Focal Listen

£179 FROM Focal, focal.com features 15Hz-22kHz response, microphone, in-line controls

Design

The Listen headphones are the over-ear variety with a closed back to the headphone cups, which produces great noise isolation. The cable features a microphone and in-line clicker for play/pause and skipping tracks.

Portability

The Listen headphones fold up nicely for carrying in a soft neoprene carry case that protects them from scratches, but it won’t protect them from drops. The headphones are pretty chunky though, which makes them cumbersome.

Sound quality

The Listen headphones have nice clear mids and top end, but don’t offer as much bass as we’d like. Having your ears completely encircled produces a strange sense of isolation, but helps you focus entirely on the music.

Value

For the price, these are great quality headphones. They’re particularly suited to the music lover who really wants to get lost in the experience of listening to their favourite album in a pure, clean audio environment.