Focal Elegia

The reviewer compares the Focal Elegia to the Celestee, finding the Elegia has a unique, rich sound with excellent separation and staging, though its timbre can be off with certain instruments like strings. They prefer the Elegia for its uniqueness if you have other headphones, but recommend the Celestee as a more neutral all-rounder for a single daily driver.

The reviewer considers the Focal Elegia the best Focal headphone they've heard, praising its immediate, engaging sound that works well with any music and amplifier, and even preferring it to the far more expensive Stellia. They find it comfortable, well-built, and a great value at $900, with the only significant complaint being the short, stiff stock cable. Overall, they highly recommend it for pleasure listening.

The reviewer finds the Focal Elegia to be a very clear and detailed closed-back headphone, though it leans bright and forward in sound, which he finds a bit relentless compared to a more relaxed alternative. He praises its comfort and passive noise isolation but strongly dislikes the stiff, kinky stock cable, suggesting an aftermarket replacement. Overall, he sees it as a good but not universally appealing headphone, depending on taste.

The reviewer praises the Focal Elegia as an exceptional closed-back headphone that delivers an open-back-like soundstage and outstanding midrange clarity, with accurate bass that slightly lacks power. They note minor ergonomic issues but overall consider it the best closed-back they've heard, recommending pairing with high-quality sources.

The reviewer finds the Focal Elegia to be a well-built, comfortable closed-back headphone with a neutral midrange and clear detail retrieval, but notes a rolled-off, distant bass response and a slightly tight clamp. At its discounted price of around $400, it is considered a good value, though not a no-brainer due to its bass limitations and sparse accessories.