[TMRaven]

From very vague memory I do remember the D2000 as having a larger soundstage than the FSP, but the D2000 definitely does sound like a closed headphone, with plenty of colorations and decay issues that are synonymous with closed-backs.

 

[M-13]

  From very vague memory I do remember the D2000 as having a larger soundstage than the FSP, but the D2000 definitely does sound like a closed headphone, with plenty of colorations and decay issues that are synonymous with closed-backs.

Haha. Yeah the D2000 has lots of issues. But hey I got mine new from J&R for $199 back in the good old days when they were still made, so it wasn't too bad.

 

[Head1]

How does the FSP soundstage compare with that of the Fidelio L2?

 

[AUserName501]

I've compiled my thoughts into a review here. I absolutely feel that it is a fair review. They are excellent sounding but severely lacking on a design front.

Spoiler: Edited

Mine arrived today and I have some serious bones to pick with Focal.
 

1. Firstly, for the average sized ear these are on-ear and the images don't really give a proper sense of scale but once you get them you'll realise the cups are tiny. What is worse is that the tiny cups have half their space taken up with pads. From this point onwards we should call them what they are and that is on-ear headphones because the average sized ear will not fit in the cup.
    
2. Build construction is in this weird middle-ground where it feels rattely but solid. Readjusting them when wearing them gives a lovely squeak from the arm mechanisms. Oozes build quality.
    
3. Headband design looks rubbish and sticks out on the head. Did Focal not get the memo that clamps that stick out look bad because almost no other manufacturer does them and especially not on on-ear headphones. Low form factor to the head is a paramount part of headphone fashion design.
    
4. Did I mention these will slide off your head if you have hair over your ears. I wouldn't feel confident working in an outside environment without these falling off my head. That's terrible for a professional headphone.
    
5. Headband sliding mechanism has no marks so good luck finding your preferred setting and good luck trying to get them in the same spot each time.
    
6. The pads are glued on. What the hell are you thinking Focal.
    
7. I don't find the headband padding to be that comfortable with the weight.
    
8. Sound is excellent. I think it needs more treble but I can understand why people would believe these to sound neutral

 
Honestly, for a headphone that sounds good Focal get so much wrong with the aesthetics, design and comfort. It's a shame but Focal need to re-evaluate their whole design because these are on-ear headphones that are terrible at being on-ear headphones and with a "rugged design" but are totally unsuitable for an outdoor environment if they feel like they will fall off your head. I sure as hell wouldn't want to run with these on. The ear cavity needs to be doubled in size, the headband and clamping mechanism needs to be scrapped and they should go with something more traditional that keeps a low form factor to the head.
 
I'm so disappointed because a headphone that sounds great is sullied by these poor design choices.

 

[audioops]

  Mine arrived today and I have some serious bones to pick with Focal.

 
Thanks for your honest feedback, it really helps people like me who are curious about these cans but unable to test them out in person.

 

[ballard3]

+ 1

 

[audioops]

  I've compiled my thoughts into a review here. I absolutely feel that it is a fair review. They are excellent sounding but severely lacking on a design front.

Spoiler: Edited

Mine arrived today and I have some serious bones to pick with Focal.
 

1. Firstly, for the average sized ear these are on-ear and the images don't really give a proper sense of scale but once you get them you'll realise the cups are tiny. What is worse is that the tiny cups have half their space taken up with pads. From this point onwards we should call them what they are and that is on-ear headphones because the average sized ear will not fit in the cup.
    
2. Build construction is in this weird middle-ground where it feels rattely but solid. Readjusting them when wearing them gives a lovely squeak from the arm mechanisms. Oozes build quality.
    
3. Headband design looks rubbish and sticks out on the head. Did Focal not get the memo that clamps that stick out look bad because almost no other manufacturer does them and especially not on on-ear headphones. Low form factor to the head is a paramount part of headphone fashion design.
    
4. Did I mention these will slide off your head if you have hair over your ears. I wouldn't feel confident working in an outside environment without these falling off my head. That's terrible for a professional headphone.
    
5. Headband sliding mechanism has no marks so good luck finding your preferred setting and good luck trying to get them in the same spot each time.
    
6. The pads are glued on. What the hell are you thinking Focal.
    
7. I don't find the headband padding to be that comfortable with the weight.
    
8. Sound is excellent. I think it needs more treble but I can understand why people would believe these to sound neutral

 
Honestly, for a headphone that sounds good Focal get so much wrong with the aesthetics, design and comfort. It's a shame but Focal need to re-evaluate their whole design because these are on-ear headphones that are terrible at being on-ear headphones and with a "rugged design" but are totally unsuitable for an outdoor environment if they feel like they will fall off your head. I sure as hell wouldn't want to run with these on. The ear cavity needs to be doubled in size, the headband and clamping mechanism needs to be scrapped and they should go with something more traditional that keeps a low form factor to the head.
 
I'm so disappointed because a headphone that sounds great is sullied by these poor design choices.

I don't get what's going on here. You've linked to a review by a user named AustinValentine and made it hard to access and read your thoughts in this thread.
 
Edit: I believe this (http://www.head-fi.org/products/focal-spirit-professional/reviews/10523) is the review you meant to link to.

 

[AUserName501]

Spoiler: Quote: audioops

  I don't get what's going on here. You've linked to a review by a user named AustinValentine and made it hard to access and read your thoughts in this thread.
 
