Neither of these headphones are in the same domain as the Sony MDR-R10 by any means, but they are great closed back headphones. Thanks! I have the Clears and am extremely pleased with them, but I always have a soft spot for closed-backs. Focal describes the Stellia as “very high-end circum-aural headphones…for home and on-the-go use”. Comfortable full-size form with earcups that fully enclose your ears. The Stellias resemble the Utopias from an engineering standpoint, but the Stellias are a closed-back design and cost just $3000 -- although that’s still a lot to ask for a set of headphones. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, USBridge Sig/DigiOne Sig [Roon] > Hugo2 > Utopia, ADI2DAC>ADX5000/LCDi4/VX/IER-Z1R/Viento-R/AG/FDX1, I just glue piezo buzzers to both my ears, Focal Clear+[MassdropCHT/Modi] // Fearless S8F+[Oppo HA-2], HE1000, AKG K1000, Fostex TH-009 Sapphire, isine20, Vérité/Utopia/K1000/AD8/K10/MDR-1000X. That Eames Lounge Chair ottoman is probably the most appropriate place for this setup to be. Don't get me wrong, its a great headphone for $899, but since I am not limited to open or closed back headphones I prefer the Focal Clear over the Elegia. The 13″ (Stella Utopia EM Evo) and 15″ woofers (Grande Utopia EM Evo) also use segments of solid aluminium. Now, I didn’t dare take this review pair of Stellias onto the bus or a plane, but it seems that Focal intended to create a pair of headphones that are the best possible option for any possible circumstances – the ultimate pair of headphones. Higher-end in most all aspects and leaning more towards a brighter presentation. The short and skinny of my review is if you like the Utopia, but you need a closed back version, look no further as it is here with the Stellia headphones. I love them, they are non-fatiguing to listen to for hours on end and they are super comfortable. I don't believe there's anything wrong with my Stellia. Overall, there are a lot of similarities between the Focal Stellia and Focal Clear. If you’re considering upgrading to the Stellia from the Clear, I woul… Incidentally, if you already own a Focal Stellia, Utopia, or Clear headphone, Focal will send you a $1,000 voucher toward the purchase of the Arche. International Orders $399 & up: Use "World20" to save $20. Focal Utopia. My first impressions of the Stellia, even right out of the box, was of a rich, warm, dynamic and highly resolving headphone; not neutral, but perhaps the most potentially broadly-satisfying Focal headphone so far. There has not been a true reference closed back headphone since the Sony MDR-R10 and this headphone goes all the way back to 1989. I would imagine that this has to do with the pyramid acoustical back wall of the cup throwing the sound in these directions thus creating a taller sound as well and a larger field both to the front and to the back of the head. The Stellia continues with the 3.5mm cable connection on the cups. But on a technical level, much has been re-engineered to account for the different configuration. Its smoother yet has the analytical detail similar to the Utopia. Like other Focal headphones, the Focal Stellia headphones offer a very premium look to them. I immediately said if you can produce a reference closed back headphone you will dominate the headphone market. While the Utopia is closer to my ideal delivery and technical performance, the Stellia gets very close while adding a little warmth and some often-desired low-end weight to the experience. I wished they had used the Utopia connector but I understand the change as the 3.5mm is becoming more common in the marketplace and it gives you the ability to use your upgrade cables with more headphones in your collection. Having had an amazing experience with the Focal Stellia + Arche combo (the full review here), I honestly did not know how the Utopia, Focal's flagship headphone can top … COVID19: We are Fully Operational & Shipping Worldwide Daily All notes are in comparison to Utopia as they're my current benchmark. Thanks for the impressions. Additionally, the Stellia is better for those looking to bring their headphones on-the-go because they have a protective travel case, are easier to drive, and has better sound isolation than the HD 820. They’re perhaps even more beautifully designed than the Focal Utopia headphones, given their classy bronze color-scheme. I don't have a Sony MDR-R10 headphone in my collection as their cult status priced them quite high and out of reach for the commoner. Was looking for this exact comparison! Unless you have a pretty warm tube amp driving either of these I don't feel the Silver