Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Detailed and energetic listening experience, engaging and resolving with a low-end weight and warmth that is fun and non-fatiguing
  • Dynamics are impactful, transients are notably quick, and it has Beryllium drivers with an almost electrostatic speediness
  • Exceptional build quality with high-quality leather and beautifully shaped metal parts, giving the headphones a strong aura of undeniable luxury
  • Easy to drive, delivering a full sound regardless of the source, and can be driven by almost anything with a headphone jack
  • Likely the most spacious closed-back pair of headphones encountered by one reviewer, and presents a three-dimensional soundstage

Product Considerations

  • Somewhat intimate soundstage compared to open-back headphones
  • The included rubber-coated cables are slightly stiff and somewhat microphonic
  • Bass can be a bit boomy with stock pads

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Sennheiser HD800: Stellia offers a similar soundstage, but the Sennheisers require more power and sound thinner
  • Vs Sennheiser HD650: Stellia sounds like a more detailed and bassy HD650
  • Vs Focal Clear MG: Clear MG is more balanced, more open sounding, and has a better soundstage

Takeaway: The Focal Stellia is an extremely well-built and luxurious headphone that provides a detailed and enjoyable listening experience with a punchy and clean sound. For those seeking a closed-back headphone that can reveal every detail in music, it is worth considering.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

Stellia

reviews

[{"title":"Focal Stellia Headphone Review - A Closed-Back Dream!","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgZGPcocG8Y","source":"GadgetryTech","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Review - Focal Stellia - Are these the best Closed-Back Headphones ever made?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEnL_5fhx84","source":"That Shelf","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"The Focal Stellia are PURE LUXURY","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvewtNDXDaI","source":"Darko Audio","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Focal Stellia Review | $3000 French Portables?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwUX3B7Deu0","source":"Max Settings","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Focal Stellia Review by Monsterzero","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRryuX_-usk","source":"HeadKarma (Monsterzero)","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Focal Stellia Review - High-End and Portable?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1fgP25DeMA","source":"MajorHiFi","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Review: Focal's Stellia Headphones","link":"https://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/desktop/review-focals-stellia-headphones","source":"Wall of Sound","datePublished":""},{"title":"THE FOCAL STELLIA","link":"https://www.audiokeyreviews.com/the-reviews/focal-stellia","source":"AudioKey Reviews","datePublished":""},{"title":"FOCAL STELLIA REVIEW","link":"https://www.headphoneer.com/focal-stellia-review","source":"Headphoneer","datePublished":""},{"title":"Review: Focal Stellia – Baby, You're a Star!","link":"https://www.headphonesty.com/2021/12/review-focal-stellia","source":"Headphonesty","datePublished":""},{"title":"Focal Stellia Review","link":"https://headfonics.com/focal-stellia-review","source":"Headfonics","datePublished":""},{"title":"Focal Stellia review","link":"https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/focal-stellia","source":"What Hi-Fi","datePublished":""},{"title":"Focal Stellia review","link":"https://www.techradar.com/reviews/focal-stellia-review","source":"TechRadar","datePublished":""},{"title":"Stellia Review","link":"https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/focal-stellia-review-closed-back-headphone.28146/","source":"audiosciencereview.com","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Product type: Closed-back headphones
  • Loudspeakers: 15/8" (40mm) pure Beryllium 'M'-shaped dome
  • Frequency response (+/- 3dB): 5 Hz – 23 kHz
  • Harmonic distortion rate: 0.1 % @ 1kHz / 100 dB SPL
  • Impedance: 35 Ω
  • Maximum SPL (peak@1m): 106 dB SPL
  • Weight: 435 g / 0.96 lb
  • Carrying case depth: 120 mm / 4.75 in
  • Carrying case height: 250 mm / 9.87 in
  • Carrying case width: 240 mm / 9.5 in
With its exclusive drivers, Stellia pushes the boundaries of acoustics. It offers uncompromising sound performance, for top-quality listening at home and on the move. This innovation is highlighted by the use of high-quality materials and refined aesthetics.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Focal monitors are noted for their "mid-forward" sound, guiding users toward balanced mixes, particularly in the midrange frequencies, which aids in crucial EQ and dynamics decisions.
  • They integrate an inverted dome tweeter crafted from Aluminum/Magnesium or Beryllium, optimizing high-frequency dispersion and minimizing distortion through back wave absorption.
  • Focal frequently employs flax or "W" composite sandwich cones in their mid-bass drivers, providing a lightweight yet rigid diaphragm construction that delivers exceptional definition and controlled bass.

