High End ANC Headphones Tested - Focal Bathys, B&W PX8, Mark Levinson 5909

[@ResolveReviews]

Just a note on the PX8. There's a new firmware version available that I still need to test, so what I've said here in this review may not reflect the state of that product anymore. We should think of these as 'live' products, and so any statements or judgments about them reflect merely how they perform at a given moment in time, not of their performance in perpetuity, and I think any future reviews we do of ANC products needs to include that disclaimer.

[@canadiantree2000]

Would be keen on an updated review of the PX8's given they're on sale right now for under €400 in Europe

[@allancowieLM1]

Your statement on the PX8 sounded pretty harsh tbh compared to other reviews out there but i hate dull headphones like the sony xm series which are veiled.

[@avivar06]

Can you please blog or upload a video with the updated sound signature

[@leagueofotters2774]

@@allancowieLM1 I just bought the px8s on sale and I have to agree with this review over the others with regards to sound quality. They will be returned.

[@djclass005]

Thank you for confirming my choice for the Focal Bathys!:-) couldn’t be happier with the purchase, they sound great, super comfortable and I have the freedom of wireless( so can move around) top product!

[@revelationsoundstudio]

Though graphs are helpful, you still have to rely on what you actually really hear. Not one review I found of the PX8 stated it was bass heavy and many preferred it to the Focal Bathys. The PX8 having a fuller thicker up front sound. The Focals have a wider spatial sound and still sounding great. I originally was looking at the Bathys but after many reviews of both the PX8 and Bathys, I was more drawn to the PX8's. Now you give me a sense of caution with the PX8's. So many reviewers loved the PX7 S2 and when they reviewed the PX8, they clearly said it was an upgrade in built quality and the upgraded driver that is based on their 700 series speakers. I do believe your observations however and know everyone has different taste.

[@ABHORRANCE831]

Interesting! I've been eyeing the Bathys but my tastes would like the thicker and filler sound. The B&W PI7 S2 earbuds sound excellent in clarity and detail but are way too trebly and not very thick and full in the bass, so I'm surprised to read that the PX8 are more lush.

[@leagueofotters2774]

The PX8s that I purchased are very bass heavy, such that the fact that they don't handle it well in a very distracting way.

[@falcodarkzz]

Thanks as always for taking he time to make the measurements and show such detailed data, with ANC on and off, etc. Must admit I really like the PX8, and the Bathys, having tried both. Just goes to show how much people vary, and how we don't always 'enjoy' the same shaped FR curve. People have to try things for themselves imo.

[@teachonlywhatiseasy]

how abt getting the final ux headphone.

[@MrGuardianX]

This invalidates any reviews tho. If we are all different then reviews don't matter, Raw FR doesn't matter. Nothing matters really. You basically have to go and listen to all of them (which is realistically is not possible).

[@falcodarkzz]

@@MrGuardianX I mean, pretty much. If you can try headphones at a store or canjam it's better than any review and I'm sure most reviewers would agree. This is a very subjective hobby, Resolve thinks the Fr of PX8 is shot. Yet tons of people online try PX8, Bathys and others, yet pick PX8. I've come accross this a lot - Crinnacle gives a Stellia a B grade, yet people in stores (ive seen first hand) adore them.

[@judgetk3309]

Not sure this has been mentioned here already, but the ML 5909 is the only one of the 3 headphones that can be used fully passively, ie the headphone doesn't need to be on. This is quite important not only for an obvious reason (no battery draining), but run passively sound quality is audibly better and, among other things, lessens the hot treble heard on bluetooth mode. Wish you'd also mede a quick mention of the accessories and the build quality of these. Otherwise, a very nice review.

[@naskrajuciszy]

Using them passively with a cavle defeats the whole purpose

[@judgetk3309]

@@naskrajuciszy It defeats the purpose if you're ONLY looking for a bluetooth headphone. The passive / wired mode is there for a reason, for people who want, at times, have a very good quality wired headphone which offers better sound quality. It was specifically designed this way. The ML 5909 is an audiophile headphone, and there are still plenty of people who value a great deal a good wired headphone while, at the same time, having a very good bluetooth headset.

[@yuchoob]

I love passive headphones that don't need to be on. I have a pair of 5909s myself and I don't put them on at all. I just leave them at home and off I go, out of the house, knowing that they're back in the apartment, doing the hard work for me. Such a relief.

[@tristanwh9466]

Having a passive mode is such an underrated feature for bluetooth headphones. There are so many times when that comes in handy whether thats running out of battery or wanting lower audio latency

[@morespinach9832]

@@naskrajuciszyno it doesn’t. It’s good to have anc etc when one needs but not have to be stranded with that functionality.

[@PeterHas]

I tried PX8 in a store and was very impressed. Yes they have too much deep bass, but the midrange and treble is extremely good for bluetooth headphones. Very clean, smooth, open and undistorted. Other reviewers have praised how female vocals sound, which I didn't think much of until I heard the PX8 myself. When I tried listening to Iri I was taken aback by how good her voice sounded. The frequency balance could be better, but every other aspect of the sound impressed me, being a clear tier above headphones like Bose QC Ultra (which I compared against directly). For example, the QC Ultra sounded hard and tonally grey in music like Judas Priest Painkiller. The PX8 more than justified their price difference in pure audio quality in that song. I'm not buying them because bluetooth headphones feel disposable in a way wired headphones aren't. But I came back to this review after hearing the headphones myself and I think more subjectivity would improve the channel. Given of course that you have the hearing and ability to describe it in a relatable manner.

