Over-Ear
Focal Clear
88Outstanding
$1499
Full review dataFocal Clear vs Meze 109 PRO PRIMAL: 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
Meze 109 PRO PRIMAL
84Great
$999
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
Meze 109 PRO PRIMAL
Sound8.5
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Clear | Meze 109 PRO PRIMAL |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1499 | $999 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2017 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | in-house dynamic driver |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz - 28kHz | 5Hz-30kHz |
| Sound signature | Warm neutral | - |
| Impedance | 55 Ω | 40 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | 112 dB/mW |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 450 g | 375 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| 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
Meze 109 PRO PRIMAL
The Meze 109 Pro is an open-back, over-ear headphone from the Romanian brand, featuring a custom 50mm dynamic driver and a lightweight 375g frame. It's designed for easy pairing with most sources thanks to its 40-ohm impedance and high 112dB sensitivity, delivering a spacious and engaging soundstage. While not a purely neutral reference, it offers a warm, musical tuning that excels across genres and is praised for its comfort and build quality at a premium price point.
- Pro:Easy to drive with any source
- Pro:Spacious and immersive soundstage
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Con:Not a strictly neutral or analytical listen
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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