Focal Stellia Vs Focal Celestee Vs Focal Radiance Focal Closed Back Headphone shoot out!

Hey, friends, in this video, I will discuss three closed-back headphones from Focal, the Stellia thesourceav.com/collections/h..., Celeste thesourceav.com/collections/p..., and the Radiance. I will discuss build quality, specs, design, overall quality of sound, and how they compare briefly to each other. I listen to the headphones using several amplifiers and a few DACS to get a feel for the best pairings and quality of sound for my preferences.
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Meze Empyrean:thesourceav.com/collections/h...
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Audeze LCD-5:
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Audeze LCD-4z: thesourceav.com/collections/h...
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Audeze LCD-X: thesourceav.com/collections/h...
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Audeze LCD-2: thesourceav.com/collections/p...
Sennheiser HD800s:
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Sennheiser HD660s:
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Sennheiser HD560S
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Focal Utopia: thesourceav.com/collections/h...
Focal Stellia: Focal Stellia:thesourceav.com/collections/h...
Focal Clear MG: thesourceav.com/collections/p...
Focal Celestee: thesourceav.com/collections/p...
DCA Stealth: thesourceav.com/collections/p...
HEDDphone:
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iFi Pro iCAN Headphone Amplifier
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Matrix Element M
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Matrix Audio Mini i-3 Pro Streamer, DAC & Headphone Amp
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[@TheIpadfanatic]

At last I found someone who chose to put all 3 of these closed backed FOCALs head-to-head. You did an exceptional job describing the differences and using tracks and music genres to illustrate those points. Thank you Marcello. Excellent review.

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Thank you David!

[@nickapalooza861]

Still missing one focal closed back

[@dbean5174]

@@nickapalooza861Elegia?

[@nickapalooza861]

@@dbean5174 yep

[@nilsnilsson7998]

Finally a review that does not only compare headphones that needs comparing, but also instead of a gazillion of graphs, just give the impressions of the reviewer and what music it is tested with and best suited for. Great work!

[@ChrisoneillART]

Solid comparisons dude, good stuff! I really want to try out the Radiance myself.

[@dickeyjonathan]

I use Hart audio cables with all of my headphones now. The interchange system and the quality for the price are excellent. Great comparison video, Marcello; love this format!

[@eruilluvitar]

Agreed! Hart is now my go to for audio cables. It also helps that their customer service is by far the best that I've encountered not just in audio, but pretty much any retail space.

[@augustchuang3571]

Solid review. I love it!

[@thelastrhino2581]

Great review, Marcello. Not an easy one to pull off and you did it really well.

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Thank you man, appreciate you!

[@Blkout2k1]

Great comparison and I love that shirt brother!

[@snowrang3r657]

Awesome review! I really need to try the Utopia and Stellia one day for myself.

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Thank you brother!

[@rhodey2952]

Awesome review!

[@marc8vino]

Thank You for your reviews. I took the plunge on Stellia's for $2300.00 with tax and shipping band new from factory and LCD-5 open box for $2997.00 with tax and shipping. Your reviews helped me pull the trigger. I'm sticking with my REM 2/4 with the updated DAC and Headphone amps. I am boosting the basic bass shelf for now at 3 lbs for both. I have to sell some guitars and other stuff to pay for these. This is my end game for 5 years or more. I also have 2 sets of focal clear mg,s tan and black/red. DT 1990, DT1770's Arya stealths and some others. I am stopping at this but from your reviews I think I have everything I could want in headphones for now. I want the Arya organics but no more headphones please. They are easier to collect than guitars I must say. They don't take up much room.😀I use them for pleasure listening but also for mixing, mastering and tracking.

[@pedroborda7227]

Great review, but mostly, what a beautifully built video! My wife is starting a channel of her own (totally different topic). Your style, tone, and b role are such an inspiration! Thank you for posting!

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Thank you!!!

[@Nebo600]

Thank you for this. I already have the Focal Clear MG, Sennheiser HD 800s, Bowers & Wilkins P7, Bowers & Wilkins PX7, HiFi Man Sundara and Ultrasone Pro 900 and I’m now looking for a high fi closed back. I’ve herd the Stellia and absolutely love them but I would really like to eventually get either the Focal Utopia or Abyss Diana TC in the future. But as much as I like the Stellia, this review is making really think about the Radiance. I love the looks of the Radiance a lot, I realize that it doesn’t sound as good as the Stellia but I feel like if I do get the Diana or Utopia either one of those would fill the void of the Stellia and then some. This is becoming more of an expensive hobby than I originally thought it would be 😬😬😬

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Hi @Herbie 10s the Stellia is currently my favorite Focal headphone! Check out the other YT channel I produce content on kzbin.info you will see more content being published there regularly. Thanks for your support!

