Are you an audiophile on the hunt for the perfect pair of headphones that will transport you to a world of pure sonic bliss? Look no further, as we delve into the comparison between two highly acclaimed models: the Focal Clear Vs Sennheiser HD800s.
Both renowned for their exceptional sound quality and unrivaled performance, these audiophile headphones offer a listening experience like no other.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the intricate details and features of each model, allowing you to make an informed decision that suits your unique preferences. From their design and build quality to their sound signature and comfort, we will leave no stone unturned.
So, whether you’re a music enthusiast, a professional sound engineer, or simply someone who appreciates the finer details in audio reproduction, join us on this journey to find the perfect audiophile headphones that will elevate your listening experience to new heights.
| Key Features | Sennheiser HD 800s | Focal Clear |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Headphones Type: | Over-Ear, Open Back | Over-Ear, Open Back |
| Drivers: | 56mm dynamic ring radiators | 40mm Aluminum/Magnesium ‘M’-shape dome |
| Weight: | 330g | 450g |
| Connectivity: | Wired | Wired |
| Frequency Response: | 4Hz-51,000Hz | 5Hz-28kHz |
| Impedance: | 32 Ohms | 55 Ohms |
| Price: | Check Price | Check Price |
What Are Audiophile Headphones?
Audiophile headphones are designed to provide an immersive and high-fidelity sound experience that captures every detail of the audio playback.
These headphones are meticulously crafted using the finest materials and advanced technologies to deliver exceptional sound reproduction.
Audiophiles seek headphones that can reproduce audio with utmost accuracy, capturing the subtle nuances and dynamics in the music.
They prioritize clarity, precision, and a wide soundstage to create a lifelike listening experience.
Now, let’s dive into the comparison of two highly regarded models in the audiophile community: Focal Clear and Sennheiser HD 800s.
Focal Clear Headphones Review (Overview and Features)
The Focal Clear headphones are high-end, open-back headphones made in France by Focal. The Focal Clear is what an enthusiast headphone should be: It’s gorgeous; it’s comfortable; its accessories are spectacular; and its sound is clear as a Montana winter sky.
The Clear is still a fantastic headphone in my books, one that I once considered purchasing for myself.
The Focal Clear is a spectacular high-end, end-game headphone in every way.
The Clear seems to give you a lot of experience with the same tonality with just a fractional loss in performance and materials.
Features:
- Newly designed 40mm dynamic driver speaker that is designed to work specifically in the open back housing to create a detailed and expansive sound.
- A neutral-warm sound signature that’s reasonably well-balanced, with a lovely, warm bass, coherent and even mids, and responsive treble that’s neither too bright nor too muted.
- The low impedance of 55 Ohms, makes it an easy headphone to drive.
- A solid metal yoke from which the generous earcups hang and a super comfy padded headband.
- Refined and classy sound, great build quality, and accessories.
- Fantastic price-to-performance ratio, offering exceptional sound quality while not being too far over the top with damage to your wallet.
Sennheiser HD 800s Headphones Review (Overview and Features)
The Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones are open-back, dynamic-driver headphones that were introduced in 2016 and serve as a refresh on Sennheiser’s legendary flagship, the HD 800.
A remarkable open-sounding headphone with a soundstage that feels wide, spacious, and highly capable of creating a pleasant listening experience.
They deliver an exceptional listening experience when plugged into an amplifier, and they are comfortable with a sturdy and durable build quality.
They are a tool for analyzing musical nuances at the highest level, exhibiting top-tier technical abilities while maintaining a reasonably balanced sound signature.
Features:
- 300 ohm, 56mm, ring-radiator driver with an absorber that eases resonances and peaks in the treble.
- Very neutral sound profile that reproduces natural vocals and instruments.
- Accurate bass reproduction thanks to their design.
- Better performing headphones than the Sennheiser HD 650, with better build quality, comfort, and balance.
- Incredibly resolving with notes in the midrange and treble fleshed out with a terrifically defined transient attack.
Sound Quality Comparison: Focal Clear vs Sennheiser HD800s
When it comes to comparing the sound quality of the Focal Clear and Sennheiser HD800s headphones, opinions tend to vary. Let’s delve into the details:
How Does the Sennheiser HD800S Sound?
