Focal Hadenys Review

In the world of high-fidelity audio, the Hadenys Open-back Headphones emerge as a splendid combination of comfort, craftsmanship, and sound quality, proudly backed by Focal’s esteemed reputation. The Hadenys blend luxurious design elements with innovative technology, promising an immersive listening experience. With their refined aesthetic and remarkable features—including a plush carrying case and versatile cable options—these headphones are crafted for both casual listeners and serious audiophiles alike. In this review, we delve into the Hadenys’ intricate design, sound performance, and the unique attributes that set them apart in the crowded headphone market.

What You Get

• Hadenys Open-back Headphones
• Carrying Case
• 6ft (1.8m) Jack 1/8″ (3.5mm) Cable
• 1/4″ (6.35mm) Adapter
• Focal Warranty

Look & Feel

The Hadenys takes the current design principle of the Focal Bathys and adds an open-back grille. It’s your usual luxurious Focal design but with a proper theming thanks to its earthy shades. It is a class look that isn’t unique for Focal, but still a stylish look. What makes the Hadenys really stand out is its padding on both the headband and earpads. These are memory foam cushions that give the Hadenys great comfort and security, even better than on some of Focal’s higher-end models.

Design

Focal’s standard driver configuration is sported by the Hadenys, with its 40mm aluminum/magnesium “M” dome. The aluminum material increases the rigidity of the dome while reducing distortion, and the magnesium provides proper dampening. Focal themselves are advising that the headphones need “running-in” to get the Hadenys to reach full performance level.

Soundstage

Considering Focal’s track record and the price of the Hadenys, the soundstage is very good, but it has some weaknesses. You can be sure the Hadenys will give you an organized, accurate stereo field with deep layering and heightened spatial positioning. I find the scale of performances to be a bit constricted, though, limiting the Hadenys’ ability to totally engross you in the sound. All of the Hadenys’ technical aspects of the soundstage are exactly as you’d expect. The space between instruments results in clear localization, separating the left and right channels distinctly. You get a fulfilling sense of dynamics in your tracks, which does enough for listener immersion. The feeling of a barrier around your headspace brings the Hadenys down for me a little.

Low End

While the bass doesn’t feature the most consistent texture, the Hadenys know when to reach down and make an impact. The sub-bass and mid-bass all have a presence to them that feels natural and accurate. They receive an even amount of space to showcase clear bass performances, especially from bass guitars and some low synths. Each note feels distinct, but the tone doesn’t always provide the most personality. It’s still capable of being many things though, and the Hadneys always find a way to compliment bass details without being the most resolving.

Mids

The midrange has a warm consistency that brings maybe a bit too much resonance. It could be making up for the fact that the frequency response is a bit uneven here. You get a rise in low-mid frequencies that start to drop off in the fundamental range but then spike back up in the upper-mids where there are crisper qualities. It does enough with presenting detailed performances, especially with vocals where the Hadenys feel the most expressive. With that said, the Hadenys gives the mids the least amount of room, and it makes transients come off a bit muted in some instances.

Highs

In the highs, the Hadenys exhibit softer properties for a smooth response. The Hadenys never feel like it has hard corners in the highs, so the timbre shouldn’t be fatiguing to anyone. Treble details like sparkle aren’t completely eliminated, but the tone is very subdued. Everything has a clean presence that has enough detail on the surface, but it lacks the edge that will give the sound more brilliance.

Summary

The Hadenys represent a commendable entry in Focal’s lineup, showcasing a beautiful design and a comfortable fit while delivering a solid auditory experience. Although they have notable strengths in their soundstage and low-end performance, there are areas where the tonal richness and detail could be enhanced further. For those seeking a stylish pair of headphones that prioritize comfort and deliver reliable performance across different genres, the Hadenys are undoubtedly worth considering. With their distinctive look and inviting sound profile, they are an excellent choice for both everyday enjoyment and critical listening.

The Focal Hadenys is available at Audio46.