[@43percentemo]

I ordered a pair of Bathys from you all just a couple weeks ago largely off the back of DMS' video and I am absolutely loving them. Mostly using them in the USB mode so far and they've pretty much been the perfect solution for the office for me. I'm even listening to this video through the Bathys at the office right now!

[@rockon856]

Nice to hear. Does the USB sac mode work with an iphone ? Have read that apparently it’s only enabled with an iPad with using iOS cheers

[@ResolveReviews]

For some reason my mic interface was doing weird things for this video - I'll need to look into that - but that's why the audio gets weird in certain spots. Sorry for that.

[@rene837]

Hey Resolve, this is not really in context to this video, but why is there such a big difference of the measurements from Oratory1990 and yours on the Aeon 2 Noire, especially in the midrange? On Oratory's measurement the Noire basically is dead-on harman target in the upper midrange/presence region, but on yours there are quite big dips shown there. The Aeon Closed X actually looks worse than the Aeon 2 Noire on Oratory's measurements, while it's pretty much the opposite judging from your measurements.

[@ResolveReviews]

@@rene837 yeah it's most likely just unit variation. The DCAs often have fairly strong FR variation due to the style of pads that are used, which is something that's difficult to control acoustically.

[@rene837]

@@ResolveReviews Thanks for your answer! That's such a shame really. I had a Noire 2 for testing at home after I had seen the graphs from Oratory but my DT 770 80Ohm sounded more balanced and was easier to listen to without EQ and that is really saying something. Guess I will have to keep searching for a closed-back that is worth it for me without EQ, I just can't rectify buying such an expensive headphone if I always have to use EQ to enjoy it... Another thing: Do you know measurements of the LCD-XC 2021 that compare the leather and pleather pads you can choose when buying it? The XC also is on my "watchlist" and I can't seem to find good graphs. I think the one you have at home and made measurements with are fitted with the leather pads, right?

[@Dan.a.k.a.bradpitt]

howcome nobody talks /tests audio technica products anymore

[@ResolveReviews]

@@rene837 XC is tough without EQ IMO. But when you do EQ, it's technically very impressive for what it can do.

[@cuewizchris]

I had the Mark Levinson at home for a couple of days before returning them. Moving my head even slightly caused odd scratching noises and changes to the sound. So that was a showstopper. I now have the Focal Bathys and am very happy with them, no complaints.

[@morespinach9832]

Still happy with Batys?

[@cuewizchris]

@inach9832 Yes, absolutely. Sound quality and usability is top notch. Two small problems: If you connect the headphones to two devices simultaneously, the sound quality suffers (small clicks and glitches seem to appear). And the ear pads start to deteriorate now - but I'm a heavy user, I use them in home office every day. Other than that, still very happy.

[@Aayush5ri]

I got the Bathys and you’re right. It depends on the fit. The headphones fit my head at max size and the treble was extremely harsh for me even after equing. Had to return it even though I loved the way it looked :(

[@djdante]

I've tried both the PX8 and the Bathys - I loved them both for different reasons - but ultimately got the px8 - I'm surprised how much dislike the px8 got in this review given how highly praised it is in most others (and on my head).

[@august6278]

sound is subjective, I also enjoy the PX8 the most from all anc headphones i have tried

[@twaters3282]

I watched this video with Px8s. I have Px7, Px8, Aonic50, XM4, and XM5...and that is just over the ears.... Px8 treble is pretty stepped on, but the midrange is just so good that I miss it when I go back to the Aonic50, which I like more than the XM5. Ill pick up the bathy's soon I think.

[@Actionjac1]

The Focal are way better in my opinion than the PX8

[@ThunderWindz]

this guy is not paid by B&W, many "reviewers" are

[@cl4ssic]

@@ThunderWindz i'm sure you can show us your sources for that claim...

[@demantim]

Got a Bathys largely based on this video. PX8 was *hilariously* hyped sounding, almost in Bose territory. Especially in DAC mode using FLACs Bathys opens up a lot more detail than what I'm used to and I'm adoring it.

[@orborbea9844]

The right choice indeed. Focal is amazing :D

[@demantim]

​@@orborbea9844 Got a Celestee and used Utopia too afterward. Sorry, wallet! xD

[@shanew7361]

You should try the H95 beautiful sound.

[@evilvirtuoso9408]

Every bit of this comment sounds like meme.

[@Tkarma77]

Graphs lol.. seen so many over the years.. almost never an indication of anything.. bought badly reviewed audio gear due to graphs that i love.. bought highly reviewed audio gear based on graphs and I hate.. I have over 20 pairs of headphones.. Denon ah9200 my favourite.. I'm loving the px8. I used to eq until I realised I was making all headphones sound the same.. now I like a mix.. px8 gets me off my chair.. fun and engaging sound with good detail.. highly recommend..

[@spektrograf]

Really clear and well articulated review, as always. Nice one, Resolve. Thanks for your continued work in this area!