Starting with the Sennheiser HD800s, they have a frequency response that may not be ideal right out of the box.
To bring out their best sound quality, some EQ adjustments might be necessary. However, one notable feature of these headphones is their incredibly wide soundstage, which creates an immersive listening experience.
On the downside, the HD800s lack depth in their soundstage. In terms of bass, they deliver accuracy and tightness, although it’s worth noting that the bass is not as powerful as what you’d get with the Focal Clear.
The HD800s are designed with a neutral sound profile, ensuring that vocals and instruments are reproduced naturally.
Furthermore, these headphones boast top-tier technical ability, resulting in a well-balanced sound signature.
How Does the Focal Clear Sound?
Now, let’s shift our attention to the Focal Clear headphones. They offer a different sound experience with a neutral-warm sound signature. This means that the sound is reasonably well-balanced, with a touch of warmth.
One standout aspect of the Focal Clear is its lovely, warm bass. The midrange of these headphones is coherent and even, ensuring that all elements of the music are well-represented.
The treble is responsive, striking a harmonious balance between brightness and muted tones. In terms of overall sound quality, the Focal Clear is often praised as a refined and classy option.
Along with their impressive sound, these headphones also boast excellent build quality and come with useful accessories.
Which Headphones Are Better for Bass: Focal Clear or Sennheiser HD800s?
When comparing the bass of the two headphones, the Focal Clear takes the lead in terms of power. The bass it delivers is notably stronger than what you’d find in the HD800s.
Additionally, the Focal Clear headphones are often considered an end-game option for those seeking exceptional high-end sound quality.
Despite their impressive performance, they manage to strike a balance by not being excessively expensive, making them a more wallet-friendly choice.
To sum it up
Both the Sennheiser HD800s and Focal Clear headphones have their strengths and weaknesses. The HD800s excel in terms of a wide soundstage, accurate bass, and a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Focal Clear offers a warm and refined sound, great build quality, and powerful bass.
Comfort and Design Comparison: Focal Clear vs Sennheiser 800s
When it comes to comfort and design, the Focal Clear and Sennheiser HD800s headphones offer some notable differences. Let’s take a closer look:
What are the comfort and design features of the Sennheiser HD800s headphones?
Starting with the Sennheiser HD800s, these headphones are highly regarded for their comfort. They provide a pleasant fit and are built to be sturdy and durable.
In terms of design, the HD800s stand out with their unique large, open-back ear cups. This design element contributes to a wide soundstage, allowing the music to feel more immersive.
While the HD800s deliver powerful bass for open-back headphones, some users feel that the bass could be further improved. Additionally, to achieve their best sound quality, EQ adjustments are often recommended.
It’s worth noting that the suboptimal frequency response is a side effect of the cup design. On the sound front, the HD800s are known for their neutral sound profile, which faithfully reproduces natural vocals and instruments.
What are the comfort and design features of the Focal Clear headphones?
Moving on to the Focal Clear headphones, they showcase a solid metal yoke from which the generous earcups hang.
This design feature adds to their refined and classy appearance. When it comes to comfort, the Focal Clear headphones excel with a super comfy padded headband that ensures long listening sessions remain enjoyable.
In terms of build quality, they are considered to be top-notch, instilling confidence in their durability. The Focal Clear headphones also come with some useful accessories, enhancing the overall user experience.
On the sound front, these headphones offer a warm and refined audio signature. The bass they produce is powerful and impactful, contributing to an engaging listening experience.
The Focal Clear headphones are often praised for their exceptional sound quality, all while maintaining a reasonable price point.
To sum it up
Both the Sennheiser HD800s and Focal Clear headphones prioritize comfort and offer sturdy build quality. The HD800s feature a unique design with large, open-back ear cups that provide a wide soundstage. On the other hand, the Focal Clear headphones showcase a refined and classy design. In terms of sound, the Focal Clear headphones deliver a warm and refined audio experience with powerful bass, while the HD800s offer a neutral sound profile that faithfully reproduces vocals and instruments.
Build Quality and Durability: Focal Clear vs Sennheiser HD800s
When it comes to the build quality and durability of headphones, the Focal Clear and Sennheiser HD800s offer some distinguishing features. Let’s look at:
How is the build quality and durability of the Sennheiser HD800s headphones?
