Over-Ear
Focal Clear
88Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFocal Clear vs Nectar Hive: 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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Clear
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Clear | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1,500 | $700 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 70 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2017 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | - |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 28 kHz | 20 Hz - 7 kHz |
| Sound signature | Warm neutral | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 55 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 450 g | 370 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
Nectar Hive
The Nectar Hive is a wired electrostatic over-ear headphone priced around $600, weighing just 370 grams. It delivers a bright neutral sound signature with a frequency response spanning 20Hz to 7kHz, offering a detailed and airy presentation that leans toward analytical clarity. This model earns high marks for its tonal balance and technical performance, making it a strong contender in its price bracket for listeners who prefer a crisp, revealing sound.
- Pro:Excellent tonal accuracy and neutrality
- Pro:Impressive technical detail retrieval
- Pro:Featherweight design for comfort
- Con:Bright tilt may be fatiguing for some
- Con:Limited bass impact due to electrostatic nature
- Con:Requires dedicated amplifier for proper use
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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