Short answer: the Austrian Audio Hi-X55, though neither ranks well in its class. Both are rated 2.9/5 for sound quality (#178 and #177 of 216 over-ear headphones), and the Austrian Audio Hi-X55 costs $315.71 against $329 for the Focal Listen Professional, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 216 over-ear headphones; for better sound, the HIFIMAN Ananda Nano ranks #4 at $319.
Why pick the Austrian Audio Hi-X55: The closed back blocks outside noise and keeps sound from leaking, so it works in shared rooms and studios. Watch for: oratory1990’s measurement shows a deep 9.9 dB dip near 2.3 kHz and presence about 3.9 dB below target, so vocals and guitars sound recessed and distant.
The case for the Focal Listen Professional: A closed back headphone with a 32 ohm impedance and 122 dB/V sensitivity, so it plays loud straight from a phone. The catch: A preference score of 58 in crinacle’s measurement means its tuning lands well away from what most listeners prefer, so expect an audibly colored sound.
Buy the Austrian Audio Hi-X55. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $13.29 less than the Focal Listen Professional.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Austrian Audio Hi-X55 | Focal Listen Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $315.71 | $329.00 |
| Ranked | #178 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #177 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 56 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 58 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.63 dB standard deviation | 3.89 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.79 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.48 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.7 dB at 30 Hz) | - |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 44mm dynamic | 1 x 40mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 25 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 118 dB SPL/V | 122 dB SPL/V |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (305 g) | 0.6 lbs (280 g) |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
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- Austrian Audio Hi-X55 vs KLH Ultimate One
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Austrian Audio Hi-X55: $315.71 Amazon eBay
Pros: The closed back blocks outside noise and keeps sound from leaking, so it works in shared rooms and studios. A 25 ohm load and 118 dB/V sensitivity let it run loudly from a phone or laptop, and it weighs a moderate 305 g. Bass sits about 1.1 dB above target with sub-bass still within 6 dB down to 20 Hz, which suits listeners after a warm, bass-leaning balance.
Cons: oratory1990’s measurement shows a deep 9.9 dB dip near 2.3 kHz and presence about 3.9 dB below target, so vocals and guitars sound recessed and distant. Sub-bass averages 4.1 dB below target, so the deepest rumble is lighter than the midbass suggests. Its preference score of 56 sits far from the Harman target.
Full Austrian Audio Hi-X55 review and specifications →
| Released | 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 3.63 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 44mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 56 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 25 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 118 dB SPL/V |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.79 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (305 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.7 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +1.6 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 138 Hz | -7.0 dB | 1.32 |
| Peak | 2,373 Hz | +7.7 dB | 1.17 |
| Peak | 1,284 Hz | -7.8 dB | 2.01 |
| Peak | 53 Hz | +2.7 dB | 0.80 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -0.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 472 Hz | +2.6 dB | 1.22 |
| Peak | 234 Hz | -1.7 dB | 2.33 |
| Peak | 946 Hz | -1.7 dB | 3.22 |
| Peak | 6,612 Hz | -1.8 dB | 6.00 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Focal Listen Professional: $329.00 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A closed back headphone with a 32 ohm impedance and 122 dB/V sensitivity, so it plays loud straight from a phone. At 280 g it is moderately light, and it includes a built in microphone. It is rated above the Beats Studio3 Wireless.
Cons: A preference score of 58 in crinacle’s measurement means its tuning lands well away from what most listeners prefer, so expect an audibly colored sound. It is wired only, with no wireless or noise cancelling features.
Full Focal Listen Professional review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 3.89 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 40mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 58 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 122 dB SPL/V |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.48 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (280 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.1 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +5.8 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 294 Hz | -5.6 dB | 0.47 |
| Peak | 3,379 Hz | +7.4 dB | 1.68 |
| Peak | 126 Hz | +5.5 dB | 0.87 |
| Peak | 4,799 Hz | -4.8 dB | 2.25 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -5.2 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 9,268 Hz | +1.8 dB | 2.61 |
| Peak | 1,675 Hz | -1.1 dB | 4.47 |
| Peak | 2,125 Hz | +0.7 dB | 3.56 |
| Peak | 632 Hz | +0.4 dB | 3.00 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons