Over-Ear
Focal Clear
88Outstanding
$1499
Full review dataFocal Clear vs Grado Signature S950: 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 S950
78Great
$1976
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 S950
Sound8.0
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Clear | Grado Signature S950 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1499 | $1976 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2017 | 2025 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 52 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz - 28kHz | 3.5 Hz – 51.5 kHz |
| Sound signature | Warm neutral | - |
| Impedance | 55 Ω | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | 117 dB/mW |
| Features | ||
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 450 g | 395 g |
| 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 S950
The Grado Signature S950 is a high-end open-back headphone that leans towards a neutral, analytical sound with impressive detail retrieval and a wide, immersive soundstage. It offers strong imaging and transient response, and its high sensitivity makes it easy to drive from portable devices, though its treble can be sharp and bass weight is limited. The detachable cable and comfortable fit are practical perks, but long listening sessions may be affected by the bright tuning.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and clarity
- Pro:Wide, spacious soundstage with strong imaging
- Pro:Easy to drive from portable sources due to high sensitivity
- Con:Treble can be sharp and fatiguing over time
- Con:Bass is not particularly deep or weighty
- Con:Midrange may sound recessed to some listeners
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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