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Focal Celestee — Closed-back
Focal

Focal Celestee

Closed-back

88
/ 100
From $999
VS
Sennheiser HD 800S wins by 7
Sennheiser HD 800S — Over-ear · 2016
Sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 800S

Over-ear · 2016

95
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict

Sennheiser HD 800S takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Celestee lands at 88 and Sennheiser HD 800S at 95. That puts Sennheiser HD 800S ahead by 7 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Focal Celestee if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Sennheiser HD 800S if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Sennheiser HD 800S

Tuning, detail, and staging

Sennheiser HD 800S leads on sound (95 vs 88).

Noise cancelling

Sennheiser HD 800S

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sennheiser HD 800S leads on anc (93 vs 0).

Comfort

Sennheiser HD 800S

Long-session wearability

Sennheiser HD 800S leads on comfort (94 vs 88).

Value for money

Focal Celestee

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Focal Celestee more score per dollar ($999 vs $1,699).

Focal Celestee 88
vs
95 Sennheiser HD 800S

Score breakdown

Focal Celestee
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Sennheiser HD 800S
95
anc 93
sound 95
comfort 94
battery 82
features 91

Specs side-by-side

Focal Celestee versus Sennheiser HD 800S — full spec comparison
Spec Focal Celestee Sennheiser HD 800S
Type
Closed-back
Over-ear
Release year
—
2016

Focal Celestee

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Sennheiser HD 800S

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: Focal Celestee vs Sennheiser HD 800S

Which is better, Focal Celestee or Sennheiser HD 800S? +

Sennheiser HD 800S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 7. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Focal Celestee worth the price? +

At $999, Focal Celestee delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Is Sennheiser HD 800S worth the price? +

At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sound.

Does Focal Celestee or Sennheiser HD 800S last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, Focal Celestee or Sennheiser HD 800S? +

Sennheiser HD 800S — leads on sound (95 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Focal Celestee or Sennheiser HD 800S? +

Sennheiser HD 800S — leads on anc (93 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.