Focal Stellia Luxury Closed-Back Headphones

Focal Stellia Luxury Closed-Back Headphones

 

Stellia are the ultimate closed-back circum-aural headphones, both in terms of acoustic performance and the prestige of the materials used, such as the full-grain leather of the headband, ear cups and cushions. The full-range speaker driver with ‘M’-shape pure Beryllium dome is a concentration of innovations that lies behind this incredible listening experience, never before seen in closed-back headphones. Its frameless voice coil, combined with the properties of Beryllium, provides a moving part that is unparalleled in its lightness.

This results in the reproduction of the tiniest details, in the unconditional respect of the dynamics whilst delivering uncompromising tonal balance. Stellia pushes the acoustic boundaries of the very best closed-back headphones and stands out as the key reference in its sector.

 

Features

• Reference closed-back headphones for home and on-the-go use
• Uncompromising tonal balance, reproduction of the tiniest sound details at both very high and very low frequencies
• Incredible dynamics within a pair of closed-back headphones
• Very good ambient noise soundproofing
• Cognac and Mocha finish full-grain leather headband
• Cognac and Mocha finish full-grain leather cushions 13/16” (20mm) memory foam
• Cognac finish solid aluminium yoke which moulds to face shape
• Cognac finish full-grain leather earcup and matte Cognac stainless steel case
• 19/16” (40mm) 'M' shape pure Beryllium dome full-range speaker driver
• Very low impedance (35 Ohms) to ensure uncompromising use with portable audio players
• 1/8” Jack sockets with locking mechanism
• 4 ft unbalanced cable, 1/8” (3.5mm) stereo Jack + 10 ft 4-pin balanced XLR cable

 

Exceptional Speaker Drivers

The Stellia concept is simple: the adaptation of the Utopia headphones to create a closed-back version. Unfortunately, acoustic laws dictate that a transducer’s design depends very heavily on the associated load type and the inner volume of the headphones. Stellia, therefore, integrates a new generation of exclusive electrodynamic speaker drivers, capable of working at low acoustic load while offering an extremely extensive frequency response (5Hz – 40kHz).

The new 110-micron NBR surround offers low compliance and a geometry that is developed entirely in relation to its inner volume. The elongation of the moving part is thereby preserved and ensures exceptional dynamics for closed-back headphones.

 

Cutting-Edge Technology

Simultaneously, the frameless 100% copper voice coil (exclusive to Focal) offers an extremely reduced mass which, combined with its magnetic coupling to the motor, is able to reproduce the tiniest nuances with great precision, whether bass articulation or the highest frequency details.

The crowning glory of these exceptional speaker drivers is the ‘M’-shaped pure Beryllium dome. Focal’s signature innovation, this cutting-edge technology offers three major benefits. Its very low mass (seven times lighter than titanium of identical rigidity) enables an extraordinary acceleration factor to be obtained, ensuring unfailing adherence to the original audio signal. Its rigidity ensures both impressive elongation and a high sound level while preventing distortion of the dome. Finally, the damping level provided by the Beryllium lends it flawless neutrality, for voices and trebles of astonishing realism.

 

The Purest Sound

Loading a speaker driver into a small inner volume makes it highly sensitive to its environment. The Stellia’s full-range speaker driver, therefore, includes a vent to control the balance between the bass and the midrange. A second vent, located at the back of the ear cup, picks up the rear wave coming from the centre of the motor to avoid any compression and extend the frequency response of the speaker driver. How? By ensuring the connection between the centre of the motor and the outer part of the ear cup located beneath the logo. The speaker driver’s response in the bass-reflex acoustic loudspeaker is thus extended to the lowest frequencies while providing remarkable linearity and bass articulation, all without any dynamic compression.

As for the higher frequencies, these are absorbed through an EVA foam pad inside the ear cup, behind the speaker driver. Finally, the presence of acoustic diffusers inside this ear cup achieves two objectives: they break up standing waves by uniformly diffusing residual energy throughout the space. The diffusers are also additional material, making the "cabinetry" even more rigid and, as a result, inert. As such, only the speaker driver generates the sound reproduction, without interfering, adding or removing information from the sound signal.

 

The Earpads (or the Acoustic Treatment of the room)

The ideal acoustics for a listening space, beyond its dimensions, lies in its reverberation time controlled by the quantity of its absorbent materials (acoustic foam, etc.). The Stellia earpads are a perfect illustration of this: 50% of their height is designed to diffuse sound through a non-perforated full-grain leather; 50% absorbs the audio signal through an acoustic cloth which covers the memory foam. This solution also provides a linear frequency range, between 1 and 10kHz.

 

Comfort and Elegance

Stellia uses the headband and yoke mechanical features originally developed for the Utopia headphones. The consistent curve between these two elements offers flawless comfort, regardless of the shape and size of the listener’s face and head.

