Love the Bathys..had them for 4-5 months and the latest update has seen a dynamic eq added which is near to the Harmon curve and makes the Bathys sound even better if that’s possible !
I've had these for 4 months now and I love them. I'm not an audio pro though, I just happened to come across the Bathys after being very frustrated with Bose, Sennheiser and Sony's high end options. I guess I was seeking the dynamics you talked about, but I was also looking for comfort. These are so comfortable I sometimes forget I'm wearing them. If I'm nitpicking, I would like them to be a bit louder, and like everyone else would appreciate a finer detailed equalizer and a more feature rich app. Also (but this is just me fantasizing) a dedicated button for swapping through equalizer presets. One thing worth mentioning is how responsive the Focal team is. I noticed a little bug with the LEDs, sent them a message, they replied to me in less than 24hrs, and then they put the fix in the next firmware update. I feel like if we send them all of the feedback from the comments they might actually work on some improvements, while a regular consumer brand would not care.
Can I ask why you were frustrated with the bose and sennheiser? I thought these are good enough for non-audiophiles. I am considering to buy the Bathys though.
@EastWood2004 I think it came down to the comfort (I have big ears with lots of piercings) but also the sound being too neutral. I listen to mostly prog metal, heavy rock, industrial or jazz for reference. They were good enough for pop and mainstream rock, I guess.
Yeah gotta agree with you. In my opinion this review is downright misleading with regards to performance, I have Bathys and it isn;t even upto Elegia standards let alone Radiance.
@@falcodarkzz I had the dealer listen to the Bathys and asked if there was something wrong with them! I have Elegia too, Radiance is a big step up, worth a listen if you get a chance.
I love your reviews. Fantastically detailed and seemingly unbiased! I say that last part because sometimes I feel like reviewers can be heavily influenced by sponsors. You don't seem to be! I had these. I liked them. But then I heard the T+A Solitaire T headphones. And I have to say it was love at first sound. I'm curious to know, because I respect your reviews and opinions so much, if you've ever heard them. Or if you've heard the Dali IO-12s? I would absolutely love your thoughts on either one of them. Especially the Ts. Aside from the cup size, I'm in love with these headphones. I suppose that's all that matters, but I would certainly appreciate your opinion. Cheers. And looking forward to continuing to binge your videos.
I do like it 👍 But at least one comparison video pegged the PX8 as being “more enjoyable”. And that reviewer was Focal enthusiast who owned a few sets of Focal headphones. I am sure both headphones are excellent, but comparisons make for interesting videos 🧐
The Px8 isn’t in the same league as the Bathys. The Bathys is a much more transparent and less colored headphone and suitable for more types of music and takes an EQ really well.
Great review. I was going to get Focal Clear - different breed, I know. But after watching your review of the Bathys now I'm leaning toward dual functionality of Bluetooth technology and overall sound quality. Thanks
Sennheiser Momentum 4 and some others have dethroned the airpods Max a while ago for Sound quality. I would love to see a detailed comparison of this headphone against the momentum 4 (bass impact, details, Soundstage, imaging, etc).
Me too.. movement. Lol I've always liked Sennheiser Momentums! Never really got all excited over the 600 series? I actually own a pair of HD 600? A friend has the 660s which sound better, even with their upper bass & treble bumps. Something about the 660s pads & clamping force just doesnt work for me? The Momentum are way more comfy & just more engaging to listen to.
As somebody with a rather large head I find it gets uncomfortable to wear after 30mins already. I am glad I tried it on before buying so beware if you also have a larger head. That said I use the Focal Elegia up to 8h per day in the office without feeling any pressure. The headband is noticeably shorter (possibly for weight reasons) in the Bathys than in other wired Focal headphones.
Thank you for flagging it. I've got a large head too. My Radiance and Elear are both very comfortable for hours on end, but I wouldn't want it to get much clampier than that. The Bathys are currently on sale near me ($420), but I really don't NEED another set of Focals. Now that I know they probably won't be as comfortable as the others, it's easier to stay away. My wallet thanks you.
The USB DAC mode is actually pretty common, with the Sennheiser, Bang & Olufsen and Bowers & Wilkins models also supporting that. (Pretty sure the Sennheiser ones have supported that for years). I was able to compare the Bathys (in DAC mode) to a Celestee and thought the Celestee was the clear winner. The Bathys is a DSP corrected headphone and it sounds like one. There is something artificial about the sound that I can’t really put my fingers on. I also thought the bass was overpowering and unnatural. Compared to other bluetooth noise cancelling headphones it was a clear winner though.
I got my bathys yesterday, can’t say I’m not unhappy it’s a solid headphone but I’ve noticed the same phenomenon, hard to describe but you you hear almost like “phantom sounds” I.e sounds in a song you just don’t hear in other headphones, and not in the kind of “ooh this is revealing clarity I’ve never heard before” way but rather it’s changing the sound & character of the song in some cases. Still leagues above my Sony except in comfort which for that reason I’ll still keep them around too.
@@mikeg2491 Definitely noticed that too; like a fragmenting of the mix; for example in one track I’ve heard since forever i heard a backup singer way off in left field isolated rather than harmonically together and it was weird. Also bass guitars are often split off too far on the side. Just got them not sure how I feel.
well, this day arriving was inevitable at this point, and kudos for Focal for having been the one to do so. So, these are like active monitors then, with wired/less capabilities, without having the need to build massive deltoids et al to carry them :D thanks D!
Great review! I love the Bathys, and I'm definitely going to keep it. However, I'm also keeping the Radiance which remains one of my favorite headphones ever. My only complaint with the Bathys is that dip in the mids, but I've PEQ'd it up which helped a lot. If Focal reads this, I'd love to see them make an add on Bluetooth device like Hifiman did with their Deva. I've run my Focals off of a pair of FiiO UTWS5 and it's a liberating yet still fantastic sounding experience.
@@jamiesmith6838 I am one of those people 😁 Granted, I didn't get to spend a whole lot of time with the Stellia, and I only did so at CanJam in a rather loud show floor, but the Radiance had a better tonality for my tastes, whereas the Stellia seemed to have too much upper bass/lower mids which made the mids seem to disappear for me. Again, this is my ears, not yours, so: IF YOU LOVE IT, IGNORE WHAT I OR ANYONE ELSE HAS TO SAY AND KEEP LOVING IT! 😁
@@eruilluvitar Lol. Thx Scott Pledged. I have yet to actually listen to the Radiance. However, I hear they fit that price to performance goal better compared to the $3000. Stellia..which until it's arrival, had none to compare. As its often said, "Patients is a virtue".. especially at the high-end. Trickle down tech has its rewards. Presenting Radiance, & now Bathys! I'd like to own all 3 if I had my way? Lol
These are not just great BT phones . . . they are great phones period. I have owned Focals for years, including Eligia and Stellias (and also JPS 1266 Phi TC), driven by the Focal Arche DAC/AMP, and Woo Audio Wa33. I won't go so far as to say the Bathys are as good as the Stellias . . . but it's a LOT closer than I expected. The detail and separation is phenomenal, I am picking up things I never heard with even the Stellias, even through BT. HIGHLY recommended.
After I watched you video, I took the "plunge," and got it. It is pretty awesome, but really something in DAC mode. Even outside DAC mode it is a wonderful headphone.
The ultra high end bt headphone scene has definitely been progressing very quickly recently, one more interesting release recently is the ath-wb2022 which retails with the scorching price of 400k yen here, accompanying the w2022 which retails for 1.32 million yen
"Do you like Huey Lewis and The News? Their early work was a little too new wave for my tastes, but when Sports came out in '83, I think they really came into their own, commercially and artistically. The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost."
I was waiting for you to make a video on this than I realized you did lol. I was looking at these headphones and dude am I saving up for these things 🎧. they'll replace my Bose qc35's easily
I've been seeing pretty good reviews and I'm considering to buy my only concern is how is the bass? I don't need it to be blasting my brain out lol but on a scale of 1-10 how good would you say it is?
Great video! How would compare sound quality to the Bowers and Wilkins PX8 ? I currently have the AirPods Max and am torn between the Focals and the PX8 - would love your input, thanks!
@mikeg2491 I thought that until the DAC in mine died (a couple weeks in) and they replaced mine with a new pair. Honestly cant get past 70% on BT with this new pair. They are so loud. DAC mode is pretty quiet though. Is that the sources fault over the headphones though?
@@vjdfl5 you say your Bathys are too loud for you, I struggle getting a pair of headphones that are loud enough for me, my AirPods Max are just about ok but I sometimes wish they could get a touch louder. Are you in the EU like myself or in the US where the volume level may not be restricted like they may be in Europe. I am interested in the Bathys but the volume is important to me. Thank you
@natashakirkham4476 I'm in the US so i can't say what they will be like for you over there, but they are much louder than my airpods max. I used to find myself listening to those at 100
Do you feel that sound wise they are a great improvement over your APM, I like rock both classic and metal and a bit of soul,jazz? I like the sound of my AirPods Max but sometimes I do feel a tad underwhelmed @@vjdfl5
I own Focal Clears, Elegia, Sennheiser IE900, HD650, Sony XM5 overs and IE XM4 ... just ordered these for work / office. Looking forward to having a listen. My first Elegia were terrible, but the replacement was good. My Clears are amazing but those drivers have QC issues. Hopefully the Bathys are consistent.
