Over-Ear
Focal Spirit Professional
82Great
$302
Full review dataFocal Spirit Professional vs Nectar Hive: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Nectar Hive comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Nectar Hive - Outstanding overall at around $197.
Over-Ear
Nectar Hive
85Outstanding
$197
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Spirit Professional
Sound8.5
Value7.0
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Spirit Professional | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $302 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2020 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Mylar/Titanium alloy dome with Mylar suspension | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-22kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 280 g | 370 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Model code | Listen Professional | - |
What reviewers said
Focal Spirit Professional
The Focal Spirit Professional is a wired, over-ear studio headphone designed for critical monitoring and mixing tasks. It pairs a neutral, detailed sound signature with a lightweight, comfortable build, and its detachable cables—including a mobile-friendly option with a mic—enhance its versatility for both studio and portable use. With a 32-ohm impedance and high sensitivity, it is easy to drive from a wide range of devices without requiring a dedicated amplifier.
- Pro:Neutral and linear frequency response ideal for studio work
- Pro:Detachable cables with both long studio and short mobile options
- Pro:Lightweight at 280 g, comfortable for extended sessions
- Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless functionality
- Con:Limited soundstage compared to open-back alternatives
- Con:Mylar/Titanium driver may sound slightly analytical to some listeners
Nectar Hive
The Nectar Hive is a wired electrostatic over-ear headphone priced around $600, weighing just 370 grams. It delivers a bright neutral sound signature with a frequency response spanning 20Hz to 7kHz, offering a detailed and airy presentation that leans toward analytical clarity. This model earns high marks for its tonal balance and technical performance, making it a strong contender in its price bracket for listeners who prefer a crisp, revealing sound.
- Pro:Excellent tonal accuracy and neutrality
- Pro:Impressive technical detail retrieval
- Pro:Featherweight design for comfort
- Con:Bright tilt may be fatiguing for some
- Con:Limited bass impact due to electrostatic nature
- Con:Requires dedicated amplifier for proper use
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.