Product Description

Focal – Celestee

The Focal Celestee are premium closed-back audiophile headphones. They have a decently neutral sound profile with a smooth mid-range, so vocals and lead instruments are clear, present, and accurate.

They’re comfortable for long listening sessions. Their closed-back design can help block out some ambient noise, although they won’t isolate you from the rumble of bus or plane engines. However, they struggle to reproduce low-bass, and they have a somewhat dark treble.

Aesthetic Build Quality with ‘M’-shaped aluminum-magnesium dome driver

The Focal Celestee doesn’t stray from the tried-and-true design of the entire Focal headphone lineup. On the outside, the Celestee sports a new colorway with navy blue and gold accents. It’s definitely more of a polarizing colorway choice compared to the silver and black of the previous Elegia headphone.

The earcups feature a new “honeycomb” design that mimics the design of the open-back Focal  Celestee, but the holes are filled instead of covered by the mess to maintain that closed-back design.

The build quality of the Celestee is excellent, and some of the best.

The headphone is covered in semi-aniline leather that feels premium. But that premium feel does come at the expense of being lightweight: the Celestee weighs in at a hefty 430g, which is significantly heavier than some of its less expensive rivals, but the headband helps distribute its weight across the head and the clamping force is just right.

The Focal Celestee features a 40mm ‘M’-shaped aluminum-magnesium dome driver, which is lightweight while being incredibly strong. This driver gives great sound quality.

Included in the package is a well-built hard carrying case as well as a 4-foot long cable, which terminates with a 3.5mm jack with a 6.35mm adapter. Focal is positioning the Celestee as a headphone that you can take on the go.

High-Quality Neutral Sound with Optimum Comfort

The Focal Celestee is 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.

However, their treble is underemphasized, so voices sound veiled while sibilants like S and T sounds are dark. Since they have a closed-back design, their passive soundstage is perceived as somewhat small and as coming from inside your head rather than from out in front of you.

The Focal Celestee is one of the best-sounding closed-back headphones you can buy. These headphones offer gobs of detail and incredible imaging, allowing you to precisely pinpoint where each instrument is coming from. Imaging is so good, you can sense instruments behind you.

In terms of soundstage, the Celestee is average with a relatively narrow presentation when compared to open-back headphones. The Celestee presents music in a very forward manner like you’re in the front row of a concert, which some may enjoy. Those looking for an expansive soundstage and laid-back sound should look elsewhere.

In terms of tonal balance, the Focal Celestee is warm with a noticeable bump in the bass and sub-bass regions. This helps make music sound impactful and fun, but it’s slightly too much for our taste. Bass has great texture, resolution, and impact. Celestee was able to reproduce realistic-sounding kick drums.

Last Thoughts about Focal Celestee

The Focal Celestee’s isolation is surprisingly effective, so you don’t have to worry about the lack of ANC. The build quality is top-notch, too. These are headphones designed for an excellent home listening experience.

Focal – Celestee’s Specification

• Colors: Navy Blue/Copper
• Size: 9.8 x 9.4 x 4.7 inches (carrying case)
• Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Driver size: ‘M’-shaped Aluminium/Magnesium dome full-range speaker
• Connectivity: Wired
• Accessories included: 1 x 4-foot OFC 24 AWG cable with 1/8-inch unbalanced TRS Jack connector, 1 x jack adapter, 1/8-inch point socket 1/4-inch point plug, carrying case