Replying 2 months later. The Bathys are brilliant. The bluetooth implementation isn't as good as the XM5's, and SQ is way better in DAC mode over USB-C. My only other complaint is they make my ears quite hot, moreso than other headphones I own. They're a touch heavy too. Overall, I am very happy. They're the highest sound quality wireless over-ear i've heard, which is what I wanted. The other things are secondary, and I never expected the BT implementation, sound cancelling or weight to match the Sony XM5 ... it just was never going to. Highly recommended.
@@DiscoKnight they're not really comparable as the sound signature is quite different. The Bathys are more scooped and fun and accessible. Great for movies and casual listening but not critical listening like the clears. I like both, for different reasons, but they're different. I recommend the Bathys on the whole. The Bluetooth implementation isn't as good as say, the XM5 but that's OK whose is? If you want high clarify and musicality for "sit down and listen" get the clears. For an all rounder that does sound better than the Bluetooth rivals, get the Bathys
I own the Focal Bathys along with Sony XM4s, XM5s and Bose QC's. The Bathys are hands down the best sounding headphones I own including Sennheiser's premium wired cans. I appreciate this honest and neutral review and agree with our host that overall you cannot go wrong with these ANC headphones for a number of uses.
Okay, I had the Bathys and Radiance next each other. Both with BT setup. The Bathys doesn't come close to the Radiance and in my opinion the sound signature doesn't sound the same as well. The Bathys is not as controlled and sound metallic in upper-mid range. Not forgetting it is more compressed. Not saying its bad headphone. But you cant compare these with each other..... Now the review feels to much a chill. But then again am subjective as is the part in this review as well.
You should check out the Bose QC Ultra headphones. I know Bose is a bit of a naughty word in the audiophile world. But they’re surprisingly natural sounding for a Bose product (obviously not like an HD 600), detail retrieval is as good or better than many of my audiophile headphones without sounding harsh. There hasn’t been a detail I’ve heard on my Ananda Nanos that I haven’t been able to hear in the Ultras. And the immersive audio is much better than Apple’s Spatial Audio. When listening to house or techno, it sounds like you have a well tune Funktion-One sound system in front of you and when you listen to jazz it sounds like you’re at a live show.
Have them for 6 months now. Huge upgrade after BOSE. Also, in DAC mode, I really head the difference. If you want portable Hi-Fi headphones then there are not many options now, and these are the ones.
Depends on how often you charge it. Apple AirPods will degrade to less than 50% of original capacity after 2 years of daily use. I don’t know how good Focal’s batteries are though.
I had called Focal USA and asked about replacing the battery after warranty and was told the Bathys could be sent in (not user replaceable) and would cost about $200 parts and labor. Knowing how things typically work you can expect to replace the battery about 6 months after the warranty expires.
I've had these for 3 months now, BTW they are on sale again for 20% off, and at that price its a no brain buy, $800...ehhhh toss up, but they are GOLD for traveling with. The battery lasts forever, the sound, especially if you know how to EQ is incredible(sucks for you apple people), and the way they programmed their ANC is incredible. Most reviewers review the ANC in an unideal setting, but when put in the proper setting, namely airports the ANC is incredible, but not because of ANC directly, in the airport and airplane you're able to clearly hear announcements while still blotting out the noisy nature of airports/planes. Further, when in passthrough, I've never heard a set that makes the surround feel so normal. My galaxy buds pro, enhance the ambient sound around me making it feel like you have super hearing, which is disorienting at times bc certain sounds are way louder than they would normally bc, these don't do that and it can be easy to forget you have them on. My only real grip is, the bluetooth is buttcheeks, but I think thats more the bluethooth specs fault rather than focal, and I REALLY wish they had some sort of IPX water rating bc when traveling, its 100% possible to accidentally get caught out in the rain. I have to keep a plastic bag in my backpack(the case is too thick), or i have to bring my galaxy buds instead.
There is hope for Bluetooth headphones after all 🙏🏻 my thx pandas died the same death as other owners and the Sony xm4 just aren't a scratch on them but I live in hope. Many thanks , great review DMS
@@ThePaulg123 I will say high end closed headphones. If you compare Bathys and Celestee, the Celestee just sound way better. Yes Bathys have more features. But I don't want that. I just need wired for better sound.
I bought a pair and had to return them pretty much right away because the headband adjustment just doesn’t extend far enough. All the momentums, b&w px7, sonys, qc35 and Focal’s own clear all fit me fine. So, bigger heads beware. Also, Focal should take note. It seems I’m not the first one with this problem. Cheers for a cool vid DMS!
Agree - I was able to fit them at fully extended adjustment. They were clamping high, I feel that made them more boomy and bit unrefined (maybe someone will be able to comment on that)...
this is disappointing to hear, mine are coming in tomorrow. Just when I thought the headphone marketplace had gotten past the immaturity of undersizing the headband,, we'll see. I haven't run into that issue in several years, and my head is huge.
I can verify that they are about 1cm overall smaller in headband adjustment than what I consider "average". They just barely fit me. They are tight across the top, and touch my earlobes slightly on the bottom. I have an unusually large head too. I think head shape and where your ears are in relation to that also play in. I would say they definitely are a miss in this area. I'm keeping them, but I would obviously prefer if I had another cm on each side to play with.
Interesting. Thanks as always for the well articulated review. I had them in for a bit and easily came to the conclusion that they're not for me. My target for a bluetooth ANC headphone is to have improved sound over the current market offerings but with parity ANC performance of Sony/Bose/APM. For me, they sounded better, but well within "it's a different flavor" vs. "wow, this is way better" category. Out the others DMS had try out the headphone, I would have landed in the "okay" category. I also feel that dip in the FR made classical and minimally mic'd small jazz combo recordings sound really odd. Ultimately, the ANC is a clear generation behind Sony/Bose/APM-or they've deliberately dialed it back to dial-up sound quality. I don't know enough to say if that's a legitimate spectrum of trade-off. They're probably one of the mildest noise cancellation available in the ANC market that I've tried, which isn't enough for the use cases where I use ANC, so I've decided to stick with my XM5's. Oh, and call quality for people on the other end of a call is just okay if you're in a noisy environment. Again, their noise cancelling for the outgoing mic signal fared poorest out of the other headset/headphones that I had on hand (Sony XM5, Poly Voyager Focus 2). I think it'd be fine if you're in a quiet or low noise environment. Others who tried the Bathys and had a combination of the ML5909 and/or B&W Px8's in hand haven't landed in one single winner as a trend. It seems-out of the people so far that I've read who have shared their experiences-personal preferences have led to very different choices. If you're thinking about buying them, I'd definitely encourage anyone to go try them, or if you can't, order from a vendor that has a generous return policy.
Great, bit if there is no passive listening when the bathys can no longer power up [when the battery dies] what then? Other reviews have mentioned this.
Also, I am pretty sure it saves the EQ preset you use on the headphones, because when I switched to another, Android phone, in the freshly installed app I could see my preset that was originally defined in my iPhone. But I don't think the EQ preset was working when it was connected via USB in DAC mode, could you confirm that?
I had been accepting the sound of my QC35 for wireless listening... but I had been looking for a more neutral & detailed substitute. I did not found it yet. All I have tried was not good enough (I was exited about the Dali hype, but when I did try them the sound level was really low). In the last two years some new contenders got to the market and make me think if I should listen some of them. I am thinking about the Bathys and about the Master&Dynamic MW65. To give you some context I listen my music on a Topping DX7 Pro and I am user of Focal Elegia (no eq but needs some), Dan Clark AEON 2 Noir (I eq down a weird bump un the bass, but I like the details). Do you think with the Bathys I would get as detailed sound as in the Noir, but with a more neutral sound? What about soundstage? Thanks in advance!!
As a Clear owner dying to go for these: I will buy it the very second Focal gives me LDAC since most phones do not have Aptx adaptive/AptxHD/Aptx Lossless
Ldac is definitely better in regards to TIDAL master tracks/sub. Got a new phone didnt realize it was on APTX adaptive/ HD on the 5k dongle. My prior phone was on LDAC so i had to shut off everything but Ldac on my dongle...bc i still wanted my phones BT doing all "BANDS/codec etc" depending on car etc other devices/compatibility. LDAC definitely has more fidelity/separation/imaging qualities over APTX HD/adaptive etc...IMO theyre better for battery life on the source/dongle....or if certain tracks just generally arent MASTER tracks though some hifi are still noticeably better on LDAC as well. Easy to pinpoint in techno trance/acid/jungle/DNB etc....where theres heavy high v low presence and mids quality starts to differentiate between track/bitrate etc...same to jazz snare hits at times are buried by highs symbols/horns. But LDAC helps solve this same with Signal filters which are more genre dependent or MIX dependent. When i see a lack of LDAC support on "modern" headphones I can only assume its to advertise/push Batterylife as a top 3/top 5 marketing/product capability. AS contemporaries boast 40HR life etc.