[@farhanakhtar8252]

Love the content Marcello!! I am currently an engineering student. But one day I will have all the headphones, speakers, amps, dacs, etc I want in my man cave! Your videos keep me inspired and pushing myself to complete this engineering course. These last 3 years have been hell for me. But I hae promised myself I will own these headphones one day!

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Thanks, man! Keep at it; you can do it!

[@Brandon-qs3jq]

You find the coolest headphone stands bro! Where are the other two from (the non-grumpy goose ones)? Great job with the video comparison. You rock!

[@ChrisoneillART]

Those are ROOMs Audio Stands, they also make a more expensive height adjustable stand too.

[@Brandon-qs3jq]

@@ChrisoneillART Thanks. Your stands are amazing too. Props to Marcello for recommending them!

[@pythagoras6938]

Thank you for your really good comparison and review. Your explanation is really helpful and I really enjoyed your high quality b-roll footage. Can't believe that you have not more subscribers. You have one more from now on :-)

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Thanks for watching!

[@false-set]

I can confirm radiance is powered easily by Fiio m11 plus ess. Also, thank you for reviewing on different amps, reddit will light you up if you say amps sound different. I thought the difference between a couple different ones i tried was so apparent that it wasn't even up for debate, radiance on the fiio k7 was very... sterile but tonnes of bass through the m11... idfk man ppl are weird.

[@akentosh]

Great video, thanks! Would love to hear about price to value. Trying to decide between the Radiance and Stellia in the used market so probably 1k difference between them.

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Hey Adam, I don't generally discuss price much as it's so dependent on each buyer, and presenting a product out of my perception of budget vs. what someone else budget is, is a huge pitfall. I think each buyer knows what they can or should spend, and I will leave that part up to the buyer to decide.

[@akentosh]

@@MarcelloRostagni Makes sense - thanks. I am always just curious if one headphone is 95 percent of the other, how much diminishing return are we talking about. Or is it 85 percent of the other and it may justify the price difference a bit more. Regardless, really appreciate the video and response. Thanks again.

[@aps-pictures9335]

Can I ask how much you’ve seen the Stellia for in the used market? Thanks

[@70sroomreviews14]

Nice review sir. Where can I purchase the type of headphone holder/stands you are using in this video?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

thomannmusic.com/

[@disco4535]

9:53 for those looking for the sound impressions/comparisons.

[@gwapster13]

I like the tonal balance of the Radiance the best among the Focal closed backs. I'm sure the Stellia has better technicalities, but of course they are almost 3x the price.

[@MarcelloRostagni]

I think the Radiance is great, I really dug it with some genres and tracks. The Stellia isn't quite 3x the price, but I hear you, definitely much more expensive. I think all three of their current closed-backs are very good, and people have options on price.

[@wolandphotography]

@@MarcelloRostagni im going to buy Radiance, it will be good for rock and female vocals?:)

[@MarcelloRostagni]

@@wolandphotography Hello, I personally like the Stellia better for all genres of music and especially for male and female vocals, but the Radiance if you like a bit more bass and warmth is also a good headphone. It has been a while since I had one in the house.

[@wolandphotography]

@@MarcelloRostagni thx, i have a bright (topping dx7 pro) DAC , so i though the Radiance will be good for me:)

[@MartinManweiler]

My Stellias are coming in the mail tomorrow :)

[@alexsmith1207]

How are they I'm thinking of buying a audiophile headphone.

[@MartinManweiler]

@@alexsmith1207 they’re awesome :) I find myself listening to my speakers at home more and I feel a little weird taking them around because they are just a little too large to carry but the bass is excellent and the timbre is amazing. If I could sell them and get the Utopia (2022) and a nice tube amp for home use I would but you should really like them. I wear hair product so the leather on the headband turned dark but that’s alright since it matches the ear cups.

[@jyexe525]

Hi, and what about the Bathys ?

