What an excellent review. Objective measurements + reasonable subjective impressions from an intelligent, articulate enthusiast. Excellent work as always, Jude!
You basically made this review for me, I have always loved the Clear but never had the $$ to buy it, but I can get the Celestee and currently wanted to compare to my HD650, which is exactly what you showed on the graphs. Thank you very much for this review and keep up the excellent work you guys have been doing!
Nice job, such a helpful and informative review! I really appreciate your breakdown of how the Celestee fits within the Focal lineup and your use of measurements in comparing it to other Focal models.
Exactly. The FR response with the Sheepskins is much closer to the Radiance and Celestee, which both have leather pads. Not sure why this isn't mentioned as the reason for the big difference of stock Elegia.
I agree. The Focal Stellia is the benchmark for closed-back headphones. Focals' Utopia is also my benchmark for open-backs. Until the Stellia and Utopia, Focals lacked sufficient bass. However, I'm hearing good things about the new Celestee! Including and in particularly the $2000 savings of their flagship Stellia! I'm quite interested! So far, I have not heard much past my $600 price point that requires twice, trice $600 to justifies minimal sound improvements? There's a strong chance Celestee might change all that for me?
Great to see more headphoens measurements on the BK 5128, It seem to be much more accurtate then the GRAS 45CA-10 with over the ear headphones .I think that the treble of the Stellia can explain the difference in the bass quality.
I very much enjoy Focal headphones, having both the Elex and Clear (got the Elex first, then the Clears to see what the cost difference might bring in performance difference). These are, of course, both open back. I also love the Focal design ethos. The Radiance, Stellia, and new Celestee are rich looking devices; which is the intention (mission accomplished). A question... Why the focus on closed back? Perhaps it's not actually a business focus - I'm not on the inside of Focal's business decisions - but the two most recent Focal headphones are both closed (though the Radiance isn't intended as permanent in the product line, as the Celestee is). Perhaps it's because between the Elex and Clear, then the Utopia, that they consider they've got the open back offering line addressed?
I am very curious how this compares to the sound of the retuned and updated LCD-XC, and would greatly appreciate it if anyone can share some thoughts between the two.
I owned the Focal Elex, LCD-XC (current model) and HD800S at the same time. Short version, I only own the Elex now. Longer version. The lcd-xc is a one trick pony with great and I do mean great bass extension and control. Better than my JL E12 subs. But vocals have this odd nasally sound to them. The highs drop off a cliff. It sounded very unnatural. The focal is better everywhere but bass extension and it gives up some texture too.
@@JamesWilliams-gf8gm I am torn between the celestee and the elex. I so want the elex but I am skeptical about higher rates of driver failure compared to other hp manufacturers. Can you tell how long have you had the elex for and if you faced any of those problems and had to return a pair or 2. Thank you!
What would you give the Clears out of 10 based on your experience so far? Debating on getting them or two cheaper headphones (one closed and one open) like Audeze LCD2/Sennheiser HD700 and Ultrasone 900i/Sony MDR-Z7M2.
I think I want to check out the Radiance. I wonder how they sound compared to the V-Moda M-100 Master. I know they are priced wildly different and I don't expect the V-Modas to be anywhere near in sound quality, but it would be interesting to check them out.
Very good video content. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. Is there any programs to trade headphones in? I love the Focal Elegia but would love to hear the difference.
Me to, I would like to see a reviewer actually put on the elegia and then the new one then give the results on video .. would've been nice to see where would the elegia on the graph be next to the other family, was hoping he put it there to show but nope, sounds like they want to have u forget elegia and think of the new baby
A few questions.. 1) Is the earcup grill and leather on the earpad a bit on the green side or pure navy blue? 2) If you wear glasses does it kill the seal and nullify the base response like the Elear did? 3) How is sound bleed& isolation for office use? Does your neighbor hear all your music at mid level volumes and can you hear his phone calls? 4) If you bump up the bass & sub-bass shelf say +3db via EQ do you get clipping/distortion like Amir @ ASR did in his Focal Clear review?
As someone who has had all but the elex and stellia on hands, here are some answers: 1 - Pure navy blue, you can look at pictures from other sources to confirm (check on different screens as well). 2 - It shouldn't kill the seal as the leather and foam are very soft and can mold around objects, but that also depends on glasses shape. 3 - It will bleed a little as it is a semi-open headphone, but far from what a Clear or an Open-back Sennheiser would do. 4 - Can't answer that one
Drivers might be the same shape but the most expensive ones use different metals, so different machinery and engineering is required. (But I agree to some extent)
If i understand what he just said.... If you like bass a bit more the Bentley is the go too....? Im using a RME ADI-2 fs right now with the sony MDR-Zr and am very happy but my ego saying are you missing something.....
He definitely didn’t hear the Denon D9200. Stellia was my biggest disappointment. So small, so narrow sounding hps. Focal uses or spend a lot in marketing, have you noticed?