@@anhiirr totally agree. I believe it is the ability to lock LDAC at 990Kbps which really helps for me. I believe a wire is at about 1300Kbps so LDAC is quite close. I too notice it specifically in the imaging and air in the mid and upper treble. It's like taking a thin veil off of the same FLAC/ALAC lossless track
Of course if more than 3 phones supported Aptx Lossless (and the ability to lock it at lossless max bitrate) that would work but sadly literally only 3 phones support even Aptx Adaptive let alone Aptx lossless. On the flipside about 80% of the Android market supports LDAC 3/6/990 natively
@@brothatwasepic I mean I have a moto edge+ with Atmos and aptx adaptive support yet still favor ldac . I've even seen full Atmos supported tracks in tidal...of which is only supported in aptx adaptive from what I've seen vs just running ldac and master/hifi. Kerri Chandler released a whole Atmos certified mix ATM. So there is market support/implementation but idk howuch is merely gimmick
Very nice review. Answered many questions that I look around and cannot find. However, I would appreciate if you could answer this one: Will the DAC inside the Focal Bathys when using them on bluetooth, give the same results as using a BTR5/7/15 dac/amplifier that gets bluetooth sound from phone/computer and sends signal to bathys by jack 3.5 cable? I am trying to figure out if I should buy a Fiio BTR to use in future with bathys or not needed for bathys. In other words, is the DAC/AMP of Bathys so good that it makes a BTR dac/amp pointless?
DMS is wrong about one crucial thing. Bathys does NOT replace Radiance. It has considerably less spacious sound naturally due to the smaller cups. Bathys has the limitations of smaller headphones. The vocals are close to the ear. You feel like something is playing right beside your ear. You don't have as much space for your ears. Radiance is portable, not mobile. It's easy to transport, but carrying it in the backpack or handbag is a poor idea, and you really need to be addicted (not a compliment) to HQ music to carry it around, along with a DAP or portable DAC/AMP. Especially when it's carrying case isn't exactly small. I own both the Radiance and Bathys. I would not put Bathys at the same level as the Radiance sound-wise. It's actually below. OOTB it's even bassier/warmer than Radiance. Nevertheless Bathys is a fantastic mobile headset. I really enjoy using it. ANC isn't on par with competitors, but it's sound quality mopes the floor with the good old PXC 550. And this pair of headphones is a go to mobile solution if you seek proper audio on the go and IEMs/TWS don't tickle your fancy.
i can easily see how that could quickly become problematic as ppl by majority crank op volume for a would be "IDEAL" impact to separation/imaging and in this case...youre just getting yelled at in the ear...as far as ppl like me that do infact listen at higher volumes. Sure its bad for you...but if you seek a more intimate listen IMO thats what equates to such things in genre like jazz for me at least...and idk if i could have trumpets/trombones glaring at me. Considering theyre largely marketed/made as "PORTABLES" doesnt surprise me that the signature is trying to appeal to a would be "playlist" contemporary genre listener. At its pricepoint its glorifying that concept somewhat which could be a major CON to most or a MAJOR pro to others that already own expensive BT headphone's and are solely BT headphone owners/users. It makes comparing them to wired much more critical...esp when reviewers are trying to draw signature comparisons to other options that are wired. IMO when compared purely to BT options purely off BT connection is more of a realistic criteria. YET they can be judged in any way bc each owner is entitled to their own opinion/tastes which i can further judge/analyze/justify towards how they sound w.o being too critical of ppls opinions
How do these compare to Ananda BT? I will mostly use it around my house or garden so isolation isn't much of an issue, Hifiman build quality kinda worries me though...
Sadly, Bathys isn't for me. Although use the same drivers as Celestee, Clear and Radiance, the sound just not as good as Celestee during my listen in the dealer store, and they don't meet my expectations. Celestee already blocked tons of noise and I am fine with that. I will still bring my dac on the go with my Celestee. It sounds a lot better.
I tend to agree with you in the comparison with the Celestee. I used the Celestee for about 8 hours solid before I returned them. I do prefer the soundstage on the Celestee but when I heard about the Bathys coming out it was a no brainer for me. My use case lets me enjoy a pair of nice blutooth headphones. I'm loving the Bathys. No regrets whatsoever.
You realize that the Celeste and Radiance have completely different sound signatures right? Also brain burn in is a thing, you can’t judge a headphone in a store that quickly because your brain is used to your current set up. The only way you avoid this is if the sound signature is right up your alley
Great video. Now I have to decide if I should get this or, as I was planning, the Drop DCA Aeon closed X and Sony WH-1000XM4(I have read it is better than the XM5 for noise cancelling busses and planes) The Power Ball is up to $1.9, maybe with that I could afford all three;)
So, uh, I have the Bathys, XM4 and Aeon 2 Noir. For sound quality, even with an EQ that makes it align more to the Harman Target, the XM4 is just not in the same class as the other 2. The Focal and Noire are surprisingly similar sounding. The Focal has a slightly larger soundstage than the Noire, but I think that's probably the only place it has the Noire beat (except on portability). I love the Noire, it's my nightstand headphone for evening listening, but man, the Bathys cannot be beat for a portable can. The ANC is... fine. So, I suppose if you care more about ANC, get the Sony. If you don't care about a splurge and want wireless, get the Focal. If you just want a headphone that hits the Harman Target and has great detail and timbral reproduction, get the Noire. Or you can be insane like me and have all three.
@@heltunikt Amazon had a great sale on the XM4, so I got it. It seems fine. I was able to use the EQ in the app to get the sound where I like it. It is my first pair of over ear headphones with noise cancelling, so I don’t have much reference. With the sale I am pretty happy
Probably dependent on the manufacturer's willingness to keep manufacturing spare parts. It's best to source a replacement battery as soon as you get any indication that the manufacturer intends to discontinue them and fit it yourself when the time comes. Depending on the cell layout, you can probably remanufacture the existing battery as well, assuming the charge controller doesn't brick itself when the battery runs completely flat/is disconnected.
Good review! Why do you think that 8.5k dip is there? Any technical reason for it? Seems like it’d be pretty easy for Focal to have gotten rid of it with DSP.
I would love to hear more on the topic of Dolby Atmos and headphones. It sounds like you are saying that most wired headphones can't reproduce the Dolby Atmos sound stage, is that correct? If so, why? Is it the headphone itself, or would this change with the right amp? What is the key factor here?
Thank you for previously taking my question regarding best phone type to pair with the Focal Bathys. In your opinion, would Android also be best for someone contemplating delving into the world of wired headphones as well?
Just got my Bathys, and i been listening to them for about 5 days. I was expecting better bass, now Im considering to get the Celeeste. Do you think they will be better? I really dont care that much of Noise Cancelling.
I’ve had a pair of Bowers & Wilikins PX8, anh I plan to have this Focal Bathys after viewing your review. Would you have any advice for me on the sound quaility between two pairs of ANC headphones?
I have the XM5 the Panda the Momentum 4 and the Airpods Max and had the Ananda BT. (Ignoring wired and true wireless). Ask away in case it helps with your Bathys decision in any way: The sound quality winner: The Momentum 4 even with APTX ( thus missing AptxHD/Aptx lossless for now). The Anc winner: the XM5 and Airpods. The biggest waste: The Drop Panda. The shallowness earcups: The Xm5. The quickest degrading/dirt gathering case : the XM5. The lightest : Xm5. The most premium feeling but heaviest: Airpods Max. The second most premium feeling: Momentum 4 The highest bitrate codec stably streaming: The Xm5 with LDAC manually set to 990Kbps. The battery that already died in less than a year with no company support: The Pandas. The best imaging Momentum 4. The most natural timbre: The momentum4 The softest most comfortable best sealing earpads: The Momentum 4. The most breathable feeling/lowest heat: The Airpods Max The best transparency mode: The airpods max. Best background noise cancelling in the mics so that others hear my voice easily: The Xm5 and Airpods Max The goofiest still can't answer a call all the time: Momentum 4 but it's probably my own user error haha The one I reach for the most: Momentum 4. Something about the sound and those soft plush earpads The one whose sound quality will improve a lot if you have the new 2023 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 plus chip that supports the new Aptx Lossless codec such as the 2022 Asus Rog 6 or any flagship android in 2023: Momentum 4 and Focal Bathys What sounds better: Almost any wired headset over $300 if you even have a cheap dac Amp such as the bang for buck dual dac Fiio Btr5 or 7 Bathys vs Momentum 4 sound quality over Bluetooth on the same codec: DMS noted the Bathys is way better than the airpods max. I conclude it sounds better than the Momentum 4 (Ignoring price differences) The bass winner: Sony Xm5 and Sennheiser Momentum 4 The clearest sounding withiut siblance or eq: Momentum 4 even with only Aptx (not Aptx lossless or Aptx HD enabled) and Airpods Max even though it's AAC The easiest to lock in the highest bandwidth codec: Sony Xm5 since you can EASILY TURN ON DEVELOPER OPTIONS and lock LDAC 990Kbps as long as your device can push it without stuttering. HINT TURN OFF POWER SAVING AND turn on overdrive if you have it on your android. P.s. For reference on sound conclusions above here are my wired cans: I have an HE1000SE, HD800, Clear with a D90 A90 stack so I am knee deep in the addiction/hobby.
I want to see Sennheiser enter the chat with maybe an improved HD820 with ANC. The Momentum M4 sounds great and has been doing bluetooth and USB dac with the Momentum series for a few generations now.
I read always People use BT on the Road and Cable Connections at home.Wouldn´t it make sense for audiophile People wo use them wired on the Road for the better Soundquality?
Great review man 👍 One question, is it possible to use these like a headset? Ie: would the mics work say in Windows over usb or Bluetooth? I’m guessing not, but these could be an ultimate ”One does all” solution. Thanks!
The clamp force on these are pretty unbearable. I don't get why Focal headphones each can have different clamp forces despite them all having the same form factor. The default tuning of these is definitely tilted towards warm; I really did not like it. After using the EQ in the app and setting it to Dynamic, I like it a bit better. I have heard burn-in is a big deal with these headphones, though, so I could see this view changing with time. Between this and Audeze Maxwell, the comfort and sound of the Maxwell is supremely better. However, the durability of the Maxwell is concerning to me given that there are parts of the headphone that are glued together and so are prone to failure over time.