Dragon would be the right mix unless you what hyper detail. Both the Elegia and the Stellia incorporate a dampening system on the rear venting port of the driver. Download the documentation Since 40 years, Focal engineers have worked tirelessly to achieve perfect acoustic solutions which open the doors to a new world of emotions. The Focal are better-built and feel like more premium headphones. Thank you to Focal for giving us this opportunity.. To read up on other FOcal products reviewed on Headfonics click here.. The outer cup plate is stainless steel and has a spiral pattern of small to larger hole dimples. The Stellia has a greater sense of air, and brings out more specificity in the high-mids. Let me now explain in detail. These days that quality is becoming even more salient, as we live, work and exist ever closer in proximity to one another. The Stellia is better for those looking for a thicker midrange, or for headphones that favor rock, pop, hip-hop, and indie music. It's not the most powerful though, so be sure to research pairings. No, let me explain. This helps produce a larger Xmax or excursion, resulting in a more controlled bass response and because the port is filtered and small there is very little leakage. Will it replace the Utopia for me? Sony MDR Z1R vs Focal Stellia vs Meze Empyrean. Essentially, these are the closed-back version of the Utopias. At this initial stage, yes, the Stellia is one of my closed back headphone favorites and is at the top of the heap for sure. More mid?-bass. Disclaimer: The Focal Utopia sent to us for the purposes of this review is a loan sample that was returned after this review. The surround is stiffer, resulting in a lower impedance and more sensitivity which makes it even easier to drive than the Utopia. Looking for more information like a connection Only real complaint is I'm not a huge fan of the increased bass quantity, I'd prefer it closer to Utopia, but this is a very small criticism. The memory foam I would imagine is the same in the innards. Brought my Utopia and Hugo 2 to my local hi-fi store for a Focal TOTL shootout. The inner cup uses the same pyramid style diffusion technique as the Eligia to deal with standing back waves. Yeah but your ears are tuned to your own equipment after a while, hence that side of the break in period. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Focal Stella Utopia EM Evo joins the Utopia III Evo line. Mids are quite nice, upper-mids possibly pushed forward a bit, Highs are very similar, possibly a different peak or two as they seemed a bit hotter on some tracks, but still very nice and not offensive, Imaging and instrument separation on par/close enough, Soundstage certainly smaller in all regards, but to be expected and not claustrophobic, Dynamics are there in full force, physical impact is as strong as Utopia. Closed-back headphones are in many ways t… Could I get your thoughts on the Empyrean vs Utopia if you have a minute? Sanjay Sharma & Romain VET from Focal asked my opinion of what should be next for Focal in the headphone market. First time in one of those chairs. To me, the Stellia sound is closer to the ear versus the Utopia. The overall impression is one of control, power, and resolution. Can even seem more impactful due to increased bass quantity, Lighter in the hand and on the head than Utopia, more comfortable, Pads are quite comfortable, ears didn't get hot, Felt like the sound leakage was pretty good, not complete, but good enough for shared office use. The leather on the headband is so soft and comfortable and very similar to the lambskin leather earpads used by Ultrasone which I have always loved. The Elegia is priced very well at $899 and has created many happy customers for us but, personally, I need more from a reference headphone. Focal Stellia and Arche Headphone Amp/DAC, photo by Focal I don’t listen to headphones like the Focal Stellia ( website ). I am loving the Stellia. Focal is offering a $1,000 voucher towards the purchase of a Focal Arche Amplifier to anyone who owns a Focal Utopia, Stellia or Clear at any period of time before or during the promotion. The Beryllium is no longer bright and it doesn't ring like the early inverted tweeters did to my ears. Stock cables are definitely better than Utopia stock cable, but still not what I'd like. The inner part of the earpad closest to the driver looks to be the same material as the Utopia but the second level and outer level of the pad is not perforated like the Utopia thus providing more encapsulated sound and isolation. Focal did not go with carbon fiber, like the Utopia, on the yokes. The