Over-Ear
Focal Clear
88Outstanding
$1499
Full review dataFocal Clear vs STAX SR-X1: 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
STAX SR-X1
78Great
$885
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
STAX SR-X1
Sound8.5
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Clear | STAX SR-X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1499 | $885 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2017 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | electrostatic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 30 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | - |
| Frequency response | 5Hz - 28kHz | 7Hz-41kHz |
| Sound signature | Warm neutral | - |
| Impedance | 55 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | 101 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 450 g | 234 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
| 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
STAX SR-X1
The STAX SR-X1 is an electrostatic headphone that delivers a spacious, neutral, and highly detailed sound signature, making it a compelling budget-friendly entry into the brand's lineup. It excels in clarity, speed, and transparency while maintaining a lightweight and comfortable fit, though it requires an external energizer and is not suited for portable use. Its bass is less punchy than typical dynamic headphones, but it offers strong overall value for those seeking electrostatic performance without the top-tier price.
- Pro:Exceptional detail and transparency
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended listening
- Pro:Balanced, neutral tonal character
- Con:Requires a separate electrostatic amplifier or energizer
- Con:Bass impact is less forceful than dynamic models
- Con:Very open design offers minimal sound 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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