Focal Clear vs Sennheiser HD 800s: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 800s comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 79. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sennheiser HD 800s - Great overall at around $1874.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Sennheiser HD 800s leads on 3 of 4 measures.

Focal Clear
Sennheiser HD 800s

HearWiki score

Sound

8.8

9.5

Value

6.8

Price (USD)

$1,500

$1,870

Specifications

ClearHD 800s

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,500; $1,870
HearWiki score: 75; 79
Released: 2017; 2016
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 40 mm dynamic; 56 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 40 mm; 56 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 28 kHz; 4 Hz - 51 kHz
Sound signature: neutral-warm; neutral-bright
Impedance: 55 Ω; 300 Ω
Sensitivity: 104 dB/mW; 101.6 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): -; 102
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Weight: 450 g; 330 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: -; No
Connector: -; 4.4 mm balanced
Balanced connection: Yes; Yes

Specification comparison of Focal Clear vs Sennheiser HD 800s
Spec	Focal Clear	Sennheiser HD 800s
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,500	$1,870
HearWiki score	75 / 100 Great	79 / 100 Great
Released	2017	2016
Audio
Driver	40 mm dynamic	56 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	40 mm	56 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	5 Hz - 28 kHz	4 Hz - 51 kHz
Sound signature	neutral-warm	neutral-bright
Impedance	55 Ω	300 Ω
Sensitivity	104 dB/mW	101.6 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	-	102
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Weight	450 g	330 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	-	No
Connector	-	4.4 mm balanced
Balanced connection	Yes	Yes

What reviewers said

Focal Clear

The Focal Clear is a premium open-back, wired over-ear headphone that delivers a warm-neutral sound signature, balancing musicality with technical precision. Its 40mm dynamic drivers provide a detailed and engaging performance, while the detachable cable and balanced connectivity offer flexible use with high-end audio gear. Built with a robust 450g frame, it prioritizes sound quality and comfort for discerning listeners.

Pro:Warm-neutral tuning that is both musical and revealing
Pro:Excellent technical performance with detailed dynamics
Pro:Detachable cable and balanced support for versatile setups

Con:Heavy at 450g, which may cause fatigue over long sessions
Con:High impedance (55 ohm) requires a capable amplifier
Con:Premium price point limits accessibility

Sennheiser HD 800s

The Sennheiser HD 800 S is a premium open-back, wired headphone designed for audiophiles seeking a neutral-bright, reference-grade sound. It offers a remarkably wide soundstage and detailed articulation, though it requires a quality amplifier and a quiet environment to truly shine. With a lightweight build and comfortable fit, it's a top-tier choice for critical listening at home.

Pro:Exceptional soundstage and imaging
Pro:Detailed, neutral-bright tuning
Pro:Very comfortable for long sessions

Con:Open-back design leaks sound heavily
Con:Needs a powerful amp to perform fully
Con:Lacks strong mid-bass impact

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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