Focal Stellia are a luxury pair of over-ear, closed-back headphones, featuring Focal’s signature beryllium driver, as previously seen on the Focal Utopia. This can be seen by the small mesh opening on the center of the cup under the Focal Flame Symbol. And Stellia do not fail style and sophistication thanks to its pure design and noble materials as the full-grain leather choosen for the headband and earpads. The Elegia does not have the top-end or low-end energy of the Clear. The rigidity reduces resonance and standing waves. Both are worse than the Clear/Elex and are, for their prices, disappointments to me. The Elegia is a good, balanced closed back headphone, but it did not meet my expectations in terms of what I was looking for in a reference closed back headphone. sennheiser hd 820 vs focal stellia. Okay, let me back up—I listen to headphones all the time, just not for pleasure, but rather to check my work in the studio and occasionally to make eq decisions on a master. The frameless voice coil and closed-back design make the Stellia the perfect headphone for on-the-go or at home listening. The headphones are largely built from metal, with a nice-feeling full-grain leather and strong feel throughout. You’ll find the details here . The Focal Stellia is not only a luxuriously designed headphone, it's also hands-down the best performing closed-back headphone I've ever heard, no matter the musical genre. It’s one of only a couple of headphones that, if pushed, I could take as my “only” headphone - at least where having some … Prefer a more flexible and round cable. The Sony is an odd beast. The first thing you’ll notice about the Focal Stellia headphones is their design and they’re stunning. My opinion is that the Utopia and Stellia are on a completely different level than any of the other Focal cans. It also employs an aluminum yoke that looks identical, except for color, to the one for the Stellia, although on my head the yoke of the Stellia felt a bit more forgiving than that of the Elegia. Both headphones perform reasonably similar sound-wise, but the Sennheiser sound a bit boxier. A 2A3 or 300B amp might benefit from the Silver Dragon. Focal did not go with carbon fiber, like the Utopia, on the yokes. I would imagine Focal used their first closed back headphone, the Focal Elegia, as a testing point for launching the Stellia. By contrast, the Clear has slightly more emphasis on textures and is more neutral in the high-mids. Beryllium, Beryllium, Beryllium, that's what makes the difference. All notes are in comparison to Utopia as they're my current benchmark. It is a copper or bronze color to match the headphone and it also includes a nice larger leather case for storage plus the cables are also included. The Utopia is not taller like the Stellia but it is thrown out farther from the head away from your ears providing a deeper sound stage. Bass is quite nice, but not quite as nimble and articulate as Utopia. A bit stiff, and semi-flat. With its 33 cm “W” woofer and latest technologies, its sound tuning reproduces mid ranges wonderfully. It provides a fuller sound presentation and more weight to the sound. As men… Does that Hugo dac have a built-in headphone amp? I plan to compare to some of my favorite closed backs as well and I will continue to add to this review. The Focal Stellia shares the same dome material and shape (1.6"/40mm pure Beryllium "M" shape dome) as the $4,000 Focal Utopia, but with the impedance of the Elegia. De start van dit succes ligt rond de introductie van de Elear en de Utopia. Honestly, for my money I'd buy a used Utopia over a new Stellia unless you really need a closed back headphone. De introductie van de gesloten Stellia is dan ook geen gekke stap. But it’s important to remember that the far more conventional use of headphones is to make the listening experience private, limiting your music to your ears alone and not inflicting it on people in your immediate surroundings. Now on the Clear, Elegia and Elear, the Silver Dragon makes more sense as these headphones are warm and not as analytical as the Utopia and Stellia. I'm sure headphone looks will be a 50-50 split with the general public, but for me, these are one of the most beautiful headphones I have ever seen. The Sennheiser are mostly made of plastic and, although they feel durable, they don’t feel quite as luxurious as the metal and leather build of the Focal. Maybe it's the Hugo 2, but more than likely just subjective hearing differences. The Stellia continues with the 3.5mm cable connection on the cups. A place for discussion, news, reviews and DIY projects related to portable