The Focal Arche + Stellia pack represents a complete audiophile solution, combining one of the best closed-back headphones on the market with an amplifier/DAC specifically designed to maximize its performance. The Stellia, with its pure beryllium drivers and closed-back design, delivers exceptional sound quality while isolating the listener from external noise. The Arche, developed in partnership with Micromega, perfectly complements these high-end headphones with its dedicated presets and audiophile design. This duo represents the pinnacle of French expertise in sound reproduction.
Stellia: a high-end closed-back headphone
The Focal Stellia takes on a significant challenge: delivering sound quality on par with the best audiophile headphones in a closed-back format. Traditionally, high-end headphones adopt an open-back design to maximize spatialization and neutrality, but at the cost of no acoustic isolation. The Stellia manages to bridge these two worlds through sophisticated acoustic engineering.
Focal’s engineers worked on every component to achieve sonic purity: integrated vents to extend the frequency response (5 Hz - 40 kHz), EVA foam behind the drivers to absorb high frequencies, and acoustic diffusers to eliminate standing waves. The result is a closed-back headphone capable of delivering the soundstage and precision typically reserved for open-back models.
The closed-back design of the Stellia also has the advantage of isolating the listener from surrounding noise while preventing sound leakage. This feature makes it ideal for listening in shared environments or on the go, where an open-back headphone would be unsuitable.
The Arche: the ideal custom-designed companion
The Arche amplifier/DAC was specifically developed to accompany Focal headphones. The result of a collaboration with French manufacturer Micromega, it features two AK4490 converters powering two Class A channels of one watt each in a dual mono configuration.
The Arche’s uniqueness lies in its integrated presets for each Focal headphone model. These presets are not simple equalizations but complex adjustments to the voltage sent to the headphones, thereby optimizing the Stellia’s performance. This tailored approach ensures that every musical nuance is faithfully reproduced.
In terms of connectivity, the Arche offers digital inputs (USB, coaxial, and optical) supporting up to DSD 256, as well as analog inputs. For output, it provides a standard 6.35 mm jack and a 4-pin XLR socket for a balanced connection with the Stellia, maximizing channel separation and dynamics.
Luxurious design combining aesthetics and functionality
The Stellia stands out with its refined aesthetics in cognac and mocha tones. Unlike the more technophile style of the Utopia, the Stellia adopts a more luxurious approach, making it as much an object of desire as a listening tool. Genuine leather covers the headband and ear cushions, offering exceptional comfort even during long listening sessions.
Despite its weight of 435 grams, the Stellia remains comfortable thanks to optimal weight distribution and memory foam ear cushions. The headband system, inherited from the Utopia, ensures a perfect fit regardless of the user’s morphology.
The ear cushions feature an ingenious design: 50% of their surface is dedicated to sound diffusion via non-perforated leather, while the remaining 50% is used for audio signal absorption through an acoustic fabric coupled with memory foam. This design contributes to the Stellia’s exceptional acoustic isolation.
Driver technology: beryllium as a material of excellence
At the heart of the Stellia are 40 mm electrodynamic drivers with pure beryllium “M”-shaped domes. This rare metal, also used in the Utopia model, offers an unmatched rigidity-to-lightness ratio, enabling remarkably precise sound reproduction.
Beryllium’s rigidity minimizes distortion, while its lightness allows the membranes to move with exceptional speed, faithfully reproducing frequencies up to 40 kHz. Its damping characteristics surpass those of titanium, reducing resonances for precise sound reproduction with impressive dynamics, even within the confined acoustic space of a closed-back design.
The copper voice coil without a support also contributes to the lightness of the moving assembly, enhancing the driver’s responsiveness and its ability to accurately reproduce transients. This technology, exclusive to Focal, allows the Stellia to deliver exceptional dynamics for a closed-back headphone.
Rare versatility in the audiophile segment
With an impedance of only 35 ohms and a sensitivity of 106 dB (1mW @ 1kHz), the Stellia has the rare advantage of being compatible with a wide range of devices, from high-end amplifiers to portable players. This feature sets it apart from many audiophile headphones that require powerful amplifiers to function properly.
This versatility is further enhanced by the two included cables: a 1.2-meter cable with a 3.5 mm jack connector for portable use, and a 3-meter cable with a 4-pin XLR connector for stationary listening with the Arche amplifier or any other amplifier with a balanced output.
The rigid carrying case, with finishes matching the headphones, effectively protects the Stellia during travel, confirming its status as a premium device suitable for both home and mobile use.
Premium accessories completing the experience
The Arche + Stellia pack includes all the necessary accessories to fully enjoy this audiophile solution. For the headphones, the following are included:
- A rigid carrying case with cognac and mocha finishes
- A 3-meter cable with a 4-pin XLR connector for stationary use
- A 1.2-meter cable with a 3.5 mm jack connector for portable use
- A 6.35 mm jack adapter
The Arche amplifier comes with an integrated stand to hold the headphones when not in use. This stand slides into the top part of the device, creating an elegant and practical solution for storing the Stellia.
Together, they form a cohesive ecosystem where every element has been designed to offer an optimal user experience, from unboxing to daily use.
