Over-Ear
Focal Clear
88Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFocal Clear vs Sennheiser HD 800s: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Focal Clear comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Focal Clear - Outstanding overall at around $1499.
Over-Ear
Sennheiser HD 800s
88Outstanding
$1,870
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Clear
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Sennheiser HD 800s
Sound9.5
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Clear | Sennheiser HD 800s |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1,500 | $1,870 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2017 | 2016 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 56 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz - 28kHz | 4Hz-51kHz |
| Sound signature | Warm neutral | - |
| Impedance | 55 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | 101.64 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 102 |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 450 g | 330 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
Focal Clear
The Focal Clear is a wired, open-back-style over-ear headphone with a warm-neutral tuning that balances musicality and accuracy. Its dynamic driver delivers rich, natural timbre and strong technical performance, making it a versatile choice for critical listening across genres. The build is solid yet comfortable, with a detachable cable and balanced connection support for audiophile setups.
- Pro:Natural, engaging warm-neutral sound
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and imaging
- Pro:Comfortable fit for long sessions
- Con:Heavier than some competitors at 450g
- Con:Pricey despite discounts
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound
Sennheiser HD 800s
The Sennheiser HD 800 S is a premium open-back headphone aimed at audiophiles, delivering a remarkably wide soundstage and a neutral, reference-style tuning that excels at detail retrieval. Its high impedance and sensitivity mean it truly shines with a quality dedicated amplifier, while the included balanced cable adds flexibility for high-end setups. However, its open design leaks sound significantly, and its pricing and lack of bass punch make it a niche choice for serious listeners rather than casual users.
- Pro:Exceptional soundstage width and imaging
- Pro:Detailed, neutral, and articulate sound signature
- Pro:Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- Con:Requires a powerful amplifier to perform at its best
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
- Con:Expensive for what it offers
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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