99% off Bluetooth headphone users don’t focus of sound quality. They just need to be good enough. The convenience of no wires is what makes them better than wired ones
Not loud enough, seems very far away and lacking volume. Awesome design and quality. Only time I had no complaints was in the listening room at night lights off, 😅.
Hi DMS you rock man. I was wondering if one of those sennheiser aptx HD / aptx adaptove dongles would work with your phone to send a high bit rate stream from your iPhone. Sounds pretty good from my android but my Samsung currently doesn't seem to send Aptx HD or Aptx Adaptive at least according to the Focal Naim App.
I want a good closed back (especially with anc), but this is too expensive for me. Something that sounds even close to this for around the price of an xm5 or something, I would get it in a heartbeat. For now I'm looking at the aeon closed x.
The Apple Airpods Max are actually leaps and bounds ahead of the xm5 imo in terms of tonality, timbre, sound stage, and cleanliness. It's crazy to say that they're worth it nowadays, but they really are.
I have these and they essentially do the three jobs for me - I use them at home, for travel, at my job and I even do calls/meetings with them now. I'd look at the bathys again on black friday, maybe there will be a deal out there ;)
I have radiance, it doesnt need ANC hence it blocks noise very well. Also using it with my xDSD ifi on BT. Am very tempted to buy the Bathys and sell my radiance... I dont need my Chord hugo ,Topping A90 and SOtM 200 anymore.... not to mention the sboosters 2x and Ifi usb purifier.. Bathys for the office and at home... not sure how it would work as headset for gaming.. 🙂
if theres an EQ app that entails potential to on the fly EQ with phone...while still using it as a wired or even BT device while gaming with a PC/dac etc as a source. I could see that aspect as a huge NET gain over the majority of ppl that dont have that type of user/access with their HP other than 3rd party EQ of course. To me it ups its "value" since you can go from phone/laptop/desktop on the fly in a more ideal tunable way w.o having to have the EQ/app on every device. I do that with my 5k when gaming, i generally use a shiit dac for listening but the qudelix 5k offers massive EQ potential on the fly and even crossfeed for immersion in games where you dont want isolated imaging and a multiplayer advantage.
Hi.. I bought this Focal Bathys headphones last Saturday after Your review ... I'm 90 percent happy. I boosted +2dB 1kHz on app and now voices are more or less on pair with rest of music. What You think about this? .... I using it on my MacBook M2 with Tidal. I see some problems with possibility to use DAC as Exclusive. There are some small quirks as when I try adjust volume level by buttons on headphones it changes system volume but not volume from TIDAL. On beginning when I turn on Exclusive mode then it play track which sounds like 2x speed. Did you also had similar problems?
Genuine question, and you’d have to forgive my ignorance. But. How can we be saying this BT Headphone offers “Hi-Fi/Hi-Res” level sound, wirelessly, when the Codecs compatible with it simply don’t offer anything like “Hi-res” rates? It doesn’t even support LDAC at 990? Am I missing something? Maybe if they included Snapdragon Sound with AptX Lossless but without?
There are plenty of people who both game alot and have the budget for fun High-End Phones. Can you make a larger type of Review of all the best Closed and Open HP that, in your opinion, are the best for hours and hours and hours and hours of use? You know, that doesn't cause listening fatigue. As in: NOT Bright (treble), warm mids and not too much Bass but still some. Just pick those that you consider the best in this case. Criteria: a DAC or EQ must NOT be used. No manipulation adjustments must be done here for them to fulfill this criteria, if you have to use a DAC or EQ they are disqualified. Just a 3.5 straight into a computer. Plug n Play - only. And: Don't consider the price point at all. I've been looking everywhere for a review like this and just can't find one. I've been looking for new Hi-End headphones for weeks now, but as soon as i find something that seems promising i find a review who says "It's a bit on the bright side..." and it's a no go. Frustrating. I've got the cash to spend. But i refuse to invest $1'800 in something that is "FANTASTIC, but slightly bright... so you have to EQ bla bla (etc)".
I mean i run HD58x at home on a tube hybrid, and KPH40i and MH752 on the go with Quedelix 5k bc i eq them to the HD58X often at times. I "Tried" spending more on portables/BT options. But wound up sticking with a dongle/eq bc i could choose more ideal headphones/comfort options and improve their sound...now if youre willing to SPEND more to justify not using eq....its going to be more expensive and the majority of my portables break when not in a hardcase sooner or later bc of the nature of my work/on the go moving all the time. MH752 were the most comfortable closed backs i ever wore, and K7XX with the memory pads are the most comfortable open backs...and i dont daily either of them for obvious Sound signature reasons.
I work from home and game on pc as well as listen to music. For me, a great cost to performance ratio was the BD Tygr 300r. No need for expensive DAC, I use an apple dongle USB C to 3.5mm. A bit of a v shaped headphone but fun to listen to music and great for gaming (I play a lot of competitive apex). Since you stated money is no limit you could invest in something more expensive…but for $180 it’s a solid value. The more you research headphones, the more frustrated and lost you will feel (trust me, I was in the same boat as you looking for “the best” with no compromises).
Bathys over Radiance! Wow Click bait? I'm Joking. I was giving the $1290. Radiance another look instead of the lighter & smaller More versatile $799 Bathys. To be totally honest. I struggled at justifying my $500 headphone ceiling for Grado RS2e. They are super light in real mahogany (once you clip the cable) & small & ultra clear. With a minute upper mid twerk they sing wonderfully! Well, until I was stuck listening to Stellia & Utopia at Can-Jam NYC! My preferences are for smaller, lighter with the sound of the big bulky & heavy cans. Which are two of my caveats for expensive headphones. Now Stax L-700 mk 2 being Very Light & unobtrusive is a love affair for me! Now that Focal has introduced a $799. gem, headphone life isn't so scary..it's inviting. Lol I can now justify the additional $300.👍 Always enjoy your reviews! Not a lot of rhetorical me me me impressions. What works best are comparisons. Afteral, who doesnt have an oppinon & a preference?✌
I need more waterproofing so I can listen in the bathy.
…with your rubber ducky ☺️
Take this award
I use my earfun free pro 3 in the shower lol......
Man you can really nail a review... I watch a lot of reviews and your pace, clarity and content is in the top 99% .. excellent
Love the Bathys..had them for 4-5 months and the latest update has seen a dynamic eq added which is near to the Harmon curve and makes the Bathys sound even better if that’s possible !
I haven't heard the Bathys yet, but I can recommend that Govee Table lamp.
I know right! It does draw your attention to it.
I've had these for 4 months now and I love them. I'm not an audio pro though, I just happened to come across the Bathys after being very frustrated with Bose, Sennheiser and Sony's high end options. I guess I was seeking the dynamics you talked about, but I was also looking for comfort. These are so comfortable I sometimes forget I'm wearing them.
If I'm nitpicking, I would like them to be a bit louder, and like everyone else would appreciate a finer detailed equalizer and a more feature rich app. Also (but this is just me fantasizing) a dedicated button for swapping through equalizer presets. One thing worth mentioning is how responsive the Focal team is. I noticed a little bug with the LEDs, sent them a message, they replied to me in less than 24hrs, and then they put the fix in the next firmware update. I feel like if we send them all of the feedback from the comments they might actually work on some improvements, while a regular consumer brand would not care.
Can I ask why you were frustrated with the bose and sennheiser? I thought these are good enough for non-audiophiles. I am considering to buy the Bathys though.
@EastWood2004 I think it came down to the comfort (I have big ears with lots of piercings) but also the sound being too neutral. I listen to mostly prog metal, heavy rock, industrial or jazz for reference. They were good enough for pop and mainstream rock, I guess.
@@mxlunab Thanks for your reply. I am also listening to dream Theater songs. My qc45 is great as I came from airpods pro.
I love mine. They seem to be getting better everyday. I keep getting surprised when I play certain tracks.
Are they good for rock music
@@ryanforsythe3 In my opinion they're great for rock tracks. They don't have a heavy bass tone but I like that.
Went to the local dealer and A/Bed these with Radiance. It was no contest, not even the same ballpark, walked out with the Radiance.
Yeah gotta agree with you. In my opinion this review is downright misleading with regards to performance, I have Bathys and it isn;t even upto Elegia standards let alone Radiance.
@@falcodarkzz I had the dealer listen to the Bathys and asked if there was something wrong with them! I have Elegia too, Radiance is a big step up, worth a listen if you get a chance.
@@gordonpearce really makes me wonder why DMS is saying this. Won't be taking his advice again tbh.
I love your reviews. Fantastically detailed and seemingly unbiased! I say that last part because sometimes I feel like reviewers can be heavily influenced by sponsors. You don't seem to be!
I had these. I liked them. But then I heard the T+A Solitaire T headphones. And I have to say it was love at first sound.
I'm curious to know, because I respect your reviews and opinions so much, if you've ever heard them. Or if you've heard the Dali IO-12s?
I would absolutely love your thoughts on either one of them. Especially the Ts. Aside from the cup size, I'm in love with these headphones. I suppose that's all that matters, but I would certainly appreciate your opinion.
Cheers. And looking forward to continuing to binge your videos.
I sold my Drop Closed X and Sony XM5 to buy this all in one solution. Never been happier!
