FOCAL STELLIA REVIEW. Best of the very best.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

To our new comers welcome, To the old crew welcome back. How has your experience with this vocal been, and what equipment do you use with it. Jumping into the audio lounge public telegram chat is as easy as this: t.me/joinchat/8R0_6_NZUygzYjdk

[@falcodarkzz]

Couldn't agree more. These sound insanely good with EDM, vocals are remarkable, they drive well off anything but also scale (had a listen to them on a Chord Dave and it was otherworldly). What an astounding achievement from the engineers at Focal and in style too, bravo.

[@wolandphotography]

good for metal, bro?:)

[@attomicrooster7823]

After using these for three weeks now man I can confidently say that they are absolutely fucking amazing!!! The detail retrieval is crazy and Far beyond my clear. I’m so impressed especially considering how easy they are to drive and the fact it’s a close back. The only other hi end close back I have experience with are the original T5P. The Stellea are superior in every way except soundstage and maybe comfort. And in love with these dude and the channel. Keep doing what you do :-)

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Thank you for the kind words, and welcome to the Fame

[@samidanger3666]

The Focal Stellia have changed my life, literally, to use them outside I have decided I need to get into bodybuilding and learn some martial arts 😂👍👌

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

🐅

[@spiritualarchitect4276]

4AM? So you do your dirty business in the dark. I knew you were Mafia. Sitting in your fancy mansion on that Greek island, with your purple Lambo out front and your mega yacht docked out back. GREAT VIDEO review! I thought I had seen all the Stellia vids but somehow I skipped this one - probably due to the length - but it was worth every minute. Your desire for this trophy wife really shows and you have sold me on Stellia, even though I was looking at her little sister Clear MG. Gotta go now and get one of those milkshakes!

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

😂🐅

[@jblesser]

Great review and I really appreciate the time and care you took for this review (and all your reviews, actually!).

[@falcodarkzz]

6 months with these and Ive got to hand it to this review for setting me up with the ideal headphone for my use case. Everything said here is true! With edm these are an asbolute demon.

[@__improwise__]

Thanks for a really nice review. Glad you had the guts to recommend something that isn't open back, which very few reviewers seem to dare to do.

[@patc2515]

I really enjoyed this review. The personality, details, the structure of the content provided, everything. You made me push the button and buy the Stellias once and for all. You gave me the push I needed and I appreciate it.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Thank you kindly, welcome to the fam 🐅

[@joeythedime1838]

Such passion, I love it! I am bit late to the game - I just ran across your review as I am going through my headphone journey and the Stellia is very high on my list. My main use case is after hours listening so a closed back is the way I am going. The headphones will be driven off my main reference systems T+A PA3000HV integrated amp. Thank you for providing such a detailed review.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

It’s my pleasure, you’re welcome, and welcome to the fam 🐅 Also, check out the stealth from DCA review as well. It might be another excellent for youunit.

[@mttrashcan-bg1ro]

I've recently bought a Clear MG and a Radiance on sale, both for less than what one of them normally costs and I love them to pieces. I definitely one day want to buy a Stellia, I'm in love with Focal's headphones now, I'll have to get myself a Stellia in a few years, and eventually a Utopia, they are 2 things I must do in my life.

[@user-hb1ve6mc6f]

Thanks for your reviews! I just pulled the trigger, today… S T E L I A Tidal, 14 pro max, Naim Uniti Atom HE The Stelia is an upgrade in sound experience from my Clear OG. The Atom is plugged into my wall socket and wireless. ❤ I’m currently listening to Jazz

[@attomicrooster7823]

Finally got my Stellea last week dude and I couldn’t be more happy with them! Much better detail retrieval, imaging and tuning than my Clear MG although I feel the clear is a little more neutral and slightly more dynamic.I’ll be keeping them around as I love both.I love how easy these headphones are to drive and comfort and feel of the leather or absolutely beautiful. I still really want to try the utopia someday but right now my current living situation calls for a close back. I still use the clear during the day as it still has qualities that I love. thank you for answering all my questions dude and I’m very happy with my purchase :-)

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

It’s a superb flagship choice, so versatile I absolutely love it, and my goodness that packaging

[@attomicrooster7823]