[@dasninjastix]

I actually sold off an Empyrean and Arya because I prefer the Bowers and Wilkins. And my Radiance is likely to be sold as well. I think it ultimately comes down to preference and what a listener thinks audio reproductions should sound like to them. For me most of my formative years in listening to music were on cassettes and I guess I just am nostalgic for that warmer/darker sound quality. The PX8 has made a lot of stuff I previously wasn't enjoying, enjoyable again. I don't find them boomy in the least but if you're used to listening to cleaner, cooler Planars than yeah, they're comparatively boomy. I find their timbre pleasing, I think the driver control is there for the money, effortless connections, the ANC works great, and I just get more enjoyment from my listening sessions. I can recognize the technical superiority of other headphones but I don't know, at the end of the day if I'm not enjoying the playback what's the point? And I think I just end up on the spectrum of not wanting details and separation at the cost of cohesion in the mix. Anyway, dissenting opinion committed to record lol. If you like hip hop, rock, r&b, soul, funk, the PX8 is a great time and extremely comfortable to boot.

[@chamade166]

How dare you enjoy deviation from the Harman curve...which is literally just what the average person likes as documented by a for profit audio company. The whole audiophile industry is a joke.

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

Hey Ninjastix, you very much described my experience on Px8 as well. At the end of the day, I enjoyed the listening experience more. Simply more fun and engaging. Decided to go against my snobbish self and kept that one as I was having more fun. As they say, to each their own! Indeed, very comfortable. And less ostentatious than beautiful but showy Bathys.

[@chamade166]

@@raphaelmeillat8527 Had both PX8 and Bathys before I returned the. PX8 has much higher quality of materials. The Bathys looks flashy, but the trim is all cheap plastics. With some EQ (slight bass reduction) I really enjoyed the PX8, but the headband is too small for my head.

[@JeffJacquesmd]

I scoured HeadFi and read through most of the threads on the B&W PX8, the ML5909and the Bathys. I went in thinking that I was going to purchase the ML 5909s, but everything seemed to point to the B&W. I purchased them and, like you, I find them thoroughly enjoyable. They are very comfortable, provided more than adequate ANC for 2 plane trips and the battery life was really excellent. I respect FR curves, but hearing is believing. I have the Radiance, The DCA Aeon 2s and the SennHD8XX for my wired listening.

[@davidsantiago2626]

Same story here, the PX8 have made me enjoy music that I had forgotten about in the past. I love them. Period

[@VitiateTheImmortal]

Im on team Bowers and wilkins px8 here. Love them 😊

[@JagmeetRai-clicks]

Do they support apple spacial audio head tracking?

[@danielmulligan2285]

No

[@JagmeetRai-clicks]

@@danielmulligan2285 that’s not good

[@Saturn-Matrix]

Apple is not good

[@gertost]

I think the px8 sounds great.Its fun and musical.When using anc headphone,i rather have an extra oomph/bass and warmth

[@bopper2984]

I have 3 requirements for BT headphones - comfort, sound & ANC. Worn out & about / commuting. In my experience the PX8 (007) are stellar. Discrete but very sleek & stylish. Comfortable even with glasses. Adequate ANC, quite impressive actually. Perky, beefy, solid sound. No complaints for external use. I also own ML - too bulky for outside and inadequate ANC (for my requirements). Happy to use at home. Haven’t heard the Focal. Difficult review for Resolve, as he indicated. People’s mileage will vary.

[@MrJ.31]

Do you happen to have any connection issues with your ML like random unpairing or turning off during phonecalls? My ML does this sometimes so I was curious if you had similar issues

[@bopper2984]

No, only use ML at home in stable environment. Never for calls. Didn’t get on well out & about because of ‘poor’ ANC.

[@robovirtuoso1354]

So are we saying here that the B&W engineers don't know what they're doing, and they produced such a bad headphone??? I don't know about you, but without referring to measurements, the PX8 sounded very much top-tier to me from a musician's perspective.

[@winebartender6653]

That's the trouble with reference graphs in general. I understand the need to have a sort of 'baseline' for comparisons sake, but that baseline is in and of itself a subjective accumulation. Gotta try headphones on yourself unfortunately.

[@leagueofotters2774]

To me that sounded like absolute trash....I couldn't stand them.

[@SomeFalseGenius]

I bought the px8 despite peoples opinions and for me they sound amazing. I’m also getting the dune focal bathys, I’m going to compare them.

[@timcox5088]

Interesting review, thanks for that. I have listened to many of these and for me, which is subjective, the PX8 were impressive. I preferred them to Bathys but that’s just me, they’re not ordinary in sound at all. I’ve hooked it up to my home Amp with hi-def music through an Arcam cd player and it is beautifully clean and clear, and relaxing sound, which I can listen to all day. But that may just be me

[@Benesyed]

I would strongly recommend auditioning both between the Focal and the ML5909. I was able to trial both for 30 days and ended up going with the ML5909 but it was a close call. Ultimately I preferred the energetic sound of ML to the more relaxed sound of the Bathys. For the reviewer, I am curious to see your thoughts on ML5909s true powered off passive mode!

[@gdemirjian]

I also kept the 5909 after researching many cans in the higher price category. I love their sound and function in ANC mode and appreciate their "true powered off passive mode" when I get to my destination, and I want to use my high-end portable DAC/amp (ifi Gryphon w/MQA. Note: full MQA will not pass through Bathys full time ANC/DSP as it is non-MQA compliant. Bad decision for Focal not to offer passive mode.). I was also lucky to find the 5909 at Crutchfield for open box price of $799, so it was a true no-brainer for me. Cheers!

