Luxury French audio brand Focal has expanded its renowned lineup of headphones with the introduction of two new models: the Hadenys and Azurys. These latest additions promise to deliver Focal's signature high-fidelity sound and premium craftsmanship at more accessible price points, catering to both audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
The Hadenys and Azurys headphones are designed to offer distinct listening experiences, with each model tailored to different preferences and environments. The Hadenys, named after the geological eon "The Hadean," feature an open-back design, ideal for immersive at-home listening sessions. Inspired by earthy tones, these headphones boast a brown color scheme and incorporate Focal's iconic honeycomb grilles, genuine leather accents, and breathable woven fabric for enhanced comfort and aesthetics.
In contrast, the Azurys headphones take on a closed-back design, catering to listeners who prioritize sound isolation and versatility. Drawing inspiration from the semi-precious stone Azurite, the Azurys exude a mesmerizing blue hue, adding a touch of elegance to their appearance.
With their closed-back construction, these headphones are suitable for both home and on-the-go use and should provide an immersive listening experience while minimizing external distractions.
Both the Hadenys and Azurys headphones are equipped with Focal's proprietary 40mm "M-shaped dome" speaker drivers, which promise detailed, warm, and dynamic sound reproduction. These drivers, also found in Focal's Bathys wireless headphones, have been finely tuned to deliver exceptional audio quality across a wide range of genres and listening environments.
In terms of connectivity, both models offer wired functionality, deviating from the wireless capability of Focal's previous offerings. This decision not only helps to maintain audio purity but also contributes to the affordability of the Hadenys and Azurys headphones, making them more accessible to a broader audience.
Focal has paid a lot of attention to the design and ergonomics of these headphones, ensuring a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. Features such as plush leather-topped headbands, oversized ear cups, and lightweight magnesium components contribute to both comfort and durability.
Despite their differing designs, both the Hadenys and Azurys come with their own zippered travel cases and a 3.5mm analog cable, ensuring convenience and portability for users on the move. Additionally, the Azurys include a 4-foot cable with an inline microphone and remote, catering to those who value hands-free communication during their listening experience.
| Specs | Focal Hadenys | Focal Azurys |
| MSRP | $699 | $549 |
| Type | Circum-aural open-back | Circum-aural closed-back |
| Impedance | 26Ω | 26Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100dB SPL / 1mW @ 1kHz | 100dB SPL / 1mW @ 1kHz |
| THD | 0.2% @ 1kHz / 100dB SPL | 0.3% @ 1kHz / 100dB SPL |
| Frequency response | 25Hz – 22kHz | 15Hz – 22kHz |
| Speaker drivers | 1-5/8″ (40mm) ‘M’-shaped Aluminium/Magnesium dome | 1-5/8″ (40mm) ‘M’-shaped Aluminium/Magnesium dome |
| Weight | 294g (without carrying case) | 306g (without carrying case) |
| Cable provided | 6ft (1.8m) mini-jack cable, 1/4” (6.3mm) jack adapter | 4ft (1.25m) mini-jack cable with remote control and microphone |
| Carrying case provided | 9-7/16” x 8-1/4” x 2-3/4’’ (24 x 21 x 7cm) | 9-7/16” x 8-1/4” x 2-3/4’’ (24 x 21 x 7cm) |
With a focus on offering premium audio experiences at more accessible price points, the Focal Hadenys and Azurys headphones represent an enticing option for music enthusiasts seeking exceptional sound quality and craftsmanship.
Scheduled for release in June 2024, the Hadenys will be priced at $699 / £599 / €699, while the Azurys will retail for $549 / £470 / €549.