@@ConvinceMeAudio yeah the packaging is amazing.Could you recommend me a portable amp/DAC to get the best out of these. Portable use is really important to me and I don’t really use desktop set ups very often.Unfortunately I can’t use digital audio players as I’m blind and use a screen reader with my phone which unfortunately I wouldn’t be able to use with a DAP.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@attomicrooster7823 okay I’m going to recommend a few things at different price points, IFI go blu add $200 excellent for running around with Paw s2 at around 300 superb Chord mojo2 is another excellent one though the synergy for some reason with this headphone was a little soft, Kayin n8 ii This final one is a DAP, it’s Ron‘s android and if you can get some assistance, somebody will be able to install the Google accessibility sweet for you But remember to get them to choose under the text to speech, the Google text to speech engine rather than the Chinese one that’s on there otherwise you’re not going to get any screen reader feedback You can apply the same principle to a lot of android-based DOP such as the shambling m8 Sometimes with some of these units it’s a bit fiddly, where exclusive mode for music will make the talkback screen reader disappear, but as soon as you unlock or create the shortcut and activate the shortcut it should technically come back but it’s more hockey rather than seamless So maybe the DAP might be a bit more tricky, the amp and the AC might be better in your case

[@attomicrooster7823]

@@ConvinceMeAudio thanks so much for the reply. I’m using an iPhone currently I don’t really have too much experience with android but I’m sure it won’t be difficult to figure out. Think I might start with your first recommendation and then move up from there if I want to increase the audio quality :-)

[@attomicrooster7823]

@@ConvinceMeAudio I have just one more question man.Do you know of any super high-end portable devices that I could plug into my phone whilst streaming Apple lossless?

[@morten8028]

great interview. will get a pair of these in a couple of days.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

When you get yours, please come back and leave your impressions and thoughts on them

[@morten8028]

@@ConvinceMeAudio I've been using them for two days now (with a focal arche), and they sound amazing - as long as the recording is up to par. I'm not used to this level of detail, and I have started to listen to music I never really cared about before. I even put on stuff like Adele, Wolf Alice and Billie Eilish - and it sounds great. Currently listening to some old favorites, and it's very fun to discover details you did not hear before. I got these along with the arche for about 3200 USD used - a good deal IMHO! As a bonus, they are EXCELLENT at gaming - although I don't think I would recommend anyone buying them for that purpose.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@morten8028 oh yes, they are extremely special. The added benefit been they are a flagship that you can take out and about with you I recommend investing in a go blue from IFI

[@dasninjastix]

My Stellia with the Dekoni LTD pads paired with a Mojo 2 is just perfection.. for me (no EQ). I listen to a diversity of music but not much EDM, I definitely prefer instruments, but the tonality, the ability of the Stellia to absolutely control sustained tones, it's mind melting. I always go to the Nameless Song from the Dark Souls song track and it is flawless. The LTD pads inject some much needed air to balanced out some of the upper mid range imo. To me they're mandatory but tastes are tastes. I was not a fan of the Elegia, I only picked the Stellia because I found it for a deep discount and figured I could flip if I didn't like. Couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised by the Stellia.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Subjective preference is so important when it comes to audio We should never forget about this I’m very very glad it works well for you, that’s awesome

[@adamgreenhill110]

Great review! I just got the Utopias, and I described the vocals the same way - Like a ghostly realism and presence. You can sense them as a person; their character and nuance passing through the headphones. The Utopia just feels less cohesive with soundstage, unless I turn them up loud. They kill my ears (even with EQ on the treble). I'm considering the Stellia now instead... Since the Elegia sounds great and "complete" at low volumes. Utopia is missing the height and fullness of sounds. It's pure realism, but less enjoyable

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Honestly, I think the stellia are the best Focal makes, I’ve tried utopia many times and hopefully it will come in for a review soon, definitely not my favourite in their lineup But this one is, it’s so versatile

[@adamgreenhill110]

@@ConvinceMeAudio Ah now I'm even more tempted. The Elegia presents images as large, always fully present, wrapped around you. With a sense of depth (but no actual depth), and physical texture. The Utopias present images as tiny, miniscule and diffused. Very realistic, still intimate, but it's pin-point and doesn't "wrap around" you. The MOST impressive headphones I've heard, but not the most enjoyable. I like Big sounds that jump at me, and don't drift out in the distance. (I also miss the isolation/personal space of closed back) Stellia seems like it'll be (somewhat) close to Utopia's performance, but with a more Elegia-style presentation?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@adamgreenhill110 sounds bigger with a bigger stage Stellia has a better tuning to Oh man does it scale up with hi end equipment

