Audio T Verdict
The Focal Stellia occupies an unusual position. It is a closed-back headphone designed to provide much of the refinement associated with Focal's reference open-back models while giving you the isolation and reduced sound leakage that make a closed design considerably more practical.
At the heart of Stellia are 40mm pure-Beryllium M-dome drivers. These are proper passive Hi-Fi headphones, so there is no Bluetooth receiver, rechargeable battery, active noise cancellation or internal DAC sitting between your source and the drivers.
Instead, the quality of the source and headphone amplifier matters. The relatively manageable 35-ohm impedance means Stellia can work with a broad selection of headphone outputs, but a headphone at this level is revealing enough to make a high-quality DAC and amplifier particularly worthwhile.
The closed earcups have received just as much attention as the drivers. Focal uses vents, acoustic diffusion and carefully positioned absorption inside each cup to control reflections and standing waves, while the memory-foam earpads combine acoustic absorption with the physical seal required by a closed-back headphone.
Stellia is also considerably more flexible than many reference headphones when it comes to cabling. A 1.2m 3.5mm cable makes sense for nearby equipment and portable sources, while a 3m 4-pin XLR cable is supplied for compatible balanced headphone amplifiers. A 6.35mm adaptor covers more traditional Hi-Fi headphone sockets too.
At 435g these remain substantial headphones, but the solid aluminium yoke, constant-curvature headband, full-grain leather and memory-foam pads are designed to distribute that weight appropriately.
If you want a genuinely high-end passive headphone but cannot live with the sound leakage and lack of isolation inherent in an open-back design, Stellia remains one of Focal's most interesting options.
Focal Stellia Reference Closed-Back Headphones
Stellia is Focal's reference closed-back passive Hi-Fi headphone, combining pure-Beryllium M-dome drivers with acoustic treatment specifically developed for an enclosed earcup.
Key features include:
- Reference closed-back headphone design
- Passive wired operation
- Over-ear circumaural fit
- 40mm pure-Beryllium M-dome drivers
- French-made Focal drivers
- Unsupported copper voice coil
- Dedicated closed-back acoustic treatment
- Internal vents
- EVA acoustic absorption
- Acoustic diffusion within the earcups
- 5Hz–23kHz ±3dB frequency response
- 35-ohm impedance
- 0.1% harmonic distortion at 1kHz / 100dB SPL
- 106dB SPL published maximum level
- Solid aluminium yoke
- Constant-curvature headband
- Full-grain leather
- Memory-foam earpads
- 435g weight
- 1.2m 3.5mm cable supplied
- 3m balanced 4-pin XLR cable supplied
- 3.5mm-to-6.35mm adaptor supplied
- Protective carrying case supplied
- Cognac and Mocha colour scheme
Reference Closed-Back Design
Closed-back headphones seal the rear of each driver within an enclosed earcup rather than allowing it to radiate freely into the room.
This gives Stellia practical advantages over an open-back reference headphone:
- Greater passive isolation from surrounding noise
- Less music escaping into the room
- Greater practicality in shared spaces
- More flexibility away from a dedicated listening room
Closed-Back Without Active Noise Cancellation
Stellia relies on passive acoustic isolation rather than electronic noise cancellation.
No Bluetooth or Active Noise Cancellation
Stellia is a passive wired Hi-Fi headphone.
It does not provide Bluetooth, active noise cancellation, USB audio, an internal DAC or battery-powered operation.
If wireless listening and active noise cancellation are priorities, consider Focal's Bathys range instead.
40mm Pure-Beryllium M-Dome Drivers
Each earcup contains a 40mm full-range electrodynamic driver using a pure-Beryllium M-shaped diaphragm.
Beryllium combines exceptionally low mass with very high rigidity, making it particularly well suited to a diaphragm that must accelerate, stop and change direction extremely rapidly.
Why Beryllium?
A headphone diaphragm ideally needs to be:
- Light enough to respond quickly
- Rigid enough to maintain its intended shape
- Controlled enough to avoid unwanted resonant behaviour
Focal uses pure Beryllium in Stellia to address these requirements across a very wide operating range.
