Focal Celestee High End Closed Back Headphones

The Focal Celestee are decent for neutral sound. They have a smooth, warm sound profile. While they lack a thumpy low-bass, their mid-range is exceptionally neutral, ensuring that vocals and lead instruments are present, detailed, and clear.

• +

  Outstanding build quality and very comfortable fit.

• -

  Small, closed-off passive soundstage.

With Celestee, Focal has surpassed what we thought was possible from closed headphones in this price range.

• +

  Fantastic bass response, lots of details and energy, Excellent comfort, and the quality impression is second to none!

• -

  Some will probably think that the treble strikes a lot of sparks.

“This Focal Celestee deliver deep audio bliss.”

The Focal Celestee headphones may not be as expensive as some of Focal’s other offerings, but they sure sound expensive. They’re comfortable and well-designed, plus they’ll transport you to the music studio with your favorite bands.

I’m really happy with what Focal has done here with the Celestee. They offer one of their most consumer-friendly headphones and deliver the sound signature with the high standard you should be used to with the French manufacturer.

The Focal Celestee is one of the best-sounding closed-back headphones you can buy. The headphones have gobs of resolution, impact, and precise imaging. More impressively, the Celestee doesn't punish listeners who have poor quality recordings.

• +

  Amazing detail and imaging, Class-leading build quality, Easy to drive

• -

  Mediocre soundstage, Heavy, No balanced cable included

But if you’re not bothered by a short cable or spending extra on one, the Focal Celestee headphones are a delightful pair of headphones that’ll deliver a solid sound out of nearly anything you throw their way.

• +

  Excellent balance and detail, Comfortable, Solid case, Cable is proprietary, but not remarkably so, making it replaceable

• -

  Expensive, Case can be a little ridiculous, Short cable

In which we consider the thoughts of Doris Bölck

Awesome build quality and very comfortable after hours on my head. Most importantly the sound quality is awesome from the first listen. I use these at home through a ifi Audio Zen headphone amp. I am primarily listening to Qobuz Hi-res audio.

• +

  Luxurious fit, solid build, great sound

• -

  None so far

The Celestee has great resolution and looks, but is plagued with problems. It has a narrow headband which can hurt your head. It has spring loaded cups that place uneven pressure on your head and don’t feel like they’re sealing properly. Higher frequencies can sound grainy and sibilant occasionally.

These headphones are - by far- the best I've ever owned. They are rich with detail and clear, with a surprisingly broad soundstage and neutral presentation. Beyond that, they are absolutely gorgeous, sturdy, and thoughtfully crafted with high quality materials despite being on the modest end of the...

Using with Schiit Bifrost DAC & Schiit Jotunhiem headphone Amp. I'm retired and listen to music streaming on Tidal, classical & old rock, audio books and the TV hooked to Bifrost with optical cable.Right. I find the Celestees to be very comfortable for long stretches.

• +

  Very comfortable for long stretches

• -

  Stock 1/4" cable is short.

The Celestee is a beautifully built headphone. The navy blue of those cans is a joy by itself. The construction is sturdy, high quality everywhere. Aside from the looks, they do sound great with some small issues, in my view. First, as others have already pointed, the soundstage is far from great.

These are great! I hear things in well known recordings, that I've never heard before. Easy to drive, and the closed back blocks out unwanted sounds. Just marvelous.

I was on the fence about these due to the price but I was not disappointed. These are very solidly built and include a very high quality connection cable. If you have never listened to music on a pair of audiophile headphones, prepare to be amazed. Its like hearing everything for the first time.

The sound is really rich and alive, and bass is more than enough for slam and depth; reminds me of my shure se-846 iems, but more comfortable. It sound really good from my Fiio m11, but surprisingly, better from my geekout 1000 attached to my pc. As other people have said, they are a bit closed in.

These headphones produce a very balanced and articulate sound. The "too short" headphone cable is a real discouragement. However if you only listen to music on your handheld portable device you won't have a problem with the length.

• +

  Sound quality

• -

  Cable too short

Loving these headphones. I have used IEM's exclusively the last 10 years but decided to get these for my desktop setup. The sound separation and clarity makes me smile every time. Like any good high end output device, the better the source, the better the results.