[@atrken]

Being a newbie to headphones, I'm a die hard bass head, EDM and Dubstep fan. But also listening to the classics, Pink Floyd, Queen, Led Zeppelin, some Jazz and various other genre's. Quite the eclectic range of musical tastes! As far as I can tell similar to your own tastes... I would like to own 2 (I know, JUST 2!!? for now!) headphones that would give me the options to listen to all the various types of music I like in the best possible way. My rig is very similar to yours, this is one reason I found your channel: May KTE DAC and SERENE KTE Pre with Pass Amps. As you know, the SERENE offers a headphone out XLR, so I thought this was a good time to get into headphones! Anyway, I have picked one unit already... I'm getting the Focal Stellia's soon! I would like your suggestions on an open back Planar that would compliment the Focal's but give me the open planar side of things within the $1-2k range. But that can also rock out with dubstep bass lines... Does such a planar exist?? Keep up the great work, I really enjoy your reviews.

[@gwapster13]

I like the stock pads for their suppleness and overall comfort of wearing.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

They are ultra comfortable, yes, fortunately swapping pads on this headstone is very simple

[@SUV2949]

Really good video! And this time the blazer is open ;)

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Very glad you enjoyed the video mate 😜

[@SUV2949]

I can't wait to see your review on ZMF VC now! :D

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

It’s funny you mention in them, I literally have them in front of me now doing an operation swapping pads

[@soulfulfool]

they are legends in closed back section, one day I will get them

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

They still are one of my favourites alongside LIRIC I recommend if you ever get to the point of purchasing, get them used You will be able to pick one up for about 1600 sometimes 1500

[@JTB--]

Did you notice clipping/distortion at all? I must not be driving/amping Focals properly when I try them because every single Focal I've tried clipped with Bass heavy music and the volume was not really even being pushed that hard. 🤷🏻‍♂ Very frustrating because I like the sound signature and look of many of the Focal headphones

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

I am so glad you brought up this topic, they do clip, if the driveers are not Broken in . I had that issue with a clear OG not with the MG, and definitely not with the Stellia

[@soulfulfool]

@@ConvinceMeAudio My clear OG are broken in but they tend to clip, I must be very careful sometimes

[@jurgenort1504]

Thank you very much!

[@AdnanFiroze]

Excellent review Koji! Can you please list the Dekoni pads in sequence (in text, - so it's easier to follow)? Thanks and amazing content as always.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Of course, and I will pin it as well

[@dankaze]

It's an amazing review 🤟, I would like to know if these headphones come with two pads? Because I don't see in the store descriptions that it comes with two pads 🤔, I'd like to get them anyway😁

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

The other is dekoni lambskin perforated elite I think it was a mistake, they were separately put into the box When they came in for review

[@dankaze]

@@ConvinceMeAudio Oh wow thank you so much 😁😁

[@chiragpatel4638]

The headband starts to develop a creaking noise on both ends. I've had to spray teflon inside the gap to eliminate the annoying noise. The microphonics were driving me crazy! Hope they've fixed it in the newer versions

[@Fenom60]

Hmmm My pair of Stellia only came with the brown inlay leather Earpads. Nice review =) Best headphone for EDM, rock and high energy music. Imo i find them wonky honky with female vocals that are high pitched. Need another headphone like Fostex TH610 for sweet warm female vocals.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

That’s intriguing, I wonder if it’s a new addition?

[@Fenom60]

@@ConvinceMeAudio Could be, although i bought mine from the local dealer Nov 2021. Does have the newer short plasticky cable. But no extra earpads.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

How intriguing, I will actually reach out to mimic

[@Eloom123]

Yeh mine only came with a single pair of pads too. Purchased July 2021.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@Eloom123 I wonder if it’s a 2021 thing

[@Aqil.Samedov]

And what do you think of SONY MDR-Z1R? If to compare with Stellia, Hifiman`s good models. Thanks

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

I think it’s one of those headphones I detest more than any other maybe DHD 820 might be worse, I’m not a good person to ask about that head phone LOL otherwise I will not stop talking for the next three hours, I despise it It’s sticky, it’s a gooey, it’s soft, it’s bad, it’s horrible no I certainly won’t put it in the same category as those other ones, I’ll put it in the category of a $50 headphone in fact I would rather listen to a K pH 30 I then that 😎

[@mobeen369]