M-Shaped Diaphragm
The diaphragm is formed into Focal's characteristic M profile.
The shape increases structural rigidity and allows Focal to control the behaviour of the dome without simply increasing moving mass.
French-Made Drivers
Focal manufactures the Stellia drivers in its own workshops in France.
The driver is therefore a fundamental part of Focal's own headphone engineering rather than a generic externally sourced component.
Unsupported Copper Voice Coil
Focal combines the Beryllium diaphragm with a copper voice coil that does not rely on a conventional supporting former.
Removing unnecessary supporting material reduces moving mass, helping the complete moving assembly react more rapidly to the incoming signal.
Closed-Back Acoustic Treatment
Closing the rear of a headphone driver creates additional acoustic challenges because sound reflected inside the earcup can return towards the diaphragm and listener.
Focal addresses this using several treatments within Stellia.
Internal Vents
Carefully positioned vents help control pressure within the earcup and contribute to the behaviour of the driver in the enclosed volume.
EVA Acoustic Absorption
Focal places EVA foam behind the drivers to absorb high-frequency energy rather than allowing it to reflect freely around the closed enclosure.
Acoustic Diffusers
Internal diffusers are also used to break up standing waves within the earcups.
The aim is to reduce unwanted acoustic interference before reflected energy can return towards the driver or listener.
Earpads Form Part of the Acoustic Design
The Stellia earpads do more than provide cushioning.
Focal divides their acoustic behaviour between diffusion and absorption.
Part of the pad uses non-perforated full-grain leather to help diffuse sound, while another section uses acoustic fabric leading towards the memory foam to provide absorption.
Why the Earpad Seal Matters
Closed-back headphones rely on a reasonably consistent fit around the ears.
If the pads cannot sit correctly against the head, low-frequency response and isolation can change.
Glasses, hair, ear shape and individual head shape can all influence that seal.
Try Stellia for Fit
Headphone comfort and acoustic seal are personal.
A demonstration is worthwhile not only to hear Stellia but to make sure the headband and earpads work comfortably with your own head shape, glasses and preferred listening position.
5Hz to 23kHz Frequency Response
Focal specifies Stellia at:
5Hz – 23kHz ±3dB.
The ±3dB qualification provides a useful tolerance around the published response rather than simply giving extreme frequency limits.
35-Ohm Impedance
Stellia has a nominal impedance of:
35 ohms.
This relatively moderate impedance makes the headphones compatible with a broad range of quality headphone outputs.
Do You Need a Dedicated Headphone Amplifier?
Not simply because Stellia is difficult to drive.
However, these headphones are revealing enough that the quality of the connected electronics can become very apparent.
A dedicated headphone amplifier or DAC/headphone amplifier may improve:
- Noise performance
- Control
- Dynamic range
- Low-level detail
- Volume-control quality
- Overall source performance
Easy to Drive Is Not the Same as Source Independent
A 35-ohm impedance does not mean every headphone output will give identical results.
Stellia can be used from a suitable conventional output, but it is sufficiently revealing to justify high-quality partnering electronics.
0.1% Harmonic Distortion
Focal specifies total harmonic distortion of:
0.1% at 1kHz / 100dB SPL.
106dB SPL Published Maximum Level
Focal publishes a maximum sound-pressure level of:
106dB SPL.
This is a capability figure rather than a recommended listening level.
Protect Your Hearing
Extended listening at high sound levels can cause permanent hearing damage.
Use a comfortable volume and reduce the level if you experience ringing, discomfort or listening fatigue.
1.2m 3.5mm Cable
Focal supplies a shorter cable approximately:
1.2 metres long.
It terminates in a conventional 3.5mm headphone plug and is useful when the source is positioned close to the listener.
