Over-Ear
Focal Spirit Classic
78Great
$301
Full review dataFocal Spirit Classic 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 Spirit Classic
Sound8.0
Value7.0
Sennheiser HD 650
Sound9.0
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Spirit Classic | Sennheiser HD 650 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $301 | $380 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2014 | - |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic, closed-back over-ear | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 42 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-22kHz | 10Hz-41kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | 99.8 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 103 |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Controls | buttons | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 310 g | 260 g |
| Foldable | - | No |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | - |
What reviewers said
Focal Spirit Classic
The Focal Spirit Classic is a wired, closed-back over-ear headphone that delivers a neutral, balanced sound with strong dynamics and clear treble. Its compact build and quality materials make it a solid everyday option, though it lacks noise cancellation and benefits from a decent amplifier to shine. While not the most spacious-sounding or sensitive design, it offers engaging, well-rounded performance for its price.
- Pro:Balanced, neutral sound signature
- Pro:Good dynamics and treble detail
- Pro:Compact, sturdy closed-back design
- Con:Soundstage feels somewhat closed-in
- Con:Can feel tight on the head
- Con:Needs a good source or amp for best results
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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