Higher-end closed back recommendations

[Barnstormer13]

I’m sorry to hear the Stellia isn’t a good fit. I did t find them particularly comfortable, but I could wear them for a couple hours without a problem.

I currently own a pair of VCs and they’re quite comfortable if you’re not sensitive to headphone weight.

 

[Cactopus]

If it is a brand new unit the clamp may loosen over time. Additionally, if the Radiance was too loose for you then it paired with these https://dekoniaudio.com/product/limited-edition-ear-pads-for-focal-stellia-headphones/ maybe what you are looking for. (I'm currently pairing these as the default pads for the Radiance though comfortable are too shallow and the memory foam deflates over time. The dekoni pads are stuffed more generously and look much more durable for the long term.)

 

[user4404]

Thanks @Barnstormer13 and @Cactopus. I’m starting to think the same thing on the radiance. Sound on the radiance was definitely good enough for my ears and I do think some wider pads would have solved my issues. Trying to think about what to do here. I am about to start a company for trying headphones

 

[cpilling]

Unfortunately, replacement pads for Stellias etc. aren't exactly cheap, even as replacement pads go, and there's no certainty that they will help, but it might be worth a try for sure.

 

[Cactopus]

Thanks @Barnstormer13 and @Cactopus. I’m starting to think the same thing on the radiance. Sound on the radiance was definitely good enough for my ears and I do think some wider pads would have solved my issues. Trying to think about what to do here. I am about to start a company for trying headphones

Well, if you do decide to try out the Radiance combo and living around the NYC area, I am contemplating on selling mine and save money for a pair of DCA Stealths. They impressed me at CanJam NYC yesterday (coming from someone who returned a pair of Noires) they are easily the most confortable headphones I have ever worn.

 

[dieterverberck]

These two are the cream of the crop IMO. It really comes down to what kind of amp, if any, you're using.

If you have a nice desktop amp, tubes especially, its the VC all the way.
If you're more into DAPs or portable amps, or perhaps an entry level desktop solution, then I'd opt for the Stellia.

Both are very good sounding headphones, but the VC has slightly better staging, and much better tonality, especially when doing a side-by-side a/b, which is when you can hear a distinct metallic edge on the Stellia.

I own the Focal Radiance and i use it now with the violectric chronos portable amp /dac.
But my question is ,is it worth the upgrade for a higher end amp/dac for this headphone, say i use a amp dac around 1000 dollar or more.
Do i benefit enough for this headphone ,and so yes, is it better to use a tube amp ?

 

[Monsterzero]

I own the Focal Radiance and i use it now with the violectric chronos portable amp /dac.
But my question is ,is it worth the upgrade for a higher end amp/dac for this headphone, say i use a amp dac around 1000 dollar or more.
Do i benefit enough for this headphone ,and so yes, is it better to use a tube amp ?

I havent heard the Radiance, so your question would probably be best asked in the Radiance thread.

The impedance is only 35 ohms, which means its better suited for a solid state or tube hybrid amp, but not an OTL.

 

[Cactopus]

I own the Focal Radiance and i use it now with the violectric chronos portable amp /dac.
But my question is ,is it worth the upgrade for a higher end amp/dac for this headphone, say i use a amp dac around 1000 dollar or more.
Do i benefit enough for this headphone ,and so yes, is it better to use a tube amp ?

Personally speaking I think what you are using is plenty enough. If the the cost of amplifier needed exceeds that of the headphone then there is a problem imo.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Personally speaking I think what you are using is plenty enough. If the the cost of amplifier needed exceeds that of the headphone then there is a problem imo.

There is just no basis for that view.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Thanks @Barnstormer13 and @Cactopus. I’m starting to think the same thing on the radiance. Sound on the radiance was definitely good enough for my ears and I do think some wider pads would have solved my issues. Trying to think about what to do here. I am about to start a company for trying headphones

The Fostex cans are usually the other way around. The clamp is very loose and they fit huge heads. I usually wear mine closed all the way down.

 

[dhj1968]

These two are the cream of the crop IMO. It really comes down to what kind of amp, if any, you're using.

If you have a nice desktop amp, tubes especially, its the VC all the way.
If you're more into DAPs or portable amps, or perhaps an entry level desktop solution, then I'd opt for the Stellia.

Both are very good sounding headphones, but the VC has slightly better staging, and much better tonality, especially when doing a side-by-side a/b, which is when you can hear a distinct metallic edge on the Stellia.