Theva

  • Positioning: The entry-level series in Focal's high-fidelity lineup.
  • Description: Features Focal's signature technologies like the TNF tweeter for clear treble. Compared to the Aria Evo X, offers a more budget-friendly option with simpler cabinet designs. While it lacks the advanced materials found in the Kanta series, still provides a solid performance for its price range, suitable for basic home audio setups.

Aria Evo X

  • Positioning: Sits in the mid-range of Focal's lineup, offering a balance between performance and affordability.
  • Description: Features flax cone technology, providing natural sound and excellent dynamics. More refined than Theva, offering better build quality and soundstage.

Kanta

  • Positioning: A premium series, offering advanced technology and design.
  • Description: Known for their innovative design and use of materials like the Flax sandwich cone and Beryllium tweeter, delivering precise and detailed sound. They offer a more sophisticated sound profile than Aria Evo X, with enhanced clarity and warmth.

Sopra

  • Positioning: A high-end series, just below the flagship Utopia line, focusing on compactness and performance.
  • Description: Excels in sound transparency and precision, featuring technologies like the Infinite Horn Loading system for improved treble. They offer a richer harmonic experience than Kanta.

Utopia III Evo

  • Positioning: Focal's flagship series, representing the pinnacle of their speaker technology.
  • Description: Renowned for their exceptional sound quality and luxurious design, incorporating technologies like the Beryllium tweeter and W composite sandwich cone. They surpass Sopra in every aspect, offering groundbreaking soundstage and detail, ideal for large dedicated listening rooms and those with no budget constraints.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
239
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
10
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
79
Founding Year
1979

Our take on the brand

Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
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Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
HIFIMAN
HE-R10P
5499
5499
/
8
Reviews
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Sounds big and open for a closed-back headphone, with an impressive soundstage for its type.
  • Offers a warm-leaning, smooth, mid-forward sound signature.
  • Very good imaging creates an immersive listening experience, and detailed separation of instruments.
  • Easy to drive with a low impedance and high sensitivity, making it suitable for use with portable devices.
  • The wooden earcups have a large internal space that brings sufficient volume and breathing room to the driver.

Product Considerations

  • Build quality may be disappointing for the price, particularly the headband, which is considered cheap compared to other headphones in the price range.
  • Comfort can be an issue due to the weight and headband design, which may cause discomfort on the scalp for some users.
  • Lacks clamping force, so the weight is felt on the top of the head, and it does not isolate sound very well.
  • Treble response might be somewhat softer or less energetic compared to other headphones, which might not appeal to those seeking a more exciting sound.
  • One review mentions an issue with a dip around 5kHz and a peak around 10kHz that impacts some instruments, though it is admittedly 'nitpicking'.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs HIFIMAN HE-R10D: There is a difference in price and sound signature.
  • Vs HIFIMAN Susvara: The HE-R10P has less soundstage, the Susvara has more transparency, but the HE-R10P has more mid-bass presence.
  • Vs Focal Stellia: The HE-R10P has a larger soundstage and more powerful bass, but Stellia has a safer tuning with a brighter high end.

Takeaway: The HiFiMan HE-R10P is a closed-back planar headphone that delivers exceptional sound quality with remarkable imaging and detail, making music sound lively and fun. Its unique design aims to create an open and spacious listening experience, allowing listeners to enjoy music for hours.

Video review

Our take on the brand

HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Subtonic Audio
Storm
5200
5200
/
4
Reviews
Subtonic Audio is a hifi headphone brand recognized for their SLAM dual-armature woofer system, delivering bass extension down to 3 Hz, and their complex 7-way CTRL crossover that splits signals into narrow bands for precise control. Their flagship Storm IEMs showcase hand-enameled faceplates with a two-thirds rejection rate.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Considered by many as having the best sound achievable in an in-ear headphone, making it an exceptional audio experience
  • The sound signature is mostly balanced with tasteful coloration, where the treble imparts a particular element that is potentially preferable
  • The midrange is extremely well done
  • Features unique SLAM subwoofer, woofer, midwoofer, mid tweeter, tweeter and EST technologies
  • Built with Grade 5 titanium, providing sturdiness and high quality

