Press J to jump to the feed. Focal did not go with carbon fiber, like the Utopia, on the yokes. The driver voice coil is still former-less and 100% copper, but the voice coil driver differs to account for the closed back design. It's not the most powerful though, so be sure to research pairings. The inner cup uses the same pyramid style diffusion technique as the Eligia to deal with standing back waves. 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. I don’t even think I can afford to look at this setup. 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. No, let me explain. Thus, the Black Dragon headphone cable is my cable of choice for both the Utopia and the Stellia, especially the Premium Black Dragon headphone cable. Why is Focal Stellia better than Audeze LCD-MX4? Focal built much of its newfound reputation for excellent high-end headphones on the strength of the original Utopia model introduced in 2016 for $3999 USD. Prefer a more flexible and round cable. Looking for more information like a connection Thanks for the impressions. I immediately said if you can produce a reference closed back headphone you will dominate the headphone market. I said this should be the ultimate goal for Focal to achieve. For those who like a more realistic, harmonically complex high-frequen… Let me now explain in detail. 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. In 2017, Focal came to Moon Audio to introduce the pre-production units of the Focal Utopia and the Focal Elear. Real technological twin sister of the Grande Utopia EEM vo, it has absorbed the gist of the most outstanding innovations, in a 3-way version and with more convenient dimensions. Was looking for this exact comparison! Devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better experience. Utopia? New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. 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. The yokes are the same as the ones used on the Elear, Elegia, and Clear headphones most likely so they could match the bronze anodizing of all the metal parts. Both the Elegia and the Stellia incorporate a dampening system on the rear venting port of the driver. My HE-1000 v.2, Ether 2, ZMF Auteur & RAD-0 are all closer to neutral than Empyrean (or Utopia). The Stellia has a greater sense of air, and brings out more specificity in the high-mids. The Sony MDR-Z1R as well and I love these headphones but primarily for dance music like EDM, Trance, etc. Focal Utopia Sound The Utopia handles music with aplomb and authority. First time in one of those chairs. Cookies help us deliver our Services. As men… The Stellia continues with the 3.5mm cable connection on the cups. I find my Utopia a bit ‘sharp’ — probably similar to what you heard from Stellia. 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. While the Stellia’s 40mm Beryllium dome drive unit is heavily based on that used by the older model, the closed design means that Focal’s engineers have had to rework it considerably. I have the Clears and am extremely pleased with them, but I always have a soft spot for closed-backs. Maybe it's the Hugo 2, but more than likely just subjective hearing differences. This can be seen by the small mesh opening on the center of the cup under the Focal Flame Symbol. No. This is more of a statement enclosure for this headphone price point. [Notes taken during the hour I had with the Stellia as the thoughts tumbled through my empty head. 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 outer cup plate is stainless steel and has a spiral pattern of small to larger hole dimples. Focal describes the Stellia as “very high-end circum-aural headphones…for home and on-the-go use”. However, I have plenty of high end headphones and I would rather have more than just the one so I can't do a comparison at the moment to see how it stacks up against the legend. Does that Hugo dac have a built-in headphone amp? The Elegia does not have the top-end or low-end energy of the Clear. Higher-end in most all aspects and leaning more towards a brighter presentation. 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. I have both cans and I find the Utopia definitely warmer than the Stellia, but the rest of your impressions agree with mine. They’re perhaps even more beautifully designed than the Focal Utopia headphones, given their classy bronze color-scheme. Disclaimer: The Focal Utopia sent to us for the purposes of this review is a loan sample that was returned after this review. Focal Stella Evo blue The rigidity of the front speaker is thereby considerably increased in the array area (around the speaker drivers), while benefiting … De start van dit succes ligt rond de introductie van de Elear en de Utopia. It provides a fuller sound presentation and more weight to the sound. 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. There have been some good closed back headphones over the years but none have ever approached the level of the MDR-R10. All notes are in comparison to Utopia as they're my current benchmark. Thank you to Focal for giving us this opportunity.. To read up on other FOcal products reviewed on Headfonics click here.. 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. I thought the Elegia look and design was fantastic but the Stellia takes it up a notch. I don't believe there's anything wrong with my Stellia. I did all of my headphone comparisons the last few days to the Utopia. 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. The Utopia has an extra helping of clarity and soundstage realism to my ear. 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. So of course if you compare two equal but different sets you'll prefer the ones you're used to. Closed-Back Utopia? The Utopia is Focal’s third headphone and flagship model priced at $4,000. 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. The surround is stiffer, resulting in a lower impedance and more sensitivity which makes it even easier to drive than the Utopia. The overall impression is one of control, power, and resolution. The headphones are largely built from metal, with a nice-feeling full-grain leather and strong feel throughout. Hi everyone! Impressive list you've got there. Stella Utopia EM Evo joins the Utopia III Evo line. 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. What makes this offer especially great, beyond the savings, is that the Focal Arche Amplifier works with Focal headphones in a way unlike any other amplifier on the market. Like other Focal headphones, the Focal Stellia headphones offer a very premium look to them. Def nice, just glad I'm happy with my $100 Ikea chair. 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. 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. 40000Hz vs 20000Hz In a word, yes. All notes are in comparison to Utopia as they're my current benchmark. 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 … International Orders $399 & up: Use "World20" to save $20. The Fostex TH900 Mkii has been my go-to closed back headphone for many years and for the $1599 price point, they are hard to beat. 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. By contrast, the Clear has slightly more emphasis on textures and is more neutral in the high-mids. This plate is actually placed over the same leather as used on the headband. The Elegia substitutes microfiber fabric for leather on the ear cups and on the headband. Beryllium, Beryllium, Beryllium, that's what makes the difference. Overall, there are a lot of similarities between the Focal Stellia and Focal Clear. The 13″ (Stella Utopia EM Evo) and 15″ woofers (Grande Utopia EM Evo) also use segments of solid aluminium. sennheiser hd 820 vs focal stellia. It's also very compressed with some treble grain. These are examples why there is always a trade-off to each headphone design and it also gives an excuse for audiophiles to add another one to their collection, if they really need one, that is. As an American, I simply can't pronounce that one but there's definitely no cheap pleather here, it is a luxury leather for sure. I plan to compare to some of my favorite closed backs as well and I will continue to add to this review. 2. has an over-the-ear form. 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. The Stellia continues with the 3.5mm cable connection on the cups. Focal Utopia. Bass is quite nice, but not quite as nimble and articulate as Utopia. Stellia are Focal’s latest pair of deluxe headphones to hit the market, and they follow on from the French speaker and headphone manufacturer’s Utopia … 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. A 2A3 or 300B amp might benefit from the Silver Dragon. The memory foam I would imagine is the same in the innards. While the Stellia partly fixes its tonal and technical flaws, it still has them to some extent. Will it replace the Utopia for me? 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. That's odd. Focal did not go with carbon fiber, like the Utopia, on the yokes. 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. Mind you, I have both a tube amp (ZDS) and a SS (V281) and the Utopia sounds warmer out of both. Focal Stellia and Arche Headphone Amp/DAC, photo by Focal I don’t listen to headphones like the Focal Stellia ( website ). The first thing you’ll notice about the Focal Stellia headphones is their design and they’re stunning. The frameless voice coil and closed-back design make the Stellia the perfect headphone for on-the-go or at home listening. 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 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. sennheiser hd 820 vs focal stellia. Thanks! A place for discussion, news, reviews and DIY projects related to portable audio, headphones, headphone amplifiers and DACs. Focal Stellia. Focal Stellia. The yokes are the same as the ones used on the Elear, Elegia, and Clear headphones most likely so they could match the bronze anodizing of all the metal parts. Stock cables are definitely better than Utopia stock cable, but still not what I'd like. 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. Sanjay Sharma & Romain VET from Focal asked my opinion of what should be next for Focal in the headphone market. I was hearing a wealth of detail in recordings that I had missed before. With its 33 cm “W” woofer and latest technologies, its sound tuning reproduces mid ranges wonderfully. Tonally, you might not notice the difference if you aren’t intimately familiar with either. Both are worse than the Clear/Elex and are, for their prices, disappointments to me. You’ll find the details here . En verrassend genoeg loopt de Utopia ook helemaal niet slecht (en dat met een prijskaartje van 4000 euro…). Focal Stella Utopia EM Evo joins the Utopia III Evo line. 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. 1. has stereo speakers. Short, sweet, and to the point. 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. 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. It’s one of only a couple of headphones that, if pushed, I could take as my “only” headphone - at least where having some … Stellia was fed by my Pixel XL > Tidal via UAPP > Black Dragon USB > Hugo 2.]. The Stellia headphones come with the same carrying case as seen with the Elear, Elegia, and Clear. 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. 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. Its smoother yet has the analytical detail similar to the Utopia. Which headphone cables do I find match best with the Stellia? Sony MDR Z1R vs Focal Stellia vs Meze Empyrean. Focal Utopia. Essentially, these are the closed-back version of the Utopias. It is a full grain leather called Cuir Pleine Fleur. 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. [Notes taken during the hour I had with the Stellia as the thoughts tumbled through my empty head. COVID19: We are Fully Operational & Shipping Worldwide Daily No discernible impact to mids. Closed-back headphones are in many ways t… The Stellia is better for those looking for a thicker midrange, or for headphones that favor rock, pop, hip-hop, and indie music. Comfortable full-size form with earcups that fully enclose your ears. guide or product specific information? I wonder what the difference is supposed to be between this and the Elegia? I noticed that while the depth of sound from my ears is not as deep as when listening to the Utopia, yet the sound field is taller both up and down when compared to the Utopia. Focal Utopia Vs Focal Elegia Vs Focal Stellia Vs Focal Clear Vs Ultrasone Edition 5 Unlimited Vs Sennheiser HD 820 Focal Utopia Specs : over-ear, dimension: 5″ x 5: x 5″, weight: 1.08 pounds, audiophile open-back circum-aural, 40m Beryllium M-shaped dome, ear cushions: 20mm memory foam, frequency response: 5 – 50 kHz, impedance: 80 ohms, sensitivity: 104dB SPL / 1mW a 1kHz Yes. I use Reddit on android. De introductie van de gesloten Stellia is dan ook geen gekke stap. Neither of these headphones are in the same domain as the Sony MDR-R10 by any means, but they are great closed back headphones. I love them, they are non-fatiguing to listen to for hours on end and they are super comfortable. 20000Hz higher high-frequency? De Clear schijnt nog veel beter te lopen dan de Elear. But on a technical level, much has been re-engineered to account for the different configuration. Overall, both the Focal Stellia and Sennheiser HD 820 are amazing options for high-end closed-back headphones. Like the Utopias, the beryllium driver can benefit from a smooth-sounding cable -- and I don't mean warm and lush, but something that will maintain the detail and dynamic speed while providing musicality. How'd you change your flair? Brought my Utopia and Hugo 2 to my local hi-fi store for a Focal TOTL shootout. These days that quality is becoming even more salient, as we live, work and exist ever closer in proximity to one another. My opinion is that the Utopia and Stellia are on a completely different level than any of the other Focal cans. 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. 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. However, the biggest difference is in the midrange and highs and where the two emphasize things. The Stellia and Elegia are both worse than the Clear imo, not just technically but tonally too. Could I get your thoughts on the Empyrean vs Utopia if you have a minute? The Stellia is second only to Focal’s open-back Utopia in price ($3,999 at launch, around $2,999 now), borrowing from it a beryllium driver that is among the most revealing on the market. I've heard people call the Utopia's soundstage claustrophobic for some, so to hear the Stellia is even smaller is interesitng, I absolutely LOVED the Focal Utopia, the only complaint I have with them are lack of bass quantity... Because if this I slightly prefer Audeze even though they're inferior in every other regard imo. It’s easy to recognize the benefits of open-back headphones for those of us strictly looking for the best sound quality available. 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). Real technological twin sister of the Grande Utopia EM Evo, it has absorbed the gist of the most outstanding innovations, in a 3-way version and with more convenient dimensions. I didn't like the sound of Beryllium in the early days of Focal speaker technology, but since picking up the Sopra 2 speakers in the showroom I am a convert. The Beryllium is no longer bright and it doesn't ring like the early inverted tweeters did to my ears. Both headphones perform reasonably similar sound-wise, but the Sennheiser sound a bit boxier. The Black Dragon smooths out the top end while maintaining clarity. The Stellia gave me more of what I'm looking for when listening to a closed back reference headphone. 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