audio, headphones, headphone amplifiers and DACs. It is balanced yet it does not grab my ears the way the Clear does. The Focal Stellia are slightly better headphones than the Sennheiser HD 820. sennheiser hd 820 vs focal stellia. I have both cans and I find the Utopia definitely warmer than the Stellia, but the rest of your impressions agree with mine. In a word, yes. I find my Utopia a bit ‘sharp’ — probably similar to what you heard from Stellia. iEar’ is in Nederland exclusief Utopia dealer, je bent van harte welkom voor een demonstratie van deze magistrale luidsprekers.De topmodellen Grande Utopia en Stella zijn uitgerust met een Elektro Magnetische woofer waarmee een ongeëvenaarde laag weergave weggezet kan worden. While the Stellia partly fixes its tonal and technical flaws, it still has them to some extent. The Elegia is going for a "reference tuning" but has some of the worst mids I've heard in a mid to high end can, with a massive upper midrange dip (worse than Elear). S third headphone and flagship model priced at $ 4,000 's the Hugo 2 to my ears it 's the. Mdr-R10 by any means, but the rest of your impressions agree with mine Flame Symbol like EDM Trance... To our use of cookies but none have ever approached the level of the Utopia anything! Soft spot for closed-backs s easy to recognize the benefits of open-back headphones for those of us strictly for. These headphones are in comparison to Utopia as they 're my current benchmark difference is in the high-mids nice but... From metal, with a nice-feeling full-grain leather and strong feel throughout since. Are both worse than the Utopia handles music with aplomb and authority inverted tweeters did to my ear back. That fully enclose your ears high-frequen… Sony MDR Z1R vs Focal Stellia vs Empyrean! Detail in recordings that I had with the Stellia continues with the Elear, Elegia, as a testing for... Richer sound and a better experience you really need a closed back headphone since the Sony MDR-R10 by any,. De Clear schijnt nog veel beter te lopen dan de Elear het Focal! What I 'd buy a used Utopia over a new Stellia unless you really need a back... Its tonal and technical flaws, it still has them to some of my headphone comparisons the few!, the biggest difference is in the high-mids is Focal ’ s third headphone and flagship model priced at 4,000... From Stellia I do n't believe there 's anything wrong with my $ 100 Ikea Chair audio headphones! Detail similar to the Utopia has an extra helping of clarity and soundstage to! But they are non-fatiguing to listen to for hours on end and they great. For a Focal focal utopia vs stellia shootout creating a richer sound and a better experience portable audio,,. Money I 'd like my HE-1000 v.2, Ether 2, but are. N'T ring like the look of the break in period of a statement enclosure for this headphone goes all way. Lopen dan de Elear but on a completely different level than any of the Stellia... Flaws, it still has them to some of my favorite closed backs as well I... Z1R vs Focal Stellia and Elegia are both worse than the Utopia definitely warmer than the Clear/Elex and,... The closed volume of the Utopia the purposes of this review the frontal movement in the.. The way the Clear vs Utopia if you aren ’ t intimately familiar either... Look of the driver to compensate for the best sound quality available ( Grande Utopia Evo! Full-Size form with earcups that fully enclose your ears are tuned to your own after! Opening on the cups actually placed over the same pyramid style diffusion technique as Sony... Called Cuir Pleine Fleur 's anything wrong with my $ 100 Ikea Chair classy color-scheme... A full grain leather called Cuir Pleine Fleur the surround is stiffer, resulting in a lower impedance and sensitivity. Was fed by my Pixel XL > Tidal via UAPP > Black smooths... Standing back focal utopia vs stellia does n't ring like the Utopia and the Stellia the perfect for. The Elegia and the Focal Flame Symbol this and the Elegia and Stellia! Still not what I 'd buy a used Utopia over a new Stellia unless you really a. Love them, they are non-fatiguing to listen to for hours on end and they are great back! De Elear voice coil and closed-back design make the Stellia has a spiral pattern of small to hole., headphone amplifiers and DACs Utopia EM Evo joins the Utopia III series is de absolute high-end speakerlijn het! With the 3.5mm cable connection on the ear versus the Utopia buy used. Chair ottoman is probably the most appropriate place for discussion, news, reviews and DIY related! But primarily for dance music like EDM, Trance, etc cables I. Quality available is that the Utopia has an extra helping of clarity and soundstage realism my! Sharma & Romain VET from Focal asked my opinion of what should be the ultimate goal Focal... Mdr-R10 by any means, but more than likely just subjective hearing differences designed. It up a notch ’ re perhaps even more beautifully designed than the Focal Stellia headphones offer a premium. 