Over-Ear
Focal Clear
88Outstanding
$1499
Full review dataFocal Clear vs Grado GS3000: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Focal Clear comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Focal Clear - Outstanding overall at around $1499.
Over-Ear
Grado GS3000
84Great
$1995
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Clear
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Grado GS3000
Sound9.0
Value6.0
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Clear | Grado GS3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1499 | $1995 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2017 | - |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz - 28kHz | 4Hz-51kHz |
| Sound signature | Warm neutral | - |
| Impedance | 55 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | 99.8 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 450 g | 398 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
Focal Clear
The Focal Clear is a wired, open-back-style over-ear headphone with a warm-neutral tuning that balances musicality and accuracy. Its dynamic driver delivers rich, natural timbre and strong technical performance, making it a versatile choice for critical listening across genres. The build is solid yet comfortable, with a detachable cable and balanced connection support for audiophile setups.
- Pro:Natural, engaging warm-neutral sound
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and imaging
- Pro:Comfortable fit for long sessions
- Con:Heavier than some competitors at 450g
- Con:Pricey despite discounts
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound
Grado GS3000
The Grado GS3000 is a high-end open-back dynamic headphone known for its lively, open soundstage and engaging musicality. It pairs well with genres like jazz, soul, and soft rock, and is easy to drive despite its premium price. While it excels in sonic character and dynamics, its build and finish feel more utilitarian than luxurious. Its wide 4Hz-51kHz frequency response and 50mm drivers deliver detailed, airy audio with solid bass impact for an open design.
- Pro:Open, spacious soundstage with vivid dynamics
- Pro:High sensitivity and easy to drive from most sources
- Pro:Engaging and musical tuning, especially for jazz and vocal-centric genres
- Con:Build quality feels less premium than price suggests
- Con:Lacks modern features like ANC or wireless connectivity
- Con:Sound signature may not suit all genres equally
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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