Over-Ear
Focal Clear
88Outstanding
$1499
Full review dataFocal Clear vs Grado Signature S550: 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 Signature S550
78Great
$1020
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 Signature S550
Sound8.0
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Clear | Grado Signature S550 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1499 | $1020 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2017 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 50mm S2 dynamic driver |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz - 28kHz | 6Hz-44kHz |
| Sound signature | Warm neutral | - |
| Impedance | 55 Ω | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | 112 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.3 |
| Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Controls | - | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 450 g | 335 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Foldable | - | No |
| Detachable cable | Yes | 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 Signature S550
The Grado Signature S550 offers a more budget-friendly route into Grado's premium open-back lineup, featuring a 50mm S2 dynamic driver and a detachable cable system. It delivers a warm, lush sound with standout midrange and smooth treble, though its soundstage width and comfort over long sessions have some limitations. Overall, it's a modernized take on Grado's classic sound that balances approachability with audiophile appeal.
- Pro:Warm, lush sound with rich midrange
- Pro:Smooth treble that avoids harshness
- Pro:Detachable cable adds convenience
- Con:Soundstage feels narrow compared to peers
- Con:Comfort can wane during extended listening
- Con:No wireless or ANC features despite premium price
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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