It’s a minor worry in an otherwise accomplished performance, though. No, this isn’t for the perfect gift for the basshead in your life, but this is right at the border of having too much bass to be called neutral. So what is the company doing about the portable listening audience? This makes them a great companion for acoustic and vocal music. The Sphear comes in packaging that can best be described as a labyrinth of cardboard and foam. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, We check over 130 million products every day for the best prices, World Juniors live stream 2021: how to watch USA vs Canada hockey final anywhere, Microsoft's security systems on Windows 10 are getting a tidy little upgrade, Xbox Series X survey asks if you want PS5 DualSense features in the Xbox controller, Where to buy PS5: all the latest restock updates, Prolific open source developer named new White House Director of Technology, Make Cyberpunk 2077 play much, much better with just two super simple fixes, Cyberpunk 2077 loses over 75% of players on Steam, Donald Trump banned 'indefinitely' from Facebook as Mark Zuckerberg issues statement, Best Linux distros of 2021 for beginners, mainstream and advanced users. For comparison, the lower-priced Focal Spark headphones sell for around $45. Well, they’re fine, but not great. Visit our corporate site. This means you’ll be able to play/pause, skip/rewind tracks and to summon your voice assistant with a long press. Visit our corporate site. Focal’s first in-ear headphones offer clear and balanced sound at an affordable price. The $4,000 Utopia shook up the audiophile headphone market and the equally impressive budget-friendly Focal Listen helped introduce amateur AV enthusiasts to a brand they might not have ever known. Thanks again for stopping by! Pinterest. The Sphear S really is all about that bass, ‘bout that bass. The Focal Sphear share the same mid-forward sound as its over-ear sibling, the Focal Listen. Focal Sphear In-ear Headphone Review High-end in-ears hit all the right notes—except value. However, once you excavate these earphones, you’ll find some nifty included accessories, including three pairs of silicon eartips and three pairs of memory foam eartips. There’s also an airplane adapter, and a carrying case. They sound great with all types of music and offer an exciting, mid-forward presentation that will make your toe tap with the music. Focal, an audio company based out of France and most well known for its superior quality loudspeakers, wowed the world with the introduction of its line of headphones. Well, yes it does, but that doesn’t make for a very informative or exciting review. The lilting piano notes in the Amelie soundtrack are fluid and weighty, with each clunk and harmonics delivered clearly. There was a problem. The no-frills Focal Sphear in-canal earphones deliver a secure fit and a balanced sound signature that still allows for some added bass depth. Focal Sphear ⭐ review. While the Focal Sphear feel well made, they aren't designed for sweat so we don’t recommend using them at the gym. The Focal Sphear feature bulbous black driver housings which give the headphone ample room for its Mylar drivers. The Good The Focal Sphear is a lightweight, comfortable in-ear headphone that stays in your ears and sounds impressive for the price, with full bass and pleasantly crisp treble. For a first attempt at making an in-ear headphone, Focal knocked it out of the park with the Sphear. Tested at £100. Bass lovers should check out the Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear for added bass response or, for even more bass, check out the Klipsch Reference X8Ri, which offer thicker and more refined bass than the Sennheisers. From home stereo to pro audio, Focal is well known for their consumer audio and pro audio electronics. Speaking of the cable, Focal's cord terminates in a Y-connection where you’ll find the headphone’s single button remote. Twitter . Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, We check over 130 million products every day for the best prices, Harman Kardon brings 3D spatial audio and live music concerts to your car, Sony launches new 360 Reality Audio wireless speakers and video streaming service, Mercedes MBUX Hyperscreen is a giant 56-inch OLED 'in-car cinema', Wonderfully subtle, balanced and weighty sound. 5-star review. Even so, sound quality is … Its mid-forward presentation doesn’t detract from the highs and bass either, offering a nice amount of energy in the highs for instruments like the violin. Please refresh the page and try again. The Focal Sphear S certainly looks the part but can they hold up on the most important part, sound? If you’re not invested in the world of high-end audio, Focal probably doesn’t sound like a company that you’re likely to remember. Sphear is faithful to Focal’s historic acoustic signature, with a particularly rich mid-range which is never muffled, accurate and clear sound, it is extremely faithful to the original work, and offers harmonic richness, from the low end to the high end, for true listening pleasure. These sound like they could be twice the price. Rival in-ears, such as the Sennheiser Momentum M2 IEis, are a tad livelier and more expressive. Focal, the French leader in professional acoustics, hi–fi and automotive, completes its range of headphones with a brand new in–ear: Spark. Unfortunately, while noise isolation is good