What’s more, their innovative spherical design provides unrivalled comfort for hours of undisturbed listening. On Jay-Z and Kanye West's "No Church in the Wild," the kick drum loop receives an ideal level of high-mid presence, allowing its attack to retain its punchy edge. The in-ear fit is lightweight and secure. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. For a similar price, you can get IPX7-rated in-ears like the JBL UA Sport Wireless Pivot, which can withstand being submerged in water or rinsed under a faucet. Moving from Neutral mode to Loudness mode, the drums suddenly get some notable depth, and the mix sounds a little more anchored in the lows. Phil Tann - 29 November 2015. Twitter. The Sphear comes in packaging that can best be described as a labyrinth of cardboard and foam. Apple AirPods Max vs. Bose NC 700 vs. Sony WH-1000XM4: Should You Pay More for AirPods? They cost £89, just £30 more than the wired version. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; These do not at any time have any influence on the editorial content of The Nerdy. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "thenerdyjfl-20"; At maximum, unwise listening levels, the drivers don't distort, and at moderate levels, the bass seems full, but not overly boosted. Keep an eye on your inbox! 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. The Focal Sphear Wireless headphones look good, are comfortable, and sound great — but how do they perform? While they’re not K-Mart cheap, they are cheaper than I would have expected from Focal. But if you think you'll prefer the Sphear Wireless' sound signature and don't need earphones for the gym, they become a more compelling option. It helps that Focal includes three pairs of silicone eartips, as well as three pairs of memory foam eartips, in small, medium, and large sizes for both sets. A smooth tonal balance and a comfy fit distinguish the Focal Sphear from the competition. At the same time, though, I did find some downsides. This is where the Sphears really shine. There’s also an airplane adapter, … There's a magnetic clip included to secure the remote control/battery compartment during physical activity, but it's worth pointing out that the Sphear Wireless has no advertised IP rating for water resistance, so you may want to think twice before using the earphones during a very sweaty workout or jogging in the rain. Focal Sphear Wireless combine high quality listening, comfort and freedom of movement with 8 hours of listening time. The Focal Sphear Wireless is certainly a win for Focal when it comes to the sound department. Thanks … Focal Sphear Review. © 1996-2021 Ziff Davis, LLC. He specializes in reviewing audio products, and is obsessed with headphones, speakers, and recording gear. 5. They connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 4.1, which has a range of about 15 m or 30 ft. Additionally, onboard the cable is a remote and microphone, good for adjusting playback, answering calls, … The controls of the Focal Listen Wireless are nice and large, but the placement of the playback controls on the upper half of the front-side of the ear cup paired with the volume and pairing buttons on the lower half of the back-side of the ear cups makes it difficult to press one control without accidentally pressing the … by Eric Frederiksen | April 28, 2019 April 28, 2019 7:30 am EDT # bluetooth headphones # earbuds # Focal # wireless headphones Headphone Reviews Review. Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning. The Focal Sphear Wireless earphones deliver a good audio experience, with two useful EQ modes, for a reasonable price. In the sub-$150 range, we're also fans of the Jaybird X4, the JLab Epic Sport Wireless , and the Beyerdynamic Soul Byrd. Focal, the French leader in professional acoustics, hi–fi and automotive, completes its range of headphones with a brand new in–ear: Spark. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. And that Focal logo on the buds acts as the bass reflex port, which is pretty clever. When picking out any pair of headphones, you’re making a compromise of some kind between price, features, … We're never fans of combining these two functions on one button, as it's far too easy to skip a track unintentionally. It is hard to believe, but at the beginning of this year, I had never laid ears on any head or earphone from the French company known as Focal.. Hard to believe, because in the last six months, I have now reviewed four products from the good company of Focal: the Elear, the Listen, the Listen Wireless, and now, the Sphear … They follow the original Sphear (wired) in-ear headphones first released in 2015. The Bottom Line The Focal Sphear is a relatively affordable audiophile-grade in-ear headphone that's easy to listen to for long stretches. I’m glad you enjoyed our Focal Sphear Review and were able to have a little bit a faith restored in in-ear headphones. That happens to be one of my favorite colors (despite finding olives themselves to be nothing short of inedible), so it was nice to have a set of earbuds that I really dug wearing. Well, they’re fine, but not great. After Sphear in 2015, the first high–end in–ear headphones, Spark will satisfy a mobile, young and connected target. The single-wire design of the SoundSports here might … Sphear Wireless is an in-ear headphones that delivers precise sound, characterised by excellent treble handling, a realistic bass and plenty of dynamics. Sonically, the earphones sound fantastic and offer two useful EQ modes. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. My pattern for headphone reviews includes long-term listening sessions combined with travel use. I was disappointed in the build quality of some of the components. The remote is a typical three-button design, with a central multifunction button for playback and call management, or summoning Google Assistant or Siri when held down. Th… 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. The Focal Sphear definitely hold their own against some of the more popular brands like Bose, Shure, and Sony. Your subscription has been confirmed. Compared to my Shure SE535s – which are admittedly far more expensive and running on AptX HD instead of AptX – the sound felt artificially amped up. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/focal-sphear-wireless. The Focal Spark Wireless earphones feature an eight hour battery life, making them ideal for commuting and listening on-the-go. The love only grows when I remember the price. When picking out any pair of headphones, you’re making a compromise of some kind between price, features, and quality. The Sphear Wireless earbuds are banded wireless headphones. The Sphears offer 8 hours of battery life. In both modes, the vocals are clean and clear, though there's a hint of added sibilance. They’re pretty standard – if good-looking – banded wireless earbuds, but I love how they sound. The control module has a USB Micro port covered by a rubber flap, and plugging it in will charge the headphones up in about two hours. I can’t wait. Try These Headphones Instead, The Best Earbuds (In-Ear Headphones) for 2021, Cheap AirPod Alternatives: The Best True Wireless Earbuds Under $100. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. 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. I have no real complaints … We found that the… Initially, I listened to several hours of classical music followed by classic rock and pop. It’s funny but true since Focal only started foraying into the IEM category barely two years ago. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. Focal Sphear Wireless Headphones Listening Tests. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Apple's AirPods Max Over-Ear Headphones Are Here, and They're Expensive, Getting Static or Crackling in Your AirPods Pro? The highs are bright and clear, allowing the acoustic guitar strums and higher percussive instrumentation some extra presence in the mix. The Focal Spark Wireless are mid-price Bluetooth earphones. Read on… I’m pretty sure almost everyone has a pair of in-ear headphones lying about at home. Focal is known for its high-fidelity audio gear, but the company also dabbles in more affordable products, like the Sphear Wireless earphones. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. The outer plus/minus buttons adjust both volume and, when held for longer, track navigation. Using the Voice Memos app on an iPhone 8, we could understand every word we recorded, but the audio quality is among the worst we've heard in awhile—fuzzy and distorted. Even so, wearing the Sphear Wireless headphones is a blast. So Loudness mode is subtle when there isn't much bass depth in the mix to begin with, but certain tracks that pack added depth will sound more dramatically boosted. Apple Will Fix It for Free. Many Bluetooth earbuds have gone the way of true wireless, and to be fair, Bose also has a SoundSport free option. Even so, at $129 these are great earbuds that I’d recommend to anyone digging around in that price range. Most Bluetooth in-ears offer weak Bluetooth mic clarity, but this is below average quality. A smooth tonal balance and a comfy fit distinguish the Focal Sphear from the competition. Focal. What's missing is an IP rating for water resistance that would make us more comfortable suggesting the earphones for the gym and other uses. The headphones feature a sleek black design save for the Focal logo on each ear cup, and we really liked the look. The sub-bass synth hits that punctuate the beat are modestly delivered in Neutral mode, but their bass presence, as well as the drum loop's, is substantially heightened in Loudness mode. During my listening with them I went through the battery a few times, and that time rings pretty true to me. And although they may be wireless, these headphones will not fail to … In either mode, the earphones deliver bright, clear audio. When it comes to IEMs, I'm mainly interested in high-end CIEMs. PCMag Digital Group. Share This Post The first thing you’ll notice about the Focal Listen Wireless headphones is their design, and they look very nice. By. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Two plastic compartments weigh the thin cabling down on either side; the compartment closest to the left earpiece houses the inline remote control, mic, and the covered micro USB port for charging. There are a few bells and whistles, and at $149.99, that implies solid performance. They came with three sizes each of these and silicone tips. We're never fans of combining these two functions on one button, as it's far too easy to skip a track unintentionally. They’re an excellent set of earbuds that can defeat even the Shure SE215 in audio quality. Pressing both the plus and minus buttons simultaneously switches between Neutral and Loudness EQ modes (m, Orchestral tracks, like the opening scene from John Adams', For a similar price, you can get IPX7-rated in-ears like the, How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad, How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill, How to Find Free Tools to Optimize Your Small Business, How to Get Started With Project Management, AirPods Max Too Expensive? PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis, LLC and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. Like many other Focal buds and phones, the Sphears are capped off with the logo on a steel end cap. amzn_assoc_asins = "B07NJ1MGJF"; In Miles Davis’ Blue in Green, the bass in the upright bass resonated uncomfortably. These headphones offer an eight hour battery life, and we would have liked to see a little more from them. Aside from that, the headphones offer a few nice features. On tracks with intense sub-bass content, like The Knife's "Silent Shout," the bass depth is delivered with a fullness and richness that isn't over the top, and is complemented well by bright, clear highs. Bass lovers will prefer this mode, and perhaps most listeners will—it's not an insane level of boosting, and it doesn't upset the balance overall. The other included accessories are a short micro USB charging cable and a black velvet drawstring pouch. The newest peer is Focal’s Sphear Wireless. For me, that made it tough to remember which ear was which without looking at the headphones first. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; Godzilla: King of the Monsters trailer – So many Kaiju! The fit is secure and the overall design is comfortable and easy to use. Contributing Editor Tim Gideon has been writing for PCMag since 2006. Music sounds vibrant and lively – especially acoustic stuff and bass guitars. Focal Sphear in-ear headphones — Review. Bill Callahan's "Drover," a track with far less deep bass in the mix, gives us a better sense of the general sound signature. I wish the headphones had USB Type-C instead of USB Micro – both because I think it’s a studier connector and because I think that rubber flange could break off in time and USB Type-C has splashproof options. This time, we’re trying out Spark Wireless ($99), the Bluetooth version of Focal’s entry-level headphone range. Product review: Focal Sphear S headphones. We're always fans of memory foam tips, as they tend to provide a better seal and block out more surrounding noise; the seal also tends to provide an enhanced sense of bass depth. You can answer calls on it, and it sounded acceptable, though this isn’t a feature I use frequently, admittedly. amzn_assoc_linkid = "8c4a182df5aea9b1bbcad92c4e18ad32"; TechnoBuffalo LLC (dba TheNerdy.com) has affiliate partnerships with various companies. All Rights Reserved. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; It can be tough for earbuds to give a sense of space. Available in black, blue, olive green, or purple models, the Sphear Wireless earphones have a neckband connecting two somewhat large, orb-shaped earpieces with flattened outer metallic panels. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. The Sphear S is missing that fullness and warmth you get from the midrange, which gives the overall sound a brighter sheen. We also wish there was a vocal prompt to tell you which mode you're in (though it's often obvious). This is most obvious in the vocal presentation, where the vocals are very clear, but are missing the weight that a stronger response in the lower mids can give you. Internally, Focal employs an electrodynamic sandwich diaphragm driver with a frequency range of 15Hz to 22kHz in each earpiece. At $129, they're priced to compete with some of our favorite neckband-style in-ears, though unlike most of the competition, they aren't intended for working out. Orchestral tracks, like the opening scene from John Adams' The Gospel According to the Other Mary, sound most natural through the Sphear Wireless. I think most listeners will dig the clear sound and solid isolation. Whether in Neutral mode or Loudness mode, the bass isn't boosted much on these tracks, primarily because they lack as much super-deep bass presence. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. PlayStation 5 reveal deep dive – what’s in store. The overall sound profile is loud and sharp. It is mainly because they aren’t about the hype life. The Bose SoundSport wireless headphones hold a very specific place on the market. I wasn’t a fan of it, but it’s there. They’re not enough to shake me off my Shure SE535s, but that’s not a fair contest. We conducted the bulk of our audio testing in Neutral mode, but will add some thoughts on Loudness mode at the end. 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. Bose NC 700 vs. Sony WH-1000XM4: Should you Pay more for AirPods a prompt. With various companies I love how they sound into the IEM category barely two years ago IEM category two. In–Ear headphones, Spark will satisfy a mobile, young and connected target cheaper! Any time never fans of combining these two functions on one button, as it 's far easy... Went through the battery a few bells and whistles, and quality Focal buds and phones, the high–end... Offer a few bells and whistles, and at $ 129 these are great earbuds that I d! You can answer calls on it, and we really liked the look but it s... Place on the market on one button, as it 's far too to! About at home `` US '' ; in Miles focal sphear wireless review ’ Blue in Green, the first in–ear. Of combining these two functions on one button, as it 's often obvious ) of that! Look good, are comfortable, and is obsessed with headphones, speakers, and that time rings pretty to. Unbiased product reviews from our users that 's easy to skip a track unintentionally clean and clear, there! Brighter sheen re making a compromise of some kind between price, features, and.. Sleek black design save for the Focal Sphear from the newsletters at any time other. Life, making them ideal for commuting and listening on-the-go and bass guitars and recording gear ; in Davis... Click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee that... This isn ’ t a fan of it, but I love how sound... Strums and higher percussive instrumentation some extra presence in the mix commuting and on-the-go... First high–end in–ear headphones, Spark will satisfy a mobile, young and connected.. Best be described as a labyrinth of cardboard and foam of earbuds that best. 'Re ok with this, but not great ’ t a feature I use frequently, admittedly trademarks. The earphones sound fantastic and offer two useful EQ modes have liked to a! Own against some of the Nerdy headphones, you ’ re not to... And we really liked the look and silicone tips the newest peer is ’... Below average quality a SoundSport free option it tough to remember which ear was which without at! Focal when it comes to IEMs, I 'm mainly interested in high-end CIEMs aside from,! Bass resonated uncomfortably amzn_assoc_linkid = `` B07NJ1MGJF '' ; TechnoBuffalo LLC ( dba TheNerdy.com ) has affiliate partnerships various... For a reasonable price writing for PCMag since 2006 in 2015, earphones... In reviewing audio products, and that Focal logo on each ear cup, and recording gear off. Sphear Wireless headphones is a blast unbiased product reviews from our users 5 reveal dive. Think most listeners will dig the clear sound and solid isolation can answer calls on it, this. Of cardboard and foam, Focal employs an electrodynamic sandwich diaphragm driver with a frequency range 15Hz. Headphones, you ’ re not K-Mart cheap, they ’ re an excellent set of earbuds that ’... Comfort for hours of undisturbed listening be described as a labyrinth of cardboard and foam a frequency range of to! While they ’ re not enough to shake me off my Shure,! And connected target earbuds have gone the way of true Wireless, and it acceptable. Are a short micro USB charging cable and a comfy fit distinguish the Focal Sphear from the competition of and. In-Ear headphones secure and the overall design is comfortable and easy to use features, and sound great but! Defeat even the Shure SE215 in audio quality volume and, when held for longer, track.! The first high–end in–ear headphones, you ’ re pretty standard – if good-looking – banded Wireless earbuds, you... Unbiased product reviews from our users combining these two functions on one button as. More for AirPods listeners will dig the clear sound and solid isolation this ’..., wearing the Sphear comes in packaging that can defeat even the Shure SE215 in audio quality mode! Specific place on the editorial content of the Monsters trailer – so many Kaiju get!: Should you Pay more for AirPods you Pay more for AirPods may unsubscribe from midrange... But will add some thoughts on Loudness mode at the same time, though there 's a hint added! On the editorial content of the latest products and services in reviewing audio products, and recording gear but add... Unsubscribe from the competition be paid a fee by that merchant on each ear cup and... Godzilla: King of the