Suitable equipment may include:
- Portable music players
- DAC/headphone amplifiers
- Desktop headphone amplifiers
- Selected laptops
- Hi-Fi components with 3.5mm headphone outputs
Many Phones No Longer Have a 3.5mm Socket
If your phone or tablet provides only USB-C or Lightning, you will need a suitable analogue headphone adaptor or external DAC.
The quality of that adaptor or DAC becomes part of the Stellia signal path.
6.35mm Adaptor Included
Focal supplies a 3.5mm female to 6.35mm male adaptor.
This allows the shorter cable to connect to the larger headphone socket commonly found on:
- Integrated amplifiers
- Dedicated headphone amplifiers
- DAC/headphone amplifiers
- Network players
- Professional audio equipment
3m 4-Pin XLR Cable
For dedicated home headphone systems, Focal also supplies a:
3 metre balanced 4-pin XLR cable.
This can be used with headphone amplifiers providing a compatible balanced 4-pin XLR headphone output.
Use the XLR Cable Only With a Headphone Output
The supplied 4-pin XLR connector is intended for compatible balanced headphone amplifiers.
Do not connect it to an ordinary line-level XLR input or output simply because the connector looks similar.
Balanced or Single-Ended?
3.5mm Cable
- 1.2m length
- Single-ended connection
- Useful for nearby sources
- 6.35mm adaptor included
4-Pin XLR Cable
- 3m length
- Balanced headphone connection
- For compatible headphone amplifiers
- Well suited to dedicated home listening
Balanced Does Not Automatically Mean Better
Balanced operation can be useful when a headphone amplifier has been specifically designed to take advantage of it.
The quality of the amplifier itself remains more important than the connector type.
435g Weight
Stellia weighs approximately:
435g.
That makes it a substantial full-size headphone, although slightly lighter than some of Focal's large open-back reference models.
Solid Aluminium Yoke
The earcups are supported by a solid aluminium yoke.
The structure combines the rigidity required to hold the earcups securely with carefully controlled movement to accommodate different head shapes.
Constant-Curvature Headband
Focal uses a constant-curvature arrangement between the headband and yoke.
The aim is to distribute contact more evenly around different head and face shapes rather than concentrating pressure into a small area.
Full-Grain Leather
Stellia makes extensive use of full-grain leather through its headband and earpad construction.
The Cognac and Mocha colour treatment gives the headphones their distinctive appearance while the materials also contribute to fit and acoustic behaviour.
Memory-Foam Earpads
The earpads use shape-memory foam beneath their outer materials.
The foam allows the pads to conform more closely to the side of the head, helping comfort and the acoustic seal.
Passive Operation
Stellia contains no active electronics.
There is:
- No rechargeable battery
- No Bluetooth
- No active noise cancellation
- No internal DAC
- No built-in headphone amplifier
- No microphone
- No app
The signal supplied by your headphone amplifier therefore drives the Stellia directly.
No Charging Required
Because Stellia is entirely passive, there is nothing to charge before listening and no battery runtime to consider.
Pure-Beryllium Driver Care
Do Not Touch the Beryllium Diaphragm
The pure-Beryllium driver diaphragm should remain protected and undisturbed during normal ownership.
Do not touch, press, remove or attempt to repair the diaphragm.
If a driver becomes physically damaged, stop using the headphones and contact Audio T for advice rather than attempting a repair yourself.
Carrying Case Included
Stellia is supplied with a fitted protective carrying case measuring approximately:
- Width: 240mm
- Height: 250mm
- Depth: 120mm
The closed-back design makes Stellia considerably more practical to transport than many reference open-back headphones, although it remains a premium full-size model that deserves appropriate protection.
Presentation and Storage
Focal also supplies Stellia with a presentation/storage box finished to complement the Cognac and Mocha colour scheme.
An optional Focal headphone stand is available separately for displaying the headphones when they are not in use.
Home or Portable Listening?
Stellia can accommodate both.
At Home
- Dedicated headphone amplifier
- DAC/headphone amplifier
- Integrated amplifier
- Network player
- 4-pin XLR connection available
- 3m cable provides useful listening distance
On the Move
- Closed-back isolation
- Reduced sound leakage
- 35-ohm impedance
- 1.2m cable
- Protective carrying case
- Suitable DAC may be needed with modern phones
Stellia or Utopia?
