: In the median of 3 hobbyist measurements on squig.link it scores just 58 for preference, with bass about 5 dB and low mids nearly 4 dB above target, so the sound turns thick and muddy on dense mixes.
The case for the Focal Clear Mg: With a 55 ohm impedance and 104 dB/mW sensitivity, this open-back headphone gets loud from most sources without a dedicated amp. Watch for: In oratory1990’s measurement the presence and treble bands sit about 6.6 and 9.4 dB below target from 3 to 10 kHz, with a 13.6 dB dip near 9.7 kHz, so vocals lose clarity and cymbals sound muted.
Buy the Austrian Audio The Arranger. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $102 saving on the Focal Clear Mg is not enough to make up the difference.
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The open back delivers a spacious presentation, and the 25 ohm impedance with 110 dB SPL/V sensitivity means it gets loud from a phone or laptop without a dedicated amp.
HeadAmp $1,299.00 eBay
With a 55 ohm impedance and 104 dB/mW sensitivity, this open-back headphone gets loud from most sources without a dedicated amp.
Amazon $1,197.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Austrian Audio The Arranger | Focal Clear Mg | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,299.00 | $1,197.00 |
| Ranked | #363 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #420 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 58 (median of 3 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 48 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.97 dB standard deviation | 3.57 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -1.21 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.35 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.4 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 44mm dynamic | 1 x 40mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 25 ohms | 55 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB SPL/V | 104 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (320 g) | 1 lbs (450 g) |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
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