[@MrJ.31]

Do you happen to have any connection issues with your ML like random unpairing or turning off during phonecalls? My ML does this sometimes so I was curious if you had similar issues

[@Benesyed]

@@MrJ.31 yes once in a while this happens, I'm not sure why

[@MrJ.31]

@Benesyed interesting. I thought I might've purchased a defective unit. I absolutely love the look and the sound of these headphones but it is kinda annoying

[@Benesyed]

@@MrJ.31 it's only happened to me with the on /off detection on. since I turned that off it hasn't been an issue

[@AliArghavan]

Excellent review. Just what I was waiting for. Thanks for all the effort.

[@tikiecue5677]

Mark Levinson takes it for me for the most important things: 1. They are tuned to the Harman curve. This has been widely researched and tested to be the most balanced and pleasant-sounding signature. At some point, all other headphone companies referred to this research for tuning guides. 2. BOTH aptx adaptive and ldac supported. Ensures that pretty much any source for hi-fi sound is covered. Both Bathys and PX8 supports aptx adaptive only. 3. ONLY the ML No 5909 allows for "true" passive listening. So doesn't need to be powered on to use. Ran out of batteries? No problem, just use the cables and listen away. 4. ANC performance is just right. Not going to be world beaters, but compared to other high-end models, more than enough and is definitely in the top 1 or 2. 5. Mic for calls is superb. Clean and clear. But in saying that, it does not put you in a vacuum, which you wouldn't want anyway, unless you want to sound muffled. Those 5 points mostly covers majority of the use cases. Different users, different uses though, so points above might not even matter for some but majority will pick a wireless headphone past the $500 mark based on the nuances and what can get them "more". ML No 5909 definitely ticks all of the boxes and a bit more future-proofed. Remember even when the batteries fail and/or start losing their charge, the ML will still work.say what you must, but that already makes the ML a better investment albeit with a little bit more cash outlay at the start. As for looks and comfort, any of these three will do it for me. Although, not really sure why the silver ring gets called out for the ML but not the light-up led logo on the Focal. Certainly that'd call more attention? And kinda makes it look like a gaming headset? Perhaps wasn't called out since it can be turned off? 😁

[@georgiafan6618]

You said it all. I’m an old levinson fan and have a lot of their hifi gear from 30 years ago. I AB’d the 5909s and they blew me away. ANC is as good as Apple AirPods Max. Btw, even my old Sony XM3’s allow me to run them wired to my dac and it’s helpful, like the levinsons. Sony makes a good below $500 wireless (XM5). The 5909s as you said, Harman curve, Idac support, good battery. I think I know where I’m going. Thanks for the input. 👍

[@dorfkind9825]

How's the app for the ml is custom EQing possible?

[@BudgieFan101]

You forgot the Beryllium Coated Drivers. Absolutely Unbeatable; nothing I've heard has that wonderful 'Ting' Clarity. Hard to describe. But its just Magnificent

[@allancowieLM1]

So do the 5909s have more presence than the Bathys? i found them sterile, overcompressed and lacking depth.

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

I went with Focal last week and have been happy. The built in DAC is pretty cool and the music compared to my HIFIMAN Sundera's is more relaxed and warm.

[@eindbaas]

Recently tried the PX8, PX7 S2, H95, Momentum 4, and the Sony XM5. Sadly Focal and Mark Levinson are hard to come by here. Eventually went for the PX7 S2 because it was €100 off and only a very slight difference in sound quality compared to the PX8 to my non-audiophile ears. I didn't find that worth twice the price. I also considered looks, EQ, codecs (Android user) and possibility to use it wired. I really enjoyed the H95 as well, but it has a very different sound and I like the B&W sound better for most of the genres I listen to. I do find there's really 3 ranges now. First is top ANC but meh audio, which is where the Sony and Bose and everything below go. Then there's HQ audio with decent ANC, which are headphones like reviewed in this vid. And then there is just wired top tier, usually amped. Between the levels the difference is quite big imo. I don't understand how some (usually tech, not audio) websites can say the Sony compares in sound quality. I'm coming from a work provided QC35 and the jump to second level is very noticeable. However all BT headphones still sound like toys compared to e.g. the Susvara that the demo guy had me try after I was done. If you don't care about price then I'd go for the PX8 or (probably, because I can't try it) the Bathys.

[@eleventhvolume9362]

Just to add to Benesyed's comment below, the aspect that's missing from this review is to assess wired as well as bluetooth sound quality. That's because the ideal is to have a headphone that can be used in both modes. When on the move, the upper end of sound quality is arguably less important than when at home and able to concentrate fully. The John Darko review of the Mark Levinsons found that the wired sound quality was competitive with more expensive headphones and it would have been good to hear your view on this aspect. Please consider that in future reviews if possible. Many thanks.

[@shonen84]

Great video, recently purchased the Bathys after comparing it with the PX8 in the store, I agree with your assessments!

[@vita-girl4345]

I did the same. The PX8 felt processed and compressed. It was an almost instant preference to the Bathys from the low end alone. I am finding setting the eq to bend upward for the higher spectrum. I was listening to both using aptx hd. When I tried using the apple Bluetooth variety, both sounded aweful. However from an iPhone listening through usb in dac mode sounded a lot like aptx hd. My coworker bought the Bathys for that reason. I on the other hand will be using aptx hd primarily and I thought they sounded great.

[@ABHORRANCE831]

What store carries both models to try?