[@Richardsumilang]

You have some great looking headphone stands! Can you please link to them?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Rooms Line Audio

[@maximo1011000]

I listen to the Celeste phones powered by an Auralic headphone amp fed by an Auralic Vega dac fed by an Apple mini with Amarra. Would Stella headphones be a significant upgrade as I do like the Focal sound?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Stellia is my favorite closed focal headphone and an upgrade IMO.

[@nicktan4530]

Do you like focal closed headphones ?

[@chronometa]

Which one gets me closest to the eikon since that's discontinued? Lol

[@Reeeepicheep]

Does the more neutral Celestee have better tube synergy than the warmer Radiance, or do both headphones have comparable tube synergy?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

I think you have to look at the impedance of the headphones too and what tube amp you are pairing the headphones with, hence the higher impedance headphones usually in most cases do better with tubes.

[@mobeen369]

looking at the stellia and utopia for potential upgrades, out of curiosity, how does the smoothness of the treble of the stellia compare to utopia, as well as in the consonant range in the vocals.

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Hello @mobeen daud I prefer the Stellia to any other Focal headphone. That is just my personal preference. I feel the Stellia does a better job with the upper midrange and lower treble region versus the Utopia. If you are local in the Los Angeles region or planning a trip check out thesourceav.com/ kzbin.info they have a massive selection of headphones to listen to side by side.

[@mobeen369]

wow thank you, unfortunately i am from the uk in this case, however I do look forward to trying both out, from a local dealer, heard many good things regarding both headphones tbh

[@tulkastulkas9417]

i have radiance an ak se 200 never had such stuff befor nee recomendation about ak equalizer totaly dark wood for me please help overal default sound is good but feel like there could be more to get

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Hello, I am not an EQ guy unless through ROON a little so I am not sure on what would be the best EQ for you with your given headphones or IEMS.

[@abhtv1297]

I would love to have a pair of the Focal Radiance. Listened to a bunch of diffrent headphones at a local store. On a noob level, they sounded great to start at. Just need to sell 2 years of plasma to get them. My wife is not going let me get them

[@nickapalooza861]

Get the Focal Elegia for 300 at Adorama.... Amazing headphones that were 900 at one point a few years ago

[@testek3053]

battle of the closed-back focal cans! fight!

[@aceofspades6667]

Stellia vs. Verite Clsoed vs. Abyss release (when it finally comes) would make a helleuva heavyweight shootout.

[@MrFLORESBR]

I liked your headphones stand, where can I get one? thanks a lot!

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Rooms line audio

[@Ace-jv9ls]

Just wondering, do you know the total number of Focal Radiances made? Also, nice review!!

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Not sure about the total number made; that is a great question.

[@machmutdoener]

So i got the Celeste and the Radiance right here in front of me and i gotta say, that the Celeste has way more Bass, but with a slightly worse resolution. It is also more narrow than the radiance which has a wider soundstage. I really do dont know which one to choose. The Radiance sounds a little more premium, but the Celeste gives you that cinema sound and makes you smile.

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Cool!

[@jyexe525]

Hello ! So for movies (Netflix and Blu-ray tv) si recommend more the Celestee?

[@machmutdoener]

@@jyexe525 yeah i guess so^^

[@jyexe525]

@@machmutdoener thank you. I heard there is a lack of basses but it’s on rap music or electro, not the bass instrument like in funk or rock music ?

[@machmutdoener]

@@jyexe525 in my opinion there is no lack of bass. Its really bass heavy due to its closed nature

[@sanmiguel8433]

But the Stellia bleeds ? Right ? I primarily listen to rock such as deftones, what would you recommend ? Focal Clear Mg ? Focal Clear MG pro ? Focal Celeste ? Or the stellia ?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Stellia is my favorite Focal headphone.

[@dasninjastix]

I have the Stellia and while I do really, really enjoy it I feel it does benefit from a pad swap. The stock Focal pads (imo) just don't have enough material in them to a) cushion/accommodate the clamp, b) dampen or diffuse, and c) keep your ear out of the unpadded driver housing for prolonged listening. With the Dekoni LTD pads for the Stellia you get a bit more foam that pushes your ear further away from that driver housing and the allows the fenestrated interior to inject some air balancing their mid-range emphasis. I find this combination eliminates the need for EQ, enhances the sound stage, and improves the comfort. I've found Dekoni pads to be very hit or meh, but the Stellia LTD pads are a big freaking hit. Definitely consider it if you're a Stellia owner, appreciate the comparison, definitely feel like the Stellia is a bit of unicorn for closed backs!

