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.
New York headphone specialist Grado Labs has launched a new range of its iconic Prestige on-ear headphones, the Prestige X Series. The Prestige series were the first headphones designed by company founder John Grado three decades ago. The Prestige X Series are not about noise cancelling, smart assistants or Bluetooth. These are Hi-Fi cans designedContinue Reading
High-end Hi-Fi outfit Bowers & Wilkins has launched its first True Wireless earbuds. The PI7 and PI5 enjoy a predictably premium design and support high-res audio and noise cancelling. Both look impressive, but it’s the high-spec PI7 model, which features an advanced driver configuration and a cool new wireless audio retransmission feature via its Smartcase,Continue Reading
Huawei has introduced its latest wireless earbuds, the FreeBuds 4i, which boast class leading battery life – ten hours on a full charge – plus Active Noise Cancellation for everyday use. Alongside regulation Ceramic White and Carbon Crystal Black editions, there will also be a fashionable Honey Red model exclusively from the Huawei website. WhenContinue 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.
Brooklyn’s finest: New York headphone outfit Grado goes hard with Prestige X Series and we’re smitten
New York headphone specialist Grado Labs has launched a new range of its iconic Prestige on-ear headphones, the Prestige X Series. The Prestige series were the first headphones designed by company founder John Grado three decades ago. The Prestige X Series are not about noise cancelling, smart assistants or Bluetooth. These are Hi-Fi cans designedContinue Reading
Bowers & Wilkins first True Wireless earbuds put performance first, offer a cool trick for travellers
High-end Hi-Fi outfit Bowers & Wilkins has launched its first True Wireless earbuds. The PI7 and PI5 enjoy a predictably premium design and support high-res audio and noise cancelling. Both look impressive, but it’s the high-spec PI7 model, which features an advanced driver configuration and a cool new wireless audio retransmission feature via its Smartcase,Continue Reading
My buds will go on and on: Huawei wireless FreeBuds 4i offer titanic battery life
Huawei has introduced its latest wireless earbuds, the FreeBuds 4i, which boast class leading battery life – ten hours on a full charge – plus Active Noise Cancellation for everyday use. Alongside regulation Ceramic White and Carbon Crystal Black editions, there will also be a fashionable Honey Red model exclusively from the Huawei website. WhenContinue Reading
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