Over-Ear
Focal Clear
88Outstanding
$1499
Full review dataFocal Clear vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled: 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 Unveiled
88Outstanding
$2299
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 Unveiled
Sound9.5
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Clear | HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1499 | $2299 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2017 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | planar |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz - 28kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | Warm neutral | - |
| Impedance | 55 Ω | 28 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | 95 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 450 g | 450 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| 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 Unveiled
The HE1000 Unveiled is a premium open-back planar headphone that elevates high-end performance with a remarkably expansive, precise soundstage and detailed, engaging vocals. It delivers top-tier resolution and dynamics for its price, though its exposed driver cups demand careful handling and it lacks a 4.4mm cable in the box. Overall, it stands as a highly accomplished flagship for discerning listeners.
- Pro:Outstanding resolution and dynamics
- Pro:Very large, precise soundstage
- Pro:Engaging vocal presentation
- Con:Exposed cups require careful handling
- Con:No 4.4mm cable included
- Con:High price point
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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