Over-Ear
Focal Clear
88Outstanding
$1499
Full review dataFocal Clear vs Shanling Hw600: 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
Shanling Hw600
82Great
$1099
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
Shanling Hw600
Sound8.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Clear | Shanling Hw600 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1499 | $1099 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2017 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | planar |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 110 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz - 28kHz | 12Hz-40kHz |
| Sound signature | Warm neutral | - |
| Impedance | 55 Ω | 30 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | 104 dB/mW |
| Features | ||
| Controls | - | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 450 g | 480 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
| 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
Shanling Hw600
The Shanling HW600 is a premium open-back planar headphone that delivers a detailed, energetic sound with a clear focus on vocal clarity. Its large 110mm driver and high sensitivity make it surprisingly easy to drive for a planar, though the soundstage feels a bit confined and the accessory kit is sparse. Overall, it's a strong first entry into the high-end headphone space for Shanling, appealing to those who prioritize resolution and midrange purity.
- Pro:Easy to drive for a planar
- Pro:Excellent vocal and midrange detail
- Pro:Open, energetic sound signature
- Con:Soundstage is somewhat limited
- Con:Minimal included accessories
- Con:Bass response can be uneven
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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