Focal SPIRIT PROFESSIONAL Impressions thread
May 29, 2014 at 10:48 AM Post #603 of 1,765
Yes, it is authentic. I'm from Spain and I have bought mine there, in amazon.es. I bought the FSP at 165€ and the FSC at 200€ (now it is pricier). Around $500 for both headphones. It was a good deal
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May 29, 2014 at 11:24 AM Post #605 of 1,765
My FSP will go back. I especially cant get over the questionable build quality and the comfort. I would buy a better built real over-ear headphone from Focal in a heartbeat. But im not seeing that coming anytime soon.
 
May 29, 2014 at 12:10 PM Post #606 of 1,765
   
 
The FSC and the HD650 sounds similar. To me it is the closest headphone to be considered a closed version of the HD650. From 200Hz/300Hz to 8KHz they are almost the same.
 
It (FSC) has rich, upfront, full bodied and beautiful mids, pretty similar to the HD650 ones. Also, it has the advantages and drawbacks of a closed can. If has better bass response, more defined and detailed, with an extremely flat response to the lowest end. The sub bass is more present although it has a bit less mid bass emphasis, maybe more due to of its flat response in the bass region than to a lack of mid bass. The highs are gentle but are not rolled off. Obviously, much more isolation.
 
But it has the disadvantages of a closed can. Closed sound. Significatively narrower and closed soundstage with less air. It is good for a closed can of its size, but it is not near the level of the Senn or Denons. In the midrange the FSC is very good but I think it is not as detailed as HD650, which is more textured and have more microdetails. In the highs I think the HD650 has a bit more extension (I mean extension to the top end, not volume) and sense of air. Also, the FSC is more unconfortable.
 
But you can't have all in only one headphone.
 
On other post I have made a comparison between FSC and FSP so you can get the idea. In summary, the FSP is a neutral version of the FSC, with less bass pressence and more detailed but drier and less full-bodied mids. I like the FSC more.
 
I hope that helps.

That was very helpful. Thanks! 
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May 29, 2014 at 8:20 PM Post #607 of 1,765
Does anyone know of a small travel case for the Focal?

I tried the small Slappa case, SL-HP-01. It barely fits without crushing some part so I don't recommend that one.
 
May 30, 2014 at 1:54 PM Post #609 of 1,765
for those of you who have larger ears and are contemplating buying FSPs or other portable circumaural cans, I have started a thread to offer data on cup sizes.
 
Head on over to the circumaural cup sizing thread - click here 
 
Could a FSP owner head on over to read about what dimensions we need?  I sent my review samples back before taking measurements.
 
May 30, 2014 at 8:50 PM Post #610 of 1,765
I bought this from Amazon and it worked great for me.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005O93P9K/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
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Jun 2, 2014 at 4:35 AM Post #611 of 1,765
After one month with both headphones, I definitely think that the good one is the Focal Spirit Classic.
 
It is sad that it hasn't had its  own appreciation thread because I think it is the closed headphone that I have listened to that is more similar to the HD650. And that is an endless question in head-fi.
 
The FSP is good but its low quality construction and bad materials make it unreliable in regards to its durability. Sonically, it is very neutral (and that is good) but it is also less musical, with less body. If you are looking for a truly neutral headphone for monitoring  then it is for you (if you don't mind its durability). But if you want a more enjoyable sound, without loosing that neutrality, then the FSC is a better option (with much better build quality and better looks).
 
Jun 2, 2014 at 5:11 AM Post #612 of 1,765
It's all for the best that both share the same thread because it makes it easier to obtain information about them, though I agree that maybe the name could reflect that fact.

I bought the Pro to use at work, when I have time to listen, but I find myself bringing it home sometimes because I enjoy it. It has an aggressive sound that goes well with the piano. I'm sure the richer Classic is better for orchestra.

I was more concerned about durability before I received a leather cover to put over the headband; it's also more comfortable now. I still wish the earpads were bigger--who doesn't--but I bought it expecting it to be partly on ear. I'll be satisfied so long as it doesn't break.
 
Jun 2, 2014 at 5:47 AM Post #613 of 1,765
Does anyone know of a small travel case for the Focal?

I tried the small Slappa case, SL-HP-01. It barely fits without crushing some part so I don't recommend that one.

 
Probably not as small as you're looking for but I use the following Slappa case for both my Pro & Classic:
 
http://www.amazon.com/Slappa-Sized-HardBody-Headphone-SL-HP-07/dp/B009NE7B06/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1401702267&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=slappa+hardbody
 
Does eat up quite a bit of space in my backpack but offers good protection.
 
Can I ask what leather cover you are using with your Pros? Wouldn't mind trying one myself.
 
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It's a shame the Classic has been a bit overlooked and I agree it would be good to use this thread to appreciate both. Think it would make sense as people either own both, are considering purchasing one or the other, or adding a second Focal to their collection after buying the Pro or Classic.
 
I like both myself and don't think one is better than the other. I find them quite complimentary 'phones that allow me to cover most bases and for home use I regularly flit between them depending on what I'm listening to or how I'm feeling at the time. 
 
Both fine fine headphones...and yeah, and like everyone else it seems (apart from the good folks at Focal?) I wish the pads were a wee bit bigger, but I don't mind their comfort now that they've broken in a bit and/or my ears have grown accustomed to them. 
 
Jun 2, 2014 at 5:55 AM Post #614 of 1,765
Thanks. That's the other Slappa case Amazon sells. As you said, it's pretty big. In the meantime, I'm keeping FSP in that stowaway bag it came with.

Focal should really have included its own case at this price. Apart from sound quality, I don't have the impression that this firm knows what it's doing yet (comfort, build quality, accessories). I hope three times is the charm and it gets everything right next year.
 
Jun 2, 2014 at 6:01 AM Post #615 of 1,765
Thanks. That's the other Slappa case Amazon sells. As you said, it's pretty big. In the meantime, I'm keeping FSP in that stowaway bag it came with.

Focal should really have included its own case at this price. Apart from sound quality, I don't have the impression that this firm knows what it's doing yet (comfort, build quality, accessories). I hope three times is the charm and it gets everything right next year.

 
I also get the impression they're still finding their feet in the headphone market. They do so many things right but then appear to make some daft decisions that put people off their 'phones.
 

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