Love the great effort taken on these reviews. Just a question, if u had to choose between Stella or Diana v2 which would you choose as your only headphone?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

As a singular headphone, maybe the focal, because of the fact you can take it out it works incredibly well across all kinds of chains. Diana does require a very good chain to sound its best. And it’s an open back so only use case for it is at a desk or at home InFact I sold my Diana because of the focal This does not take anything away from Diana it’s one of my favourite headphone of all time

[@mobeen369]

thanks so much for the reply, currently looking at upgrading to stellia, emyrean or diana v2, from arya, so appreciate the feedback

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Technically both the focal And abyss are more superior Comfort goes to the MezeAudio looks is very subjective I personally think the EMPy is the most beautiful headphone ever created You have chosen three fantastic headphones that are suitable for all genres you can’t go wrong with any of them And they all like a nice warm amplifier very musical

[@mobeen369]

oh wow thanks, I have the sa1 amplifier and d1se dac, from the review the stellia seemed as a low risk pick in terms of needing an amazing source, not sure if sa-1 can make the diana v2 sound great or not

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@mobeen369 The focal I think will be adequate and will have a lot more to give later on to, but Diana needs a lot more yes

[@goldwerger]

How would you compare the Stellia to the similarly priced Verite Closed - purely in the context of well-amplified home use (taking mobiliity out of the equation)? My reference points: I have the VC and love it. It's has the most beautiful timbre and just sounds so "crisp" and well defined. My experience with Focal is limited to their entry level Elex, which tuning I found a little too sharp and bright (and sold them). Also... Diana TC Closed??... curiosity picked big time... when is this coming...? :) (I wonder if I they'll be showing it at CanJam next month:)

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Oh my God! The VC, I am currently running it on the pendant, the review will be shot tomorrow or Tuesday I am in love with that headphones, how different are they, chalk and cheese VC is soulful it takes you away from this world and puts you into the mind of the singer, you forget about technicality yet it’s fantastic technically, you forget about the fact that it’s a closed back, and yet it is, you pick it up and it looks like a work of art you’re going to pass down to your grandkids. How do they compare, they’re very different, they’re very very different in very different ways, I would say the VC is better for real instruments focal is better for EDM And yet the VC is so fast, when I do the shootout between the VC the stellia and the LCDX see, it’s going to be the battle of the ages, The focal is the best portable usable states on the tin what you get is what it says, but at home on a proper chain, holy crap how does somebody choose

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

As for the Diana TC, closed, I don’t think it’s out yet is it? But that will be my next Abyss for review, even before the 1266

[@goldwerger]

@@ConvinceMeAudio you described the VC more poetically and accurately than I ever could. I've been in love with them, and no matter what I put on my head they remain my absolute passion (this inlucdes the rare Sony MDR-R10 which I have and has a sounstage out of this world; but I still listen more to the VC!). My main genres are jazz, vocal, acoustics where the VC has the most beautiful timbre; and I do enjoy some pop and rock where it's slam is just so well defined (and its low extension so impressive) it takes my breath away. That said, I do not listen to EDM and such, and I can totally see how the Focal tuning would be best there. I guess I have the right product for me, and for those who like brighter/shaper tuning, the Stellia would work great. I am SUPER excited to see your review tomorrow :) keep them coming...!!!

[@goldwerger]

@@ConvinceMeAudio I don't believe it is.. I'm watching closely for this one...

[@mobeen369]

cant remember if it was mentioned in the video, but would love to hear your thoughts on Focal Utopia too

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

I think those are arriving this week or with the next batch but they’re coming

[@mobeen369]

wow cant wait!!

[@martinklockl5090]

Are the second Dekoni Pads now the " Elite " pads or the "Limited Edition " ? Thank you for confirming the correct one.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

they're the elite fenestrated sheepskin

[@rogerhuston8287]

You say "these pads" a lot and personally, I find it difficult to know which one of "these" you are talking about. Glad that you put up a picture of the Elite otherwise I don't know which is which. Instead of saying "this one, the second one" say "Elite" or say what the pad is please.

