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.
The Record Club returns October 21 for an all-new 12 month run. A collaboration between Record Store Day UK, Official Charts and National Album Day, the bi-monthly livestream is hosted by BBC Music’s Jess Iszatt on Facebook Live, every other Wednesday at 6.30pm. The newly relaunched series kicks off with synth-pop outfit Future Islands, discussingContinue Reading
Marshall has released a new iteration of its iconic Major Bluetooth headphones. The Major IV embrace the brand’s distinctive rock aesthetic, and offer 80+ hours of wireless playtime, along with rapid charging and an improved ergonomic design. Improved ear cushions are softer to the touch for a more comfortable fit. Not that these cans soundContinue Reading
Naim Audio has released a special edition of its highly-rated Mu-So wireless music system, as part of the Bentley Collection, a curated selection of products said to embody the essence of the Bentley marque. Sister brand Focal is also onboard, with its Bentley Radiance headphones. The Naim, Focal and Bentley brands have a long-standing relationship,Continue Reading
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.
The Record Club returns with Future Islands, powered by the British music industry
The Record Club returns October 21 for an all-new 12 month run. A collaboration between Record Store Day UK, Official Charts and National Album Day, the bi-monthly livestream is hosted by BBC Music’s Jess Iszatt on Facebook Live, every other Wednesday at 6.30pm. The newly relaunched series kicks off with synth-pop outfit Future Islands, discussingContinue Reading
Marshall Major IV Bluetooth headphones keep going like Springsteen
Marshall has released a new iteration of its iconic Major Bluetooth headphones. The Major IV embrace the brand’s distinctive rock aesthetic, and offer 80+ hours of wireless playtime, along with rapid charging and an improved ergonomic design. Improved ear cushions are softer to the touch for a more comfortable fit. Not that these cans soundContinue Reading
Naim and Focal brandish Bentley Special Edition Hi-Fi and headphones
Naim Audio has released a special edition of its highly-rated Mu-So wireless music system, as part of the Bentley Collection, a curated selection of products said to embody the essence of the Bentley marque. Sister brand Focal is also onboard, with its Bentley Radiance headphones. The Naim, Focal and Bentley brands have a long-standing relationship,Continue Reading
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