FOCAL SPHEAR: Audiophile Sound in an In-Ear Headphone

Focal is a French company specializing in high-fidelity audio components. From home stereo to pro audio, Focal is well known for their consumer audio and pro audio electronics. Their headphones in fact are some of the best over-ear headphones on the market. But until recently I had never tried their in-ear headphone simply named Sphear. In doing so I found a real in-ear headphone gem that won’t break the bank.

DESIGN

The Focal Sphear has a sophisticated look to it. The earphone backs and smartphone control dawn the Focal emblem in a shiny stainless steel finish and the in-line mic dawns a similar design of black with stainless trim. The eartips come in 3 different sizes (S,M and L) of silicone and memory foam. A very handy feature as I typically prefer foam tips because they do a better job at keeping the ambient sound out and help boost the bass a bit.

The controls are easy to use. You can answer and end a call as well as play and skip through songs. The smartphone controls are compatible with Windows, Apple and Android phones right out of the box which is a definite plus. The carrying case is nice and compact, actually nicer than many other earphone brands.

SOUND

The sound that comes out of the Focal Sphear in-ear headphones is really impressive. Focal has managed to pack a punch into a fairly small package. The clarity of the mid-range and high frequencies is excellent. The bass is punchy and full. There’s none of the muffled sound you often get from in-ear headphones as the Sphear features 10.8mm electrodynamic drivers push a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz.

SUMMARY

The Sphear in-ear headphone from Focal is currently under $100 making it a very affordable audiophile in-ear headphone with in-line smartphone controls. A highly recommended earphone indeed.