[@christianblais3350]

I suggest to investigate the new Stax flagship SR-X9000, which seems to be one of the best tools available in terms of realistic sound reproduction.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

The L 500, the L 700, 007009009S are all on my radar But we have not started those reviews on this channel yet, after the dynamic and planars are all done then I will look into those four At the moment there is LCD5, utopia, elite, stealth, 1266, Diana TC still on the way

[@Fenom60]

@@ConvinceMeAudio Would really like to see your review on the Elites, demoed it at the shop, the Elites was very nice in sound and very very comfortable for my big arse melon lol The price though was almost the same as a Susvara if I don't bargain ($28800 Elites discount price HKD vs $31000 Susvara). Hmmm, I demoed the Susvara although it sounds very airy and detailed, was not really that amazed coming from Hifiman Arya Stealth.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Don’t take this the wrong way, I have tested SUS on many different amplifiers and set ups with every single one it has sounded different it requires some of the most powerful chain behind it to sound its absolute best and that is something like a benchmarkahb2 and a spring three at the lowest end of the spectrum 4DAC I have come to the realisation unfortunately without sounding arrogant, very few people have heard what these headphones can do at the absolute top and of therespectrum. This is why there are so many different variations of people saying it sounds like this it sounds like that this part is not smooth, there is less base here, et cetera Anyways setting that aside, I am currently running the elite through its paces for the review, test in both pads, they are a good all-around headphone ultra comfortable insanely comfortable, pretty easy to drive, and a massive step up from empy

[@fastguitars4380]

Would you name the specific Dekoni Pad that you said is your favorite.. Its the Purple Box. What is the exact pad set called?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

It’s the perforated lambskin elite mate

[@fastguitars4380]

@@ConvinceMeAudio thank you. The Stellia'a are purchased, yesterday, and now i'll get those pads also. Ive owned everything else, so, i thought i'd try the Stellia also, based on your review....-.best regards.

[@balvan64]

How are they vs Atrium open\close? Which will be better for metal of these 3 HPs?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Focal more technical, I think I would pick atrium open They are one of my favourite headphones, not as detailed though

[@balvan64]

@@ConvinceMeAudio The Atrium Closed aren't a better choice for Metal due to their bass vs the open version?

[@attomicrooster7823]

Hey dude I hope you’re well. Could you talk about the differences between this and the utopia? Is there a huge difference between the two. I’ve been stuck on which one to purchase for the last five months

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Unfortunately the utopia has not arrived for review just yet, but I did have an opportunity to spend half an hour with it. Let’s get some of the hardware differences out of the way, utopia is much heavier far more uncomfortable and definitely a desk sitting experience. I liked the tonality of utopia, it’s rather forward very detailed but subjectively I preferred the Stellia It’s more conducive to a fun sound signature that works well with a multitude of genres, it’s a flagship headphones that can be used at the desk and on the go with very little in the way of equipment to drive it to its full potential And yet it performs outstandingly well, but you’ve got a tiny V shape to the frequency response, this does not hinder it due to the speed of the drivers but I think from memory utopia is a bit more flat in the mid range I personally choose this one stellia But I will go into the review in a lot more in depth when it arrives

[@attomicrooster7823]

@@ConvinceMeAudio I remember speaking to you about those headphones on Facebook a few months back.I currently have the newest version of the clear and I’m really loving them so far. I’m just trying to figure out which one to upgrade to in the next couple of months. Would you say the detail retrieval between the two headphones is drastic or are they pretty close? I’m leaning more towards the) as well as I could use it in any scenario but I just want to be sure before I pull the trigger.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@attomicrooster7823 I think on a powerful chain utopia might pull a tiny bit ahead yet it doesn’t have the stage like the stellia My time was so limited with utopia I don’t feel comfortable giving you enough of a in-depth analysis to make your purchase until it’s here in the studio, but the stellia has my full recommendation it’s an outstanding pair of headphones utopia might pull a tiny bit ahead in the detail retrieval

[@attomicrooster7823]

@@ConvinceMeAudio thank you so much for the swift reply dude I really appreciate it. I’ve actually used the clothes back before and really love them it’s just I’ve never had the chance to try the utopia. Think I might just pull the trigger on the close backs as I think they’ll be a great addition alongside my clear MG

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

My pleasure, you should join us over at the public telegram chat if you have a mind some of the lads have owned utopia for a long time, the review should’ve been done much earlier but it’s scarce and delivery has not arrived yet

[@BilllieJean-e9y]

Hi, after a nearly 2 years, do you still think that Stellia is one of the best closed back’s in the world ?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

With Liric definitely, because it does what it says on the tin, flagship, easy to drive, works beautifully,

[@epicmike3915]

Is the weight no longer a problem for you? You said in the clear MG review you couldn't wear it for long.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Completely different, I can wear this for like six hours no problem, extra cushion underneath, the headband, It’s broader, clamp is better, ergonomics is the best of the focal

[@epicmike3915]

@@ConvinceMeAudio Thanks too bad I can't afford it lol. Maybe the Radiance or Celeste will be something I'll try. The weight is usually a reason I don't get many planars. Juts too heavy for me.