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the community @Das Ninjastix if you haven't followed the other channel I produce content for kzbin.info check them out!

[@starkid9736]

i have replaced the orig stellia ear pads with cheap 15 bugs amazon pads ..foam fabric i have a slim head and now it fits better also the orig are to soft they hurt after a while the new ones i can have them on 4 ever and more stage due to thicker build it opens all up i swaped a couple times back and.. the "cheap" ones make a big difference

[@mikeg2491]

Personally I have the Utopia and ripped the original pads getting them off for a RMA. I ended up buying the Stellia pads and throwing those on the Utopia and it became almost a new headphone, a lot more thump and energy but still maintaining the transparency of the open-back Utopia. Maybe like a best of both worlds.

[@emreisiklar]

Does it make sense to buy radiance or celeste if you already own Stellia?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Not in my opinion it doesn't, unless you are a collector.

[@aceofspades6667]

I own the Celestee and for $650 used is a helluva value to me. Thought about getting a Stellia but they are sound $2k used so quite a step up in price. If you compared the Stellia to Verite closed (both similar price l) which would you prefer?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Depends on the day of the week, @Ace of Spades dig them both!

[@aceofspades6667]

@@MarcelloRostagni Thanks man! I guess as a Celestee owner I feel myself wanting the wood cups of ZMF over the Stellia path. I think ZMF + tubes is the "move" so I can slum it a bit longer with my Celestees to save up.

[@coliv00]

Who makes the headphone stands showcased in this video?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Rooms line audio

[@theodorezurla496]

Love my Celeste

[@Werdiknight]

I really thought hard about Focal, especially the Radiance but I just cannot get over Focal's quality control problems and especially the way they handle it. Who wants to spent one or even two thousand € or $ (or even more) and then just randomly loose nearly all that value (sometimes even after a short period of time and not much use) just because Focal doesn't take care of their customers when a longtime known issue (crack of the headbands) occurs? I just don't understand how that cannot be part of the guarantee... that's just a crazy way of dealing with customers buying expensive headphones from them - taking care of them those headphones should last AT LEAST a few years - in ANY case, not just if you're lucky... And not only not giving a guarantee on those headbands but also charging your customers insane amounts of money for repairing those (somewhere between the value of a new Elegia and a Celestee) is just insulting to those who put their money and faith in them... Anyway, I really wanted to get a Focal, now I have to focus on something different. :(

[@OkAIok]

A+ shirt game!!

[@RX-rd4sc]

Kindly review denon d9200 Thank you for your service friend

[@arturbrol8516]

I did have the Denon untill few days ago. Sold it just to buy me something bigger. That is it. It is a very good headphone. Couldn't hear any difference in comparison to the Hifiman HE1000 stealth, beside the sound stage and the planar is much more comfortable. Big plus for the Denon from me.

[@angelsales8544]

I recently bought the Celestee. I love how they sound. I listen to all type of music from classical to pop to rock and even country. I connect it with my ifi Go Blu. With that being said. Do you think its worth buying the Radiance if i already own the Celestee? Im not even considering the Stellia not a big fan of the color and its way out my budget.

[@jesusb9562]

I can answer this question for you. I have both and the Radiance have way deeper bass. The sub bass is more prominent, the sound stage is wider, and overall warmer sound signature. The mids don't seem as good as the Celestee. They sound less detailed and a bit recessed but it's not terrible. I don't own the ifi go blu, so unless you are satisfied with the xbass, you probably shouldn't get the Radiance.

[@angelsales8544]

@@jesusb9562 thank you so much for replying back. I will take your word for it

[@jesusb9562]

@@angelsales8544 yeah no problem. If you what you want is a wider soundstage and more bass, then the Radiance it is.

[@MarcelloRostagni]

I personally wouldn't own both @Angel Sales

[@mikeshinwa3398]

@@jesusb9562damn what a trade off. As a Celestee owner, I do desire a slightly larger soundstage and bass extension but sucks that you gotta sacrifice some of that midrange which I loved on the Celestee. Would you say the radiance is easier to drive? Or does it differ in build quality compared to Celestee?

