Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black — Open-back
Sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black

Open-back

86
/ 100
From $169
VS
Focal Celestee wins by 2
Focal Celestee — Closed-back
Focal

Focal Celestee

Closed-back

88
/ 100
From $999
Specdex verdict

Focal Celestee takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black lands at 86 and Focal Celestee at 88. That puts Focal Celestee ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black if…

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

Pick Focal Celestee if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

Focal Celestee

Tuning, detail, and staging

Focal Celestee leads on sound (88 vs 86).

Noise cancelling

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black more score per dollar ($169 vs $999).

Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black 86
vs
88 Focal Celestee

Score breakdown

Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black
86
anc 0
sound 86
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Focal Celestee
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black versus Focal Celestee — full spec comparison
Spec Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black Focal Celestee
Type
Open-back
Closed-back

Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black

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

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

FAQ: Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black vs Focal Celestee

Which is better, Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black or Focal Celestee? +

Focal Celestee scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black worth the price? +

At $169, Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in battery.

Is Focal Celestee worth the price? +

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

Does Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black or Focal Celestee 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, Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black or Focal Celestee? +

Focal Celestee — leads on sound (88 vs 86). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is the better value, Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black or Focal Celestee? +

Sennheiser HD 58X · Midnight Black — more score per dollar ($169 vs $999). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.