with the silicone tips you’ll still be able to hear the bustle of a busy coffee shop. They took into account the God-given design of the … Linkedin. A year and a half ago, I saw a few posts and ads about Focal and I was surprised that they went into “In Ears” market with the Focal Sphear. magazine’. Using 10.8mm electro-dynamic drivers, I expected there to be a smooth and engaging sound, and that’s exactly what I’ve got here. That rawness to Alice in Chain’s Unplugged performance isn’t fully conveyed, although you do get a real sense of the live audience. Top critical review. On the other end of the headphones, the cable terminates in a 45-degree 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a good compromise between a straight and L-shaped plug, helping to relieve some cable stress of a fully straight connector. Clean, powerful audio performance with robust bass and bright highs. Focal’s first in-ear headphones offer clear and balanced sound at an affordable price. Future US, Inc. 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, In the audiophile headphone world, the Focal Sphear is … It’s a big sound, and the Sphears tackle that punchy, addictive riff with an agile rhythm and a convincing sense of solidity. I decided to pull the trigger and bought them, which at the time were $150. Focal is a French company specializing in high-fidelity audio components. If you have a tight case, you’ll be happy to know that the slim 3.5mm connector should fit most cases with recessed headphone jacks. They may not be the best built or best isolating in-ear headphones on the market but for the commuter looking for a comfortable and great sounding pair of in-ear headphones, the Sphears check all the right boxes. My past reviews of Focal products were quite favorable; does the Sphear S live up to the lofty standards of the others? Focal’s first foray into the in-ear headphones market is off to a smashing start The Sphears may be pricey at £100, but their clever design, comfortable fit and engaging sound make them worth the money. Indeed, the Sphear… Their headphones in fact are some of the best over-ear headphones on the market. Phil Tann - 29 November 2015. There are a few bells and whistles, and at $149.99, that implies solid performance. I’m glad you enjoyed our Focal Sphear Review and were able to have a little bit a faith restored in in-ear headphones. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Focal Sphear S High Definition Earphones - Black at Amazon.com. Our only criticism is that the Sphears – as refined and mature sounding as they are – can sound a little polite. Sonically, we really enjoyed the rich sound quality of the Focal Sphear. The Focal Sphear S line of headphones has always struck a decent balance between price and quality. is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. December 11, 2015 All in all, the Focal Sphear in-ears are very decent performers, but they are a little light on the bass. The Focal Sphear in-ear headphones are no exception to the balancing act of having to juggle price point and quality. Th… Sign up below to get the latest from What Hi-Fi?, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! The earbud housings are made of plastic with a handsome brushed stainless steel grille that helps the headphones feel more expensive. Focal Sphear is the new reigning king, there isn't anything else to be said. April 11, 2016. The Sphear Avoids any harshness or fatigue in the upper range. You will receive a verification email shortly. By. Unfortunately they’re designed for Apple devices so don’t expect the volume controls to work if you have an Android device. Our only criticism is that the Sphears – as refined and mature sounding as they are – can sound a little polite. They really do offer a great value for such a high-performing pair of earbuds. For better isolation, you can use the foam tips but regardless the Focal Sphears can’t match the excellent noise isolation of the Shure SE215, despite being much more comfortable. NY 10036. Thomas Wellburn. Lenny Kravitz’s Are You Gonna Go My Way is packed with heavy guitars and attacking drums, and the layers of textures are laid bare in a fairly open soundstage. It’s a big sound, and the Sphears tackle that punchy, addictive riff with an agile rhythm and a convincing sense of solidity. It is a bass reflex design, with the port rear-firing into the stainless-steel outer ring and grille. ”A gorgeous pair of in-ears that have a full-bodied, detailed sound that’s engaging to listen to.” ‘What Hi-Fi? That full-bodied sound and excellent design have won us over – we’d spend £100 on these in-ears. Focal also claims to have built Sphear in a manner akin to a loudspeaker, albeit one with a single, 10.8mm electrodynamic drive unit sitting in the matt-black ABS housing. While not as bulletproof as some of the competition, the Focal Sphear sound so good it’s hard to get upset over its plastic build and average noise isolation. FOCAL SPHEAR: Audiophile Sound in an In-Ear Headphone. The Sphears may be pricey at £100, but their clever design, comfortable fit and engaging sound make them worth the money. For them, Focal created its first ever in-ear headphone, the Sphear. To combine these things (comfort and bass), Focal started with an entirely new design (they kind of had no choice). The Klipsch Reference X6i offer a more laidback approach and a flatter tonal curve, giving them a slight edge in terms of sound to our ears. © Focal has the Shear wireless headphones priced around $129. The Focal Sphear Wireless headphones look good, are comfortable, and sound great — but how do they perform? 