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Focal Stellia vs STAX SR-007S: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the STAX SR-007S comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: STAX SR-007S - Outstanding overall at around $2390.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

STAX SR-007S leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • Focal Stellia
  • STAX SR-007S
HearWiki score
74
83
Sound
9.0
9.5
Value
4.5
7.2
Price (USD)
$3,000
$2,390

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The STAX SR-007S is 7 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Stellia2018
  • SR-007S20257 yr newer

Specifications

StelliaSR-007S
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$3,000
$2,390
HearWiki score
74
83
Released
2018
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
2× electrostatic
Driver type
dynamic
electrostatic
Driver size
40 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
2
Frequency response
5 Hz - 23 kHz
6 Hz - 41 kHz
Impedance
35 Ω
145000 Ω
Sensitivity
106 dB/mW
101 dB/mW
Codecs
SBC
-
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
-
No
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
none
Weight
435 g
430 g
Water resistance
none
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
No
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Balanced connection
Yes
-

What reviewers said

Focal Stellia

The Focal Stellia is a premium closed-back over-ear headphone that pairs a 40mm beryllium dynamic driver with a wide 5Hz-23kHz frequency response for detailed, high-resolution sound. Its 35-ohm impedance and 106dB sensitivity make it easy to drive from a variety of sources, while the 435g build and plush materials aim for lasting comfort. As a wired-only model with no ANC or wireless features, it targets audiophiles seeking a refined, reference-grade listening experience.

  • Pro:Rich, detailed sound with strong separation and clarity
  • Pro:Easy to drive given its moderate impedance and high sensitivity
  • Pro:Premium build quality with luxurious materials
  • Con:Very high price point limits accessibility
  • Con:Presentation can feel somewhat lifeless or dry at times
  • Con:No wireless or noise-cancelling features for a wired-only design

STAX SR-007S

The STAX SR-007S is a refined electrostatic flagship that builds on the classic Stax formula with updated internals and comfort-focused earpads. It delivers a spacious, highly detailed soundstage with warm bass and clear treble, all while maintaining a smooth, airy presentation. This wired, over-ear design is a perfectionist's choice for those seeking an evolutionary upgrade in high-end audio.

  • Pro:Spacious and precise soundstage
  • Pro:Warm, deep bass with clear highs
  • Pro:Improved comfort and reduced earcup resonance
  • Con:Requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier
  • Con:Very high impedance limits portability
  • Con:No built-in controls or wireless features

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonFocal StelliaSTAX SR-007S