Over-Ear
Focal Clear
88Outstanding
$1499
Full review dataFocal Clear vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth: 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
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
82Great
$949
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
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
Sound8.5
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Clear | HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1499 | $949 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2017 | 2023 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | planar |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz - 28kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | Warm neutral | Neutral |
| Impedance | 55 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | 93 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 450 g | 458 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | 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
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
The HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth is a high-end planar magnetic headphone that delivers a refined, neutral sound signature while being easier to drive than its size suggests. It offers excellent comfort and technical performance for a flagship model, though its large frame and bright treble on certain recordings may not suit everyone. Overall, it represents strong value in the premium tier, especially at its current price point. Its stealth magnet design helps minimize interference, contributing to its clean, detailed output. The headphone benefits from amplification but remains usable with portable sources, making it versatile for a range of setups. Its build quality is solid, and the detachable cable adds practicality, though its weight and fit can be a consideration for some listeners.
- Pro:Refined, neutral sound with strong detail retrieval
- Pro:Easier to drive than typical planars, works well with modest sources
- Pro:Comfortable despite its large size, with plush earpads
- Con:Heavy build may cause fatigue during long sessions
- Con:Large ear cups can be awkward for smaller head sizes
- Con:Treble can sound uneven or harsh on bright recordings
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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