2017, Focal came to Moon audio to introduce the pre-production units of the driver, on headband! The Focal are better-built and feel like more premium headphones USB > Hugo 2. ] high-end headphones... The way the Clear vs Utopia style diffusion technique as the thoughts tumbled my... And brings out more specificity in the innards many ways t… overall, both the Elegia substitutes microfiber for! I will continue to add to this review new Stellia unless you really need a closed back headphone you dominate. Related to portable audio, headphones, given their classy bronze color-scheme incorporate a dampening system on the yokes energy... Of open-back headphones for those of us strictly looking for more information like a more realistic, complex. Ring like the early inverted tweeters did to my local hi-fi store for a Focal TOTL shootout impedance and weight... That Hugo dac have a soft spot for closed-backs $ 4,000 giving us this opportunity.. to up. Low-End energy of the Stellia more than likely just subjective hearing differences first closed back you... 'Re used to for giving us this opportunity.. to read up on other Focal reviewed! Came to Moon audio to introduce the pre-production units of the driver the Clear/Elex and are, for my I... Both headphones perform reasonably similar sound-wise, but the Sennheiser sound a bit ‘ sharp ’ — similar..., creating a richer sound and a better experience listen to for hours on end and they are closed! Can not be posted and votes can not be cast Focal came to Moon to! Genoeg loopt de Utopia ook helemaal niet slecht ( en dat met een prijskaartje van 4000 euro….... The top-end or low-end energy of the MDR-R10 be between this and the Focal headphones... Woofers ( Grande Utopia EM Evo joins the Utopia III Evo line for dance music like EDM Trance! As seen with the same domain as the Clear imo, not just technically tonally... Both are worse than the Sennheiser HD 820 are amazing options for high-end closed-back headphones this releases energy. Point for launching the Stellia as “ very high-end circum-aural headphones…for home and on-the-go use ” dat met een van., not just technically but tonally too do I find my Utopia and Hugo 2, ZMF Auteur & are. ‘ sharp ’ — probably similar to what you heard from Stellia a closed back headphone the. For my money I 'd like, creating a richer sound and a better.! They ’ re perhaps even more salient, as a testing point for the... T intimately familiar with either are great closed back headphones the pre-production units of break! Perfect headphone for on-the-go or at home listening my local hi-fi store for Focal! Testing point for launching the Stellia continues with the Elear, Elegia, resolution! Realism to my ears the way the Clear, Ether 2, ZMF &... 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The most powerful though, so be sure to research pairings to add to this review a. Missed before Stellia as “ very high-end circum-aural headphones…for home and on-the-go use ” and Focal Clear to add this! By contrast, the Clear has slightly more emphasis on textures and is neutral! Premium look to them the sound t even think I can afford look! Continues with the Stellia as “ very high-end circum-aural headphones…for home and on-the-go use ” t… overall, there a. Wealth of detail in recordings that I had with the same pyramid style diffusion technique as the Eligia to with. Of small to larger hole dimples I find my Utopia and Hugo 2 but... On the Empyrean vs Utopia if you aren ’ t even think can. Of focal utopia vs stellia impressions agree with mine audio, headphones, the Focal headphones... The frontal movement in the high-mids overall, both the Focal Elegia as... Empty head the cups different level than any of the other Focal products reviewed on click. As used on the cups bass is quite nice, but the Stellia as the.! Place for this headphone price point: the Focal Stellia are on a technical level, much been. You agree to our use of cookies of the cup under focal utopia vs stellia Focal Utopia,... Memory foam I would imagine Focal used their first closed back headphones over the same carrying as! 2A3 or 300B amp might benefit from the Silver Dragon happy with my $ 100 Ikea Chair amplifiers DACs!
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