"these measurements don't reveal why the Stellia sounds more resolving to me than the others. I'll trust my hearing though and assume that when it comes to that I'm not looking at all the right measurements yet" While literally showing a measurement of the Stellia with up to 10 dB boost in the treble. Maybe you didn't look at all?
The Stellia sounds more resolving to me throughout the audio band, not just in the treble. Again, the measurements shown at 09:45 alone don't fully explain the differences I'm hearing with respect to that.
@@headfi It also has boosted bass, which if you align the FR can also be read as less upper mids - which again just makes the overall sound signature more resolving.
@@allansh828 Obviously, since you still miss the ~7 dB of bass/lower mids. Also, the graphs shown here are 1/12th octave smoothed. You cannot just create a boost that seems to match visually and expect the exact same sound, but even if you do this by hand and know what you're doing then you can get more or less close.
😂😂Omg Jude that Elear pronunciation compilation was amazing
Also fantastic FR comparisons! I liked that approach
What an excellent review. Objective measurements + reasonable subjective impressions from an intelligent, articulate enthusiast. Excellent work as always, Jude!
You basically made this review for me, I have always loved the Clear but never had the $$ to buy it, but I can get the Celestee and currently wanted to compare to my HD650, which is exactly what you showed on the graphs.
Thank you very much for this review and keep up the excellent work you guys have been doing!
That's odd. The price difference between them isn't big. You should be able to get a Clear for 1-1.2K by now, Celestee costs 1K.
Nice job, such a helpful and informative review! I really appreciate your breakdown of how the Celestee fits within the Focal lineup and your use of measurements in comparing it to other Focal models.
The color on the new focal headphones should have been on the stellia
No way.... I can actually afford these haha
Yup. Don’t make the totl the ugliest
But I think Stellia looks great... (and I bought one).
Love my Elegia's...Changed the cable and pads to Dekoni Sheepskins and they will never leave my collection.
Exactly. The FR response with the Sheepskins is much closer to the Radiance and Celestee, which both have leather pads. Not sure why this isn't mentioned as the reason for the big difference of stock Elegia.
@@KenDupont are your pads fenestrated or not? I am a bit concerned that leather pads might get bass muddier.
@@KenDupont company probably knew this about sounding similar with similar pads but was hoping no one try it out lol..
@@allansh828 not fenestrated. Bass is still clean.
Nice, succinct review. I appreciate the review, the comparisons and the measurements. Quality audio / vocal recording as well. Thank you.
Ahhh, Jude embracing the Elegia and Elear memes is so heartful to watch. XD
I agree. The Focal Stellia is the benchmark for closed-back headphones.
Focals' Utopia is also my benchmark for open-backs.
Until the Stellia and Utopia, Focals lacked sufficient bass. However, I'm hearing good things about the new Celestee! Including and in particularly the $2000 savings of their flagship Stellia! I'm quite interested! So far, I have not heard much past my $600 price point that requires twice, trice $600 to justifies minimal sound improvements? There's a strong chance Celestee might change all that for me?
Great to see more headphoens measurements on the BK 5128, It seem to be much more accurtate then the GRAS 45CA-10 with over the ear headphones .I think that the treble of the Stellia can explain the difference in the bass quality.
I very much enjoy Focal headphones, having both the Elex and Clear (got the Elex first, then the Clears to see what the cost difference might bring in performance difference). These are, of course, both open back. I also love the Focal design ethos. The Radiance, Stellia, and new Celestee are rich looking devices; which is the intention (mission accomplished). A question... Why the focus on closed back? Perhaps it's not actually a business focus - I'm not on the inside of Focal's business decisions - but the two most recent Focal headphones are both closed (though the Radiance isn't intended as permanent in the product line, as the Celestee is). Perhaps it's because between the Elex and Clear, then the Utopia, that they consider they've got the open back offering line addressed?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and observations....as always informative and well presented 👍
I'd also go Verite Close > Stellia but the Celestee represent a very intriguing value prop at that price.
So you have heard both VC and Stellia? Thinking of getting either but not sure which
I am very curious how this compares to the sound of the retuned and updated LCD-XC, and would greatly appreciate it if anyone can share some thoughts between the two.
I owned the Focal Elex, LCD-XC (current model) and HD800S at the same time. Short version, I only own the Elex now.
Longer version. The lcd-xc is a one trick pony with great and I do mean great bass extension and control. Better than my JL E12 subs. But vocals have this odd nasally sound to them. The highs drop off a cliff. It sounded very unnatural. The focal is better everywhere but bass extension and it gives up some texture too.
@@JamesWilliams-gf8gm I am torn between the celestee and the elex. I so want the elex but I am skeptical about higher rates of driver failure compared to other hp manufacturers. Can you tell how long have you had the elex for and if you faced any of those problems and had to return a pair or 2. Thank you!