I do like it 👍
But at least one comparison video pegged the PX8 as being “more enjoyable”. And that reviewer was Focal enthusiast who owned a few sets of Focal headphones.
I am sure both headphones are excellent, but comparisons make for interesting videos 🧐
The Px8 isn’t in the same league as the Bathys. The Bathys is a much more transparent and less colored headphone and suitable for more types of music and takes an EQ really well.
Great review. I was going to get Focal Clear - different breed, I know. But after watching your review of the Bathys now I'm leaning toward dual functionality of Bluetooth technology and overall sound quality.
Thanks
is clear still on sale? i thought its discontinued! I had 1 btw.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 and some others have dethroned the airpods Max a while ago for Sound quality. I would love to see a detailed comparison of this headphone against the momentum 4 (bass impact, details, Soundstage, imaging, etc).
Me too!
Me three
Me too.. movement. Lol
I've always liked Sennheiser Momentums!
Never really got all excited over the 600 series? I actually own a pair of HD 600? A friend has the 660s which sound better, even with their upper bass & treble bumps. Something about the 660s pads & clamping force just doesnt work for me?
The Momentum are way more comfy & just more engaging to listen to.
M4 aren’t that special. A downgrade over the M3
@@chefgav1 Oh? Ok. I've heard that. Good to know. Thx
As somebody with a rather large head I find it gets uncomfortable to wear after 30mins already. I am glad I tried it on before buying so beware if you also have a larger head.
That said I use the Focal Elegia up to 8h per day in the office without feeling any pressure. The headband is noticeably shorter (possibly for weight reasons) in the Bathys than in other wired Focal headphones.
Thank you for flagging it. I've got a large head too. My Radiance and Elear are both very comfortable for hours on end, but I wouldn't want it to get much clampier than that.
The Bathys are currently on sale near me ($420), but I really don't NEED another set of Focals. Now that I know they probably won't be as comfortable as the others, it's easier to stay away. My wallet thanks you.
@@heltunikt May I ask you what's the store? Shopping for the Bathys right now.
@@placidus_v Addicted To Audio
@@heltunikt Thanks! Didn't realise it's Australian deal at first :)
The USB DAC mode is actually pretty common, with the Sennheiser, Bang & Olufsen and Bowers & Wilkins models also supporting that. (Pretty sure the Sennheiser ones have supported that for years).
I was able to compare the Bathys (in DAC mode) to a Celestee and thought the Celestee was the clear winner. The Bathys is a DSP corrected headphone and it sounds like one. There is something artificial about the sound that I can’t really put my fingers on. I also thought the bass was overpowering and unnatural.
Compared to other bluetooth noise cancelling headphones it was a clear winner though.
I got my bathys yesterday, can’t say I’m not unhappy it’s a solid headphone but I’ve noticed the same phenomenon, hard to describe but you you hear almost like “phantom sounds” I.e sounds in a song you just don’t hear in other headphones, and not in the kind of “ooh this is revealing clarity I’ve never heard before” way but rather it’s changing the sound & character of the song in some cases. Still leagues above my Sony except in comfort which for that reason I’ll still keep them around too.
@@mikeg2491 Definitely noticed that too; like a fragmenting of the mix; for example in one track I’ve heard since forever i heard a backup singer way off in left field isolated rather than harmonically together and it was weird. Also bass guitars are often split off too far on the side. Just got them not sure how I feel.
well, this day arriving was inevitable at this point, and kudos for Focal for having been the one to do so.
So, these are like active monitors then, with wired/less capabilities, without having the need to build massive deltoids et al to carry them :D
thanks D!
PS that Nintendo DAP of yours is brilliant
Great review! I love the Bathys, and I'm definitely going to keep it. However, I'm also keeping the Radiance which remains one of my favorite headphones ever. My only complaint with the Bathys is that dip in the mids, but I've PEQ'd it up which helped a lot.
If Focal reads this, I'd love to see them make an add on Bluetooth device like Hifiman did with their Deva. I've run my Focals off of a pair of FiiO UTWS5 and it's a liberating yet still fantastic sounding experience.
Some reviewers have actually preferred the Radiance over the Stelia!! Which, the Stelia are my all time best closed backs!
@@jamiesmith6838 I am one of those people 😁 Granted, I didn't get to spend a whole lot of time with the Stellia, and I only did so at CanJam in a rather loud show floor, but the Radiance had a better tonality for my tastes, whereas the Stellia seemed to have too much upper bass/lower mids which made the mids seem to disappear for me. Again, this is my ears, not yours, so: IF YOU LOVE IT, IGNORE WHAT I OR ANYONE ELSE HAS TO SAY AND KEEP LOVING IT! 😁
@@eruilluvitar Lol. Thx Scott Pledged. I have yet to actually listen to the Radiance. However, I hear they fit that price to performance goal better compared to the $3000. Stellia..which until it's arrival, had none to compare. As its often said, "Patients is a virtue".. especially at the high-end. Trickle down tech has its rewards. Presenting Radiance, & now Bathys! I'd like to own all 3 if I had my way? Lol
These are not just great BT phones . . . they are great phones period.
I have owned Focals for years, including Eligia and Stellias (and also JPS 1266 Phi TC), driven by the Focal Arche DAC/AMP, and Woo Audio Wa33. I won't go so far as to say the Bathys are as good as the Stellias . . . but it's a LOT closer than I expected. The detail and separation is phenomenal, I am picking up things I never heard with even the Stellias, even through BT.
HIGHLY recommended.
After I watched you video, I took the "plunge," and got it. It is pretty awesome, but really something in DAC mode. Even outside DAC mode it is a wonderful headphone.
The ultra high end bt headphone scene has definitely been progressing very quickly recently, one more interesting release recently is the ath-wb2022 which retails with the scorching price of 400k yen here, accompanying the w2022 which retails for 1.32 million yen
Me, with 20k JPY in my wallet: *dies*
"Do you like Huey Lewis and The News? Their early work was a little too new wave for my tastes, but when Sports came out in '83, I think they really came into their own, commercially and artistically. The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost."
Vs. the B&W PX8?
This might help.
czcams.com/video/98d37Gd02Us/video.html
How does 3.5mm wired mode compare to USB-C wired mode in terms of frequency response?
I was waiting for you to make a video on this than I realized you did lol. I was looking at these headphones and dude am I saving up for these things 🎧. they'll replace my Bose qc35's easily
Thank you, waiting for my Bathys
I've been seeing pretty good reviews and I'm considering to buy my only concern is how is the bass? I don't need it to be blasting my brain out lol but on a scale of 1-10 how good would you say it is?
I love the fact that you can plug in w/ USB-C, use the internal DAC, and still have ANC or transparency mode.
Great video! How would compare sound quality to the Bowers and Wilkins PX8 ? I currently have the AirPods Max and am torn between the Focals and the PX8 - would love your input, thanks!
This might help.
czcams.com/video/98d37Gd02Us/video.html
Try this review: czcams.com/video/98d37Gd02Us/video.html
I owned the px8 and b&o h95s. I found the px8 to be worse in almost every way. If that means anything
Loving the bathys so far. But I would like to have a more precise volume control
I want the volume to be just a tad louder.
@mikeg2491 I thought that until the DAC in mine died (a couple weeks in) and they replaced mine with a new pair. Honestly cant get past 70% on BT with this new pair. They are so loud. DAC mode is pretty quiet though. Is that the sources fault over the headphones though?
@@vjdfl5 you say your Bathys are too loud for you, I struggle getting a pair of headphones that are loud enough for me, my AirPods Max are just about ok but I sometimes wish they could get a touch louder. Are you in the EU like myself or in the US where the volume level may not be restricted like they may be in Europe. I am interested in the Bathys but the volume is important to me. Thank you
@natashakirkham4476 I'm in the US so i can't say what they will be like for you over there, but they are much louder than my airpods max. I used to find myself listening to those at 100
Do you feel that sound wise they are a great improvement over your APM, I like rock both classic and metal and a bit of soul,jazz? I like the sound of my AirPods Max but sometimes I do feel a tad underwhelmed @@vjdfl5
I really like focal and this headphone is super tempting. I think I’ve decided iems are just more convenient for me if I want something portable
goodbye then.
You sold me on this DMS. You're the best. Take my money.
I own Focal Clears, Elegia, Sennheiser IE900, HD650, Sony XM5 overs and IE XM4 ... just ordered these for work / office. Looking forward to having a listen. My first Elegia were terrible, but the replacement was good. My Clears are amazing but those drivers have QC issues. Hopefully the Bathys are consistent.
Replying 2 months later. The Bathys are brilliant. The bluetooth implementation isn't as good as the XM5's, and SQ is way better in DAC mode over USB-C. My only other complaint is they make my ears quite hot, moreso than other headphones I own. They're a touch heavy too.
Overall, I am very happy. They're the highest sound quality wireless over-ear i've heard, which is what I wanted. The other things are secondary, and I never expected the BT implementation, sound cancelling or weight to match the Sony XM5 ... it just was never going to.
Highly recommended.
@@aidencoder Out of curiousity what are your thoughts on the Bathys in comparison to the Focal Clear? My Elex just died and need to make a choice!