Stellia boasts two more impressive key features: its soundproofing capacity, which has been further enhanced by its closed design; and its comfort, guaranteed by the high-resilience memory foam used in the earpads. Each component has been developed with optimal acoustics in mind, without compromising on style. The two cognacs and mocha finishes truly showcase each element and are a testament to the meticulous attention paid to each and every detail.

 

Equally Impressive Accessories

For high-end headphones, a high-end pack. Stellia is presented in a cognac and mocha faux-leather case. A storage case houses two high-quality cables with the same materials and finishes. The first 3-metre cable is ideal for use at home on a high-end amplifier, thanks to its symmetrical 4-pin XLR connector. The second is designed to be portable: measuring 33/8 feet (1.2m) with a 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo jack, it is the perfect solution for connecting Stellia to a portable audiophile player. Stellia’s voice coil offers extremely low impedance at 35 Ohms, making the headphones very easy to drive through the output of a mobile audio source. The rigid travel case, in cognac and mocha woven finishes, provides effective yet stylish protection for Stellia when you are on the move.

 

Focal's Industrial Expertise

Focal strictly oversees every stage in the creation of its high-fidelity products, from the development process to manufacturing. With Stellia, the extreme lightweight of the moving part composing the full-range speaker driver means it is necessary to strictly control the quantities of glue used on the surround-dome/domevoice coil connections. A new robot was developed to implement this priority, as well as bringing exceptional repeatability and stability to the production process. This is a manufacturing process where every detail matters, at all times, producing headphones equipped with speaker drivers that deliver identical frequency response curves at +/- 0.5dB. The performance tradition is a 100% Focal design, showcasing innovation in technology, materials and tools.

 

"Turning to the main attraction of the Focal Stellia, I have to confess that their sound did not sweep me up on a magic carpet joyride upon my first listen - because it's not meant to. Focal calls these headphones reference-class, which signals the company's aim for a purist sound that exaggerates or diminishes as little as possible. The best term I can use to describe it is flavourless: like water, these headphones adapt to and represent the character of the thing they're interacting with more than any peculiarities of their own. In spite of my bass-loving ways, I gave the Stellia a fair chance and, over time, I grew to really appreciate and enjoy them." Read More The Verge - February 2019

 

Specifications

• Type: Circum-aural closed-back headphones
• Impedance: 35 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 106dB SPL / 1 mW @ 1 kHz
• THD: 0.1 % @ 1 kHz / 100 dB SPL
• Frequency Response: 5Hz - 40kHz
• Speaker Driver: 1.6" (40mm) pure Beryllium ‘M’-shaped dome
• Weight: 0.96lb (435g)
• Cables Supplied:
• 1 x 4ft OFC 24 AWG cable with 1/8" (3.5mm) TRS Jack connector
• 1 x 10ft OFC 24 AWG cable with 4-pin XLR connector
• 1 x Jack adapter, 1/8" (3.5mm) female – 1/4" (6.35mm) male
• Carrying Case Provided: 250 x 240 x 120 (mm)
• 24 Months Warranty

 

About Focal

Focal, a leading specialist in the headphone industry, is renowned for its commitment to delivering exceptional audio experiences. With a rich history dating back to 1979, Focal has consistently pushed the boundaries of sound technology, offering a range of high-fidelity headphones that captivate audiophiles worldwide.

At Focal, every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure an unparalleled listening experience. From the moment you put on their headphones, you are transported into a world of pure sonic bliss. With a perfect blend of innovation, craftsmanship, and design, Focal headphones deliver an immersive soundstage, remarkable clarity, and stunning accuracy, allowing you to rediscover your favourite music with a newfound depth and richness.

The Focal headphone range encompasses a variety of models to cater to different preferences and needs. Whether you seek the ultimate in audiophile-grade sound or desire a portable companion for on-the-go listening, Focal has you covered. Each model is carefully engineered using advanced technologies and premium materials, resulting in headphones that strike a harmonious balance between comfort and performance.

Focal's commitment to excellence extends beyond sound quality. Their headphones are designed with aesthetics in mind, featuring sleek and stylish designs that make a statement. Whether you choose an open-back or closed-back design, Focal ensures that their headphones provide exceptional sound reproduction and a comfortable and enjoyable wearing experience.

With their extensive expertise in speaker drivers and high-fidelity audio, Focal brings a unique perspective to the headphone market. Their dedication to innovation and the pursuit of audio perfection has earned them a stellar reputation among audiophiles and professionals alike. Focal headphones are trusted by music lovers, musicians, and sound engineers who seek uncompromising quality and an immersive listening experience.

Experience the Focal difference with their remarkable headphone range and let yourself be transported into a world of pure musical enjoyment. Whether you are a discerning audiophile or a professional seeking accurate monitoring, Focal headphones are designed to exceed your expectations and elevate your listening pleasure to new heights.