Before I buy a used set of Focal Stellia...

[Clay49]

...is there another set of closed-back headphones that rival these, yay verily, possibly surpassing the detail and soundstage and clarity of these for general listening enjoyment? I might be able to cross into the mid 2K range, so what else should I consider (new or used) for general music listening and some occasional guitar profiling with my Kemper profiling amp (thus the need for closed-back because I use my Kemper with semi-hollow and acoustic guitars as well, and need to isolate the listening environment to dial in accurate settings on my Kemper).

My listening habits are rather old-school, including classic rock (70’s-early 90’s), orchestral (both classical and cinematic film scores), sacred choral and classic contemporary Christian (the old stuff, like Petra, Sweet Comfort Band, Larry Norman, Allies, Bryan Duncan and Phil Keaggy)...that’s about it.

Thanks for helping me make an educated purchase!

 

[gc335]

Have you considered the Dan Clark Audio Noire or Aeon 2? I have tried A LOT of headphone and the Noire for me is a keeper. I really like it with classic rock. As an added bonus, they are the most comfortable headphone I've ever used.

 

[Clay49]

Have you considered the Dan Clark Audio Noire or Aeon 2? I have tried A LOT of headphone and the Noire for me is a keeper. I really like it with classic rock. As an added bonus, they are the most comfortable headphone I've ever used.

I have not, but I will definitely research both...thanks for the lead!

 

[Clay49]

Have you considered the Dan Clark Audio Noire or Aeon 2? I have tried A LOT of headphone and the Noire for me is a keeper. I really like it with classic rock. As an added bonus, they are the most comfortable headphone I've ever used.

Both are fully closed-back?

 

[gc335]

Both are fully closed-back?

Yes, I think the Noire is only closed back and the Aeon two comes in open and closeed.

 

[Clay49]

Yes, I think the Noire is only closed back and the Aeon two comes in open and closeed.

Have you taken the Focal Stellia for a test drive??? Wondering how it might compare to these two...

 

[gc335]

Have you taken the Focal Stellia for a test drive??? Wondering how it might compare to these two...

I had the Eligia but not the Stellia. Sorry, I can't give much feedback on it. According to ZReviews the Eligia is 80% of the Stellia and a lot cheaper. The comfort on the Eligia (for me anyway) was not that great.

I think I just prefer the planar sound. Read and listening to some Noire reviews. They are very hightly regarded. DMS is a good video on them.

 

[Clay49]

I had the Eligia but not the Stellia. Sorry, I can't give much feedback on it. According to ZReviews the Eligia is 80% of the Stellia and a lot cheaper. The comfort on the Eligia (for me anyway) was not that great.

I think I just prefer the planar sound. Read and listening to some Noire reviews. They are very hightly regarded. DMS is a good video on them.

Awesome, I’ll head over to YouTube and check that out...

 

[Monsterzero]

The Stellia is the 2nd best closed back ive heard, behind only the ZMF Verite closed. It is a bit above your budget though.
You also made no mention of what amp, if any, that you will use with the headphones. That would play a large part in what headphone to choose.

BTW,I used to be in a band with Larry Norman's younger brother, Charles. Met Larry once. I had no idea he was so popular in the Christian rock scene until years later.

 

[DemolitionMan]

Thinksound-ov21 - Care to be a pioneer for the production version? https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/thinksound-ov21.25497/

 

[Malevolent]

...is there another set of closed-back headphones that rival these, yay verily, possibly surpassing the detail and soundstage and clarity of these for general listening enjoyment? I might be able to cross into the mid 2K range, so what else should I consider (new or used) for general music listening and some occasional guitar profiling with my Kemper profiling amp (thus the need for closed-back because I use my Kemper with semi-hollow and acoustic guitars as well, and need to isolate the listening environment to dial in accurate settings on my Kemper).

My listening habits are rather old-school, including classic rock (70’s-early 90’s), orchestral (both classical and cinematic film scores), sacred choral and classic contemporary Christian (the old stuff, like Petra, Sweet Comfort Band, Larry Norman, Allies, Bryan Duncan and Phil Keaggy)...that’s about it.

Thanks for helping me make an educated purchase!

If you want absolute detail and resolution without sacrificing dynamics and musicality, try the Kennerton Rögnir.

If you want something that's musical and fun, with great bass texture, albeit with slightly less clarity, go with the Denon AH-D9200 or the Meze Audio LIRIC.

Otherwise, the Stellia remains one of the best closed-back headphones on the market. If you can get a used pair below the $2,000 mark, you shouldn't hesitate.