French audiophile outfit Focal has launched Celestee, wired Hi-Fi headphones that it says set a new benchmark for luxury personal listening.
The brand’s speakers and headphones are widely recognised for their high-end performance, but with Celestee it’s also pushing the design envelope too, opting for a striking navy blue aluminium yoke to contrast the signature soft copper details (speaker driver grille, cable connectors, rings) on the earcups.
“Dark blue is a versatile and timeless colour that has been increasing in popularity,” says Doris Bölck, Designer and Product Colourist. “By choosing navy blue, we are adding a sophisticated, sumptuous feel to the headphones.” Bölck says the combination reflects a trend in interior and accessory design, and has become particularly popular in watchmaking. “These shades offer a very interesting and elegant alternative to more traditional chrome and silver parts.”
With Celestee, Focal is pushing the design envelope , opting for a striking navy blue aluminium yoke to contrast the signature soft copper details…
The Focal Celestee feature large 40mm drivers
Focal engineers have taken inspiration from the cheaper Focal Elegia headphones, introducing acoustic treatment inside the Celestee earcups. In other respects, they nod to the brand’s flagship closed-back Stellias.
The closed-back design makes them suitable for both home and on-the-go use, although cans of this calibre and style would seem best suited to an evening in your favourite recliner.
Build quality appears superb. A semi-aniline leather and microfibre headband, coupled to leather earpads with distinctive stainless steel grille, promise comfort and sonic isolation (although it should be noted these headphones don’t feature noise cancelling technology, as championed by rivals).
The headphones utilise large 40mm aluminium/magnesium full-range speaker drivers. Claimed characteristics include a deep bass extension with accurate treble and high-mids.
The Focal Celestee headphones, which ship with a matching thermoformed woven carry case, sell for £999.
Sony has begun shipping the WF-1000XM6, the latest generation of its flagship true wireless noise-cancelling earbuds. Evolutionary rather than revolutionary, the new model builds on a lineage that has become closely associated with premium design, advanced noise reduction and a focus on sound quality, shaped by professional studio expertise. A direct successor to the WF-1000XM5,…
Introducing Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, the latest Bluetooth headphone from the iconic UK Hi-Fi marque. These updated flagship cans build on the foundations of the original Px8, introducing mechanical and acoustic improvements for a more stable fit and commensurately expressive sound. With high-res wireless codec support, advanced noise cancellation and luxury materials, this new…
Bowers & Wilkins has launched a McLaren F1 edition of its flagship PX8 S2 over-ear headphones. The new cans adopt a distinctive palette of Papaya orange and Anthracite Grey, with subtle Speedmark detailing on the headband and earcups. The finish is paired with diamond-cut highlights and Nappa leather cushions, reinforcing the model’s position at the…
The Luxe Review 
French audiophile outfit Focal has launched Celestee, wired Hi-Fi headphones that it says set a new benchmark for luxury personal listening.
The brand’s speakers and headphones are widely recognised for their high-end performance, but with Celestee it’s also pushing the design envelope too, opting for a striking navy blue aluminium yoke to contrast the signature soft copper details (speaker driver grille, cable connectors, rings) on the earcups.
“Dark blue is a versatile and timeless colour that has been increasing in popularity,” says Doris Bölck, Designer and Product Colourist. “By choosing navy blue, we are adding a sophisticated, sumptuous feel to the headphones.” Bölck says the combination reflects a trend in interior and accessory design, and has become particularly popular in watchmaking. “These shades offer a very interesting and elegant alternative to more traditional chrome and silver parts.”
Focal engineers have taken inspiration from the cheaper Focal Elegia headphones, introducing acoustic treatment inside the Celestee earcups. In other respects, they nod to the brand’s flagship closed-back Stellias.
The closed-back design makes them suitable for both home and on-the-go use, although cans of this calibre and style would seem best suited to an evening in your favourite recliner.
Build quality appears superb. A semi-aniline leather and microfibre headband, coupled to leather earpads with distinctive stainless steel grille, promise comfort and sonic isolation (although it should be noted these headphones don’t feature noise cancelling technology, as championed by rivals).
The headphones utilise large 40mm aluminium/magnesium full-range speaker drivers. Claimed characteristics include a deep bass extension with accurate treble and high-mids.
The Focal Celestee headphones, which ship with a matching thermoformed woven carry case, sell for £999.
Enhanced noise cancelling and fresh design distinguish studio-tuned Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds
Sony has begun shipping the WF-1000XM6, the latest generation of its flagship true wireless noise-cancelling earbuds. Evolutionary rather than revolutionary, the new model builds on a lineage that has become closely associated with premium design, advanced noise reduction and a focus on sound quality, shaped by professional studio expertise. A direct successor to the WF-1000XM5,…
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review: new headphone flagship offers bigger sound, gorgeous design
Introducing Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, the latest Bluetooth headphone from the iconic UK Hi-Fi marque. These updated flagship cans build on the foundations of the original Px8, introducing mechanical and acoustic improvements for a more stable fit and commensurately expressive sound. With high-res wireless codec support, advanced noise cancellation and luxury materials, this new…
PX8 S2 McLaren Edition Brings F1 Style to premium Bowers & Wilkins over-ear headphones
Bowers & Wilkins has launched a McLaren F1 edition of its flagship PX8 S2 over-ear headphones. The new cans adopt a distinctive palette of Papaya orange and Anthracite Grey, with subtle Speedmark detailing on the headband and earcups. The finish is paired with diamond-cut highlights and Nappa leather cushions, reinforcing the model’s position at the…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Share this: