After years of playing around with this hobby and buying a variety of headphones, (starting with higher end Bluetooth headphones of all types, then going to the Sundara, Fiio FD9 IEM, Monarch MKIII IEM, Focal Clear MG and sampling many others) I feel like I’ve finally discovered what this hobby is all about thanks to my latest addition: the Focal Stellia. This isn’t just a pair of headphones; it’s a spacecraft that transcends the earthly bounds, taking you on a sonic journey through the cosmos.
Listening to anything from EDM to classic rock to classical to pop, the Stellias wrapped me in a soundscape that was unlike anything I had experienced before. It was as if I had sprouted wings, soaring through the intricate melodies, each beat propelling me further into the void of musical expanse. The resolution, instrument separation, and detail are celestial; every strum, and hum is a star, and I was flying amongst them, lost in the cosmic dance of sound.
Technically, the Stellia is excellent. Its precise and fairly expansive for a closed back. The low-end response is articulate, textured and controlled, not a mere thump but a narrative that adds a rich undertone. The midrange is where the Stellia really shines; vocals come through with so much emotion and clarity, it’s almost haunting. And the highs sparkle without being too harsh completing a soundscape that is both exhilarating and serene. But like with any pair of headphones, it not just about the numbers; it’s about how it translates into an experience that is utterly transformative. It’s not merely listening to music; it’s a voyage through the sonic universe, where each track is a planet waiting to be explored.
Understanding and exploring the audiophile hobby has been like learning a new language, and the Stellia is my Rosetta Stone. It translated the abstract into the tangible, and now, I’m conversing with the music on a level I never thought possible. The Focal Stellia didn’t just open my ears; it opened my soul to a galaxy of sound, and I’m never looking back.
I haven’t tried any other $3000 closed-backs but I really don’t see any closed-back being worth that much unless for some reason you prefer a smaller soundstage. To me the only benefit of closed-back is isolation. If I’m already alone in a quiet environment then I will always prefer open-back. I work remote 90% of the time so I’d like to get myself a high tier electrostatic headphone next year.