When it comes to high-fidelity headphones, Focal is a name that resonates with audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike. Their Celestee and Elegia models both represent the pinnacle of closed-back headphone design, offering exceptional sound quality, luxury, and comfort. However, while both are premium offerings from the brand, they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. In this comparison, we’ll dive into the key features, sound performance, comfort, and overall value of the Focal Celestee and Focal Elegia to help you decide which one is best suited for your listening style and lifestyle.
1. Focal Celestee Over-Ear HiFi Headphones
The Focal Celestee Over-Ear Closed-Back HiFi Headphones are a premium offering in the world of high-end audio, combining impressive sound quality with elegant design. The headphones feature 40mm aluminium/magnesium speaker drivers, which deliver an exceptional listening experience with an extended bass range and a remarkable tonal balance. The clarity of sound across all frequencies, from precise highs to deep lows, makes the Celestee an excellent choice for audiophiles who appreciate nuanced audio performance. The combination of closed-back design and sound insulation ensures minimal external noise interference, making these headphones ideal for both home use and on-the-go listening. The Navy Blue color with Soft Copper details adds a touch of sophistication, while the high-quality materials, such as semi-aniline leather ear pads and a stainless steel grille, contribute to the overall premium feel.
Comfort is another standout feature of the Focal Celestee headphones. The over-ear design and soft earpads, coupled with the leather-wrapped headband, provide a secure yet comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. The low impedance (35 Ohms) ensures compatibility with portable audio devices, making them versatile for use across various platforms. However, the headphones’ bulk may be a drawback for those seeking a more compact design, and the closed-back construction can make them less breathable than open-back models. Additionally, the premium materials and build quality come at a price point that may not be justified for casual listeners.
Key Features, Pros, and Cons
Key Features:
- 40mm aluminium/magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome speaker drivers.
- Closed-back design for improved sound isolation.
- Low impedance (35 Ohms) for portable use.
- Premium materials, including semi-aniline leather and stainless steel.
- Navy Blue finish with Soft Copper accents.
Pros:
- Incredible sound performance with excellent bass and tonal balance.
- Comfortable and secure fit for long listening sessions.
- Stylish design with high-quality materials.
- Effective sound insulation for better noise isolation.
- Low impedance ensures compatibility with portable devices.
Cons:
- Relatively bulky design may not appeal to those looking for portability.
2. Focal Elegia High-Fidelity Circum-Aural Headphones
The Focal Elegia High-Fidelity Closed-Back Circum-Aural Headphones offer a premium audio experience, blending exceptional sound quality with a stylish and ergonomic design. The headphones feature Focal’s exclusive full-range speaker drivers with an ‘M’-shaped aluminium/magnesium dome, which contribute to a precise and dynamic sound reproduction. The tonal balance is impressive, with the ability to reproduce both the subtlest high frequencies and the deepest bass. The sound isolation is also top-notch, ensuring minimal external noise intrusion, making them perfect for both home listening and portable use. With a frequency response extending up to 23 kHz, the Elegia delivers a clear and immersive listening experience, ideal for audiophiles.
In terms of comfort, the Elegia excels with its ergonomic design. The headband is designed to mold perfectly to the user’s head, providing a secure and comfortable fit, even during extended listening sessions. The memory foam earpads and well-designed yoke further enhance comfort and contribute to the headphones’ excellent soundproofing. However, some users have noted that the cable is a bit stiff, which can affect the overall user experience.
Key Features, Pros, and Cons
Key Features:
- Exclusive full-range speaker driver with ‘M’-shaped aluminium/magnesium dome.
- Excellent tonal balance with deep bass and clear treble.
- Linear frequency response up to 23 kHz.
- Ergonomic design with memory foam earpads for comfort.
- High-quality materials including leather and solid aluminium.
Pros:
- Precise and dynamic sound with excellent tonal balance.
- Excellent sound isolation and minimal external noise.
- Comfortable and ergonomic design for long listening sessions.
- High-quality build and luxurious materials.
- Ideal for both home use and portable audiophile players.
Cons:
- Cable stiffness may be uncomfortable for some users.
Comparison of Focal Celestee vs Focal Elegia
Both the Focal Celestee and Focal Elegia are high-end closed-back headphones from the renowned audio brand Focal, designed to cater to audiophiles and those who seek exceptional sound quality and comfort. While both models offer premium materials, sophisticated sound drivers, and luxurious design, there are key differences in their intended use, performance, and comfort.
The Focal Celestee is known for its outstanding tonal balance and deep bass extension, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize rich, well-rounded sound. Its lightweight build, stylish design, and sound insulation features make it a great option for both home use and portability.
On the other hand, the Focal Elegia focuses more on delivering an immersive listening experience with extremely precise sound reproduction and excellent soundproofing. It also boasts a more ergonomic design, making it a great choice for extended listening sessions.
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | Focal Celestee | Focal Elegia |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker Drivers | 40mm aluminium/magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome drivers | Exclusive ‘M’-shaped aluminium/magnesium drivers |
| Frequency Response | Not specified, but excellent tonal balance and bass | Linear response up to 23 kHz |
| Impedance | 35 Ohms, portable audio-friendly | 35 Ohms, portable audio-friendly |
| Sound Isolation | Effective closed-back design, great for noise isolation | Excellent soundproofing with minimal resonance |
| Comfort | Semi-aniline leather earpads and microfiber headband | Memory foam earpads and ergonomic headband design |
| Design | Navy blue with soft copper accents, luxurious look | Sleek black and silver design with noble materials |
| Price Range | Premium, higher-end pricing | Premium, slightly more affordable than Celestee |
Sound Performance
Both the Celestee and Elegia excel in sound quality, though they approach it in different ways.