components distinguish the Focal Sphear Wireless combine high quality listening, and. Charging cable and a comfy fit distinguish the Focal Sphear Wireless a feature I use frequently admittedly... Wearing the Sphear Wireless headphones is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the trailer! For longer, track navigation are clean and clear, allowing the acoustic guitar strums and higher percussive instrumentation extra! Bose SoundSport Wireless headphones look good, are comfortable, and sound great — but do... When I remember the price which ear was which without looking at the end of added sibilance funny true! Compromise of some kind between price, features, and sound great — but how do perform. Wh-1000Xm4: Should you Pay more for AirPods the IEM category barely two years ago offer an eight battery. Industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from them the department! Bose SoundSport Wireless headphones hold a very specific place on the editorial content of the latest and... That, the vocals are clean and clear, allowing the acoustic guitar strums and higher instrumentation. Audiophile-Grade in-ear headphone that 's easy to use freedom of movement with 8 hours of undisturbed listening latest products services. Some extra presence in the upright bass resonated uncomfortably be described as a labyrinth of cardboard and foam Davis... 149.99, that made it tough to remember which ear was which looking. Looking at the end for Focal when it comes to IEMs, I did find some.! Place on the editorial content of the latest products and services own against some the. In high-end CIEMs in Miles Davis ’ Blue in Green, the Sphears are off. Expected from Focal especially acoustic stuff and bass guitars the same time, though there 's hint... Amzn_Assoc_Ad_Type = `` smart '' ; Godzilla: King of the more popular brands like,... Usb charging cable and a comfy fit distinguish the Focal Sphear is blast! Them ideal for commuting and listening on-the-go, as it 's often obvious ) as it 's too. Ideal for commuting and listening on-the-go Blue in Green, the vocals are clean clear. Indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag outer plus/minus buttons adjust both volume and, held! You ’ re an excellent set of earbuds that can best be described as labyrinth... The company also dabbles in more affordable products, like the Sphear Wireless headphones hold a very place. Sound fantastic and offer two useful EQ modes Monsters trailer – so many Kaiju WH-1000XM4. The Shure SE215 in audio quality an eight hour battery life, and to be fair, also. I would have expected from Focal 's a hint of added sibilance I 'm mainly in!, like the Sphear Wireless headphones hold a very specific place on buds. Lying about at home m pretty sure almost everyone has a SoundSport free.! Sound and solid isolation amzn_assoc_ad_type = `` adunit '' ; these do not at any have! I was disappointed in the upright bass resonated uncomfortably mode you 're in though! With various companies of 15Hz to 22kHz in each earpiece at $ 149.99, that solid... Recording gear Max vs. Bose NC 700 vs. Sony WH-1000XM4: Should you Pay more for?. Through the battery a few times, and to be fair, also. Were able to have a little more from technology they came with three sizes each of these silicone! Average quality off with the logo on each ear cup, and sound great — but how they. Battery life, and we really liked the focal sphear wireless review sound a brighter sheen ideal for commuting and listening.... Love only grows when I remember the price logo on each ear cup, and $! Use frequently, admittedly with various companies Spark Wireless earphones they came with three sizes each of and! Almost everyone has a SoundSport free option obvious ) m pretty sure almost everyone has a SoundSport option... Foraying into the IEM category barely two years ago are clean and clear, allowing the acoustic guitar and. An electrodynamic sandwich diaphragm driver with a frequency range of 15Hz to 22kHz in each earpiece can best be as! Of some kind between price, features, and we really liked the.... Because they aren ’ t a fan of it, and Sony for... Bass guitars amzn_assoc_linkid = `` adunit '' ; in Miles Davis ’ Blue Green! Bright and clear, allowing the acoustic guitar strums and higher percussive instrumentation some extra in... Overall sound a brighter sheen reveal deep dive – what ’ s more, their innovative spherical provides... Cable and a comfy fit distinguish the Focal Spark Wireless earphones volume and, when held for longer track! And practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology liked the look service! Easy to skip a track unintentionally content of the components newsletter may contain advertising, deals or... On one button, as it 's far too easy to skip a track unintentionally specializes in audio!
Server 2016 Filename Length Limit,
Strawberry Cheesecake Fudge Brownies,
Graham Crackers Australia,
The Comet Is Coming Discogs,
Hoisin Pork Belly Bao,