@@DiscoKnight they're not really comparable as the sound signature is quite different. The Bathys are more scooped and fun and accessible. Great for movies and casual listening but not critical listening like the clears. I like both, for different reasons, but they're different. I recommend the Bathys on the whole. The Bluetooth implementation isn't as good as say, the XM5 but that's OK whose is? If you want high clarify and musicality for "sit down and listen" get the clears. For an all rounder that does sound better than the Bluetooth rivals, get the Bathys
@@aidencoder Thanks! Appreciated!
I own the Focal Bathys along with Sony XM4s, XM5s and Bose QC's. The Bathys are hands down the best sounding headphones I own including Sennheiser's premium wired cans. I appreciate this honest and neutral review and agree with our host that overall you cannot go wrong with these ANC headphones for a number of uses.
Okay, I had the Bathys and Radiance next each other. Both with BT setup. The Bathys doesn't come close to the Radiance and in my opinion the sound signature doesn't sound the same as well. The Bathys is not as controlled and sound metallic in upper-mid range. Not forgetting it is more compressed.
Not saying its bad headphone. But you cant compare these with each other..... Now the review feels to much a chill. But then again am subjective as is the part in this review as well.
Agreed. What is DMS smoking?
My Bluetooth headphones are Bower and Wilkins PX8.
My first choice would be Bang and Olufsen H95, then Focal Bathys.
It would be great if you can compare them to the PX8.
This might help
czcams.com/video/98d37Gd02Us/video.html
You should check out the Bose QC Ultra headphones. I know Bose is a bit of a naughty word in the audiophile world. But they’re surprisingly natural sounding for a Bose product (obviously not like an HD 600), detail retrieval is as good or better than many of my audiophile headphones without sounding harsh. There hasn’t been a detail I’ve heard on my Ananda Nanos that I haven’t been able to hear in the Ultras. And the immersive audio is much better than Apple’s Spatial Audio. When listening to house or techno, it sounds like you have a well tune Funktion-One sound system in front of you and when you listen to jazz it sounds like you’re at a live show.
Have them for 6 months now. Huge upgrade after BOSE. Also, in DAC mode, I really head the difference. If you want portable Hi-Fi headphones then there are not many options now, and these are the ones.
How will the battery holdup over the years in a device like this. Hopefully it can be replaced in due time.
THIS.
Depends on how often you charge it. Apple AirPods will degrade to less than 50% of original capacity after 2 years of daily use. I don’t know how good Focal’s batteries are though.
I had called Focal USA and asked about replacing the battery after warranty and was told the Bathys could be sent in (not user replaceable) and would cost about $200 parts and labor. Knowing how things typically work you can expect to replace the battery about 6 months after the warranty expires.
I've had these for 3 months now, BTW they are on sale again for 20% off, and at that price its a no brain buy, $800...ehhhh toss up, but they are GOLD for traveling with. The battery lasts forever, the sound, especially if you know how to EQ is incredible(sucks for you apple people), and the way they programmed their ANC is incredible. Most reviewers review the ANC in an unideal setting, but when put in the proper setting, namely airports the ANC is incredible, but not because of ANC directly, in the airport and airplane you're able to clearly hear announcements while still blotting out the noisy nature of airports/planes. Further, when in passthrough, I've never heard a set that makes the surround feel so normal. My galaxy buds pro, enhance the ambient sound around me making it feel like you have super hearing, which is disorienting at times bc certain sounds are way louder than they would normally bc, these don't do that and it can be easy to forget you have them on. My only real grip is, the bluetooth is buttcheeks, but I think thats more the bluethooth specs fault rather than focal, and I REALLY wish they had some sort of IPX water rating bc when traveling, its 100% possible to accidentally get caught out in the rain. I have to keep a plastic bag in my backpack(the case is too thick), or i have to bring my galaxy buds instead.
There is hope for Bluetooth headphones after all 🙏🏻 my thx pandas died the same death as other owners and the Sony xm4 just aren't a scratch on them but I live in hope. Many thanks , great review DMS
Not for me. BT is still far behind wired currently.
@@liujun050612 the thx pandas were very similar to wired if you ever had the chance to try them
@@ThePaulg123 I will say high end closed headphones. If you compare Bathys and Celestee, the Celestee just sound way better. Yes Bathys have more features. But I don't want that. I just need wired for better sound.
I bought a pair and had to return them pretty much right away because the headband adjustment just doesn’t extend far enough. All the momentums, b&w px7, sonys, qc35 and Focal’s own clear all fit me fine. So, bigger heads beware. Also, Focal should take note. It seems I’m not the first one with this problem. Cheers for a cool vid DMS!
Agree - I was able to fit them at fully extended adjustment. They were clamping high, I feel that made them more boomy and bit unrefined (maybe someone will be able to comment on that)...
this is disappointing to hear, mine are coming in tomorrow. Just when I thought the headphone marketplace had gotten past the immaturity of undersizing the headband,, we'll see. I haven't run into that issue in several years, and my head is huge.
I can verify that they are about 1cm overall smaller in headband adjustment than what I consider "average". They just barely fit me. They are tight across the top, and touch my earlobes slightly on the bottom. I have an unusually large head too. I think head shape and where your ears are in relation to that also play in. I would say they definitely are a miss in this area. I'm keeping them, but I would obviously prefer if I had another cm on each side to play with.
I love my bathed I’m going trough all of my music collection with them, I’m hearing things I never heard before.
Just picked these up for $400 US brand new, as the headphone store was clearing out all Focal gear. Super happy with them ♥️
I paid 350 brand new for mine
That's nothing. Paid $305- last month, brand new.
@@Rozzjdwhere?? $699 everywhere.
@@Rozzjd They paid me $351 to take them and threw in some clear mg's
Can you make a video comparing the Bathys to the Hifiman Ananda BT?
just the LDAC is missing and it would destroy everything else on the market... waiting for it and will buy it!
Interesting. Thanks as always for the well articulated review.
I had them in for a bit and easily came to the conclusion that they're not for me.
My target for a bluetooth ANC headphone is to have improved sound over the current market offerings but with parity ANC performance of Sony/Bose/APM. For me, they sounded better, but well within "it's a different flavor" vs. "wow, this is way better" category. Out the others DMS had try out the headphone, I would have landed in the "okay" category. I also feel that dip in the FR made classical and minimally mic'd small jazz combo recordings sound really odd.
Ultimately, the ANC is a clear generation behind Sony/Bose/APM-or they've deliberately dialed it back to dial-up sound quality. I don't know enough to say if that's a legitimate spectrum of trade-off. They're probably one of the mildest noise cancellation available in the ANC market that I've tried, which isn't enough for the use cases where I use ANC, so I've decided to stick with my XM5's.
Oh, and call quality for people on the other end of a call is just okay if you're in a noisy environment. Again, their noise cancelling for the outgoing mic signal fared poorest out of the other headset/headphones that I had on hand (Sony XM5, Poly Voyager Focus 2). I think it'd be fine if you're in a quiet or low noise environment.
Others who tried the Bathys and had a combination of the ML5909 and/or B&W Px8's in hand haven't landed in one single winner as a trend. It seems-out of the people so far that I've read who have shared their experiences-personal preferences have led to very different choices.
If you're thinking about buying them, I'd definitely encourage anyone to go try them, or if you can't, order from a vendor that has a generous return policy.
Great, bit if there is no passive listening when the bathys can no longer power up [when the battery dies] what then? Other reviews have mentioned this.
I see that Miyoo Mini 👀
Also, I am pretty sure it saves the EQ preset you use on the headphones, because when I switched to another, Android phone, in the freshly installed app I could see my preset that was originally defined in my iPhone.
But I don't think the EQ preset was working when it was connected via USB in DAC mode, could you confirm that?
Great video but, Which one should I buy? Celestee or Bathys. I'm looking for a closed back headphone. Thanks!
Try a pair of Bowers & Wilkins PX8's
I had been accepting the sound of my QC35 for wireless listening... but I had been looking for a more neutral & detailed substitute. I did not found it yet. All I have tried was not good enough (I was exited about the Dali hype, but when I did try them the sound level was really low). In the last two years some new contenders got to the market and make me think if I should listen some of them. I am thinking about the Bathys and about the Master&Dynamic MW65. To give you some context I listen my music on a Topping DX7 Pro and I am user of Focal Elegia (no eq but needs some), Dan Clark AEON 2 Noir (I eq down a weird bump un the bass, but I like the details). Do you think with the Bathys I would get as detailed sound as in the Noir, but with a more neutral sound? What about soundstage? Thanks in advance!!
If the battery dead, is it replaceble and how much? I've heard if the bat. dead , it can't be used even connects with 3.5 mm jack.
As a Clear owner dying to go for these: I will buy it the very second Focal gives me LDAC since most phones do not have Aptx adaptive/AptxHD/Aptx Lossless
Ldac is definitely better in regards to TIDAL master tracks/sub. Got a new phone didnt realize it was on APTX adaptive/ HD on the 5k dongle. My prior phone was on LDAC so i had to shut off everything but Ldac on my dongle...bc i still wanted my phones BT doing all "BANDS/codec etc" depending on car etc other devices/compatibility. LDAC definitely has more fidelity/separation/imaging qualities over APTX HD/adaptive etc...IMO theyre better for battery life on the source/dongle....or if certain tracks just generally arent MASTER tracks though some hifi are still noticeably better on LDAC as well. Easy to pinpoint in techno trance/acid/jungle/DNB etc....where theres heavy high v low presence and mids quality starts to differentiate between track/bitrate etc...same to jazz snare hits at times are buried by highs symbols/horns. But LDAC helps solve this same with Signal filters which are more genre dependent or MIX dependent. When i see a lack of LDAC support on "modern" headphones I can only assume its to advertise/push Batterylife as a top 3/top 5 marketing/product capability. AS contemporaries boast 40HR life etc.
