Over-Ear
Focal Listen Pro
68Good
$299
Full review dataFocal Listen Pro vs Sennheiser HD 650: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 650 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sennheiser HD 650 - Outstanding overall at around $380.
Over-Ear
Sennheiser HD 650
85Outstanding
$380
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Listen Pro
Sound6.5
Value7.0
Sennheiser HD 650
Sound9.0
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Listen Pro | Sennheiser HD 650 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $299 | $380 |
| HearWiki score | 68 / 100 · Good | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2016 | - |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 42 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-22kHz | 10Hz-41kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 122 dB/mW | 99.8 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 122 | 103 |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 273 g | 260 g |
| Foldable | Yes | No |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
Focal Listen Pro
The Focal Listen Pro is a closed-back, studio-oriented headphone with 40mm Mylar/titanium drivers, a lightweight foldable build, and a sensitive 32-ohm design. It offers solid comfort and practical features, though its stock tuning leans toward a colored, bass-emphasized sound that benefits from EQ for critical work. Overall, it's a versatile, well-built option for general and casual listening rather than a purely neutral reference tool.
- Pro:Sturdy, comfortable build for long sessions
- Pro:Highly sensitive and easy to drive from any device
- Pro:Foldable design with detachable cable and good accessories
- Con:Stock tuning has noticeable midrange coloration and bass distortion
- Con:Not ideal for critical mixing or mastering without calibration
- Con:Sound signature may not suit purists seeking neutrality
Sennheiser HD 650
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a wired, open-back dynamic headphone built for serious home listening. It delivers a natural, detailed sound with a comfortable fit, though its sub-bass rolloff and bulky design limit it to stationary use rather than portable or active scenarios. Its replaceable cable and balanced connection option add to its appeal for audiophiles.
- Pro:Excellent clarity and natural tonal balance
- Pro:Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- Pro:Detachable cable and balanced output support
- Con:Noticeable sub-bass rolloff
- Con:Not portable or suitable for active use
- Con:High impedance requires a dedicated amplifier
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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