Over-Ear
Focal Clear
88Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFocal Clear vs HiFiMAN HE 1000se: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Focal Clear vs HiFiMAN HE 1000se, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
88Outstanding
$1,700
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 1000se
Sound9.5
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Clear | HiFiMAN HE 1000se |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1,500 | $1,700 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2017 | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | planar |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | - |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 28 kHz | 8 Hz - 65 kHz |
| Sound signature | Warm neutral | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 55 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | 96 dB/mW |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 450 g | 440 g |
| Detachable cable | 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 1000se
The HiFiMAN HE1000se is a high-end planar magnetic headphone that delivers exceptional detail retrieval and a spacious, airy soundstage. Its bright-neutral tuning offers strong bass and treble extension, though the prominent treble can become harsh with lower-quality recordings. While its 35-ohm impedance and 96 dB sensitivity make it moderately easy to drive, it still benefits from quality amplification to perform at its best.
- Pro:Outstanding resolution and micro-detail clarity
- Pro:Wide, airy soundstage with excellent instrument separation
- Pro:Strong extension at both frequency extremes
- Con:Bright, peaky treble can fatigue on poorly mastered tracks
- Con:Requires a decent amp despite moderate sensitivity
- Con:Midrange lacks warmth and body for some tastes
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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