@@anhiirr totally agree. I believe it is the ability to lock LDAC at 990Kbps which really helps for me. I believe a wire is at about 1300Kbps so LDAC is quite close. I too notice it specifically in the imaging and air in the mid and upper treble. It's like taking a thin veil off of the same FLAC/ALAC lossless track
Of course if more than 3 phones supported Aptx Lossless (and the ability to lock it at lossless max bitrate) that would work but sadly literally only 3 phones support even Aptx Adaptive let alone Aptx lossless. On the flipside about 80% of the Android market supports LDAC 3/6/990 natively
@@brothatwasepic I mean I have a moto edge+ with Atmos and aptx adaptive support yet still favor ldac . I've even seen full Atmos supported tracks in tidal...of which is only supported in aptx adaptive from what I've seen vs just running ldac and master/hifi. Kerri Chandler released a whole Atmos certified mix ATM. So there is market support/implementation but idk howuch is merely gimmick
Very nice review. Answered many questions that I look around and cannot find. However, I would appreciate if you could answer this one: Will the DAC inside the Focal Bathys when using them on bluetooth, give the same results as using a BTR5/7/15 dac/amplifier that gets bluetooth sound from phone/computer and sends signal to bathys by jack 3.5 cable? I am trying to figure out if I should buy a Fiio BTR to use in future with bathys or not needed for bathys. In other words, is the DAC/AMP of Bathys so good that it makes a BTR dac/amp pointless?
DMS is wrong about one crucial thing. Bathys does NOT replace Radiance. It has considerably less spacious sound naturally due to the smaller cups. Bathys has the limitations of smaller headphones. The vocals are close to the ear. You feel like something is playing right beside your ear. You don't have as much space for your ears. Radiance is portable, not mobile. It's easy to transport, but carrying it in the backpack or handbag is a poor idea, and you really need to be addicted (not a compliment) to HQ music to carry it around, along with a DAP or portable DAC/AMP. Especially when it's carrying case isn't exactly small. I own both the Radiance and Bathys. I would not put Bathys at the same level as the Radiance sound-wise. It's actually below. OOTB it's even bassier/warmer than Radiance. Nevertheless Bathys is a fantastic mobile headset. I really enjoy using it. ANC isn't on par with competitors, but it's sound quality mopes the floor with the good old PXC 550. And this pair of headphones is a go to mobile solution if you seek proper audio on the go and IEMs/TWS don't tickle your fancy.
i can easily see how that could quickly become problematic as ppl by majority crank op volume for a would be "IDEAL" impact to separation/imaging and in this case...youre just getting yelled at in the ear...as far as ppl like me that do infact listen at higher volumes. Sure its bad for you...but if you seek a more intimate listen IMO thats what equates to such things in genre like jazz for me at least...and idk if i could have trumpets/trombones glaring at me. Considering theyre largely marketed/made as "PORTABLES" doesnt surprise me that the signature is trying to appeal to a would be "playlist" contemporary genre listener. At its pricepoint its glorifying that concept somewhat which could be a major CON to most or a MAJOR pro to others that already own expensive BT headphone's and are solely BT headphone owners/users. It makes comparing them to wired much more critical...esp when reviewers are trying to draw signature comparisons to other options that are wired. IMO when compared purely to BT options purely off BT connection is more of a realistic criteria. YET they can be judged in any way bc each owner is entitled to their own opinion/tastes which i can further judge/analyze/justify towards how they sound w.o being too critical of ppls opinions
How do these compare to Ananda BT? I will mostly use it around my house or garden so isolation isn't much of an issue, Hifiman build quality kinda worries me though...
Sadly, Bathys isn't for me. Although use the same drivers as Celestee, Clear and Radiance, the sound just not as good as Celestee during my listen in the dealer store, and they don't meet my expectations. Celestee already blocked tons of noise and I am fine with that. I will still bring my dac on the go with my Celestee. It sounds a lot better.
I tend to agree with you in the comparison with the Celestee. I used the Celestee for about 8 hours solid before I returned them. I do prefer the soundstage on the Celestee but when I heard about the Bathys coming out it was a no brainer for me. My use case lets me enjoy a pair of nice blutooth headphones. I'm loving the Bathys. No regrets whatsoever.
You realize that the Celeste and Radiance have completely different sound signatures right? Also brain burn in is a thing, you can’t judge a headphone in a store that quickly because your brain is used to your current set up. The only way you avoid this is if the sound signature is right up your alley
How well does the multipoint work?
How is the bass? Tried many buds and headphones, nothing has been able to match beoplay ex.
Well done king. Great review. I look forward to getting my hands on these cans.
Hopefully Focal will add LDAC support for the Bathys in the future through a software update.
Nicely done.
Great video. Now I have to decide if I should get this or, as I was planning, the Drop DCA Aeon closed X and Sony WH-1000XM4(I have read it is better than the XM5 for noise cancelling busses and planes) The Power Ball is up to $1.9, maybe with that I could afford all three;)
For noise cancelling, my Sony XM4 is great. Sounds pretty decent too (after adjusting the EQ). This is coming from someone who owns high-end cans. :)
@@asplmn XM4s here with EQ adjust and they are pretty darn good. I'd love to try the Bathys ...
So, uh, I have the Bathys, XM4 and Aeon 2 Noir. For sound quality, even with an EQ that makes it align more to the Harman Target, the XM4 is just not in the same class as the other 2. The Focal and Noire are surprisingly similar sounding. The Focal has a slightly larger soundstage than the Noire, but I think that's probably the only place it has the Noire beat (except on portability). I love the Noire, it's my nightstand headphone for evening listening, but man, the Bathys cannot be beat for a portable can. The ANC is... fine. So, I suppose if you care more about ANC, get the Sony. If you don't care about a splurge and want wireless, get the Focal. If you just want a headphone that hits the Harman Target and has great detail and timbral reproduction, get the Noire. Or you can be insane like me and have all three.
I haven't tried the XM4 but I'm really impressed with the ANC on the XM5. What did you end up getting @davdidit6 ?
@@heltunikt Amazon had a great sale on the XM4, so I got it. It seems fine. I was able to use the EQ in the app to get the sound where I like it. It is my first pair of over ear headphones with noise cancelling, so I don’t have much reference. With the sale I am pretty happy
Can battery be swapped out when it wears out?
Probably dependent on the manufacturer's willingness to keep manufacturing spare parts. It's best to source a replacement battery as soon as you get any indication that the manufacturer intends to discontinue them and fit it yourself when the time comes.
Depending on the cell layout, you can probably remanufacture the existing battery as well, assuming the charge controller doesn't brick itself when the battery runs completely flat/is disconnected.
I have one more question: Does usb-c connection of Bathys sound better than 3.5 jack?
Interesting I didn’t realise the 3.5mm also went through the amp. Does that mean it can’t be used when the battery is flat?
Exactly
expensive e-waste I guess
Good review! Why do you think that 8.5k dip is there? Any technical reason for it? Seems like it’d be pretty easy for Focal to have gotten rid of it with DSP.
can only assume it's intentional.
Why I wonder?
@@tanachip Andrew always mentions concha/pinna interaction wrt the 8.5k area, which is a natural resonance
I would love to hear more on the topic of Dolby Atmos and headphones. It sounds like you are saying that most wired headphones can't reproduce the Dolby Atmos sound stage, is that correct? If so, why? Is it the headphone itself, or would this change with the right amp? What is the key factor here?
Thank you for previously taking my question regarding best phone type to pair with the Focal Bathys.
In your opinion, would Android also be best for someone contemplating delving into the world of wired headphones as well?
Im trying to decide between these and focal clear og
And it was said " Bluetooth headphones will never sound as good as wired headphones, 'Never say Never'.
Just got my Bathys, and i been listening to them for about 5 days. I was expecting better bass, now Im considering to get the Celeeste. Do you think they will be better? I really dont care that much of Noise Cancelling.
I’ve had a pair of Bowers & Wilikins PX8, anh I plan to have this Focal Bathys after viewing your review.
Would you have any advice for me on the sound quaility between two pairs of ANC headphones?
When the internal battery dies will focal replace the battery?
I have the XM5 the Panda the Momentum 4 and the Airpods Max and had the Ananda BT. (Ignoring wired and true wireless). Ask away in case it helps with your Bathys decision in any way:
The sound quality winner: The Momentum 4 even with APTX ( thus missing AptxHD/Aptx lossless for now).
The Anc winner: the XM5 and Airpods.
The biggest waste: The Drop Panda.
The shallowness earcups: The Xm5.
The quickest degrading/dirt gathering case : the XM5.
The lightest : Xm5.
The most premium feeling but heaviest: Airpods Max.
The second most premium feeling: Momentum 4
The highest bitrate codec stably streaming: The Xm5 with LDAC manually set to 990Kbps.
The battery that already died in less than a year with no company support: The Pandas.
The best imaging Momentum 4.
The most natural timbre: The momentum4
The softest most comfortable best sealing earpads: The Momentum 4.
The most breathable feeling/lowest heat: The Airpods Max
The best transparency mode: The airpods max.
