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Focal Spirit One Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£180
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Focal Spirit One review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.7

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

4.5

Technical Score

20.0%

5.6

User score

Poor
4.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.2

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

6.9

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

6.0

Calls & Controls

Poor
5.6

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

6.6

User reviews

30.0%

3.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.4
(52)
amazon
1.0
(2)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(52)
Amazon_logo.png
1.0
(2)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Good
  • 2.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    7.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 1.2
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 4.4
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 5.6
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.0

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Focal Spirit One is a closed-back circumaural headphone featuring 40mm Mylar/Titanium composite drivers designed for high-fidelity portable use. Key specifications include a 32-ohm impedance, 104dB sensitivity, and a frequency response of 6Hz – 22kHz, making it exceptionally easy to drive directly from smartphones. It is characterized by a refined, neutral sound signature with a detailed midrange and punchy, tight bass, complemented by an lightweight 225g aluminum frame and 18dB of passive noise attenuation. Main pros include its impressive portability, high-quality accessories like a molded hard case, and a comfortable fit with balanced clamping force. However, some users note a compact stereo image that lacks spaciousness, and potential durability concerns regarding the plastic components in the ear cup housings.

Technical Specifications of Focal Spirit One

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.2

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

6.9

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

6.0

Calls & Controls

4.5
Focal Spirit One has a technical score of 4.49 points, which is lower than that of 72.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

6.6

User reviews

30.0%

3.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.4
(52)
amazon
1.0
(2)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(52)
Amazon_logo.png
1.0
(2)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

5.6
Focal Spirit One has a user score of 5.65 points, which is lower than that of 96.3% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
3.4
Focal Spirit One has a popularity of 3.4 points, which is lower than 58% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

6.2
Focal Spirit One has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.2 points, which is lower than 74.9% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Focal Spirit One does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

40 mm
Focal Spirit One uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Focal Spirit One uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

6 Hz
Focal Spirit One reaches a lowest frequency of 6 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 84.5% of headphones and equal to 1.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Focal Spirit One is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
Focal Spirit One has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Focal Spirit One does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Focal Spirit One supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Focal Spirit One does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Focal Spirit One does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Focal
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

225 g
Focal Spirit One weighs 225 g, heavier than 52.2% of headphones and equal to 0.6% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Show more

Focal Spirit One vs the average headphone

  • 12 Hz lower bass extension
    Focal Spirit One has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Focal Spirit One has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.6 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • In-line controls
    Focal Spirit One includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Focal Spirit One includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Foldable design
    Focal Spirit One has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    Focal Spirit One has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Focal Spirit One has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Focal Spirit One has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Focal Spirit One has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Focal Spirit One has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Foldable design
    Focal Spirit One has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 12 Hz lower bass extension
    Focal Spirit One has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Focal Spirit One has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Focal Spirit One has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • In-line controls
    Focal Spirit One includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
  • 12 mm tighter earcup height
    Focal Spirit One has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (48 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • 5 mm tighter earcup width
    Focal Spirit One has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • No voice assistant support
    Focal Spirit One does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 older release date
    Focal Spirit One was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    March 2012
  • No voice assistant support
    Focal Spirit One does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Focal Spirit One does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 12 mm tighter earcup height
    Focal Spirit One has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (48 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Focal Spirit One has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (48 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.48 mm vs 60 mm
  • 41.6% lower user score
    Focal Spirit One has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.65 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Focal Spirit One has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.65 vs 8.000).5.65 vs 8
  • 5 mm tighter earcup width
    Focal Spirit One has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Focal Spirit One has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.38 mm vs 43 mm
  • 9% worse value for money
    Focal Spirit One has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.18 vs 6.736).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Focal Spirit One has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.18 vs 6.736).6.18 vs 6.74
  • 2x more expensive
    Focal Spirit One is more expensive than the average headphone (£180 vs £90).
    Focal Spirit One is more expensive than the average headphone (£180 vs £90).£180 vs £90
  • 5 older release date
    Focal Spirit One was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    March 2012
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Focal Spirit One was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017
Total
Overall
Design
Features

Graphic comparison of Focal Spirit One and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.4
52 Reviews
amazon
1.0
2 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
52 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
1.0
2 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Focal Spirit One?

  • High-quality, natural sound reproduction with a detailed and intimate midrange
  • Effective passive noise isolation (>18dB), ideal for travel and commuting
  • Comes with a generous accessory pack including a hard-shell carry case and multiple detachable cables
  • Easy to drive directly from smartphones and mobile devices without needing an external amplifier
  • Sleek and classy design with high-quality exterior materials like brushed aluminum

What customers dislike about Focal Spirit One?

