Over-Ear
Focal Stellia
84Great
$2999
Full review dataFocal Stellia vs STAX SR-009D: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the STAX SR-009D comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: STAX SR-009D - Outstanding overall at around $2640.
Over-Ear
STAX SR-009D
88Outstanding
$2640
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Stellia
Sound9.0
Value6.0
STAX SR-009D
Sound9.5
Value5.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Stellia | STAX SR-009D |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $2999 | $2640 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2018 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | push-pull electrostatic circular sound element |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-40kHz | 5Hz-42kHz |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 106 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | none | none |
| Codecs | SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 435 g | 594 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
Focal Stellia
The Focal Stellia is a premium closed-back headphone that pairs a beryllium dynamic driver with a luxurious build, delivering outstanding clarity, detail, and separation across a wide frequency range. It is easy to drive from standard sources, making it a versatile high-end option, though its neutral tuning may not always deliver the most lively or emotionally engaging sound. Its price and weight position it firmly in the flagship category for serious listeners.
- Pro:Excellent detail and instrument separation
- Pro:Easy to drive from most devices
- Pro:Luxurious, well-crafted build
- Con:Very expensive for most buyers
- Con:Neutral sound can feel uninvolving at times
- Con:Heavier than many competitors
STAX SR-009D
The STAX SR-009D is a premium electrostatic over-ear headphone that pushes the boundaries of high-fidelity audio with an exceptionally wide frequency response and transparent, detailed sound. Its open-back design and push-pull driver technology deliver a refined, airy presentation, but it demands a dedicated amplifier and a significant investment. This is a statement piece for audiophiles seeking the utmost in technical performance, not a casual listening device.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Very wide frequency range (5Hz-42kHz)
- Pro:Premium build quality with detachable cable
- Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier
- Con:Very high price point
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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