Over-Ear
Focal Clear
88Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFocal Clear vs Shure Srh1540: 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
Shure Srh1540
82Great
$550
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
Shure Srh1540
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Clear | Shure Srh1540 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1,500 | $550 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2017 | 2014 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz - 28kHz | 5Hz-25kHz |
| Sound signature | Warm neutral | - |
| Impedance | 55 Ω | 46 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | 99 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 450 g | 286 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| 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
Shure Srh1540
The Shure SRH1540 is a premium closed-back over-ear headphone praised for its balanced, detailed sound and exceptional comfort. It delivers deep, controlled bass and crisp highs without excessive coloration, making it a top choice for critical listening. While its soundstage and build quality are excellent, its average noise isolation means it's best suited for quiet environments.
- Pro:Accurate, balanced sound with deep lows and clear highs
- Pro:Extremely comfortable for long listening sessions
- Pro:Lightweight and well-built with premium materials
- Con:Average noise isolation
- Con:Premium price point
- Con:Requires calibration for optimal performance in some setups
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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