I have the Focals and for closed back headphones they're amazing. I don't think you'd fully appreciate them until you've started your audiophile journey and understand the nuances.
Too bad you actually didn't get 3 audiophile headphones. You should have kept the Focal, put in the Sennheiser HD650, and put the final one as Koss PortaPro.
My wire on my PortaPros broke but I liked those. The SMH580's seem the same as the Samson 850's and Superlux HD681's that people like. I think most people would still prefer the features of the Sony's over the Sennheiser despite the superior SQ of the HD650's. Look how most people just glossed over the superior sound of the Focal's. Sound quality is only the top priority for SOME people.
@@keepingupwiththejones2933 Just different priorities. I bought the Sony's mainly to block out airplane noise and my kids screaming. 😂 The fact that they sound halfway decent was just a bonus.
@@joentell I wear my Koss KSC75s every day. I've probably talked 30 people into buying them. Super comfortable and sound better to me than the Porta Pros. They are semi open though so it doesn't help much on the plane.
The one potential mistake here is the Stellia can scale with better dacs and amplification. Playing directly from a phone or simple dap won’t highlight their potential, although they can technically be driven. I used these with the Mojo/Poly and the bass immediately opened back up, stage became wider, and significantly more dynamic. The other two headphones would not gain these benefits. It’s like comparing a Lamborghini to a Honda Civic in downtown New York. You need to put the Lamborghini on a race track to show what the engineering pulled off.
I understood this going into this. I ran it off a ZTE Axon 7 which has 2 DAC's and a better than average amplifier section. I wasn't going to bring around my Schiit Audio gear just for this test. I know the sound signature of the Focals on my better gear and they don't have the boosted bass the Sony's have that non-audiophiles seem to appreciate. Take the test with a grain of salt and just notice that ultimate sound quality is not always the top priority for most people. Using the ZTE phone, the Focals still sounded the best to my ears.
@@joentell Ah, that's fair. Thanks for the response. I see your point. The one thing I do tell people is choose what sounds pleasing to your ears. Sony's sound pleasant. I will say I found the Mojo to outperform the Gungnir and Valhalla stack with the Focals. No idea why. Maybe something to test out if you're interested in something pocketable. Lots of diverse opinions about the mojo around the internet.
$3k headphones are for people who want $3k speakers but can’t have them in their space. Like a small apartment. Also, $3k headphones require a likewise head amp....not a phone! But great video. I get your point but you are comparing oranges to $3k headphones!
$300, when you get more luxurious there seems to be less return for what you pay for. The hundreds of dollar ranges generally are the best for performance per cost.
8:08 = Even the young lady had a reaction to the $3000 price of the Focal headphones. I'm sure they're outstanding. For the right individual. If I were given $3000 a week and the stipulation was that I had to spend it, headphones like this would be waaayyyy down on the list.
The thing of it is, even if we assume the Stellas are a 100 on sound quality (and sound quality is hugely subjective), it's not like the Sonys are a 50, and the cheapos a 10. It's more like the Stellas are 100, the Sony 85 and the cheapos 75 (well, the ratio here is debatable, but you get my point). The differences are there, they're noticeable but even the cheapos give you a very nice experience. And even then, there are cans out here that could rate a 95 against the Stella at 100, for a fraction of the price. Obviously I'm just talking about sound quality, because to me thats 95% of the reason to buy. The people who buy Airpods buy for quite different reasons though...
@@lorcro2000 Nah it doesnt work like that. It’s more like flying to another state for holiday vs going to Hawaii. It’s another world - I don’t own the focals but have heard them. They are in another universe compared to 300 dollar cans, seriously.
@@falcodarkzz I don't believe that a $3000 headphone would be vastly better than a $300. It might be "slightly better" in some aspects but after $500 you get to the point of diminishing returns. Even my 660s or the 560s would give all these "high end" headphones a run for their money.