  • High clamping force and small ear cup size can cause discomfort during long listening sessions
  • Reported build quality issues, specifically fragile plastic hinges prone to cracking over time
  • Cables are reported to be delicate and prone to breaking after several months of use
  • Difficulty finding official replacement parts, such as proprietary cables or ear pads
  • Occasional technical issues like diaphragm rattle or crinkling sounds in some units

Expert reviews

6
6moons.com
01/03/2012
Focal Spirit One - 6moons Audio Reviews

The review underscores several key pros and cons of the design. On the positive side (pros), the headphones provide an impressive >18dB of passive noise insulation due to a double-jointed aluminum headband that distributes lateral pressure evenly across the skull. They are also highly portable and well-accessorized, featuring swiveling ear pads that lay flat, a rigid storage case,...Read more

H
headfonics.com
22/04/2015
Focal Spirit Series Headphones Review

The Headfonics review of the Focal Spirit series highlights a versatile lineup, with the Classic model offering warm, musical sound and the Professional version providing a neutral, detailed, and analytical studio sound. Both models feature effective passive noise isolation, though they share significant design flaws including high clamping force and small ear cups that feel cramped...Read more

H
head-fi.org
23/09/2013
Focal Spirit One Headphones - Reviews - Head-Fi

The Focal Spirit One headphones are recognized as engaging, portable, closed-back units offering an energetic sound with high-pace, rhythm, and timing, featuring fast, punchy bass, a lush midrange, and smooth, sibilance-free treble. Designed for on-the-go use, they boast high passive noise isolation, robust metal construction, and a rich accessory bundle. However, the experience is...Read more

P
pocket-lint.com
16/04/2013
Focal Spirit One headphones review - Pocket-lint

The Focal Spirit One over-ear headphones deliver a remarkably well-balanced, high-quality audio experience with a flat sound signature that avoids artificial bias toward the low or high frequencies. While they remain conservative on bass during normal playback, they successfully reproduce deep low-end frequencies when prompted by action movies or specific tracks without distorting...Read more

S
stereophile.com
02/02/2013
Focal Spirit One Review

The Focal Spirit One is deemed a competitive closed-back headphone for mobile use, offering a stylish design, punchy bass, clear mids, and excellent isolation, although earlier manufacturing issues regarding the driver diaphragm have been addressed. While providing superior sound to the Sony MDR-1R, it falls short of the Sony and the Sennheiser Momentum in comfort and refined...Read more

C
cnet.com
14/06/2012
Focal Spirit One review - CNET

The Focal Spirit One over-ear headphones combine a sleek aesthetic with a lively, vivid sound profile that provides an unusually smooth bass-midrange-treble tonal balance. Engineered with highly efficient 40mm Mylar/titanium drivers and a 32-ohm impedance, they deliver powerful bass and excellent detail directly from portable devices without requiring an external amplifier....Read more

H
head-fi.org
23/06/2011
Focal Spirit One Headphones | Page 9 - Head-Fi

The Focal Spirit One review highlights an engaging, warm sound signature with well-controlled, punchy bass, clear midrange vocals, and a sparkly, non-sibilant treble, offering strong passive noise isolation. These headphones are lauded for an immersive, non-fatiguing, and intimate listening experience suitable for mobile use. Conversely, the headphones suffer from a narrow,...Read more

6
6moons.com
01/05/2012
6moons audio reviews: Focal Spirit One

The 6moons review evaluates the Focal Spirit One as an affordable, high-fidelity portable headphone engineered with a clever, consumer-friendly sound signature. The pros highlight a highly articulate and deft bass response that avoids muddy bloat, alongside a slightly soft top-end treble that prevents uncomfortably sharp or steely sounds. Additionally, the reviewer heavily praises...Read more

H
head-fi.org
13/07/2013
Focal Spirit One Review - Head-Fi

The Focal Spirit One review on Head-Fi highlights a sturdy, portable design with premium materials, including metal and rubberized plastic, featuring a removable cable. It provides excellent passive noise isolation, though users may experience discomfort due to high clamping force and heat buildup on the ears. The sound profile is described as warm with prominent mids, making it...Read more

S
stereolifemagazine.com
18/10/2015
Focal Spirit One, Spirit Classic & Spirit Professional - StereoLife Magazine

The Focal Spirit headphone lineup—consisting of the Spirit One, Spirit Classic, and Spirit Professional—features identical 40mm titanium/mylar drivers and 32-ohm impedance, but delivers distinct physical and acoustic properties tailored to specific audiences. The Spirit One ($279) targets younger, mobile users with its lightweight build, folding-flat hinges, and included smartphone...Read more

T
theabsolutesound.com
15/08/2012
Focal Spirit One Headphones/Headset (Hi-Fi+) - The Absolute Sound