Starting with the Sennheiser HD800s, these headphones are known for being very comfortable to wear, ensuring a pleasant experience even during extended listening sessions.
Additionally, they are built with sturdy and durable construction, providing reassurance in terms of their longevity. The HD800s stand out with their unique design, featuring large open-back ear cups.
This design choice contributes to a wide soundstage, allowing the music to feel expansive and immersive. However, it’s important to note that to achieve their optimal sound quality, some users find that EQ adjustments are necessary.
The suboptimal frequency response experienced with these headphones is considered a side effect of the cup design.
While the HD800s deliver powerful bass, some critics argue that there is room for improvement in this aspect.
How is the build quality and durability of the Focal Clear headphone?
On the other hand, the Focal Clear headphones showcase a refined and classy design. They are crafted with a solid metal yoke, which adds to their durability and gives a sense of robustness.
In terms of comfort, the Focal Clear headphones feature generously padded ear cups and a comfortable headband, ensuring a cozy fit during prolonged use. These headphones are also praised for their exceptional sound quality.
They offer a warm and refined audio signature that brings out the nuances of the music. The bass produced by the Focal Clear headphones is powerful and impactful, contributing to an immersive listening experience.
Remarkably, these headphones manage to provide exceptional sound quality without burdening the wallet too heavily, making them an appealing choice for audiophiles.
To sum it up
Both the Sennheiser HD800s and Focal Clear headphones excel in terms of build quality and comfort for long listening sessions. The HD800s feature a unique design with large open-back ear cups, contributing to a wide soundstage. On the other hand, the Focal Clear headphones present a refined and classy design with a solid metal yoke. The Focal Clear offers a warm, refined sound and powerful bass, while the HD800s provide a neutral sound profile that faithfully reproduces natural vocals and instruments. When it comes to durability, the Focal Clear’s solid metal yoke may give it an advantage in the long run.
Price Comparison: Sennheiser HD800s vs Focal Clear
Price is an important consideration when choosing audiophile headphones, as it often reflects the quality and performance of the product.
The Focal Clear is priced at the higher end of the spectrum, reflecting its flagship status and exceptional sound quality.
While it may be a significant investment, the Focal Clear delivers an unparalleled listening experience that justifies its price tag.
On the other hand, the Sennheiser 800s is also priced in the higher range, reflecting its premium build quality and precise sound reproduction.
Both headphones offer excellent value for money, considering their performance and the craftsmanship that goes into their production.
When you’re on the verge of making a purchasing decision, price alone may not be the determining factor, especially in this case where both products have similar price tags.
Instead, it becomes crucial to consider other factors beyond just the price.
| Sennheiser HD 800s | Focal Clear |
|---|---|
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| Check Price | Check Price |
How to Choose the Perfect Audiophile Headphones for You? Focal Clear vs Sennheiser 800s
Choosing the perfect audiophile headphones comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your listening setup.
Consider factors such as sound signature, comfort, build quality, and price.
Determine whether you prefer a balanced and neutral sound signature like the Focal Clear or a more analytical and precise sound signature like the Sennheiser 800s.
Think about the duration of your listening sessions and prioritize comfort accordingly.
Assess the build quality and durability of the headphones to ensure that they will withstand frequent use.
Finally, consider your budget and choose a pair of headphones that offer the best value for your investment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Focal Clear and the Sennheiser 800s are exceptional audiophile headphones that offer a truly immersive and high-fidelity listening experience.
But I must admit, there isn’t a clear-cut winner as both contenders put up a fair fight. The outcome remains undefined, leaving us without a definitive champion. However, the most crucial aspect is that we can all coexist peacefully.
Ultimately, it’s up to you, the reader, to decide which one emerges as the winner based on your specific preferences and requirements.
I thoroughly enjoyed writing this article, immersing myself in the experience alongside both competitors.
My hope is that this piece has provided you with valuable insights to aid in your decision-making process. Stay tuned.
Further Reading
Continue your reading journey and explore more captivating blogs for additional enjoyable content.
If you’re involved in voice-over work and seeking the best headphones for that purpose, there’s a resource dedicated to recommending suitable options.
Happy reading!