I tried a whole lot of head and earphones from expensive to cheap, I find those cheap 5 to £25 from Samsung, Sony, JBL and Yamaha to sound better (That's to my liking) Most expensive ear- headphones lack the stereo dynamic sound, they don't have that ''surround sound'' were you feel your in the music.
When the guy said he doesn't know whether he could bring 3k headphone to the airport, I was like LOL. I bring 50k items to even a neighborhood coffee shop every time when I'm out.
I am a die hard audiophile, VPI Turntable, a Meridian CD player and Canton Reference 3.2 DC Speakers. I purchased all of these used except for the speakers which were heavily discounted and and the most I spent my money on were the speakers, $3k (originally $16K). I said that because I would never spend $3k for just headphones and then you need a good amplifier and probably a good DAC to bring out their best. Some of the best headphones I own are under $300 are the Hifiman headphones sold on Drop.com. I am sure the Focal sound great because they make great speakers. If it was me I would purchase their full-range speakers for $3k.
I'm with you on that. I'm sure some people would think we're crazy for doing that too! 😂 There's a market for $3000 headphones, just not sure it's me. I can appreciate them though!
@@joentell Here is what I discovered about people and their hobbies and the amount of money they spend. I have one friend who owns a boat that cost $1,000,000, my brother-in-law has a boat that cost $75k, a friend who is into photography has over $50k into his hobby, and my other friend who has over $40k into his equipment. Even a lady I know who is into quilting has over $10k into her craft. People send a tremendous amount of money for what they love. Our hobby is no different than theirs. I absolutely love music but unless I was extremely wealthy I don't see the need for $3k headphone. A music system as you know requires different components to sound their best, the $3k headphones are like the $3k speakers which need a lot more equipment to also sound their best. Thanks.
Great post, Joe. Your mom is a wise woman buying SMH580 for others. Hard to beat their value if your use case is indoors and stationary. Like you, I've replaced the pads on mine and they've become one of my favorites.
After you bought everything you wanted, maybe you would be bored. I could imagine a right person buying this as a gift. Crazy right? I can only imagine.
I think spending more than $200 is just excessive. I'm not an audiophile but I grew up knowing if a headphone or earphone is good or crap. I'm actually using an Edifier W820BT that I got for less than $50 and it's already pretty good, and the W830BT for $70 is already a very decent pair according to many reviews. I'm sure most folks will be happy with it.
Thank you for this video! Good idea to try them on different people to see how they compare to each other. Personally, I can't wear headphones more than a few minutes because I feel like my head is in a vise. For me, comfort is the first criteria.
Some deals i found $50 Cooler Master MH752(with black Friday code at cooler master website) , Philips SHP9500 $100 Sennheiser HD 599 SE Around Ear Open Back Headphone , Philips Fidelio X2HR $200 Sennheiser HD6xx at Drop for 180 , Yamaha HPH-MT8
it depends. If you cant tell difference out of them using sub par sources and amplification, then you should try them the proper setups. It will be worthy difference even night and day difference. But for how much worth it is, totally subjective. YMMV
I don't think I have heard the sony's, but I might have at some point. I own some of the Bose quiet comforts and I have to say I like them a lot. And I am not a Bose fan to be honest. When I bought them I listened to quite a few headphones in the 200 to 600 dollar range and I also own some senhiesers and B&W's. The Bose are as good or better than most of what I heard. And then when you factor in the noise canceling it just put them over the top. I didn't think it was feature I wanted or needed but the more I use them the more I am glad I have it. I like that sometimes I can listen at lower volumes and have it still be clear. Or that it can cut out traffic noise I can hear in my house. Freaking motorcycles, do they really need to be that loud? I must be getting old lol. I used to wear them when moving my lawn even. I stopped because one day a low hanging limb pulled them off my head and I almost ran them over with the mower! Pulled my police scanner off with them too. That could have been almost a thousand dollar accident right there lol. Are their better headphones? Maybe, but thousand dollar headphones are not for me, even if I could afford them (I can't). I don't wear headphones that often and really don't like them much. I prefer speakers much more. And I have listened to multi thousand dollar headphones with headphone amps just to see if they could give the same sound as speakers in a room. I haven't heard any yet that can. Its just a different kind of sound.