[@attomicrooster7823]

How is this compare to the clear MG in regards to detail retrieval and soundstage?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Detail, resolution, Tonal balance, technical performance is in another galaxy Staging, I don’t think it’s too far ahead

[@attomicrooster7823]

@@ConvinceMeAudio in terms of a percentage how much are we talking? I’m just trying to decide on whether or not I want to upgrade :-)

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@attomicrooster7823 your chain will have a great impact on the performance of those, but the difference is quite high actually I would put it at least 30%

[@Dinobaburas.]

How ironic is it that whilst emphasising the price of these headphones we quickly brush over the fact that the cable's supplied are inadequate! Surely if you are paying so much for these focal have failed the purchasing patrons. In my humble opinion cables are just as important as the headphones themselves, especially catering for the various jack points on an assortment of players.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Yeah, it’s definitely getting bloody annoying now, if you can see what cable SUSVARA comes with you would be shocked

[@Aqil.Samedov]

I wonder to compare it with Hifiman models

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

It definitely sits above Aria for a lot of technical abilities, but Arya does take stage and layering I have not reviewed the HE 1000 SE yet, maybe it’s it’s there, it’s very difficult to tell without testing, it’s Leagues behind SUSVARA

[@JUDE_WK]

Hey Koji, diana v2 or stellia for female vocals?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Diana V2. 😃

[@falcodarkzz]

Gotta say Diana V2 session I had, 30mins or so it was, was the best ive ever heard female vocals. Was listening to Lana's new album. The Stellia timbre is not as natural as Diana

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke!

[@iancurrie3763]

I'm very confused. You talk as if the Stellia comes with two sets of pads, but they don't. The pads you feature that don't have the brown inside are not stock. Where did you get them?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

They do come with the latest 2021ones as far as I am aware, but I will double check for you

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Hey mate, so I reached out to the dealer, and they did not mention it, but those pads are actually third-party, they’re not from focal, and I’m absolutely shocked due to the performance they’ve given Bloody hell man it makes my job so much more difficult, LOL I wish when equipment gets sent here they stayed there are third-party crap with it LOL 😅 thank you for pointing that out I will pin it in the chat as well but I believe these are fromdekoni toooooo Seen as we did a massive section of pad rolling from them, this would’ve been exactly place there too, what a mess LOL

[@guillermocolell2903]

@@ConvinceMeAudio did the dealer ever clarify exactly what these third-party pads were? I own the Stellia and would love to try these mystery, bass-boosting (not-stock 😂) pads. Love the channel. Thanks!

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@guillermocolell2903 yes, we got to the bottom of it in the end There Dekoni to Stiff lambskin ones I’ll get you the exact name today

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@guillermocolell2903 they're the elite fenestrated sheepskin

[@christopherwalker4256]

i really want these for my music, I enjoy having the best of the best. Does anyone know if these can be used for mixed usage? different media types like movies, etc. Or is that just overkill and possibly damaging to the headphones. I have no issues with a dedicated music set of headphones, but would love to use them for more than that. Thanks

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

No, you will not damage it, it’s a good all around headphone

[@christopherwalker4256]

@@ConvinceMeAudio thanks, keep up the good work, loved the detailed review

[@christopherwalker4256]

@@ConvinceMeAudio does using a portable dac/amp solution like the ifi blu cause any noticeable sound degradation?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@christopherwalker4256 depending on the headphones, of course, a lot of headphones require a great deal of power and current and finesse But a lot of this can be mitigated by a very high end DAC amplifier Or DAP If you’re talking about headphones such as these flagships here, I recommend ADAP of a very high calibre such as lotoo paw6000 minimum, goldtouch preferable But the whole point of on the go is most of the time we just want more than good enough not good enough It’s not often where you do analytical listening on the go, or require the absolute end of the spectrum for your headphones performance

[@christopherwalker4256]

@@ConvinceMeAudio thanks for the info. That makes perfect sense. Sooo…you tested the Stellia with the ifi blu, was the sound quality up to par? $200 is a lot to spend on something that can’t exploit most of the beauty of the stellias

[@annarobertson8320]

Can you advise me please, im using lcd5 with Chord Mscaler and tt2, im wanting a pr of closed, how do these go with my amp dac set up?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Hi Apologies, I’m not sure if there is a typo I do not recognise that, which closed headphones. Are you interested in?