[@brothatwasepic]

The built-in Dac on the Bathys is absolutely incredible. My reference point for wireless headphones is the xm5 Momentum 4 and the drop Panda

[@lowrider007007]

Sound demos are very handy for comparative listening, for example you'll be able to hear if one headphone has more bass over another model, I don't think many people are under the illusion that what you hear through your headphones at home is similar to the real thing.

[@gwapster13]

Sound demos have their purpose. Being able to compare RELATIVE tuning yourself is much more useful than listening to someone talk about their opinion.

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

Interesting video. For what it’s worth, compared these headphones and chose to go for Px8. Didn’t find what you’re describing. And sound can easily be tweaked here and there through app. But I appreciate their strong bass and detailed mids and treble. Not expecting them to beat my audiophile headphones but plenty good on the go, and yes…no wires!!! Anyway, comes to show that depending on personal playlists and expectations, outcome can vary greatly! Cheers!

[@JeffJacquesmd]

I too chose the PX8, I think the SQ is really quite good to my ears. I've A-B'ed them with the Focal Radiance and I don't hear details that are being compressed or masked or lost listening to FLAC files both via wire and BT (using the FiiO BTR5 for the Radiance).

[@SolarSuntime]

I also went for the PX8 and I can hear great detail on the symbals on uptown funk, so I don't really understand the comment. Both on Aptx HD and wired.

[@terencespark]

I'm in the market for a headphone, and this the only review where px8 wasn't praised for sound quality. these things are subjective, sure.. but I'm inclined to think that maybe the px8 doesn't fit him as well as the other cans?perhaps just not compatible with his head shape & ears? idk

[@vancybergoth]

I've been waiting for this video, thanks.

[@80sruler]

I’m actually listening in my truck with the Focals. Always enjoy your take

[@sjqideez6626]

Smashed it guys, thanks for this. Nice mention of the Final UX3000, it’s surprisingly good especially at its price.

[@adityashah1506]

I think B&O Beoplay H95 should be part of this comparison.

[@soccertkd06]

It’s annoying how they are always dismissed just because of their price.

[@zhsome8039]

No normal heads can handle that clamp force tho, they are also just not good , the bass is boomy af

[@ksausaskjctheurysaksafkmca903]

Also, master & dynamic MW75

[@raybensinger8383]

High price doesn't mean good sound bang & olufsen is more an fashion brand vs sound focused I demoed them an there the worse of all the higher priced sets even worse then the px8 that is just a bass machine

[@DJMasse]

Tried the BO H95 and they sound terrible. Returned them and went with the Px8 which are FAR superior in terms of balanced sound quality.

[@ClevrGrl]

The high end ANC headphone market is getting more interesting. Nice to see some more options available!

[@anncleverley4721]

Excellent and extemely informative review. Well you have now made me cancel my order for the B&W PX8 and have ordered a pair of Focal Bathys. Without dedicated reviewers like you I could have paid dearly for a pair of headphones that arent up to the job. Thanks again. I have received the Focal Bathys and they are great. However, I would like to know the comparison of the B&O h95 as another reviewer has stated these are better. Be grateful for your comments as I could still send the Focal Bathys back. Thanks

[@gwapster13]

Canceling an order because of a review seems extreme. You missed a chance at an actually great sounding headphones.

[@ycdouble1]

Very encouraging about the focal. Will tell when I get it on Sunday🎉

[@ibassnote]

I recently took my AirPod Pros into a Tokyo headphone shop and got a chance to try a Mark Levinson and a Focal Bathys. I am a professional double bass player. I play a lot of acoustic music but listen to all kinds of music on any given day. I listened to my AirPod Pros all the way to the shop. I was so excited to put the Bathys on and be blown away. But I have to say, I was shocked that I didn't find them better than my AirPod Pros. i know I know, that is very controversial. I did find that the Bathys were better at bringing all the instruments into a clear comprehensive sound. I could hear a secondary guitar track on Radiohead's Weird Fishes in addition to an organ I never heard. That is exciting. When I put the AirPod Pros back on I did miss some of that clarity. I could hear those details that i heard in the Focal but not as clearly defined and not as pronounced. But here's the deal. I felt more moved by the music, more like I was in a beautiful sound space, more immersive, more engaging. I kept comparing tracks from all different kinds of recording but I just could not justify buying a pair of Bathys. Yes, they would be an interesting addition to my headphone collection, but not enough to drop the cash. I walked out even more impressed with my $200 AirPod Pros. I did try the Levinson but did not find them that interesting and also i could easily max out the volume with my iphone which was a deal breaker before even starting. So there you go. Spicy take, I know. Now I can't wait to get back to the States to try my Maxwells again. I do remember thinking they were significantly better than my AirPod Pros but now I am curious. I haven't been using the Maxwells that much because I find them prohibitively big! I didn't take them on tour this time because I simply didn't have the room to pack them. Still looking for a significant over-ear bluetooth headphone to augment my AirPod Pros. The search continues.

[@hl954]

not controersial at all. Airpod pros have a nice sound profile. Also, good sounding is a personal preference.

[@venzo-t2w]

Thanks for the excellent review. Although I preferred the 5909.

[@mecha-mecha5608]

One of the main reasons I chose the 5909 over the Bathys is that the Bathys doesn't have a true passive mode, while the 5909 does, so I can use the 5909 with an external DAC (e.g. a Chord Mojo 2). I'd wager that the 5909 connected passively to a good DAC sounds better than the Bathys.