If sound quality actually matters to you, go for the Focals. Is it worth it? Heck yes! If you want to save some money, go for the Focal Clears, or drop.com has the new Focal Elex going for a few hundred more than the Sony. Be mindful that they're open back though, unlike the Stellias.
@@joentell For me the lack of an open back is almost a deal-breaker. I want open back. With the obvious exceptions, like in-ears that keep the noise out when you're on the go (but I'd never have big cans as my daily carry, way too bulky and annoying) and of course something like these Sonys if I'm going on a plane, the reason the ANC headphones were even developed in the first place - but for my own listening for pleasure at home, open back all the way. I'm late to that particular party but that was because I never really realized how amazing open back can be for long term comfort and just the open, "airier" sound.
Dude is it apples to apples? Not a fair comparison no amp and you played them off a phone. I’m sure the manufacture didn’t recommended a galaxay or iPhone or whatever to push a premium headphone. At least set expectations. Put an amp on them in a reasonable environment and even the competition. At least understand minimum specs.
Dude, I ran them off a ZTE Axon 7 using an AKM Dac and a decent built-in amp. Sound quality was only one aspect of it and as you could tell, it didn't seem like a top priority in many cases. Out of these three, I think the Sony has the worst sound quality!
don't underestimate some pones with dedicated Hi-Fi dac/amp circuits. I power my Senheiser Hd58x with my Lg v35's ess9028 dac and it is impressive how well it pushed them with 90-100%volume.
Thanks for the reply, lol Im like your brother trying to listen to my headphone’s with my kids running around screaming, dodging their toys! Keep the good vids rolling!!
Joe N Tell the ZTE is not the greatest way to play the Stellia because it can scale much further. Try a Hugo 2, Mojo, AK380, Woo 8, Sony’s Z1, so on. You’ll experience the headphones improve in every way, including soundstage scale and image, beyond what you get here.I think you’ll be surprised (as I was).
Have you heard the Audioquest Nighthawk Carbon headphones? Audioquest isn't making headphones anymore, but they're pretty discounted right now and if people are looking for semi-open headphone these are pretty nice for $200. Not too thrilled with the short cable though.
Dude I have been binging your channel. I was tempted to get an Edifier S2000 Pro or Audioengine A5+ but I saw in one of your videos that you recommend Pioneer SP-BS22-LR + Dayton Audio DTA-2.1BT... that would actually end up cheaper than the Edifier / Audioengine I was looking at... have you ever listened to those speakers, and do you have any thoughts on how it would compare?
I've listened to all of them, but I haven't reviewed the Edifier or Audio Engine. I like the modularity of the Pioneer setup because it gives you an upgrade path.
@@thecrazyaustralian I like the sound of the Pioneer better, but something like the Audio Engine would look better on a desk. It depends if you're going for absolute accuracy or an easy listening experience for music. They aren't the same. If you want accuracy, studio monitors might be good. I have some and they aren't as fun for long listening.
I really love my V-Moda's. If you can ever give them a listen I'm sure you would be impressed. Also i have these old Sol Republic that I use for working out. A highly underrated and forgotten headphones that can rival some of the more expensive brands.
I got my first open back cans recently (sad, considering I'm not a teenager or anything, what have I been doing with my life?) in the Sennheiser HD58X and after that I will probably never used sealed cans at home unless things get a heckuvalot noisier around here. The airiness, and the natural sound, and the ability to hear the room even while listening - it's just a completely different experience. And these crush the Sony on pure sound quality, and no doubt could duke it out fairly respectably with the 3 grand Stellas. I haven't heard them but I don't think they're in different leagues, sound-wise. But obviously the pure plastickyness of the Sennheiser is nowhere near as nice on build quality. Sturdy, workmanlike, but basic. But 4-5 hour sessions with open backs are just so comfortable, the air moves in and out and they never get hot and you never feel claustrophobic. I find myself turning my speakers off more and more at the computer and just putting on the cans.
