Over-Ear
Focal Spirit One S
76Great
$249
Full review dataFocal Spirit One S 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 One S
Sound7.5
Value7.0
Sennheiser HD 650
Sound9.0
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Spirit One S | Sennheiser HD 650 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $249 | $380 |
| HearWiki score | 76 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2014 | - |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 42 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-22kHz | 10Hz-41kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | 99.8 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 103 |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | none | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | none | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | buttons | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 280 g | 260 g |
| Foldable | - | No |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | - |
What reviewers said
Focal Spirit One S
The Focal Spirit One S is a wired over-ear headphone that delivers a smooth, balanced sound with good detail and a lively, entertaining character that suits both music and movies. It's praised for its comfortable, well-built design, though the bass can occasionally feel a bit heavy and the strong clamping force may be a drawback for some listeners. Overall, it's a solid everyday option for those who value tonal refinement over raw excitement.
- Pro:Smooth, well-balanced sound with good detail
- Pro:Comfortable ear pads and overall wearability
- Pro:Solid build quality that feels durable
- Con:Bass can sometimes be slightly overpowering
- Con:Strong clamping force may cause discomfort over long sessions
- Con:Lacks the punch and excitement of some competitors
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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