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Let me introduce you to the Focal Sphear. S P H E A R, yes, I spelled that correctly. Neither
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Google or Microsoft Word seem to agree with me at first though and want to autocorrect it with sphere. Luckily you can just right click and add to dictionary. [/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The S̶p̶h̶e̶r̶e̶ Sphear is Focal’s first attempt at an IEM. I must say they took a very interesting approach. [/color]
*Packaging*
Focal displays the rounded unique design of the Sphear right from the start. The earphones and control are front and center, a premium look.
*Accessories*
Focal did a wonderful job here, including a variety of silicon and foam ear-tips.
The included hard case is very nice. Thicker than most cases for IEMs, gives you plenty of room to fit the Sphear inside.
There is also an airplane adapter, does anyone use these?
*Build*
The Sphear is quite different looking, a prime example of a high end IEM. Rounded everywhere you touch, with a nice shine, gives Focal’s earphones a premium feel in the hand.
The attached cable is nice and thick, which is a feature I wish more earphones would follow. Strain reliefs are well protected, giving you a sense that these will take a beating and keep on ticking. There is no sign of microphonic issues; the cable is clean and quiet.
I’m also a big fan of the angled 3.5mm plug, it is well designed and protects the jack from being ripped out of what source you are using.
*Fit*
If you look on Focal’s page one of the first things they speak about the Sphear is:
Unfortunately, the housing is quite big. So while they are not super uncomfortable, you will notice at all times that they are in your ears. I don’t want to use the word discomfort, but they are also not the most comfortable I have worn.
There also is a slight issue of how round and smooth the housing is, making it a tad difficult at times to get a good grip when inserting into the ears.
Focal did a wonderful job with ventilation on the Sphear, never did I experience any driver flex. The Sphear always feels free of any resonation.
*Function*
Here I will use a diagram I stole directly from Focal’s site. This best explains the functionality of the controls that come with the Sphear.
The controls are not perfect and actually feel slightly wobbly when you use them, but in the end, they do work as advertised.
The Microphone is one of the best I have ever used. My wife told me she had never heard me so clear on a headset before. This could be attributed to the quite large microphone opening.
*Sound*
Bass – Is forward in its presentation. While it can dominate at times, I never found it to be muddy or bloated, just big and thick. Sub-bass in particular is quite fun as it gives a high end rumble not often heard in IEMs.
Mids – Though the bass is noticeable, it does not wander into the mids much. The mids however, are ever so slightly recessed. Vocals take a back see in this overall warm sound signature, but still show enough presence to be enjoyed.
Highs – The upper range is rolled off a little early. I feel with the tuning that Focal could have allowed just a little more extension of the highs. There is still a decent amount of detail, but I just think that the drivers are being held back just a little. Maybe more burn-in will help with this; I will update my review in the future if anything changes.
Isolation – Using the included foam tips, I was able to get a very nice solid seal, thus in return providing great isolation. Even with the volume completely turned down on my sources, I had a hard time hearing anything around me. The Sphear is a great headphone for blocking unwanted noise; I can easily recommend these for people on the go.
Soundstage – As I mentioned before, there seems to be good ventilation, giving the Sphear a lot of breathing room. It uses this slight airiness to create a decent soundstage for an isolating IEM.
*Overall Thoughts*
The Focal Sphear can easily be described as having a premium, warm sound signature. While not the most analytical in its presentation, it clearly is a quality sound that is more for extended listening. The Sphear Avoids any harshness or fatigue in the upper range. The lows will please a lot of users with its bigger presence and decent control. Those who seek a powerful and full mids might want to avoid the Sphear, as even with an EQ adjustment, leaves a lot to be desired.
The one thing that kept coming back to me about the Focal Sphear is I feel it has so much potential that is not being utilized. I feel if Focal just spend a bit more time with tuning the Sphear that it can be a truly wonderful IEM.
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Let me introduce you to the Focal Sphear. S P H E A R, yes, I spelled that correctly. Neither
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Google or Microsoft Word seem to agree with me at first though and want to autocorrect it with sphere. Luckily you can just right click and add to dictionary. [/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The S̶p̶h̶e̶r̶e̶ Sphear is Focal’s first attempt at an IEM. I must say they took a very interesting approach. [/color]
*Packaging*
Focal displays the rounded unique design of the Sphear right from the start. The earphones and control are front and center, a premium look.
*Accessories*
Focal did a wonderful job here, including a variety of silicon and foam ear-tips.
The included hard case is very nice. Thicker than most cases for IEMs, gives you plenty of room to fit the Sphear inside.
There is also an airplane adapter, does anyone use these?
*Build*
The Sphear is quite different looking, a prime example of a high end IEM. Rounded everywhere you touch, with a nice shine, gives Focal’s earphones a premium feel in the hand.
The attached cable is nice and thick, which is a feature I wish more earphones would follow. Strain reliefs are well protected, giving you a sense that these will take a beating and keep on ticking. There is no sign of microphonic issues; the cable is clean and quiet.
I’m also a big fan of the angled 3.5mm plug, it is well designed and protects the jack from being ripped out of what source you are using.
*Fit*
If you look on Focal’s page one of the first things they speak about the Sphear is:
Unfortunately, the housing is quite big. So while they are not super uncomfortable, you will notice at all times that they are in your ears. I don’t want to use the word discomfort, but they are also not the most comfortable I have worn.
There also is a slight issue of how round and smooth the housing is, making it a tad difficult at times to get a good grip when inserting into the ears.
Focal did a wonderful job with ventilation on the Sphear, never did I experience any driver flex. The Sphear always feels free of any resonation.
*Function*
Here I will use a diagram I stole directly from Focal’s site. This best explains the functionality of the controls that come with the Sphear.
The controls are not perfect and actually feel slightly wobbly when you use them, but in the end, they do work as advertised.
The Microphone is one of the best I have ever used. My wife told me she had never heard me so clear on a headset before. This could be attributed to the quite large microphone opening.
*Sound*
Bass – Is forward in its presentation. While it can dominate at times, I never found it to be muddy or bloated, just big and thick. Sub-bass in particular is quite fun as it gives a high end rumble not often heard in IEMs.
Mids – Though the bass is noticeable, it does not wander into the mids much. The mids however, are ever so slightly recessed. Vocals take a back see in this overall warm sound signature, but still show enough presence to be enjoyed.
Highs – The upper range is rolled off a little early. I feel with the tuning that Focal could have allowed just a little more extension of the highs. There is still a decent amount of detail, but I just think that the drivers are being held back just a little. Maybe more burn-in will help with this; I will update my review in the future if anything changes.
Isolation – Using the included foam tips, I was able to get a very nice solid seal, thus in return providing great isolation. Even with the volume completely turned down on my sources, I had a hard time hearing anything around me. The Sphear is a great headphone for blocking unwanted noise; I can easily recommend these for people on the go.
Soundstage – As I mentioned before, there seems to be good ventilation, giving the Sphear a lot of breathing room. It uses this slight airiness to create a decent soundstage for an isolating IEM.
*Overall Thoughts*
The Focal Sphear can easily be described as having a premium, warm sound signature. While not the most analytical in its presentation, it clearly is a quality sound that is more for extended listening. The Sphear Avoids any harshness or fatigue in the upper range. The lows will please a lot of users with its bigger presence and decent control. Those who seek a powerful and full mids might want to avoid the Sphear, as even with an EQ adjustment, leaves a lot to be desired.
The one thing that kept coming back to me about the Focal Sphear is I feel it has so much potential that is not being utilized. I feel if Focal just spend a bit more time with tuning the Sphear that it can be a truly wonderful IEM.
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