Yeah, i drove a lot of 300$ cars 😆. Paid this old toyota 3000$ 5-6 years ago. Nothing breaks so im keeping it. Id rather buy home theatre equipment with my money. Wife hates my car, but that home theatre is kick ass powerful.
Ya, but the headphones will probably run longer lol. I haven't had much luck with 2-3 thousand dollar cars lately. Might get a year two out of them if you are lucky. Might die on the way home lol. Heck anymore you are lucky if you can get a car that runs for 1500 bucks.
@@dragonballz9098 I see. Still might be using the Superlux driver and design. If I'm not mistaken, Superlux also makes closed-back versions. I'm interested to hear the difference.
I bought the Monoprice Retros after reading rave reviews. IMO the midrange sounds really hollow and recessed. I'd expect that for a $30 pair of headphones but not this bad. They are great for making your head shake with low bass though. I recently bought a pair of Koss PortaPros on sale for $25. Definitely sounds better to my ears. If I had to stay with a pair of over ears for around $30 then I'd go with the Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi DJ Style. The midrange is much better on these although the bass doesn't hit as low as the Retros.
I wouldn't pay 300 for headphones but I'm not a headphones guy. I just want a relatively nice pair for night time listening. Don't want my system to wake my wife.
I could have called this one right from the beginning, there's very good headphones out there to be had if you aren't fixated on those poorly-built Sonys... 😉
You don't understand having fun? What did you think this was supposed to be about? $30 vs. $300 vs. $3000. I think that should set your expectations from the get go.
1) This isn't a scientific test and isn't meant to be taken so seriously. 2) The Focal's sound better than all the other headphones. 3) Most people don't care. 4) I was running them off of a ZTE Axon 7. Look up the audio specs and get back to me.
@@joentell That's the trick, to find a way to maintain an open mind and a willingness to be proven wrong. We hate to be proven wrong, and especially when we invest ourselves into something and develop one of those almost irrational attachments to whatever it is, it's almost impossible to get people to accept new data. I try hard to keep that open mind and to be willing to accept corrections but it's not something that comes easy to any human. Most people don't even try.
@@lorcro2000 Learning is all about breaking down preconceived notions. They say that what's worse than a person who doesn't know is a person who doesn't know and thinks they do. 😆
@@joentell I give everything a try even if it has a bad reputation won't bad mouth it until I've tried it for example we know beats has shitty sound but I won't put it down because it's more of a fashion statement with muddy bass and the people love it bose is small clear with an elevated sound but not to over powering it's all opinionated what people like so you have to explain the uses and why the people buy the products first we all know big speaker set ups are louder stronger bass but some people don't like it's not their style that being said I have bose 700 sound bar bass module and rears in my room and a McIntosh set up in my living room and both are 100% perfect for my use most audiophiles like it to be as flat as possible and as strong as possible both my set ups for movies and audio has 0 distortion with how I have set up just have to be open minded and try everything I own beats all the way to sennheiser hd 800 but choose to listen to my m50x instead because I like that war elevated sound yes the highs and mids don't sound nearly as good as the hd800 but that's the sound preference of my choice but when reviewing it I would take the time to explain use cases instead of just call the brand shitty unles they truly are a shit brand
@@Sc2God724 When did I say something was "sh*tty"? I liked the Focals for what they do. I liked the Sony's for what they did. I liked the Talent SMH580 at their price. I liked the Phillips SHP9500's. I like my Audio Technic M50X's that I use everyday. So I don't know what you're referring to with your initial statement about bias.
