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The wireless Bathys headphones are a major milestone in the Focal lineup for two reasons: internal noise cancellation and price. The former is available in a range of Focal headphones for the first time, bringing the French high-end audio equipment maker into an entirely new category.
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On the other hand, while Bathys’ $799 sticker is undeniably for wireless headphones, it makes them the most affordable Focal product yet. For comparison, Focal’s wired headphones start at $999, while the flagship Utopia costs $4,999.
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I started testing the Focal Bathys with high expectations because of their price—$800 buys a pair of noise-cancelling headphones on headphones like the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort II. popular options and still leave (at least) Benjamin in your pocket. After weeks of being my headphones, Bathys has made a compelling case to spend big on a pair and tick all the boxes in terms of sound quality, design, and comfort. Here is the problem:
The Focal Bathys sound great and considering the price of the product, I didn’t expect anything more. Meticulously crafted in France alongside more expensive wired Focal headphones, the wireless can’s aluminum-magnesium audio driver delivers a fully immersive, realistic, and immersive audio experience that will capture your music. appeal to even the most discerning audiophile.
When testing the Bathys, I couldn’t help but wonder how accurately the bass, treble, midrange and vocals – the pillars of quality sound – were reproduced. Every song I play — from Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” to the bass-heavy Massive Attack trip-hop anthems — has none of the tonal embellishments I sometimes come across on the lower end.
The Bathys brings to life the more intricate details of familiar songs I’ve heard in over a decade of experimenting with audio equipment. No matter what genre you play, it gives you the listening experience exactly as artists and sound designers wanted.
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Switching to the Focal Bathys from cheaper headphones is an eye-opening experience that is metaphorically comparable to moving from a luxury family SUV to a Ferrari or Porsche, to name a few. few iconic brands. The two-seater supercar helps you connect to familiar roads in a whole new way. Headphones present your music in a new, definitely better way.
The cans’ wired audio capabilities are another reason to spend a lot of money on a set. Unlike any of its competitors, Bathys has a built-in USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter) that allows it to locally process high-resolution, lossless audio formats without the need for hardware. additional stiffness. Mode setup is easy – simply connect the boxes to a USB-C-equipped computer, phone or tablet, then activate DAC mode with a button on the right earcup.
Listen to music in USB DAC mode with a Bathys device that delivers an audio experience and atmosphere identical to that of wired headphones and high-end headphone amplifiers. I spent all day using this function and reviewing my favorite albums to hear them in more detail. Another convenience I like about this feature is that it allows me to control playback and volume via buttons inside the box.
A high-quality DAC can cost quite a bit of money, so Focal headphones are a surprising choice for audiophiles. If you’ve spent a lot of money on a device like this, don’t worry – Bathys also has a standard audio jack for old-fashioned listening.
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Focal’s companion app offers a variety of audio editing tools that fit the price range of headphones. You can choose between presets created by audio professionals or create your own with a graphic equalizer.
The Bathys’ noise reduction is excellent, if not the best in its category. The headphones reduced the work of making lines under my living room window to a more pleasant distant clack before I started playing music.
However, the Bathys headphones can’t be completely silent, like the Sony WH-1000XM5, the Bose QuietComfort 45, and the more affordable AirPods Max. However, noise cancellation isn’t the reason you should consider using Focal speakers – it’s the incredible audio experience I described above.
The left earcup has two noise cancellation settings that you can switch between by pressing and holding the button (one press activates transparency mode) – silent and soft. The former is more powerful, while the soft one is more suitable for focusing without losing sight of your surroundings.
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Bathys works great on phone calls, FaceTime, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom on MacBook Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Thanks to Bluetooth 5.1, the headset connected to my laptop and phone at the same time when I put it on.
When it comes to comfort and ergonomics, the Bathys headphones excel with rotating earcups with super soft genuine leather pads and a padded microfiber headband. Their touch controls are conveniently located and easy to use.
The weight of the product is also reasonable considering the materials used for its manufacture. The Bathys is a bit heavier than the all-plastic Sony WH-1000XM5, but lighter than the AirPods Max. Combined with the well-fitted earcups and headband – the main points of contact with my head – the weight of the headphones allowed me to use them for hours without feeling uncomfortable or tired.
The Focal Bathys lacks an abrasion sensor that automatically pauses playback when the headphones are removed. Given the hi-fi hardware in the headphone package, this is a trade-off I would make in a heartbeat.
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Similar to the company’s wired headphones, the Focal Bathys earcups have a dashed hole pattern that gives the wireless box a distinct look that makes the main competitors look alike. So does the backlit Focal logo embedded in each ear cup. (You can turn off the lights through the app for a more subdued look.)
The Bathys build quality is surprisingly excellent. The construction of the headset includes premium materials such as aluminum, magnesium, leather and fabric. The lid of the cup dots is made of high quality plastic, presumably to ensure a strong wireless connection.
In terms of design and quality, the headphone case is one of the best in the industry. Supplied accessories include eye-catching fabric finishes, high-quality zippers and carry handles. It has two internal compartments for storing cables next to Bathys.
You can expect up to 30 hours of battery life in wireless mode with noise cancellation. The Bathys is a solid achievement given the headphone’s hardware and audio performance. By choosing to listen to it wired with a standard audio cable or in USB DAC mode, you’ll get 35 and 42 hours of listening time between charges. In general, this type has the same durability as other high-end wireless headphones.
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The USB-C port on the headset is capable of fast charging. You can get 5 hours of playback in 15 minutes, while a full charge takes about an hour and a half. I find these features very handy when you have to pull out your headphones to charge the battery.
Wired headphones. Its uncompromising performance in both modes is why audiophiles should spend a fortune to own a set if budget allows.
High-quality audio equipment is expensive, so are Focal headphones. While it’s not easy to spend that much money on wireless headphones, I’m sure people will probably love the Bathys. Their next-level sound reproduction is well worth the investment.
Consider the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 if you want great wireless sound and noise cancellation for less. The Master & Dynamic MW75 and Bowers & Wilkins PX8 are slightly cheaper alternatives to the Focal Bathys with their classy design, craftsmanship and sound, as well as the over-ear AirPods Max. However, none of the competitors have a built-in DAC for wired listening for audiophiles, making Bathys a league of its own.
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Stefan is a senior technology reporter where he has been covering the tech industry and testing the latest gadgets since 2015. He has over a decade of experience in the consumer technology product space. , especially smartphones, tablets, laptops and audio devices. He was previously the editor of GSMArena.com in the United States; His work can also be found in Popular Mechanics and other Hearst publications. In the rare moments when he’s not playing with his new device, Stefan enjoys watching live Premier League matches or spending time with his cat and bunny. He’s also an espresso snob.
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