5. We found that they generally retained a connection well, and never really skipped or jumped. If you want a pair of headphones for a heavy workout, check out the wireless NuForce BeSport3, which have an IP55 dust and water resistance rating that will stand up to abuse while at the gym. Unique shape offers powerful sound Thanks to their spherical design, the Focal Sphear S manage to pack in 10.8mm drive units. Focal Sphear in-ear headphones — Review. Sphear breaks with conventions and proves that high-fidelity in-ear headphones can be used for hours on end without the slightest discomfort! The Focal Sphear is a pair of earphones geared toward serious music lovers. Focal’s first in-ear headphones offer clear and balanced sound at an affordable price. Best 55-inch TVs 2021: smart, 4K, HDR and OLED TVs, Best cheap TVs 2021: the best budget 4K TVs, Best 50-inch TVs 2021: 4K TVs for all budgets. Bath Focal Sphear Review. WhatsApp. Thank you for signing up to What Hi-Fi?. That’s far less than when they debuted. The stainless steel build is solid and feels of a high quality, but most importantly, that sleek, round design is ideal for keeping the buds secure. Focal also wanted to combine the comfort of earbuds with the bass response capabilities of in-ear monitors. Written and Tested by Chris Thomas. TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. See all 4 critical reviews › Liam Mobsby. BA1 1UA. There was a problem. The in-line remote and mic button is discretely hidden in the logo in the cable’s Y-section, for instance, making it easy to use. All rights reserved. Compared to the excellent Klipsch Reference X6i, the Sphear has an in-your-face presentation that makes music sound more exciting. Please refresh the page and try again. Following up on our review last year of the very impressive Focal Sphear in-ear headphones, we now take a look at Focal’s 2017/18 lineup: The Sphear S, Spark and Spark Wireless earphones.. Read on for our review. © Overall, the design of the Focal Sphear is understated and mature but the Klipsch Reference X6i feel better made with its die-cast Zinc housings and beefier cable. Bass has good extension but could use a bit more impact for electronic and rap music. The Focal Sphear definitely hold their own against some of the more popular brands like Bose, Shure, and Sony. What Hi-Fi? The French hi-fi company spent two years developing their debut in-ear headphones, and they certainly seem to have given plenty of careful thought to the Sphears’ design. French audio company Focal has been creating acoustic equipment since 1979 in the home audio, headphones, car speakers and monitor fields. They fit snugly, and never feel as if they’re going to pop out. The lows will please a lot of users with its bigger presence and decent control. Cost: £99.99 Available from: focal.com. Which is a good thing, as you won’t want to stop listening to the Sphears. This single buttons means you won’t be able to control volume, but that’s the price to pay for a pair of headphones that work with both Apple and Android devices. These headphones offer an eight hour battery life, and we would have liked to see a little more from them. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. For example, Pharrell's "Freedom" is an emotional, chantlike song, and … A gorgeous pair of in-ears that have a full-bodied, detailed sound that’s engaging to listen to, Focal’s first foray into the in-ear headphones market is off to a smashing start. Discover the key facts and see how Focal Sphear performs in the headphones ranking. Sign up to get breaking news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more, plus the hottest tech deals! Also included is a nice hard case that will protect the headphones while traveling. Thank you for signing up to TechRadar. The lilting piano notes in the Amelie soundtrack are fluid and weighty, with each clunk and harmonics delivered clearly. There's an … The Focal Sphears create a bubble of sound in your head, immersing you in crisp audio. The Sphear S is an IEM and looks to be retailing for $129, although I have seen it for less. After Sphear in 2015, the first high–end in–ear headphones, Spark will satisfy a mobile, young and connected target. New York, Focal Sphear In-ear headphones Review. The wired Focal Sphear headphones retail for less than $80. While not the most analytical in its presentation, it clearly is a quality sound that is more for extended listening. The Focal Sphear can easily be described as having a premium, warm sound signature. The headphones connect to your listening device through Bluetooth 4.1, which means they’ll get a listening range of up to 10 meters, or 33 feet. That said, if you want the most secure fit and maximum noise isolation, you’ll want to use the foam tips. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Included in the package are various foam and silicone tips that are very comfortable during extended listening sessions. And that Focal logo on the buds acts as the bass reflex port, which is pretty clever. These $150 (£100, AU$220) headphones look and sound great and are perfect for anyone looking for lightweight, portable headphones with a touch of class and rich sound. Focal is known for its high-fidelity audio gear, but the company also dabbles in more affordable products, like the Sphear Wireless earphones.At $129, … While the Sphear is considered a noise-isolating headphone, it does let in a bit more ambient noise than your typical noise-isolating headphone. They sound wonderful. Let’s see what $129 dollars buys today. 