Product Considerations

  • Treble performance can be hit or miss depending on the listener's anatomy and HRTF
  • Requires more power than typical IEMs, potentially draining the battery of portable audio players
  • Shells are on the larger side
  • The included cable is nice, but the chin cinch tends to slide down

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Hi-Senior Megafest and Dusk Default DSP, the Storm is an editorialized or enhanced version of those IEMs, particularly regarding bass and mids
  • Compared to the 64 Audio U6T, it has similar balance with similar tasteful colorations, but Storm's bass is more punchy and the upper treble is more to the reviewer's preference
  • Compared to the Empire Ears Odin, the Storm is preferred because the Odin is not as versatile, and the Storm sounds more detailed
  • Compared to the Empire Ears Raven, the Storm is more normal in a good way because the Raven has massive bass and a strange lower midrange resonance feature
  • Resolution, stage and tonality are better on the Storm compared to Grand Maestro

Takeaway: The Storm is a high-end IEM with exceptional sound quality and great build, even if pricey. It could be worth buying for those who want the best possible audio experience and appreciate a balanced sound with unique features.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Subtonic Audio is a hifi headphone brand recognized for their SLAM dual-armature woofer system, delivering bass extension down to 3 Hz, and their complex 7-way CTRL crossover that splits signals into narrow bands for precise control. Their flagship Storm IEMs showcase hand-enameled faceplates with a two-thirds rejection rate.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Dan Clark Audio
Stealth
3999
/
Released
2021
STEALTH is Dan Clark Audio's closed flagship headphone, and its striking matte black and red design offers a teaser of its stunningly smooth, rich and spacious sound. STEALTH is a closed-back headphone that delivers great isolation, while our proprietary Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) works with our all-new 4th generation driver to create a huge, wide-open soundstage. STEALTH features a self-adjusting headband and an emphasis on ergonomics that make extended listening comfortable.
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Dan Clark Audio sets itself apart with its patented Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System, which uses waveguides and resonators to shape frequency response to uniquely close adherence to various targets, and a unique tensioning system that ensures consistent performance across their headphone units. Their summit-tier headphones feature an uncommon folding design for portability, and their self-adjusting headbands offer extended comfort during long listening sessions.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Offers a combination of dynamic driver, planar magnetic, and electrostatic qualities, providing impressive bass, speed, treble reach, and broad frequency resolution
  • Exceptional clarity and resolution across the frequency spectrum
  • Has a natural and immersive sound, very refined, with exceptional staging, positioning, layering, relative spacing, and image stability
  • Very comfortable, lightweight (415g), and foldable for portability
  • The Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) delivers smooth, accurate, and detailed high frequencies, while minimizing unwanted distortions

Product Considerations

  • Requires a good seal to be effective, and the seal can be easily broken by movement or glasses
  • The Stealths require a bit of power to sound their best, marginal efficiency at 86-89dB
  • Less sensitive than other headphones, requiring higher volume settings and more powerful amplification
  • Revealing of poor recordings and distortion in the system
  • Can lack slam or macro contrast

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Stealth is more comfortable, better built, more isolating, has amazing quality control, and is more resolving and fun, while sounding more accurate due to the AMTS, compared to the Dan Clark Audio Ether 2
  • The Stealth has better balance, with the Focal Stellia having too much bass, smoother treble, and better instrument separation, though the Stellia has better punchiness
  • The Stealth is lighter, has better instrument separation, and better tuning without needing EQ, compared to the Audeze LCD-XC
  • The Stealth gives a more tonal 'normal' presentation, wins for instrument separation, and has excellent design, compared to the ZMF Verite