The Absolute Sound reviews the Focal Spirit One, praising its elegant, compact design and efficient performance suited for portable devices. It delivers a sophisticated, well-balanced sound with quick, tight, and controlled bass, avoiding the boomy characteristics of many competitors. While highly regarded for its natural midrange, minor cons include small ear cups that may feel...Read more

T
theabsolutesound.com
04/12/2012
Focal Spirit One Headphones/Headset (Playback) - The Absolute Sound

The Focal Spirit One offers a sophisticated design, featuring a matte black and brushed metal aesthetic with a functional, articulated hinge system for a secure fit. Its sonic performance is marked by a refined, natural midrange and tight, agile bass, bringing a high-end, audiophile-focused sound to a portable, efficient design. While providing excellent noise isolation for...Read more

S
stereophile.com
02/02/2013
Focal Spirit One

The Stereophile review praises the Focal Spirit One as a competent, mobile-friendly headphone featuring tight bass, a forward midrange, and excellent isolation, making it a strong, accessory-rich entry into personal audio. While initial production units suffered from a QC issue causing bass-damaging diaphragm rattle, this was corrected, though minor performance flaws remain,...Read more

W
whathifi.com
20/03/2012
Focal Spirit One review | What Hi-Fi?

The Focal Spirit One is a sturdily built pair of closed-back headphones constructed from aircraft-grade aluminium, leather, and rubberised plastic. Equipped with 40mm mylar/titanium diaphragm drivers behind a distinct red mesh, these headphones deliver a detailed midrange, natural sound quality, and punchy, textured bass. They feature a tangle-resistant detachable cable with an...Read more

F
fairaudio.de
31/07/2012
Focal Spirit One Headphones Review", "Testing the Focal Spirit One Headphones

German audio review platform fairaudio gave a positive evaluation of the Focal Spirit One, highlighting the headphone manufacturer's successful first foray into the mobile headphone market. The review explicitly praises the premium aesthetic, flawless build quality, and smooth headband adjustability, noting that the choice of materials provides an upscale feel. Weighing a mere 225...Read more

(Translated)Show original
I
i-fidelity.net
16/04/2012
Focal Spirit One - i-fidelity fairaudio +5

The i-fidelity.net review highly recommends the Focal Spirit One, awarding it an overall test rating of "very good" (sehr gut). Priced at 199 Euros with a 2-year warranty, the tester emphasizes that the French manufacturer has delivered an incredibly fair deal. In fact, based on its impressive performance, the reviewer notes that these headphones actually feel like they should cost...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
connect.de
13/07/2012
Focal Spirit One Review - Connect

The Focal Spirit One is an on-ear headphone specifically built for outdoor use, featuring an impedance of 32 Ohm and a price point of around 200 Euro. The review highlights its meticulously crafted design, which avoids any "toy-like" feel despite the lower cost by incorporating premium stainless steel parts. A key innovation is its complex headband and ear cup construction, designed...Read more

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hifitest.de
25/02/2013
Focal (Home) Spirit One - Hi-Fi Headphones Review - hifitest.de

The Focal Spirit One is a closed-back, over-ear hi-fi headphone that marks a successful debut into the headphone market for a brand originally rooted in loudspeaker manufacturing. Built with a smart choice of materials, it utilizes gebürstetem (brushed) aluminum for high-stress components and joints, while the rest of the chassis is covered in a durable rubberized coating. Designed...Read more

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stadt-bremerhaven.de
30/08/2013
Focal Spirit One: iPad and iPhone Headphones Review

The Focal Spirit One is a premium, portable headset optimized for Apple devices, noted for its high-quality construction blending aluminum and rubberized materials, along with a comprehensive accessory package. It delivers a balanced, dynamic sound with tight, punchy bass and natural mids, while the closed-back design provides excellent passive noise isolation for travel. While the...Read more

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computerbild.de
27/08/2013
Focal Spirit One: Review of the Designer Headphones - Computer Bild

The Focal Spirit One design-focused headphones scored a "good" rating of 1.7 in this review, proving to be an excellent, high-volume mobile companion well-suited for smartphones and tablets. The audio performance is highly detailed with clean, subtle bass, slightly emphasised mid-ranges, and precise instrument positioning. Weighing 228 grams, the headphones come with a generous...Read more

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fairaudio.de
31/03/2012
Focal Spirit One Headphones Sound Review - fairaudio

Focal Spirit One Headphones The Focal Spirit One is a portable, on-ear headphone engineered specifically for mobile use, featuring 40mm drivers and a low-power-friendly 32-Ohm impedance. It delivers an incredibly dynamic, lively, and energetic music reproduction that excels with rock and minimalist singer-songwriter genres. True to Focal's acoustic heritage, the headphones offer...Read more

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tomiiks.com
10/12/2013
Focal Spirit One Headphones Review

