Earphones and headphones are an essential bit of tech these days. Most people will have a pair or two stashed in their bags, coats or pockets, but are people getting complacent over what they buy? There are so many on the market and sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start but we were recently sent some earphones from Focal – Sphear (pronounced Faux – cal) that we think are a great place to start!
Focal Sphear In-Ear Phones
Focal are a French brand who produce audiophile equipment for the home audio market. They were established in 1979 and boast an wide range of beautifully designed products that are both high quality and stylish
The Focal Sphear’s were a big surprise as I hadn’t come across the Focal brand before I was sent these to review. They come nicely packaged with a compact, attractive carry case and an option of silicon or memory foam ear plugs. They’re aimed more at the mid range, costing just under the £100 mark but well worth the money. I find it so difficult to get in ear phones that fit well and remain comfortable over a period of time. With the Sphears, they fit so well and were comfortable immediately and even over a prolonged length of time, they didn’t get uncomfortable and were well fitted when on the move.
Sound
I was very impressed with the quality of sound from the Focal Sphere’s. The sound is impressive and comes through clear, detailed and dynamic. I found the bass especially good on these earphones, it’s rich, punchy with deepness you’d expect from higher spec audiophile models. Higher frequencies aren’t quite as pleasant to listen to, but it was the only fault I could really find with them.
Specification
Type – Closed-back intra-aural
Impedance – 16 Ohms
Sensitivity (SPL 1mW 1 kHz) – 103dB
THD 1mW [50Hz: 10kHz] – <0,3%
Frequency response – 20Hz – 20KHz
Driver – 10.8mm Mylar electro-dynamic
Microphone – Omnidirectional
Weight – 0.030lb (15g)
Overview
These were a pleasant surprise. Until now, I didn’t think any other in ears would rival my Sennheiser Momentum’s however these did. The sound quality for the price point is exceptional and up until now, I haven’t had a pair of in ears that I can honestly say I would wear over a long period of time. They’re so lightweight and the carry case is so small, it will fit in pockets as well as the smallest clutch! Really impressed! You can grab a pair on Amazon for just £94.99.