Takeaway: The Dan Clark Audio Stealth headphones combine excellent sound quality with a comfortable, portable design, making them a good choice for audiophiles who want a high-end listening experience at home or on the go. It is a good all-arounder that does everything well with its design.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Dan Clark Audio sets itself apart with its patented Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System, which uses waveguides and resonators to shape frequency response to uniquely close adherence to various targets, and a unique tensioning system that ensures consistent performance across their headphone units. Their summit-tier headphones feature an uncommon folding design for portability, and their self-adjusting headbands offer extended comfort during long listening sessions.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
HIFIMAN
Isvarna
2899
/
Released
2024
ISVARNA — Premium Open-Back Headphones with Enhanced Bass Response and Precision Crossover Design.
Check Amazon
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Combines planar magnetic and dynamic drivers to deliver both detail/speed and powerful bass response
  • Comfortable for long listening sessions, despite having two drivers per side and a crossover
  • Produces clean and detailed sound, with a decent sense of clarity
  • Relatively easy to drive compared to other planar magnetic headphones
  • Smooth transition between the dynamic and planar drivers, creating a coherent sound

Product Considerations

  • Has a mid-bass hump and a roll-off in the sub-bass region, which may not appeal to all listeners or genres
  • Treble response may be too energetic for treble-sensitive individuals
  • The tuning may not be suitable as an 'all-rounder' headphone for all music genres
  • Needs a solid-state amplifier to control the dynamic driver in the low end

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs HiFiMan HE-1000SE: The Isvarna has a wider soundstage, but less height and depth
  • Vs HiFiMan ARIA Organic: The Isvarna has more bass
  • Vs Kennerton Veneta: The HiFiMan is more bassy for bass heads

Takeaway: The HiFiMan Isvarna is a unique headphone that delivers a fun and engaging listening experience with its hybrid driver design, especially for those who enjoy bass. It is comfortable, relatively easy to drive, and offers a clean and detailed sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Softears
enigma
3699
/
Released
2024
The Softears Enigma is a flagship 12-driver in-ear monitor featuring a 5-way crossover design. It combines 2 dynamic drivers, 6 balanced armature drivers, and 4 electrostatic drivers to deliver a highly resolving, full-range sound suitable for professional and audiophile use.
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Softears creates reference-quality in-ear monitors for professional monitoring. The brand features passive driver modules that relieve ear pressure without compromising isolation, and complex 15-component crossover networks more akin to high-end loudspeakers. Known for extreme transparency that can even expose recording flaws, Softears delivers flat-impedance designs engineered for pro interface.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Beautifully balanced tonal quality
  • Excellent and innovative shell design
  • Unique unboxing and premium accessories
  • Comfortable fit despite the larger shells
  • Wide stereo separation

Product Considerations

  • Treble might seem too controlled for some
  • The sound is source dependent
  • More mid-treble and air up top, lesser fullness in lower-midrange, and less of the mid-bass boost would be ideal

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to 64 Audio’s Fourte and the Vision Ears Phonix, the Enigma competes with them in the summit-fi range
  • Compared to Softears Twilight, the bass is tighter and more focused, with better detail, also the Enigma has a more precise and layered soundstage
  • Compared to Elysian Annihilator, the Enigma trades the sharp precision of the Annihilator for a smoother and more forgiving presentation
  • Compared to Empire Ears Odin, the Enigma is easier and more laid back to listen to, whereas the Odin grabs attention with its bold dynamics
  • Compared to Lime Ears Anima, the Enigma feels more refined in comparison, excelling in accurate ear gain/upper-midrange, which results in it sounding more linear and natural
  • Compared to Kinera Loki Emerald, the Enigma outshines the Loki in mids, offering a more natural and emotive presentation

Takeaway: The Softears Enigma is a well-balanced high-end IEM, with craftsmanship and attention to detail evident in its distinctive design and thoughtful packaging. If one favors a sound that leans toward musicality with a relaxed tuning, the Enigma is sure to please.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Softears creates reference-quality in-ear monitors for professional monitoring. The brand features passive driver modules that relieve ear pressure without compromising isolation, and complex 15-component crossover networks more akin to high-end loudspeakers. Known for extreme transparency that can even expose recording flaws, Softears delivers flat-impedance designs engineered for pro interface.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
ZMF
Caldera Closed
3499
/
Released
2024
ZMF's first fully closed planar headphone, developed from the Caldera Open model. Awarded Headfonics Best Ortho 2023, the Caldera Closed features the patented Atrium Damping System, along with the patent-pending Caldera Pad and Caldera Magnet Systems. Sonically the Closed version imparts the speed, immediacy and dynamism of the open, while adding a sub-bass boost and tastefully closer(ish) to Harman tuning with the incredible isolation of a closed back.
Check Amazon
ZMF is a boutique hifi headphone brand that crafts one-of-a-kind wooden headphones from stabilized resin-wood billets, each harvested, processed, and assembled in the USA. Their patented acoustic systems include the Atrium Damping System (ADS) and the Caldera's trapezoidal magnet structure. The brand offers lifetime driver warranties and maintains measurement transparency using professional B&K equipment. They have created a distinct enthusiast culture around their annual "ZMF November" limited-edition sales.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent build quality and visually stunning design with unique wood cups, making each unit unique
  • Good bass response with well-balanced tonality, texture, definition, speed, and dynamics
  • Treble presentation is excellent, smooth, bright, and airy without being overly forward or fatiguing
  • The Caldera Closed uses Atrium Damping System (ADS) for a more natural sound decay
  • Very resolving with class-leading dynamics

