The Focal Celestee is a high-end pair of closed-back headphones that promises an immersive listening experience with luxurious comfort. Let’s delve into the details to see if it lives up to the hype.
Design and Build
Focal is known for its premium aesthetics, and the Celestee is no exception. The headphones boast a sleek, modern design with a combination of navy blue and copper accents. The ear cups feature a unique circular pattern, and the overall build quality feels exceptional. Focal uses high-quality materials throughout, ensuring a sense of durability to match the luxurious look.
Comfort and Isolation
The Celestee offers plush ear cups and a well-padded headband, making them comfortable for extended listening sessions. However, some users find the clamping force a bit strong, which can cause fatigue over time. The closed-back design provides excellent passive noise isolation, making them ideal for blocking out distractions while you’re on the go or want to focus on your music.
Sound Quality
The Celestee’s sound signature is a topic of some debate. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses:
Strengths: The Celestee excels in detail retrieval. Instruments are well-defined and clear, offering a satisfyingly crisp listening experience. Additionally, the bass response is present and impactful, though not overpowering. Vocals are smooth and forward in the mix.
Weaknesses: A few aspects hold the Celestee back from achieving audiophile greatness. The soundstage, which refers to the perceived width and depth of the music, feels somewhat narrow. This can be a dealbreaker for listeners who prefer a more open and airy soundscape. Additionally, some reviewers note a lack of dynamism and a slight emphasis in the upper bass region that might not suit every taste.
Value
Here’s the crux of the matter. The Focal Celestee carries a hefty price tag. While the build quality, design, and detailed sound are undeniable strengths, the soundstage limitations and lack of features compared to the price raise concerns. There are strong competitors in the market that offer similar or better sound quality at a lower cost.
Who Should Consider the Focal Celestee?
The Celestee caters to a specific listener profile. If you prioritize luxurious design, excellent passive noise isolation, and a detailed, warm sound signature, the Celestee might be worth considering. However, if a wide soundstage and a perfectly neutral sound profile are your top priorities, you might be better off exploring other options.
Verdict
The Focal Celestee is a beautifully crafted pair of headphones with undeniable sonic strengths. However, the high price tag and limitations in soundstage make it a niche product. Unless you’re particularly drawn to the design and sound signature, there are strong contenders offering similar or better value. It’s crucial to demo the Celestee alongside competitors before making a final decision.
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