Closed back headphones and Focal


Hey folks, I am beginning to research closed back headphones. My primary use will be when family is still awake and sharing space so that speakers are off limits while the sound infiltration from my open backs is Less pleasurable .  Secondarily, if I find a good sounding set of cans that do well at passive isolation, I might consider them over ANC for travel. 
I also have an opportunity for a tremendous deal on the Focal Stellia. Does anyone have experience with them or suggestions for other closed back headphones?
dramatictenor

Showing 5 responses by dramatictenor

Well I can audition but there are things that become clearer after someone has lived with them for a while. I spent a long time deciding on my current open can, between a Grado I loved but found uncomfortable, and some super comfortable HD660s—so I saved 700 and use them a good bit, and enjoy their accuracy but the “veiling” that they had compared to the Grados remains a weak point of the phones. 
I am hoping to avoid a similar dilemma. That’s part of the back story. 
I’ve never heard Fostex. Not sure if anyone in my town (Portland) carries them. Has anyone had these for any length of time? I haven’t had good luck with “protein leather” lasting a long time. Also, how is the build quality? The images on line don’t impress. 
And how isolating are they? That was one thing holding me back on the Focal Stellias. Not so good on passive isolation. 

Thanks Big Greg. Yup, I have listened at Echo. Currently I need closed backs because my listening room is multipurpose. Living with other people ;)