Over-Ear
Focal Clear
88Outstanding
$1499
Full review dataFocal Clear vs Grado Rs1x: 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 Rs1x
82Great
$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 Rs1x
Sound8.5
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Clear | Grado Rs1x |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1499 | $750 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2017 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz - 28kHz | 12Hz-30kHz |
| Sound signature | Warm neutral | - |
| Impedance | 55 Ω | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | 99.8 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 450 g | 320 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | - | No |
| 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 Rs1x
The Grado RS1x is an open-back dynamic headphone that delivers a highly transparent, spacious, and musical sound with strong dynamics and easy drivability. Its open design and distinct tuning offer an immersive experience, but it comes with practical limitations like significant sound leakage and comfort that may not suit long listening sessions. Overall, it's a solid choice for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality over isolation and build polish.
- Pro:Excellent transparency and detail retrieval
- Pro:Punchy, musical sound with strong dynamics
- Pro:Easy to drive from most sources
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound heavily
- Con:Comfort is limited for extended wear
- Con:Build quality feels modest for the price
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.