Focal Announces Sphear In-Ear Headphones

French loudspeaker specialist Focal has already stirred the market with its strong entrance in the headphone category, with consumer and professional models. Now, following two years of development, Focal announces a strong product also in the in-ear category with their new Sphear headphones, designed by Simon Matthews.

In 2013, French speaker manufacturer Focal released its first headphones. Among the models intended for the hi-fi and consumer markets, Focal also introduced the Focal Spirit Professional, a closed-back headphone design built for the professional musician or recording studio engineer. This is the review.

The new studio monitor from Focal’s SM6 line supplies two speakers in a single cabinet. The Trio6 Be is effectively a three-way monitor and a two-way monitor, remotely switchable thanks to its new FOCUS mode, allowing to compare the mix, focusing on the same acoustic basis, and the same stereo image, minus the extreme frequencies.

As usual, the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin is the stage for many industry announcements and a good share of award ceremonies. Among those, none is more important than the European Imaging & Sound Association (EISA) Awards, featuring more than 20 audio categories. OPPO’s PM-1 received the Best European Hi-Fi Headphone award.