Short answer: the Focal Stellia, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #370 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 2.9/5, at $2,999; the Audeze LCD-4z ranks #392, rated 2.7/5, and costs $3,995, so there is little reason to consider the other one. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 481 over-ear headphones, so if sound quality matters, consider the Dan Clark Audio E3 instead, ranked #1 at $2,299.
The case for the Focal Stellia: A closed-back design with a beryllium dome driver keeps sound in and outside noise down, and the 35 ohm, 106 dB/mW load runs well from a phone or portable player. The catch: Presence, treble and air all fall 4 to 7 dB below target, and oratory1990’s measurement shows a 12.8 dB dip near 9.7 kHz, so cymbals and detail sound dull and recessed.
What the Audeze LCD-4z does well: Its 106mm planar magnetic driver keeps the low mids right on the Harman target, so voices and instruments in the 200 Hz to 1 kHz range sound full and natural. Watch for: In oratory1990’s measurement the treble sits about 8 to 9 dB below target from 3 to 10 kHz, with a 14 dB hole near 9.1 kHz, so cymbals, string attack and detail sound muted and veiled.
Buy the Focal Stellia. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Audeze LCD-4z and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
A closed-back design with a beryllium dome driver keeps sound in and outside noise down, and the 35 ohm, 106 dB/mW load runs well from a phone or portable player.
Amazon $2,999.00 eBay
Its 106mm planar magnetic driver keeps the low mids right on the Harman target, so voices and instruments in the 200 Hz to 1 kHz range sound full and natural.
B&H Photo Video $3,995.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Stellia | Audeze LCD-4z | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,999.00 | $3,995.00 |
| Ranked | #370 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #392 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 56 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 53 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.04 dB standard deviation | 3.62 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -1.27 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.00 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-0.5 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 45 Hz (-6.3 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 40mm dynamic (beryllium dome) | 1 x 106mm planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 35 ohms | 15 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 106 dB SPL/mW | 98 dB/mW |
| Weight | 1 lbs (435 g) | 1.2 lbs (560 g) |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
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