Edit: I believe this (http://www.head-fi.org/products/focal-spirit-professional/reviews/10523) is the review you meant to link to.

 

I know. I've edited it to be correct.
 
I removed the pads. They are glued on but if you pull around the edges then they will come off. You can see how the attach to the housing. You just push them on and they click in. Please excuse the camera quality.
 
Anyone know of any pads that can be used for a larger ear cavity but will keep the bass?
 
You can actually slide the pads from a Brainwavz HM5 and have the silver groove hold them in place. They are too large and the edges of the pads that give the seal are outside the housing. A lot of the bass is lost I think.
 
The ring the pads attach to is:
 
8.9cm x 7.9cm in outer dimensions
 
5.7cm x 5.3cm in inner dimensions
 
 

 

 

[AUserName501]

As much as I like dislike the small ear pads and headband design these really do sound good. They aren't boring and yet they retain their clarity. I just hope Focal release some XL pads or something and moves to a better headband design in the future.
 
Edit: I don't see myself keeping these for much longer. I hate on-ear headphones because they don't sit still and how are you going to enjoy music when you're constantly thinking about about how your headphones are going to fall off your head. If I can't find some larger pads that keep the sub-bass I'll just put them up for sale. It's not enough to make good drivers if you can't build a decent shell around them. Focal can only do one out of two.

 

[dbdynsty25]

  As much as I like dislike the small ear pads and headband design these really do sound good. They aren't boring and yet they retain their clarity. I just hope Focal release some XL pads or something and moves to a better headband design in the future.
 
Edit: I don't see myself keeping these for much longer. I hate on-ear headphones because they don't sit still and how are you going to enjoy music when you're constantly thinking about about how your headphones are going to fall off your head. If I can't find some larger pads that keep the sub-bass I'll just put them up for sale. It's not enough to make good drivers if you can't build a decent shell around them. Focal can only do one out of two.

 
My problem exactly.  They lasted me a few days and I gave up.  Hated worrying about the fit each time I wore them.

 

[grizzlybeast]

As much as I like dislike the small ear pads and headband design these really do sound good. They aren't boring and yet they retain their clarity. I just hope Focal release some XL pads or something and moves to a better headband design in the future.

Edit: I don't see myself keeping these for much longer. I hate on-ear headphones because they don't sit still and how are you going to enjoy music when you're constantly thinking about about how your headphones are going to fall off your head. If I can't find some larger pads that keep the sub-bass I'll just put them up for sale. It's not enough to make good drivers if you can't build a decent shell around them. Focal can only do one out of two.

1. they are not consumer cans though the classic is and may have the same issue but for the professional studio person comfort is a worthy sacrifice for over all durability, isolation, and of course sound quality. I am sure the build is excellent despite comfort issues.

2. A common huge misconception is that the pads need to fully surround the ear in order to make for better isolation. On the contrary the headphones I have read about and heard with great isolation are close to if not all the way on ear in design( hd25, dt1350,momentum,NAd,spider powerforces,hdj500, and many others) in the studio a lot if the over ears I have used don't isolate well and I have to turn the volume down to prevent it from bleeding into the mic and it is fun to record loud. There are exceptions to both where a full sized curcumaural isolates well and an on ear doesn't..... I say all of that to make the point that since these isolate extremely well the form and design may give you a clue of their priorities. Maybe they didn't want to loose something else by gaining more comfort

 

[AUserName501]

Spoiler: Quote: grizzlybeast

1. they are not consumer cans though the classic is and may have the same issue but for the professional studio person comfort is a worthy sacrifice for over all durability, isolation, and of course sound quality. I am sure the build is excellent despite comfort issues.

2. A common huge misconception is that the pads need to fully surround the ear in order to make for better isolation. On the contrary the headphones I have seen and heard with great isolation are close to if not all the way on ear in design( hd25, dt1350,momentum,NAd,spider powerforces,hdj500, and many others) in the studio a lot if the over ears I have used don't isolate well and I have to turn the volume down to prevent it from bleeding into the mic and it is fun to record loud. There are exceptions to both where a full sized curcumaural isolates well and an on ear doesn't..... I say all of that to make the point that since these isolate extremely well the form and design may give you a clue of their priorities. Maybe they didn't want to loose something else by gaining more comfort

 

They aren't sacrifices they are what you expect, nor are they more durable (certainly don't feel it), nor is the isolation any better than your average closed headphone. I don't care whether on-ear/over-ear offers more isolation but I do care when a blatantly on-ear headphone is sold as over-ear. Please, no more false dichotomies because a closed headphone should be comfortable, durable, offer a reasonable amount of isolation and sound good. That is what makes a good headphone.

 

[DairyProduce]

I thought comfort is a huge factor in cans for professional use...seeing as they are being used hours at a time.

 

[M-13]

   because a closed headphone should be comfortable, durable, offer a reasonable amount of isolation and sound good. That is what makes a good headphone.

Find one that does everything you mentioned and let us know okay? We eagerly await...

 

[M-13]

  I thought comfort is a huge factor in cans for professional use...seeing as they are being used hours at a time.

I think that thread over at GearSlutz is filled with actual professional studio rats who are using the FSP all day long, and funny how none of them mention comfort, or earpad size, or clamp. I think these issues are more "audiophile issues" and that's why they laugh at us shaking their heads.
 
I remember I was so scared to try the LCD-2 because of the massive number of people complaining about the crazy weight, clamp, etc, etc. When I finally got them and put them on my head I was like: "That's it?"