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.
Japanese Hi-Fi specialist Audio-Technica has unveiled a pair of luxury wireless headphones that feature a wooden housing. The new ATH-WB2022 will go on sale next year, as part of the brand’s 60th anniversary. The housings are made from a combination of solid flame maple, walnut, and mahogany woods. But that’s not the only thing that’s…
Premium audio outfit Master & Dynamic has partnered with celebrated Tokyo streetwear brand BAPE, on a collection of custom headphones for music and gaming. The limited edition collection comprises iterations of the brand’s best-selling MW08 active noise-cancelling True Wireless earphones and the MG20 wireless gaming headphones. The novel collab sport BAPE’s ABC Camo design in…
Top British audio brand Bowers & Wilkins has officially partnered with the James Bond film franchise, releasing a special 007 edition of its high-end Px8 headphones. The collaboration seems a perfect fit. Bowers & Wilkins already enjoys a long standing relationship with Abbey Road Studios, the iconic London recording facility where its legendary 800 Series…
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.
Audio-Technica unveils premium wooden headphones with a world’s first audio twist
Japanese Hi-Fi specialist Audio-Technica has unveiled a pair of luxury wireless headphones that feature a wooden housing. The new ATH-WB2022 will go on sale next year, as part of the brand’s 60th anniversary. The housings are made from a combination of solid flame maple, walnut, and mahogany woods. But that’s not the only thing that’s…
Harajuku style meets high-end headphones with Master & Dynamic X BAPE collection
Premium audio outfit Master & Dynamic has partnered with celebrated Tokyo streetwear brand BAPE, on a collection of custom headphones for music and gaming. The limited edition collection comprises iterations of the brand’s best-selling MW08 active noise-cancelling True Wireless earphones and the MG20 wireless gaming headphones. The novel collab sport BAPE’s ABC Camo design in…
The name’s Bowers, Bowers & Wilkins: Special Edition 007 Px8 headphones have a licence to thrill
Top British audio brand Bowers & Wilkins has officially partnered with the James Bond film franchise, releasing a special 007 edition of its high-end Px8 headphones. The collaboration seems a perfect fit. Bowers & Wilkins already enjoys a long standing relationship with Abbey Road Studios, the iconic London recording facility where its legendary 800 Series…
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