Stellia and Utopia both use Focal's pure-Beryllium M-dome technology, but their acoustic construction and intended environments are very different.
Stellia
- Closed-back
- Greater passive isolation
- Reduced sound leakage
- 40mm pure-Beryllium M-dome
- 35-ohm impedance
- 435g
- Suitable for home and more portable use
Utopia
- Open-back
- Very little isolation
- Considerable sound leakage
- 40mm pure-Beryllium M-dome
- 80-ohm impedance
- 490g
- Primarily intended for quiet home listening
Stellia or Clear MG?
Stellia
- Reference closed-back design
- Pure-Beryllium drivers
- 35-ohm impedance
- Greater isolation
- Less sound leakage
- 435g
Clear MG
- Open-back design
- Pure-magnesium drivers
- 55-ohm impedance
- Very little isolation
- Music audible to people nearby
- 450g
Compare the Focal Clear MG at Audio T.
Stellia or Bathys MG?
Stellia
- Passive wired headphone
- Pure-Beryllium drivers
- No battery
- No Bluetooth
- No ANC
- Balanced XLR cable supplied
- Designed around dedicated Hi-Fi sources
Bathys MG
- Active wireless headphone
- Pure-magnesium drivers
- Bluetooth 5.2
- Active noise cancellation
- Rechargeable battery
- USB-DAC mode
- Designed for maximum travel convenience
Stellia makes more sense where passive wired performance and a high-quality external headphone system are the priorities. Bathys MG is the more convenient option where Bluetooth and active noise cancellation matter.
Compare the Focal Bathys MG at Audio T.
Running-In
Focal states that Stellia requires a running-in period before the drivers reach their settled mechanical behaviour.
This happens naturally during the first several hours of normal listening.
There Is No Need to Delay Enjoying Them
Simply use Stellia normally. The drivers will settle naturally over time.
There is no benefit in exposing your hearing to excessive playback levels during the running-in period.
Who Are the Focal Stellia For?
Well Suited To
- Reference closed-back headphone systems
- Dedicated home headphone amplifiers
- DAC and headphone amplifiers
- Balanced 4-pin XLR headphone amplifiers
- Integrated amplifiers with quality headphone outputs
- High-resolution streaming systems
- Vinyl systems
- CD systems
- Shared rooms where open-back leakage is undesirable
- Listeners wanting passive isolation without ANC
- Premium portable DAC systems
Check Before Buying
- Passive wired operation only
- No Bluetooth
- No active noise cancellation
- 435g weight
- 35-ohm impedance
- High-quality source and amplification worthwhile
- 4-pin XLR cable requires a compatible headphone output
- Modern phones may require a USB-C or Lightning DAC
- Pure-Beryllium drivers must not be touched
Key Features
- Focal Stellia
- Reference closed-back headphones
- Passive wired design
- Over-ear fit
- 40mm drivers
- Pure-Beryllium diaphragm
- M-shaped dome
- French-made drivers
- Unsupported copper voice coil
- Closed-back acoustic treatment
- Internal acoustic vents
- EVA absorption
- Acoustic diffusers
- 5Hz–23kHz ±3dB
- 35-ohm impedance
- 0.1% THD at 1kHz / 100dB SPL
- 106dB SPL published maximum level
- Solid aluminium yoke
- Constant-curvature headband
- Full-grain leather
- Memory-foam earpads
- 435g weight
- 1.2m 3.5mm cable
- 3m 4-pin XLR cable
- Balanced headphone connection
- 3.5mm-to-6.35mm adaptor
- Carrying case included
- Cognac and Mocha colour scheme
- No Bluetooth
- No battery
- No active noise cancellation
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Focal Stellia closed-back headphones?
Yes. Stellia is Focal's reference closed-back passive Hi-Fi headphone.
Are Stellia wireless?
No. They are passive wired headphones.
