Over-Ear
Focal Spirit One
76Great
$279
Full review dataFocal Spirit One 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
Sound7.5
Value7.0
Sennheiser HD 650
Sound9.0
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Spirit One | Sennheiser HD 650 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $279 | $380 |
| HearWiki score | 76 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2012 | - |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm titanium/mylar | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 42 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 6Hz-22kHz | 10Hz-41kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | 99.8 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 103 |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 225 g | 260 g |
| Foldable | - | No |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
Focal Spirit One
The Focal Spirit One is a closed-back, over-ear headphone tailored for on-the-go listening with smartphones and portable players. It combines a sturdy build with a detachable cable and highly efficient 40mm drivers that deliver ample volume from mobile devices. Its sound is notably detailed and warm, with clear mids and vocals, though the overall tuning leans slightly restrained rather than dynamic or thrilling.
- Pro:Efficient drivers easily driven by phones or portable players
- Pro:Durable construction with a detachable cable for easy replacement
- Pro:Detailed midrange and clear vocal reproduction
- Con:Lacks dynamic punch and excitement in the lower frequencies
- Con:May become uncomfortable during extended listening sessions
- Con:No active noise cancellation, limiting isolation in noisy environments
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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