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Focal Spirit One SImage © whathifi.com

Focal Spirit One S

59/ 100
Average
HearWiki score

Pricey for what it is

$93
typical price, USD
Still sold newupdated
Buy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Focal
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2014

Score breakdownaverage overall

Sound6.7

The Focal Spirit One S is a portable closed-back over-ear headphone with a 40mm driver, designed for on-the-go use. It features a deep, controlled bass response, lush mids, and an energetic sound signature, with a deeper soundstage than its predecessors.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Focal Spirit One S is a wired over-ear headphone that delivers a smooth, detailed sound with a lively, entertaining character, making it well-suited for both music and movies. Its comfortable, well-padded design and solid build quality are highlights, though the snug clamping force and occasionally prominent bass are worth noting. Overall, it's a well-rounded, everyday listening option at a budget-friendly price.

What works

  • Comfortable, plush ear pads
  • Smooth and detailed audio performance
  • Solid build quality
  • Detachable cable for easy replacement
  • Lively sound suitable for music and films

What doesn't

  • Strong clamping force may feel tight
  • Bass can occasionally overpower the mix
  • Lacks some impact and excitement in the treble
  • Larger size compared to the original model

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - Focal Spirit One S
Driver2× 40 mm dynamic
Driver typedynamic
Drivers per side2
Frequency response5 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance32 Ω
Sensitivity104 dB/mW

Where to buy

Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.

What the reviews said

5 source(s) feeding this product's score.

audiophileon.com

The reviewer says the Spirit One S is hard to fault overall, with the main downside being its larger size compared with the original Spirit One. The overall impression is strongly positive, especially for everyday listening.

Read the full review

avforums.com

AVForums characterizes the Spirit One S as lively, entertaining, comfortable, and well built, with sound that works well for both music and film. The reviewer does note that the bass can occasionally be a little overdone.

Read the full review

headmania.org

This review praises the Spirit One S for comfort, noting that the softer pads make it the most comfortable Focal headphone the reviewer had tested at the time. The tone is favorable toward usability and wearability.

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soundandvision.com

Sound & Vision describes the Spirit One S as balancing resolution with a sweet, smooth tonal balance. The review also notes a fairly high clamping force as a comfort drawback.

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whathifi.com

What Hi-Fi says the Spirit One S is another strong headphone from Focal, with smooth sound and decent detail and timing. Its main weakness is that it could use more impact and excitement.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

The consensus

Mixedacross 2 videos

Reviewers generally agree the Focal Spirit One S offers a comfortable, well-built design with quality accessories, making it a solid choice for casual or relaxed listening.

Reviewers liked

  • Comfortable fit with good seal
  • Quality carrying case and accessories
  • Well-built and lightweight design

Reviewers flagged

  • Sound signature divisive: one found strong bass, another found it lacking
  • Not all-metal build despite appearance
  • Higher price than some competitors
23:26

Headphone UNBOXING & REVIEW: Focal Spirit One S | Professional | Classic | Audio Technica ATH-M50x

Patrick Miller5.9K viewsFeb 2016

The reviewer compares the Focal Spirit One S against other Focal models and the Audio Technica ATH-M50x, finding the Spirit One S to have strong bass and bright highs with a comfortable fit, making it a top contender for casual listening. They note it comes with a quality case and accessories, and while it's pricier than the ATH-M50x, it offers a more consumer-friendly sound profile.

2:32

Focal Spirit One S Unboxing & Review!

Coastormer4.1K viewsMar 2015

The reviewer finds the Focal Spirit One S headphones to be well-built, comfortable, and well-suited for relaxed music genres like pop and classical, though they lack bass and are not ideal for bass-heavy music. They recommend them for listeners who enjoy a balanced, laid-back sound, noting the $250 price tag is justified by the design and build quality.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

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Alternatives in the $46–$190 range

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Where it sits in our rankings

The data-driven guides this model qualifies for.