Short answer: the Fosi Audio i5. Both are rated 3.8/5 for sound quality (#149 and #167 of 481 over-ear headphones), and the Fosi Audio i5 costs $589.99 against $679.58 for the Focal Spirit Classic, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
The case for the Focal Spirit Classic: The response is smooth, with a deviation of only 2.15 dB around the target, so tonal balance sounds coherent without sharp spikes. Watch for: Sub-bass is about 3 dB light and the upper mids, presence and treble all run roughly 2.5 dB under target, giving a warm, slightly veiled tilt that softens detail.
Why pick the Fosi Audio i5: A 97mm planar magnetic driver in an open back design lands a preference score of 78 in squig.link hobbyist measurements, with the bass and low mids sitting within about 1 dB of target so voices and instruments keep a natural body. The tradeoff: Sub-bass falls about 6.5 dB below target under 60 Hz and is down 7.5 dB at 30 Hz, so kick drums and synth bass lose their deepest rumble.
Buy the Fosi Audio i5. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $89.59 less than the Focal Spirit Classic.
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The response is smooth, with a deviation of only 2.15 dB around the target, so tonal balance sounds coherent without sharp spikes.
Amazon $679.58 eBay
A 97mm planar magnetic driver in an open back design lands a preference score of 78 in squig.link hobbyist measurements, with the bass and low mids sitting within about 1 dB of target so voices and instruments keep a natural body.
Amazon $589.99 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
| Focal Spirit Classic | Fosi Audio i5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $679.58 | $589.99 |
| Ranked | #167 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #149 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 77 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 78 (median of 6 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.15 dB standard deviation | 2.35 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.65 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.36 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-4.9 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 47 Hz (-7.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 40mm dynamic | 1 x 97mm planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 28 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB SPL/mW | 98 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (310 g) | 1.2 lbs (550 g) |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 10Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
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