[@annarobertson8320]

@@ConvinceMeAudio oips missed a line, im wanting focal stellia with chord as a pairing

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@annarobertson8320 drivability, absolutely no problem performance. No problem my only problem with that pairing was the synergy It sounded overly polite and soft, I don’t remember, enjoying that set up very much, it sounded very mushy

[@annarobertson8320]

@@ConvinceMeAudio ok would zmf verite closed be best, i cant audition so have to pray

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@annarobertson8320 one of my favourite systems that together, yes, using the autore hybrid pads, and using the warm filter, it was heaven Remember VC is heavier, and you won’t be able to take it around with you. STELLIA is for every occasion but I will always pick VC over STELLIA for tuning.

[@liferoundhere]

@convincemeaudio, I own these and really want to love them, I feel something is missing from the sound without a proper amp / dac. I had been using a dragonfly red but found it gave a harsh tone to the headphones - what relatively portable AMP/DAC would you recommend for these?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

It’s focal, synergy is very important Starting with a go, blu is the lowest common denominator, I personally found it a little soft, but which might serve your purpose Mojo to, and you can touch it up with the DSP correction Something like PAW,6000

[@liferoundhere]

@@ConvinceMeAudio thank u for your reply! I actually tried the go blu but did also feel it was now a bit too soft… does something like the Mojo 2 have an expanding effect on soundstage for these? And do enhanced cables make enough of a difference to justify the cost?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@liferoundhere yes, I would say so, but the synergy I did not enjoy too much. Personally, I found it a little bit too soft, It was quite a while ago, though, and I did not touch DSP correction, also in regards to the cable, very very little, maybe a touch, and I would not buy any cable to fix any headphones. Consider it an accessory If it is an ear monitors, that’s a whole different story due to the low impedance, the change could be quite drastic

[@thor_86]

Can you please join me in job interviews and then talk to them about me like you talk about these headphones? thanks!

[@calinvama1999]

I wanted to buy the Celestee, but God dammit! It now seems that I have to start saving :) Thanks!

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

🤣😅

[@rogerhuston8287]

Since you don't have all the headphones that are coming in for review, how can you claim these are the best?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Because I know enough about them for them not to be, if you watch the review fully you’ll understand what I mean. Already, stealth, has issues, which is the only competitor left here that I don’t have in the house just yet but is on the way, we have all the others, that are in this price point and region Trust me, there was a specific reason why these stood out and stands out above all the others,

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Beauty, construction, ease of use, on any equipment, Diana TC, stealth, you will never get the performance you get on the go as you do on a desk, stellia you can. If the stealth, or the Diana TC, topples this, I will say so, but for now no chance

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

You are one of my Patreon tigers, I have not seen you in the private telegram chat, drop in If you DM me through Patreon I will throw you the link you should’ve gotten the link as soon as you join

[@rogerhuston8287]

Ok, I get it. I was looking at it from a story perspective. I didn't see reviews on all the others, you said they were coming, so you are declaring a winner before the audience has even seen the game. So from a viewer perspective, why would anyone need to watch the reviews of the others? I do say, that after watching your review, I'm very interested in trying them. I do prefer closed backs as coming from IEMs I enjoy the isolation. Stealth was too flat for me, but on my amp it did show some life. I have the VCs which I love. Interested in the Kennerton Rognir as well.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@rogerhuston8287 some of those headphones landed this evening, second of all because none of those headphones no matter how good they are sonically, can be taken portably the way you can with this focal You can take this from the desk to outside without having to carry a truck to power it and still get flagship performance stealth can’t do that, VC can’t do that, xc can’t do that, that’s the reason why they are the best headphone on the planet for closed back. Category. Did you try stealth on a power ramp you literally can’t use those with any headphone amplifier that is currently available

[@davex7444]

Whats with the glasses. It supost te be “cool”.

[@JukkaVarjovuori]

If I am not mistaken, he is blind and is wearing them for that reason.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Very sensitive to light, and we have very bright lights in the studio

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Happy New Year ❤️

[@leonasj9633]

similar sound to bathys.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

What? No LOL. Tuning does not mean sound the same.