Over-Ear
Focal Clear
88Outstanding
$1499
Full review dataFocal Clear vs Grado RS1: 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 RS1
84Great
$750
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 RS1
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Clear | Grado RS1 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1499 | $750 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2017 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz - 28kHz | 12Hz-30kHz |
| 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 | 255 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 RS1
The Grado RS1 is a premium open-back headphone with handcrafted wooden earcups and a lively, engaging sound that prioritizes musical enjoyment over clinical detail. It's lightweight, easy to drive, and delivers punchy dynamics, though its open design offers minimal isolation and practical compromises. Overall, it's a strong pick for audiophiles who value an energetic, natural presentation.
- Pro:Lively and engaging sound signature
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended listening
- Pro:Easy to drive with most devices
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
- Con:Practicality tradeoffs for portable or quiet environments
- Con:Price may be steep for some buyers
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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