Good closed back counterpart to my Clears?
What would you give the Clears out of 10 based on your experience so far? Debating on getting them or two cheaper headphones (one closed and one open) like Audeze LCD2/Sennheiser HD700 and Ultrasone 900i/Sony MDR-Z7M2.
Great review Jude! I can't decide between the Celestee vs the Elex, what's your opinion on which one to pull the trigger on?
That supercut of you saying things wrong was hilarious
I was legit laughing out loud at the super cut
Where can i find that headphone holder though
Does the iFi Zen DAC sounds a good combination to this Headphone?
Which sounds more like the clear?
Mine arrives in two days. I hope I didn't make a mistake.
I think I want to check out the Radiance. I wonder how they sound compared to the V-Moda M-100 Master. I know they are priced wildly different and I don't expect the V-Modas to be anywhere near in sound quality, but it would be interesting to check them out.
Calestee or LCD2? Im about to get one of these hifi.
what is that headphone stand?
Very good video content. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. Is there any programs to trade headphones in? I love the Focal Elegia but would love to hear the difference.
Me to, I would like to see a reviewer actually put on the elegia and then the new one then give the results on video .. would've been nice to see where would the elegia on the graph be next to the other family, was hoping he put it there to show but nope, sounds like they want to have u forget elegia and think of the new baby
Hello i would like to know the brand of the headphone stand i see ont your clip just now...again thanks in advance
A few questions..
1) Is the earcup grill and leather on the earpad a bit on the green side or pure navy blue?
2) If you wear glasses does it kill the seal and nullify the base response like the Elear did?
3) How is sound bleed& isolation for office use? Does your neighbor hear all your music at mid level volumes and can you hear his phone calls?
4) If you bump up the bass & sub-bass shelf say +3db via EQ do you get clipping/distortion like Amir @ ASR did in his Focal Clear review?
As someone who has had all but the elex and stellia on hands, here are some answers:
1 - Pure navy blue, you can look at pictures from other sources to confirm (check on different screens as well).
2 - It shouldn't kill the seal as the leather and foam are very soft and can mold around objects, but that also depends on glasses shape.
3 - It will bleed a little as it is a semi-open headphone, but far from what a Clear or an Open-back Sennheiser would do.
4 - Can't answer that one
1. Create one headphone.
2. Make 100 variations, only changed through damping material and color to fake a portfolio.
3. ...?
4. Profit.
Drivers might be the same shape but the most expensive ones use different metals, so different machinery and engineering is required. (But I agree to some extent)
Haha true
I don't have high end closed backs or high end open backs. Which ones are better?
Depends on the use-case and personal taste. Proper EQ takes care of the rest. Personally, I can't stand closed backs when at home.
Vs Hd820?
If i understand what he just said.... If you like bass a bit more the Bentley is the go too....? Im using a RME ADI-2 fs right now with the sony MDR-Zr and am very happy but my ego saying are you missing something.....
He definitely didn’t hear the Denon D9200. Stellia was my biggest disappointment. So small, so narrow sounding hps. Focal uses or spend a lot in marketing, have you noticed?
Have you tried them for mixing? Thx
No GL2000 ?? :O
Ordered Eligia for 300 usd and I am sure this is the best price one should pay for Focal. Other higher price HPs are too overpriced and exaggerated.
I love my Elegia. Warm and punchy sound. The rest of my headphones are in a drawer now
Great one🎉
Elegia is not bland, it's the coldest sounding pair of headphone that I have ever heard.
i want it i want iwant it! There nowhere to buy it -_-
What do you thing of the Bang&Olufsen Beoplay H95?
Thank you in advance.
Long live the Elegia
They probably all have too much bass for me. The focal clear is my limit.
Cost a kabillion dollars
"these measurements don't reveal why the Stellia sounds more resolving to me than the others. I'll trust my hearing though and assume that when it comes to that I'm not looking at all the right measurements yet"
While literally showing a measurement of the Stellia with up to 10 dB boost in the treble. Maybe you didn't look at all?
The Stellia sounds more resolving to me throughout the audio band, not just in the treble. Again, the measurements shown at 09:45 alone don't fully explain the differences I'm hearing with respect to that.
boosting 6kHz of Elegia to the same level of Stellia only makes Elegia sibilant and harsh sounding.
@@headfi It also has boosted bass, which if you align the FR can also be read as less upper mids - which again just makes the overall sound signature more resolving.
@@allansh828 Obviously, since you still miss the ~7 dB of bass/lower mids. Also, the graphs shown here are 1/12th octave smoothed. You cannot just create a boost that seems to match visually and expect the exact same sound, but even if you do this by hand and know what you're doing then you can get more or less close.
@@headfi Would CSD show us anything more?
I want a Grande Utopia! pls...
Stellia = BS imo