The Focal Spirit One is a portable, premium headphone that delivers an exceptionally neutral, homogenous, and "crystal clear" sound signature with natural bass, contrasting sharply with the bass-heavy tuning of brands like Beats by Dr. Dre. Weighing 223 grams, it features a modern, slightly sophisticated design with outward-pointing aluminium headband ends and comfortable leather...Read more

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diisign.com
13/03/2012
Focal Spirit One: A High-Quality French Headphone

This review evaluates the Focal Spirit One, the first portable high-end headphone release from the French speaker manufacturer, priced at €199 in 2012. In terms of performance, the audio quality is highly praised for its accuracy, excellent dynamics, and neutral, faithful reproduction across the entire sound spectrum. The headphones also offer outstanding noise isolation, making...Read more

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qobuz.com
29/01/2012
Focal Spirit One: exclusive Qobuz review

The Focal Spirit One review highlights a balanced and highly competent debut into the portable audio market by the renowned French loudspeaker manufacturer Focal. Sonically, the headphones feature an exceptionally tight, fast, and punchy bass along with a highly detailed, lush midrange that brings acoustic tracks and vocals forward with intimate clarity. High frequencies are...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
16/04/2012
Review update on the Focal Spirit One

The Les Numériques follow-up review for the Focal Spirit One details severe manufacturing and design vulnerabilities found in the initial pre-production units, balanced by the manufacturer's rapid intervention. The main pros identified are Focal's proactive product support and responsiveness in fixing defects, alongside their direct replacement policy for affected customers....Read more

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audiocasque.fr
03/04/2014
Focal Spirit One Review: New yet already a top performer

The Focal Spirit One is an affordable, circum-aural audiophile headphone designed in France that delivers an impressively balanced, lively sound with detailed acoustics and deep bass. Outperforming rivals like the Bowers & Wilkins P5 and Audio-Technica ATH-M50 in clarity and tonal richness, it uniquely reaches its peak audio potential directly from a phone or portable media player...Read more

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clubic.com
27/12/2012
Focal Spirit One Review: Already a Benchmark

The Focal Spirit One offers a stylish, portable design with excellent passive noise isolation and a rich accessory bundle, marking a strong, ambitious entry into the nomadic market by the French brand. It delivers a balanced, natural sound signature featuring clear mids and controlled bass, providing a high-fidelity experience. However, user experience is hindered by significant...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
17/04/2014
Focal Spirit One Review: Sporty Look, Audiophile Sound

The Focal Spirit One is a circum-aural, closed-back mobile headphone that represents the French high-fidelity brand's initial expansion into the portable multimedia market. Originally launched with early manufacturing flaws regarding headband sturdiness and driver durability, subsequent production runs have successfully resolved these structural issues. Weighing 200 grams, the...Read more

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xataka.com.mx
11/11/2014
Focal Spirit One review - Xataka Mexico

The Focal Spirit One over-ear headphones deliver highly impressive, Hi-Res audio performance at an attractive retail price of 2,499 Mexican pesos, featuring a lightweight 225-gram construction with elegant aluminum accents. Reviewers praised the product's solid build quality, non-tangling cloth-covered cables, and robust set of accessories, which include a rigid carrying case, a...Read more

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hifi.nl
23/09/2012
Focal Spirit One: The Spirit of Sound

The Focal Spirit One is a closed-back headphone designed to blend high-fidelity sound quality with portable, "nomad" convenience, successfully tapping into a market popularized by youth-oriented brands. The build features high-quality aluminium hinges, closed earcups that fold 90 degrees for compact storage, and an exceptionally lightweight design finished with soft faux-leather...Read more

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lexicommultimedia.nl
02/06/2012
Review of the Focal Spirit One headphones

The Focal Spirit One is a highly versatile, closed-back headphone designed by the French loudspeaker manufacturer Focal, primarily optimized for portable use but equally capable when connected to a hi-fi system. The reviewer notes that it delivers a balanced, detailed, and dynamic sound across various sources, including computers and iPods, particularly excelling with uncompressed...Read more

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fwdmagazine.be
20/09/2012
Review: Focal Spirit One – FWD Magazine

Focal Spirit One The Focal Spirit One is a premium, closed-back headphone designed specifically for the mobile market, featuring a lightweight 225-gram construction with aluminium inserts. Its functional design includes fully folding earcups that rotate 90 degrees for easy transport, backed by a generous accessory bundle that includes a hard case, soft pouch, 6.3 mm adapter, and an...Read more

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gadgetgear.nl
08/05/2013
Review: Focal Spirit One

The Focal Spirit One review by GadgetGear.nl highlights the headphones as an impressive, high-value debut for the speaker manufacturer, outperforming costlier alternatives with a powerful, punchy sound profile. The portable headset features a sleek design available in matte black, white, or red, offering a convincing acoustic experience. However, the review notes the sound signature...Read more

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