Do Stellia have Bluetooth?
No.
Do they have active noise cancellation?
No. Isolation is provided passively by the closed-back earcups and earpads.
Do Stellia need charging?
No. There is no battery.
What size are the drivers?
40mm.
What are the drivers made from?
Pure Beryllium.
What is an M-dome driver?
Focal forms the Beryllium diaphragm into an M-shaped profile to increase rigidity and control its behaviour while retaining low moving mass.
Where are the Stellia drivers made?
Focal manufactures them in its workshops in France.
What is the frequency response?
5Hz to 23kHz ±3dB.
What is the impedance?
35 ohms.
Are Stellia difficult to drive?
The 35-ohm impedance makes Stellia compatible with a broad range of suitable headphone outputs, although a high-quality amplifier and source are strongly worthwhile at this level.
Do I need a dedicated headphone amplifier?
Not necessarily, but Stellia is revealing enough to benefit considerably from high-quality headphone amplification.
Can I use Stellia with a normal Hi-Fi amplifier?
Yes, provided it has a suitable quality headphone output.
What cables are supplied?
A 1.2m 3.5mm headphone cable and a 3m balanced 4-pin XLR headphone cable.
Is a 6.35mm adaptor included?
Yes. Focal supplies a 3.5mm female to 6.35mm male adaptor.
What is the 4-pin XLR cable for?
It is intended for compatible headphone amplifiers with a dedicated balanced 4-pin XLR headphone output.
Can the XLR cable plug into any XLR socket?
No. Use it only with a compatible dedicated headphone output.
Is balanced connection always better?
No. Performance depends on the design of the connected headphone amplifier rather than connector type alone.
Can I use Stellia with a smartphone?
Yes, provided the phone has a suitable headphone output or is used with an appropriate USB-C or Lightning DAC or headphone adaptor.
Do Stellia block outside noise?
They provide useful passive isolation because of their closed-back design, but they do not electronically cancel outside noise.
Will people nearby hear my music?
Considerably less than with an open-back headphone, although no closed headphone completely eliminates sound leakage at high playback levels.
What is the internal acoustic treatment for?
Focal uses vents, absorption and diffusion inside the closed earcups to control reflections and standing waves around the drivers.
How much do Stellia weigh?
Approximately 435g.
What is the yoke made from?
Solid aluminium.
What materials are used on the headband?
Focal uses full-grain leather as part of the Stellia headband construction.
Do the earpads use memory foam?
Yes.
What harmonic distortion does Focal specify?
0.1% at 1kHz / 100dB SPL.
What is the maximum published SPL?
106dB SPL.
Is a carrying case included?
Yes.
How large is the carrying case?
Approximately 240 x 250 x 120mm W x H x D.
What colour are Stellia?
Stellia uses Focal's distinctive Cognac and Mocha colour scheme.
Do Stellia need running in?
Focal states that the drivers settle naturally during their first several hours of use.
Do I need to take special care with the Beryllium drivers?
Yes. Do not touch, press, remove or attempt to repair the driver diaphragm. If a driver becomes physically damaged, stop using the headphones and contact Audio T for advice.
What is the main difference between Stellia and Utopia?
Stellia is closed-back, giving greater passive isolation and reduced sound leakage. Utopia is open-back and is primarily intended for listening in a quiet private environment.
What is the main difference between Stellia and Bathys MG?
Stellia is a passive wired reference headphone using pure-Beryllium drivers. Bathys MG is an active wireless headphone with magnesium drivers, Bluetooth, USB-DAC functionality and active noise cancellation.
Related Focal Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Focal headphone demonstrations
- Reference headphone comparisons
- Open-back and closed-back advice
- Headphone amplifier matching
- DAC and source matching
- Balanced and single-ended connection advice
- Headphone comfort and fit guidance
- Portable DAC matching
- Streaming-system matching
- Vinyl-system matching
- Part-exchange options
- Setup and ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a Focal Stellia demonstration or discuss headphone amplifiers, DACs, balanced connections and source matching.