[@Ktuk-ij5vu]

貴方のレビューを元に視聴を繰り返して、selecteeを購入しました。 3つの機種の中で私が重視したのはスイングジャズとの相性でした。 FOCALは最高のヘッドフォンです。

[@sanmiguel8433]

You wouldn’t recommend the mojo ?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Sure Mojo is a great unit.

[@johnjhonny646]

What is the name of the headphone holder

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Rooms Line Audio

[@robertobuatti7226]

I would love a pair of headphones like the Focal Radiance, Stellia, Celestee or Utopia for my daily exercise walks but it's way too expensive for me, I mostly listen to 80's/early 90's heavy metal / Hard Rock with some 80's AOR and have been racking my brain to get a good headphone for my music. I'm 41 and while I have been listening to music for all my life am quite new to the audiophile world and found out it is very expensive, I wish these companies would bring down their prices for the average consumer like myself who wants a really good listening experience but can't afford a premium price. I researched that Planar headphones are really good for detail but heard that you can't take them outside because it can ruin the headphone drivers, so I'll stick to dynamic driver headphones.

[@chrisdarby725]

Similar listening habits to you - all genres of metal. I have the Radiance and yes they’re good however, at the time I bought them I tried a pair of Fostex TH610 and within 30 seconds I knew these were for me - just fantastic headphones for metal. Better than the Focal even. Ended up with both. So perhaps give Fostex an audition if you can.

[@robertobuatti7226]

@@chrisdarby725 Oh thank you, will definitely look into the Fostex TH610 headphone and give them a try, much appreciated, while I love the Focal headphones I've read about and saw photos on Reddit and other such forums the headbands snapping in half from gently taking them on and off as it's a design flaw from Focal's part which has me really worried, I need a replacement headphone in case this happens to me.

[@jonmarinos7170]

Link to those headphone stands? :)

[@ChrisoneillART]

The two matching stands are ROOMs Audio Stands and the single stand is a Grumpy Goose Headphone Stand 😉

[@MarcelloRostagni]

💯👍👆

[@Username1o6]

You know when you subscribe to someone and think “this persons going to go far”… Cheesy. But sub’d.

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Thanks, man!! Much love

[@ightimmaheadout290]

why do the best looking focal headphones have to be closed back smh, and they made the most famous one (clear og) white and gray which is susceptible to visual stains.

[@MarcelloRostagni]

The new Clear MG is less susceptible but even my beloved Stellia's ear pads completely changed color over time. Part of the deal I guess.

[@shreyanshyadav3285]

You look more buff......nice 👍

[@fafolaw]

Personally, I think the Stellia are the most beautiful headphones I've seen, they sound incredibly good and they're a little bit more comfortable than the other two... but I'm not paying $3,000 for headphones lol

[@MarcelloRostagni]

@Ely G, I hear you!! Where are you located?

[@fafolaw]

@@MarcelloRostagni I live in Mexico City, Focal has a distributor not far from where I live so I went to see how $3,000 and $4,000 headphones sound like

[@Brandon-qs3jq]

First! :)

[@mariodrv]

I bow before you our great Emperor Of The Internet For 15 Minutes!

[@ericbennett1253]

So basically the $3000 flagship wins in every category... as it should. ;) Wish I could hear what 3 grand sounds like. That's about what I've spent on all of mine combined. (Celestee included)

[@nicktan4530]

Hi then buy the $3000 flagship

[@ericbennett1253]

Not going to happen unless I win the lottery. Ha ha.

[@nicktan4530]

@@ericbennett1253 Oh I see budget issue, just try to save like me. Thats what am doing.

[@ericbennett1253]

Yes budget issues. I have other hobbies so...I'm done with headphone gear for a while. I'm satisfied. I'd like to try Planars and AMT's someday though. All 11pr I own are dynamic.

[@nicktan4530]

@@ericbennett1253 Where are you from ? Am quite poor as well...

[@steveee2511]

celestee owner here im returninf them and chanching for audeze ,the celestes disapointed me terible soundstage had heard 200 bucks headphones that had more soundsstage my other pair of headfphones for 600 bucks is also better only thinf celestee is better is bass

[@mranthony1886]

This is a video where - you spend more get more

[@aps-pictures9335]

That intro is waaay too long

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Thanks @APS - Pictures appreciate you!