Short answer: the Dan Clark Audio Ether CX. Both are rated 4.2/5 for sound quality (#54 and #39 of 481 over-ear headphones), and the Dan Clark Audio Ether CX costs $696.78 against $749 for the Focal Hadenys, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
The case for the Dan Clark Audio Ether CX: Measured response gives it an excellent Harman preference score of 86 with a 2.20 dB spread, and its mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural. The catch: Sub-bass is 5.7 dB short at 30 Hz, so deep bass lacks rumble.
The case for the Focal Hadenys: In oratory1990’s measurement it earns a preference score of 87 with only 1.73 dB of deviation, so its tonal balance is among the closest to what most listeners prefer. Watch for: A 9.6 dB dip near 9.7 kHz softens cymbal shimmer and sibilance, so the top end can sound slightly muted.
Buy the Dan Clark Audio Ether CX. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $52.22 less than the Focal Hadenys.
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Measured response gives it an excellent Harman preference score of 86 with a 2.20 dB spread, and its mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural.
Amazon $696.78 eBay
In oratory1990’s measurement it earns a preference score of 87 with only 1.73 dB of deviation, so its tonal balance is among the closest to what most listeners prefer.
B&H Photo Video $749.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Dan Clark Audio Ether CX | Focal Hadenys | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $696.78 | $749.00 |
| Ranked | #54 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #39 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Back | Closed | Open |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 23 ohms | 26 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB/mW | 100 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (430g) | 0.6 lbs (294 g) |
| Harman Preference Score | 86 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 87 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.20 dB standard deviation | 1.73 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.06 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.37 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 56 Hz (-5.7 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 40mm dynamic |
| Frequency Response | - | 25Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
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