[@Viewer13128]

did you receive your 5909? what are your impressions and comparisons?

[@MrJ.31]

Do you happen to have any connection issues with your ML like random unpairing or turning off during phonecalls? My ML does this sometimes so I was curious if you had similar issues

[@Viewer13128]

@@MrJ.31 try to reset the headphone

[@ttscruz]

Agree with the review(er). Bough both the Bathys and PX8, listened extensively to both. I really wanted to like the PX8, the build is amazingly good, I paid a lower price ($549 before they hiked it to $699) but I just could not prefer it over the Bathys. It sounded just OK, the noise cancelling was indeed better than the Bathys, however the Bathys sound separation and detail is so much better. At the end I returned the PX8 and kept the Bathys, no regrets. Hopefully in the future Focal delivers a better looking BT headset (would've loved it if it looked like the Celestee).

[@cowboybrickfan4775]

I own the ML 5909 (black) and purchased them before the Bathys were available. I agree with most of the assessment of these headphones. I would add that these sound very good (better) in USB DAC mode when paired with decent equipment, like the iFi Gryphon. Before the recent software update, the ANC was surely not worth the asking price, and it is just now OK (borderline meh). I also own Focal Clear MG and Audeze LCD-X headphones.

[@MrJ.31]

Do you happen to have any connection issues with your ML like random unpairing or turning off during phonecalls? My ML does this sometimes so I was curious if you had similar issues

[@cowboybrickfan4775]

@@MrJ.31 I've not at all using my Samsung Android device. I've actually been impressed with the clarity and range.

[@Level42Man]

Perfectly described and totally agree with your intro 🎵👌🏻 Sound is the most important feature bar, none 👏🏻

[@NanoDex]

awesome reviews thank you!

[@KoiaKoiaEVE]

Love your vids. Thanks for what you do.

[@OliverHammer-v3x]

It's already been mentioned in another comment, but I also miss the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 in this comparison. I had initially ordered the Bowers & Wilkins PX8, but they had far too much bass for my taste - exactly as described in the review here - so I ended up sending them back. I didn't try the Focal Bathys because I wasn't particularly impressed with a pair of wired Focal Elear headphones I owned for a while (although they don't really do anything wrong, I just didn't like their sound signature). I also find the design of the Focal headphones too flashy to walk around in public with them. When I found the B&O H95 at a good price at a German retailer, with the option to try them out for 60 days, I gave them a try. I was very skeptical after my experience with the Bowers & Wilkins, but the B&O surprised me very much (positively). The only criticism I would have is the strange interpretation of the equalizer in the B&O app. But to be honest, I don't really need an equalizer for the B&O H95. Long story short: I've kept it and I'm happy with my decision.

[@AE01HD]

How do these compare to BeOplay H95?

[@thomasnewsom6084]

Interesting... I have a really diverse set of headphones since engineers are always chasing that next best thing. For me the Mark Levinson 5909's were extremely good (sound) and competed well with some of my higher end headphones. On the lower end I also have the Airpods Max and find that the ML's did a very good job of coming close to the Airpods on ANC. I do have to admit that I like to use the ML's wired but for walk-around duty with Bluetooth they are excellent. It could be that since I am older my high frequency hearing capability is blunted more than yours so I don't have the same treble frequency issue you mention. Thanks for the well thought out review.

[@MrJ.31]

Do you happen to have any connection issues with your ML like random unpairing or turning off during phonecalls? My ML does this sometimes so I was curious if you had similar issues

[@thomasnewsom6084]

@@MrJ.31 No, I have not had any problems like that.

[@georgiafan6618]

@@MrJ.31 That sucks. My go to Sony XM3’s (gym and running) did that and difficulty pairing, but they’ve been beaten up and they’re old. Call or email levinson. Someone said to reset them. I’m Looking at the 5909s. Yikes.

[@MrJ.31]

@Georgia Fan Yeah it was a software issue. I did a few factory resets on the headphone and cleared out and reinstalled the app and once everything was updated and paired again it started working no problem and haven't had any issues since. I love that sucker. I've had the pleasure of trying a bunch of ANC headphones and the 5909 really was the best of the bunch for me. Just the sound quality alone is kinda like a mix of the best qualities that the B&W PX8 and Focal Bathys have to offer. Just my personal opinion. And I have to agree with you on the Sony XM5's. Those things are fantastic and definitely my favorite BT headphone in the $500 and under range

[@joetoe9207]

Incredible review (for me, but I’m guessing I’m not alone). Tx so much!

[@diegorivera985]

No B&O H95?

[@XdekHckr]

I have not tried other headphones but I am happy with px8, you can also tweak bass/treble in app for example, also there was update to 3.0 soft version of headphones which you didn't probably had when recording this video. They improvied audio quality with that update

[@tiagocruz7142]

I tested both PX8 and Bathys for weeks. Sadly had to return my PX8, I loved the build material but the sound profile of the Bathys was so much better to me.

[@xo121w]

Bathy look so ugly though man

[@GadZookz]

Thanks Resolve. Glad to see you are taking the time to do this. Use to be there was only Sony and Bose but now there are so many to chose from and some of them are poor value prospects at half the cost. For SQ, the best I have heard so far are the Bathys and the Spirit S3 which doesn’t have ANC. Hope you will be able to review the M&D MW75 at some point.

[@ResolveReviews]

Yeah I need to check out the M&D stuff and also the B&O stuff - all the ampersand headphones!

[@easterbunnybrandon1796]

Yes. Because Sony and Bose are more price friendly and to be honest I've never heard better noise canceling out of the Sonys.

[@GadZookz]

@@easterbunnybrandon1796 For the longest time there were no alternatives at any price. 🙂

[@metal571]

M&D now there's a name I haven't seen in a while. I wonder if they still even sell the original passive closed back that Tyll raved about back in the day

[@GadZookz]

@@metal571 From what is on their website, it looks like they only make wireless products these days. Definitely still not a bargain brand.

[@yogiwp_]

Sound quality wise, which passive phones roughly at the same level as the Bathys? Was thinking they're somewhere between Sundara and Elex?

[@jasonblaise6786]

Depends on your setup but TBH the Bathys play in mid-hifi, They won't take out the Clear MG obviously but they approach the Radiance, and if soundstage isn't super important with you they'll pretty much beat out most wired equipment underneath their price, its kinda crazy to see how much focus Focal put into these headphones. I recommend them trying them out in a shop if you have the opportunity and A/B-ing them with some wired headphones you might enjoy.

[@AresWasTaken]

You should really take a look at the Bang & Olufsen stuff, not great, but you can’t exclude the $900 B&O H95 from a list of expensive anc headphones.

[@JustLearning]

I really do not think about or really use ANC. It is not even a thought when purchasing headphones.My idea of noice cancelling is to turn up the volume until you do not hear the surround environment. The main quality I use when choosing a headphone is the sound quality (clear distinct sound). I have tried and returned many a headphone due to not liking how they sound. I also like the headphone to fit tight around my head and not loose. And I love them to be able to get loud. I am not loading with money so the headphones I have are the Sennheiser HD 6602, Sony MDR 7506, Focal Elegia, and the Focal Bathys. I also have not expensive IEMs. My 2 cents worth.

[@StructureMastery]

I just bought mine px8, and it's good, I'm in love! I just had one question, is it better to take a streaming service like qobuz or will my deezer hi-fi be enough??

[@robovirtuoso1354]

deezer hi-fi is fine. So is Apple Music lossless.

[@dansaghin1]

Good, detailed review. The PX8 is not that bad, bass heavy but the rest of the frequencies are decent and it`s very pleasing to listen to... I think the Focal is the one for me but I am gonna wait for the Airpods Max 2 and see if they improved the sound quality.

[@olivergoldvalente]

I watched this with envy a while back. Then I got the Bathys at LTX from your guys' booth! I really have enjoyed them so far. Such an enjoyable headphone. I will say Bluetooth compression is more noticeable than I hoped but I'm glad there's a wired option at least! Thanks for videos like this! Excellent stuff.

[@alexander_hro]

I read that a new firmware for the PX8 has been released recently, which according to the description improves the sound. "3.0.0" can you say something about that?

[@august6278]

PX8 sounds better than most headphones, compared them to xm5 and APM and they were much nicer in detail, bass and soundstage.

[@lukewalker5111]

Xm5 is half the price, pretty bad comparison

[@ChrisBenejam]

I owe all three of these headphones and strongly disagree. The PX8 are the best sounding by far of the group. The Harman curve is a baseline, not gospel. The Focals are utterly anemic in the low end and any amount of eq causes harsh clipping. They also have some basic bluetooth issues that mars the overall experience. The ML are good but don't really stand out. They're also the most expensive. With all three within reach, I always go for the PX8, followed closely by BO H95, then the Bose NC700 which I prefer over Sony's offerings.

[@jasonblaise6786]

My guy the Bathy’s are not anemic in the Bass, you just have a preference for Bass monsters which I can see in 3 headphones you picked out. The Bathy’s Bass absolutely slaps.

[@evilvirtuoso9408]

@@jasonblaise6786 this just shows that not everyone has the same definition of "sound quality" and therefore the Bathys being superior is just one opinion. It's not universal truth.

[@Climate.Realist]

Thank you for that video. I'm still quite new in the over ear game, coming from IEMs. When I tested the B&W for a few days I was mad at how bad it was. Especially when they are that expensive. I wanted an over ear headphone for office work to also use for meetings. So what I needed: Great sound for daily listening, good mic so with a decent sound quality and good at just filtering out my voice and a decent ANC mode so I would not be distracted in these open offices that much... And the B&W delivered on literally NONE of those. Sound was worse than my IEMs by far (Shure Se535) or even my cheap beyerdynamic 900prox that aren't really that great. So I went for the Sony XM5 because it was the best of the buch. Good ANC, Good Battery Life, Sound it alright, Mic is alright and it's quite cheap so as soon as a truly good option comes out, it's easy to switch. I have decently high hopes for the Airpods Max 2 (as I hope they bring the best sound ever on an apple level + all the advancements they have made on the new aipods pro. And I really hope they can figure out how to make a mic in such a way that it's clear and can filter out background noise incredibly well.