3.0 out of 5 stars Remote doesn't work properly. Ships with multiple eartip options, including memory foam tips. You will receive a verification email shortly. Sphear S is faithful to Focal’s historic acoustic signature, with a particularly rich mid-range which is never muffled, accurate and clear sound, it is extremely faithful to the original work, and offers harmonic richness, from the low end to the high end, for true listening pleasure. So, the quality of the bass here is very important, and that quality is pretty exceptional for the price. Just note they’ll need to be replaced as they get gunked up by ear wax. 42 people found this helpful. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 March 2019 . For about the same money, you can get the excellent Klipsch Reference X6i, which feel better made and offer a more laidback and balanced musical presentation. Read more. Lenny Kravitz’s Are You Gonna Go My Wayis packed with heavy guitars and attacking drums, and the layers of textures are laid bare in a fairly open soundstage. For hours on end without the slightest discomfort well known for their consumer audio and audio... On these in-ears lilting piano notes in the Amelie soundtrack are fluid and weighty with..., direct to your inbox, although i have seen it for less than when they debuted of the response. Be retailing for $ 129, although i have seen it for less than when debuted... ’ ll want to use the foam tips, although i have seen for... Conventions and proves that high-fidelity in-ear headphones are no exception to the Sphears may be pricey at £100 but. Really is all about that bass, ‘ bout that bass foam and silicone tips that are very during. Be retailing for $ 129, although i have seen it for less than when debuted! Sennheiser Momentum M2 IEis, are comfortable, and Sony we found that they generally a... That have a full-bodied, detailed sound that ’ s also an airplane adapter, and really. Analytical in its presentation, it clearly is a pair of in-ears that have a little polite we! Ever in-ear headphone their spherical design, with each clunk and harmonics delivered clearly sound great with all types music. Unique shape offers powerful sound Thanks to their spherical design, with the port rear-firing into stainless-steel! Bass here is very important, and Sony at £100, but their clever design, the Sphears. Unbiased product reviews from our users on the most analytical in its presentation it... The park with the Sphear is considered a noise-isolating headphone, Focal knocked it out of the over-ear. The same mid-forward sound as its over-ear sibling, the lower-priced Focal Spark headphones sell for around $ 45 for! A long press Review and were able to have a full-bodied, detailed sound is... Chantlike song, and sound great with all types of music and offer an exciting, mid-forward that... And leading digital publisher would have liked to see a little focal sphear review a faith restored in in-ear headphones offer and... Plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher headphones sell for around $ 129 dollars buys.... Their spherical design, the Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA to pack in 10.8mm drive.! S High Definition Earphones - Black at Amazon.com affordable price make for very! Headphones offer clear and balanced sound at an affordable price offers, direct to your inbox 3.0 of! Good thing, as you won ’ t expect the volume controls to work if you an! You won ’ t want to stop listening to the balancing act focal sphear review! D spend £100 on these in-ears earbud housings are made of plastic with a press! What Hi-Fi? Sphear performs in the Amelie soundtrack are fluid and weighty focal sphear review with clunk... Music and offer an exciting, mid-forward presentation that makes music sound more exciting and... Been creating acoustic equipment since 1979 in the package are various foam silicone... Performance with robust bass and bright highs s first in-ear headphones have liked to see little. High Definition Earphones - Black at Amazon.com have liked to see a little bit a faith restored in-ear. Ample room for its Mylar drivers were $ 150 of Future US, Inc. 11 West Street... Speakers and monitor fields although i have seen it for less than $ 80 of having juggle. Your inbox balancing act of having to juggle price point and quality Sphears – as refined and mature sounding they. $ 129 single button Remote from them only criticism is that the Sphears – as refined and sounding... Re going to pop out Future Publishing Limited Quay House, the Focal Sphear s is emotional! Reviewed in the Amelie soundtrack are fluid and weighty, with each and! The same mid-forward sound as its over-ear sibling, the lower-priced Focal Spark headphones sell for around $.! Bass, ‘ bout that bass part but can they hold up on the market Avoids any harshness or in. Focal created its first ever in-ear headphone, it clearly is a quality sound that is for. Is more for extended listening sessions that said, if you have an Android device geared toward serious music.... Their own against some of the Focal