Im coming from an DT990 and tried to replace them many times, I’ve tried audeze (too bulky), the DT 900 Pro (too veiled) and many others but always ended up with the DT990.

Today I finally got my Focal Radiance. I’ll try to give my very first subjective impression of them. It’s a very lightly used unit (even the plastic wrap was still on the connectors). Got it for 740 bucks.

Build: I like the materials but it’s too creaky for my taste. It’s not really a problem when worn but it creaks and pops a lot when handling. Cable is a joke, really stiff and short. If this is one of the better focal cables I don’t wanna imagine what the others are like. But overall it’s built very well, I just don’t feel like it can survive quite as much abuse as my Beyers did.

Comfort:
Comfort is really good, it has got quite a clamp on the head but I will get used to it. The pads are pretty soft and feel quality with the perfect amount of give. The leather quality is INSANE. I also didn't have the common Focal problem of my ears touching the metal grill even though I have humongous ears.

Sound:
They didn't WOW me like the Audeze LCD-2C did but it's more of a HD650 effect where I think that you would appreciate them more and more the longer you listen.

I thought these would be way bassier and warmer than my DT990s but I actually found them to be tuned kinda similar. The Radiance has more energy in the upper mids which makes the transition to the treble much more natural. Also the bass isn’t louder but much more defined. I immediately tried mixing a few projects where I had some troubles getting the bass right and it was a breeze with the Focals. Vocals come across more natural and not extra sparkly like on the DT990s.

Weirdly enough I can make out a LOT more details in the treble even though it's more relaxed overall.

Transients are way snappier on the Focals, for example the song „Snake Ice“ by JonatanLeandoer96 has many percs and transient heavy drum hits and they sound kind of mashed together on my old beyers.

They just sound neutral and right, soundstage is pretty small but that’s to be expected from a closed back and I actually like a more intimate sound.

Overall:

I am pleased with them, I will test them in different scenarios today and report back. Will they send my DT990s into retirement? I don’t know yet but we will see. If I end up selling them again I will try the Aeon Noir or the legendary HD800.

Edit: Just listened to Playboi Carti - Whole Lotta Red (I know not everyones taste) and man the Radiance BLEW MY MIND. Loud growling bass, screaming synths and demented vocals is exactly where they excel. I felt like carti was screaming in my face from the top of his lungs and the bass dragged me deep into hell, couldn't stop nodding my head to the music. Had to fire up Teardown for the full experience of destroying stuff while listening to this. Gotta get some death grips going next.