Product Considerations

  • Mid-range tonality may be uneven and forward for some listeners, potentially causing fatigue or a 'hollow' timbre
  • Soundstage is relatively narrow compared to some other closed-back headphones
  • Can be moderately difficult to drive, not suitable for all portable amplifiers
  • Weight might be an issue for some users, though well-distributed
  • Requires high-quality audio tracks to sound its best

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Versus Caldera Open, the closed version has a superior treble presentation, the open is preferable in the mid-range
  • Versus the Dan Clark Audio E3, the Caldera Closed is easier to drive and has better dynamics, the E3 has a wider soundstage and is more comfortable
  • The Caldera Closed is more spacious sounding than the Atrium Closed
  • The Caldera Closed is better than the Verite Closed for all-day listening

Takeaway: The ZMF Caldera Closed is a beautifully crafted, high-performance closed-back headphone with excellent bass and treble, making for a fun and engaging listening experience. The versatility to use it with most amps makes it a great choice.

Video review

Our take on the brand

ZMF is a boutique hifi headphone brand that crafts one-of-a-kind wooden headphones from stabilized resin-wood billets, each harvested, processed, and assembled in the USA. Their patented acoustic systems include the Atrium Damping System (ADS) and the Caldera's trapezoidal magnet structure. The brand offers lifetime driver warranties and maintains measurement transparency using professional B&K equipment. They have created a distinct enthusiast culture around their annual "ZMF November" limited-edition sales.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Ultimate Ears Professional
Premier
2999
/
Released
2023
Custom-fit in-ear monitors featuring 21 balanced-armature drivers per side—including dual sub-low, mid-low, quad mid, True Tone, and quad super tweeter drivers—all managed by a five-way passive crossover. They deliver an extended frequency response from 5 Hz to 40 kHz, exceptional acoustic isolation (-26 dB), and durable IPX-rated cabling for live, studio, and audiophile use.
Check Amazon
Ultimate Ears Professional specializes in custom in-ear monitors featuring their proprietary IPX/T2 connector system for touring reliability, 3D laser ear-scanning for digital custom builds, and the flagship UE Premier with 21 balanced-armature drivers per earpiece. The brand offers configurable Ambient ports for adjustable stage isolation, and specialized accessories like Sound Guard spike limiting for professional touring musicians.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Custom, personalized fit due to custom molding, offering comfort and secure fit
  • Excellent acoustic isolation, effectively blocking out external noise
  • High sensitivity, making them easy to drive with various sources
  • Astonishing sound with a high level of detail and clarity
  • Durable build quality

Product Considerations

  • High price
  • Deep canal fit may not be comfortable for all users
  • Requires external EQ tweaking to achieve optimal frequency response, as the out-of-the-box tuning may not be ideal
  • The included case design can be unwieldy and annoying to open
  • Ambient port plugs are small and can be easily lost

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Simpler implementation of drivers in the Sennheiser can yield better results

Takeaway: The Premier are a high-end custom in-ear monitor option with excellent sound reproduction, build quality, and personalized fit. For those who prioritize sound quality and custom fit, the Premier could be worth the investment for critical listening or professional use.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Ultimate Ears Professional specializes in custom in-ear monitors featuring their proprietary IPX/T2 connector system for touring reliability, 3D laser ear-scanning for digital custom builds, and the flagship UE Premier with 21 balanced-armature drivers per earpiece. The brand offers configurable Ambient ports for adjustable stage isolation, and specialized accessories like Sound Guard spike limiting for professional touring musicians.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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