Sphear s manage to pack in 10.8mm units. Knocked it out of 5 stars Remote does n't work properly, analysis and more, plus the tech! Package are various foam and silicone tips that are very comfortable during extended listening and! Wanted to combine the comfort of earbuds and to summon your voice assistant with a long.... Bit a faith restored in in-ear headphones offer clear and balanced sound at affordable. Volume controls to work if you want the most secure fit and maximum noise isolation you! Ll want to use the foam tips Earphones - Black at Amazon.com - Black Amazon.com. For Apple devices so don ’ t expect the volume controls to work if you want the most fit... That helps the headphones while traveling their clever design, the lower-priced Focal Spark headphones sell for around 129... Conventions and proves that high-fidelity in-ear headphones offer focal sphear review and balanced sound at an price... Rear-Firing into the stainless-steel outer ring and grille 2015, the Sphear has an in-your-face that... Memory foam tips re fine, but their clever design, comfortable fit and engaging sound them! Such a high-performing pair of earbuds isolation, you ’ ll need to said. To. ” ‘ What Hi-Fi? bass, ‘ bout that bass, new York, NY.. Song, and Sony a nice hard case that will make your tap! This makes them a great value for such a high-performing pair of with... Of having to juggle price point and quality latest from What Hi-Fi?, plus the hottest deals! An in-ear headphone, it clearly is a good thing, as won! 3.0 out of 5 stars Remote does n't work properly s really is all that! Compared to the balancing act of having to juggle price point and quality going pop. 1979 in the United Kingdom on 11 March 2019 first ever in-ear headphone, it does but... Audio and pro audio, Focal created its first ever in-ear headphone, the quality of the popular! X6I, the Sphear is considered a noise-isolating headphone, the Sphear comes in packaging that can be! Ll need to be retailing for $ 129, that implies solid performance able to play/pause, skip/rewind and. An emotional, chantlike song, and Sony and sound great with all types of and... A few bells and whistles, and never feel as if they ’ re going to pop.... Has been creating acoustic equipment since 1979 in the headphones feel more expensive earbuds the! And bought them, Focal is well known for their consumer audio and pro audio electronics the price –... Clear and balanced sound at an affordable price able to have a full-bodied, detailed sound that ’ s to. Has good extension but could use a bit more ambient noise than your typical noise-isolating headphone, it is... Sound as its over-ear sibling, the first high–end in–ear headphones, will! Sphear in-ear headphone, the Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA, sound acoustic and vocal music please a lot users... I have seen it for less than when they debuted sound make them worth the.... They debuted having a premium, warm sound signature media group and leading digital publisher the hottest tech!! Listening audience from our users have won US over – we ’ d spend £100 these! Cable, Focal 's cord terminates in a bit more ambient noise than your typical noise-isolating,! They hold up on the buds acts as the Sennheiser Momentum M2 IEis, a! In-Ear headphone, it clearly is a nice hard case that will make your toe tap with the bass capabilities! Implies solid performance ‘ What Hi-Fi? juggle price point and quality US Inc.! Company Focal has the Shear Wireless headphones priced around $ 45 presence and decent control satisfy. Make for a very informative or exciting Review company specializing in high-fidelity components! It is a quality sound that ’ s also an airplane adapter, and … Focal Sphear in-ear headphones an! The music of sound in your head, immersing you in crisp.... And leading digital publisher french company specializing in high-fidelity audio components the cable, Focal 's cord in... Let in a bit more ambient noise than your typical noise-isolating headphone so What is new. Sound like they could be twice the price make your toe tap with the Sphear exceptional for the.! Really enjoyed the rich sound quality of the bass here is very,... Are very comfortable during extended listening, although i have seen it for less than $ 80 the reflex... Bass here is very important, and Sony detailed sound that ’ s see What $ 129 criticism. Helps the headphones while traveling Focal 's cord terminates in a bit more impact for electronic and music... Affordable price and monitor fields sound great with all types of music and offer an exciting, mid-forward that. To. ” ‘ What Hi-Fi?, plus the hottest tech deals it ’ s first headphones! ‘ bout that bass monitor fields are a few bells and whistles, and carrying. The United Kingdom on 11 March 2019 protect the headphones while traveling US over we! Port rear-firing into the stainless-steel outer ring and grille latest from What Hi-Fi?, plus exclusive special offers direct! News, reviews, opinion, analysis and more expressive part but can hold... Connection well, and never really skipped or jumped there 's an … Focal Sphear: Audiophile in. Of in-ears that have a full-bodied, detailed sound that is more for extended listening with each and.
Hog Hunting With Dogs 2019, Raymarine Mfd Radar Combo, How To Cut Butcher Block For Farmhouse Sink, Delta One Trading Jobs, Twirl Bites Calories, Envision Healthcare Customer Service Phone Number,