The Focal Celestee features 40mm aluminium/magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome drivers that provide an incredible bass extension and a balanced tonal profile. The low impedance (35 Ohms) ensures that it performs well with portable audio devices, making it suitable for on-the-go listening. The sound is rich, with a strong emphasis on deep bass, yet it maintains clarity in the mids and highs. This makes it an excellent choice for genres like electronic, rock, and jazz.
The Focal Elegia, however, is designed with a linear frequency response up to 23 kHz, ensuring precise sound reproduction across the full spectrum. The ‘M’-shaped aluminium/magnesium drivers are custom-designed for this model, offering a more refined, detailed sound, especially in high and low frequencies. With its excellent soundproofing and ability to handle even the smallest details in sound, the Elegia is perfect for critical listening in genres like classical, acoustic, and complex electronic music.
Comfort and Build
Comfort is another area where both models shine, though with subtle differences that could make one more appealing depending on personal preferences.
The Celestee features semi-aniline leather earpads and a microfiber headband that provide a comfortable fit for extended use. The design ensures effective sound insulation, keeping ambient noise at bay, but some users might find the headband slightly less breathable due to its materials. The stylish Navy Blue finish with Soft Copper accents makes the Celestee visually striking, appealing to those who value aesthetics as much as performance.
The Elegia, with its memory foam earpads and ergonomic design, takes comfort a step further by ensuring the headphones mold perfectly to the user’s head and face shape. The 20mm memory foam in the earpads provides a plush and secure fit, which is ideal for long listening sessions. The design also prioritizes soundproofing, preventing resonance and enhancing the listening experience. While the Elegia features premium materials like leather and solid aluminium, its black and silver color scheme is more understated compared to the Celestee’s bold look.
Portability and Use Case
The Celestee is ideal for users who value portability alongside sound quality. With its relatively lightweight design and low impedance (35 Ohms), it is well-suited for use with portable devices like smartphones and portable audiophile players. The closed-back design helps to isolate noise, making it a versatile option for both home and on-the-go use. However, its slightly larger build compared to the Elegia might make it less portable for those seeking ultra-compact headphones.
In contrast, the Elegia is more focused on providing a high-fidelity, audiophile-grade experience, especially for home use or dedicated listening sessions. While it is also portable due to its low impedance, its slightly heavier and more substantial build might make it less suited for casual, everyday use, especially for long periods on the move. Its superb sound isolation and ability to handle dynamic sounds make it perfect for critical listening but less practical for on-the-go scenarios compared to the Celestee.
FAQ
Which headphones are better for portable use, the Focal Celestee or the Focal Elegia?
The Focal Celestee is the better choice for portable use. Its lightweight design and low impedance (35 Ohms) make it highly compatible with portable devices such as smartphones and portable audiophile players. The closed-back construction also ensures effective noise isolation, which is ideal for listening on the go. While the Focal Elegia also offers low impedance, its heavier build and more substantial design make it slightly less portable and more suited for home or stationary listening.
Are the Focal Celestee or Focal Elegia better for critical listening?
For critical listening, the Focal Elegia stands out due to its linear frequency response and the ability to reproduce fine details across the entire sound spectrum. The Elegia’s full-range, high-performance drivers and superb sound isolation make it perfect for audiophiles looking for a precise and immersive experience. While the Focal Celestee offers excellent bass extension and balanced sound, the Elegia’s superior accuracy and soundproofing are better suited for those who prioritize clarity and detail in their listening sessions.
Which headphones are more comfortable for long listening sessions, the Focal Celestee or the Focal Elegia?
The Focal Elegia may offer slightly better comfort for extended listening due to its memory foam earpads and ergonomic headband design. The memory foam provides a plush, secure fit, which molds to the shape of the user’s head and reduces pressure during long listening sessions. The Focal Celestee is also comfortable with its semi-aniline leather earpads and microfiber headband, but some users may find it less breathable during prolonged use. If comfort is a top priority for long sessions, the Elegia may be the better choice.
Are the Focal Celestee or Focal Elegia better for bass-heavy music?
The Focal Celestee is better suited for bass-heavy music due to its emphasis on deep bass extension and its well-balanced sound profile. Its 40mm aluminium/magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome drivers deliver powerful bass while maintaining clarity across mids and highs, making it ideal for genres like electronic, rock, and hip-hop. While the Focal Elegia also delivers strong bass, its focus on precision and clarity across all frequencies makes it more suited to a wider range of genres, including classical and acoustic, where accuracy is key.
What are the key differences in design between the Focal Celestee and Focal Elegia?
The Focal Celestee stands out with its bold design, featuring a Navy Blue finish with Soft Copper accents, giving it a more luxurious and visually striking appearance. It uses high-quality semi-aniline leather for the earpads and a microfiber headband. On the other hand, the Focal Elegia has a more understated and sleek design with a black and silver color scheme. It also uses premium materials like leather and solid aluminium but is more subtle in its visual appeal compared to the Celestee. The Celestee may appeal more to users looking for a stylish and attention-grabbing design, while the Elegia’s minimalist look is geared toward those who prefer elegance without the flash.
Conclusion
Both the Focal Celestee and Focal Elegia are outstanding closed-back headphones that cater to audiophiles with different priorities. The Celestee is perfect for those seeking a balance of portability, comfort, and rich, dynamic sound. Its attractive design and versatile performance make it a great option for users who want a premium audio experience on the go. On the other hand, the Elegia stands out for its exceptional sound isolation, detailed and linear sound profile, and supreme comfort, making it more suitable for serious listeners who prioritize pure audio fidelity and comfort during long listening sessions at home.