Best background noise cancelling in the mics so that others hear my voice easily: The Xm5 and Airpods Max
The goofiest still can't answer a call all the time: Momentum 4 but it's probably my own user error haha
The one I reach for the most: Momentum 4. Something about the sound and those soft plush earpads
The one whose sound quality will improve a lot if you have the new 2023 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 plus chip that supports the new Aptx Lossless codec such as the 2022 Asus Rog 6 or any flagship android in 2023: Momentum 4 and Focal Bathys
What sounds better: Almost any wired headset over $300 if you even have a cheap dac Amp such as the bang for buck dual dac Fiio Btr5 or 7
Bathys vs Momentum 4 sound quality over Bluetooth on the same codec: DMS noted the Bathys is way better than the airpods max. I conclude it sounds better than the Momentum 4 (Ignoring price differences)
The bass winner: Sony Xm5 and Sennheiser Momentum 4
The clearest sounding withiut siblance or eq: Momentum 4 even with only Aptx (not Aptx lossless or Aptx HD enabled) and Airpods Max even though it's AAC
The easiest to lock in the highest bandwidth codec: Sony Xm5 since you can EASILY TURN ON DEVELOPER OPTIONS and lock LDAC 990Kbps as long as your device can push it without stuttering. HINT TURN OFF POWER SAVING AND turn on overdrive if you have it on your android.
P.s. For reference on sound conclusions above here are my wired cans: I have an HE1000SE, HD800, Clear with a D90 A90 stack so I am knee deep in the addiction/hobby.
I want to see Sennheiser enter the chat with maybe an improved HD820 with ANC. The Momentum M4 sounds great and has been doing bluetooth and USB dac with the Momentum series for a few generations now.
I read always People use BT on the Road and Cable Connections at home.Wouldn´t it make sense for audiophile People wo use them wired on the Road for the better Soundquality?
Great review man 👍 One question, is it possible to use these like a headset? Ie: would the mics work say in Windows over usb or Bluetooth? I’m guessing not, but these could be an ultimate ”One does all” solution. Thanks!
Yes, I'm using them for Zoom calls, works flawlessy.
How would you compare this to the Drop Ether CX? They are similar in price and therefore should compete with each other in the closed-back realm.
The clamp force on these are pretty unbearable. I don't get why Focal headphones each can have different clamp forces despite them all having the same form factor.
The default tuning of these is definitely tilted towards warm; I really did not like it. After using the EQ in the app and setting it to Dynamic, I like it a bit better. I have heard burn-in is a big deal with these headphones, though, so I could see this view changing with time.
Between this and Audeze Maxwell, the comfort and sound of the Maxwell is supremely better. However, the durability of the Maxwell is concerning to me given that there are parts of the headphone that are glued together and so are prone to failure over time.
99% off Bluetooth headphone users don’t focus of sound quality. They just need to be good enough. The convenience of no wires is what makes them better than wired ones
Hey DMS, How much do you want for your used Radiance?
DMS, do you sell your Radiance now?
Not loud enough, seems very far away and lacking volume. Awesome design and quality. Only time I had no complaints was in the listening room at night lights off, 😅.
Parametric EQ when focal?
Great video! ❤️✌️
How can i use these in dac mode on an iphone 11?
Hi DMS you rock man. I was wondering if one of those sennheiser aptx HD / aptx adaptove dongles would work with your phone to send a high bit rate stream from your iPhone. Sounds pretty good from my android but my Samsung currently doesn't seem to send Aptx HD or Aptx Adaptive at least according to the Focal Naim App.
Did the dongle work?
I want a good closed back (especially with anc), but this is too expensive for me. Something that sounds even close to this for around the price of an xm5 or something, I would get it in a heartbeat. For now I'm looking at the aeon closed x.
The Apple Airpods Max are actually leaps and bounds ahead of the xm5 imo in terms of tonality, timbre, sound stage, and cleanliness. It's crazy to say that they're worth it nowadays, but they really are.
I have these and they essentially do the three jobs for me - I use them at home, for travel, at my job and I even do calls/meetings with them now. I'd look at the bathys again on black friday, maybe there will be a deal out there ;)
Look for the Sennheiser Momentum 4, everyone seems to say that they sound much better than the Sony.
@@toraow Reviews I hear about these is that they are technically good but without soul.
I have radiance, it doesnt need ANC hence it blocks noise very well. Also using it with my xDSD ifi on BT.
Am very tempted to buy the Bathys and sell my radiance... I dont need my Chord hugo ,Topping A90 and SOtM 200 anymore.... not to mention the sboosters 2x and Ifi usb purifier..
Bathys for the office and at home... not sure how it would work as headset for gaming.. 🙂
if theres an EQ app that entails potential to on the fly EQ with phone...while still using it as a wired or even BT device while gaming with a PC/dac etc as a source. I could see that aspect as a huge NET gain over the majority of ppl that dont have that type of user/access with their HP other than 3rd party EQ of course. To me it ups its "value" since you can go from phone/laptop/desktop on the fly in a more ideal tunable way w.o having to have the EQ/app on every device. I do that with my 5k when gaming, i generally use a shiit dac for listening but the qudelix 5k offers massive EQ potential on the fly and even crossfeed for immersion in games where you dont want isolated imaging and a multiplayer advantage.
Can you also run them passively on the 3.5mm jack or do they need to be powered on?
Hi.. I bought this Focal Bathys headphones last Saturday after Your review ... I'm 90 percent happy. I boosted +2dB 1kHz on app and now voices are more or less on pair with rest of music. What You think about this? ....
I using it on my MacBook M2 with Tidal. I see some problems with possibility to use DAC as Exclusive. There are some small quirks as when I try adjust volume level by buttons on headphones it changes system volume but not volume from TIDAL. On beginning when I turn on Exclusive mode then it play track which sounds like 2x speed. Did you also had similar problems?
Would love to see these compared to the Yamaha YH-L700A.
Budget considerations I bought Maxwells. I wonder how they compare to the Bathys?
Genuine question, and you’d have to forgive my ignorance. But. How can we be saying this BT Headphone offers “Hi-Fi/Hi-Res” level sound, wirelessly, when the Codecs compatible with it simply don’t offer anything like “Hi-res” rates? It doesn’t even support LDAC at 990? Am I missing something? Maybe if they included Snapdragon Sound with AptX Lossless but without?
How does the ANC background noise compare to the Bose QC45? I have the Bose now and the noise is very noticeable, even when music is playing.
There are plenty of people who both game alot and have the budget for fun High-End Phones.
Can you make a larger type of Review of all the best Closed and Open HP that, in your opinion, are the best for hours and hours and hours and hours of use? You know, that doesn't cause listening fatigue. As in: NOT Bright (treble), warm mids and not too much Bass but still some. Just pick those that you consider the best in this case. Criteria: a DAC or EQ must NOT be used. No manipulation adjustments must be done here for them to fulfill this criteria, if you have to use a DAC or EQ they are disqualified. Just a 3.5 straight into a computer. Plug n Play - only.
And: Don't consider the price point at all.
I've been looking everywhere for a review like this and just can't find one.
I've been looking for new Hi-End headphones for weeks now, but as soon as i find something that seems promising i find a review who says "It's a bit on the bright side..." and it's a no go. Frustrating. I've got the cash to spend. But i refuse to invest $1'800 in something that is "FANTASTIC, but slightly bright... so you have to EQ bla bla (etc)".
I mean i run HD58x at home on a tube hybrid, and KPH40i and MH752 on the go with Quedelix 5k bc i eq them to the HD58X often at times. I "Tried" spending more on portables/BT options. But wound up sticking with a dongle/eq bc i could choose more ideal headphones/comfort options and improve their sound...now if youre willing to SPEND more to justify not using eq....its going to be more expensive and the majority of my portables break when not in a hardcase sooner or later bc of the nature of my work/on the go moving all the time. MH752 were the most comfortable closed backs i ever wore, and K7XX with the memory pads are the most comfortable open backs...and i dont daily either of them for obvious Sound signature reasons.
I work from home and game on pc as well as listen to music. For me, a great cost to performance ratio was the BD Tygr 300r. No need for expensive DAC, I use an apple dongle USB C to 3.5mm. A bit of a v shaped headphone but fun to listen to music and great for gaming (I play a lot of competitive apex). Since you stated money is no limit you could invest in something more expensive…but for $180 it’s a solid value. The more you research headphones, the more frustrated and lost you will feel (trust me, I was in the same boat as you looking for “the best” with no compromises).
I think I’ll stick with the Elegia since those are really open sounding in terms of soundstage
is that a panasonic toughbook in front of you Mr. DMS🤯👏🏼
t+a - solitaire t wireless Bluetooth review, please
Bathys over Radiance! Wow Click bait? I'm Joking.
I was giving the $1290. Radiance another look instead of the lighter & smaller More versatile $799 Bathys.
To be totally honest. I struggled at justifying my $500 headphone ceiling for Grado RS2e. They are super light in real mahogany (once you clip the cable) & small & ultra clear. With a minute upper mid twerk they sing wonderfully!
Well, until I was stuck listening to Stellia & Utopia at Can-Jam NYC!
My preferences are for smaller, lighter with the sound of the big bulky & heavy cans. Which are two of my caveats for expensive headphones.
Now Stax L-700 mk 2 being Very Light & unobtrusive is a love affair for me!
Now that Focal has introduced a $799. gem, headphone life isn't so scary..it's inviting. Lol
I can now justify the additional $300.👍
Always enjoy your reviews! Not a lot of rhetorical me me me impressions.
What works best are comparisons. Afteral, who doesnt have an oppinon & a preference?✌