[@IndecisiveConclusion]

Thank you for this I needed this review. It would have been nice to see the objective sound comparison with air pods max in the mix. I just bought the bathy's and have felt the the upper mid range to be a bit short and bright for me. I was considering trading them in for the px8 but it sounds like that wouldn't be the greatest either. I'm just curious now on the air pod max

[@ramlord6669]

I have listened to both of them at my audio dealer for comparison. I liked the PX8 much more. Maybe on the tuning side they don't meet Andrew's preferences in how a headphone should sound, but for me and my metal and rock they sound best in the realm of wireless headphones. Btw. I am not an ANC user. Otherwise I do have Focal floor loudspeakers and headphones, but here and for me it was surprisingly the PX8. They just enchanted my ears. Give them a trial and compare for yourself. At the end it is absolutely subjective and a question of what music you listen to

[@JeffJacquesmd]

I own a pair of the AirPods Max and I own the PX8. I compared them with the Focal Radiance and the DCA Aeon 2s. The AirPods Max are good, but the SQ is inferior to that of the PX8, with only the ANC being superior on the Apple product.

[@gdemirjian]

Px8 is $699. The 007 model is $799 for blue color and a 007 badge. Bathys are full time ANC/DPS so I can't use my Gryphone for MQA when I want to listen wired at my travel destination. Full time ANC/DSP is a red flag for me. The material under the headband is lint collecting velour and is has a build like a kids toy with flashing lights. How much extra does that cost? They are worth not a penny more than $400. Px8 is best style and second in features. A fun sound when I dropped the bass a click and increased the treble a half click. The ML 5909 is best sound and features IMO. I'm 57 and the treble peak was only an issue with a few tracks. I greatly enjoy your reviews. Thank you!

[@jasonblaise6786]

with all due respect, MQA is a scam, Focal doesn't support it because of how much a scam it is, just like DSD and every other recent "audio quality" upgrade companies have come up with. As for the other stuff, a fun sound is great but not at $700 for the B & W, for that Ill grab some Sonys or even some B & O and "jam" out to tunes for much cheaper. at this price point I want to be able to enjoy my music and also listen to it critically if I feel the desire to do so. ML 5909 is a very good headphone but just extremely overpriced for the sound quality you get, It should be priced actually around $700 or maybe even around the price of Airpods Max. B & W isn't worth more than 400 and thats being generous. Bathys competes with wired headphones above its price and gives you an actual hi fidelity listening experience wherever you go. its kinda crazy.

[@gdemirjian]

@@jasonblaise6786 Bathys is synthetic DSP sound... all the time. Focal does not offer a passive listening choice as they are just a pig under the lipstick (poor driver to cup, filled with ANC/DSP, design). And they look like a cheap kid toy with real flashing headlights. They are trying to rip us off. The fact that you personally attack MQA takes away any value of your feedback here. It is the choice of thousands in this hobby, so it is a dumb decision for them to not allow a passive listening mode. And it's not crazy, it's borderline criminal to charge $800 for such a features dry POS.

[@jasonblaise6786]

@@gdemirjian You say its a synthetic DSP sound and yet many critical audio enthusiasts can't stop praising it. The vocals sound rich and warm, the imaging is stellar, soundstage is good, its got plenty of slam and the timbre and tonality is very pleasant, exactly what is the issue here? Also, I personally attack MQA because its a massive scam designed to rip people off and proven by many people much smarter or more well versed in audio than you or I. Seriously just look into it, and look at how they responded when exposed. Im not even sure if you actually know anything about MQA besides the lies that are currently told on the hi-fi market. As for how it looks, have you even seen it? Its very nice in person, Im aware that for some the Led is a bit much but you can just turn it off. Additionally regarding the passive listening mode, Ill repeat your own words back to you, it is the choice of those in this hobby to spend the money on this headphone and features. who cares about the features, its got ANC and Bluetooth, not to mention the awesome DAC mode. I buy my headphones for SQ and listening experience, everything else is pointless. Thats who these headphones cater to. If thats not your jam then thats fine, go elsewhere and buy something else. P.S - If you're buying headphone in order to plug into an amp / dac at home then clearly youre looking at the wrong headphone for passive listening. Thats what my Utopias at home are for, this is for the road and when I don't have my amp/dac with me and honestly its a dream come true.

[@gdemirjian]

@@jasonblaise6786 I have high end audio gear in all parts of my life. I wanted the best sound ANC headphone for travel noise and then when I get to my destination hotel, I would like to use my ifi Gryphon to listen to Tidal Master recordings. I also like physical controls and not touch controls. The best wireless designs offer a passive wireless mode so we work travelers can have just one great sounding headphone that does it all. The Bathys COE is in a video stating his engineers advised him their driver and cup design in not conducive to this multipurpose design and he states he told them to, "make it work." So that's how you get this $800 POS that is a one trick pony that is not a valid one headphone solution for the avid traveler. So, their use case is too narrow now. These cans are a cumulation of market miscues and poor audio hobby vision. The Px8 has one of the best values for travel features to sound. The Mark Levinson 5909 is the best sounding by far in this high-end, feature rich traveling audiophile category. Remember this conversation as you listen to your Bathys over the years. Oh yeah, if the battery dies, your screwed without a true non-wired passive mode option. A one trick pony that wags its artificially colored tail to get the attention of those who are challenged by attention to tasks details. I'm done with this conversation unless you can wrap your head around what I'm saying. I don't care how great the Bathys sound... because that's all they got, and for $800 they lost me. I love my Focal speakers and their open wired headphones I own, but this garbage is an insult to those in our community that really understand use case and value.

[@jasonblaise6786]

@@gdemirjian Allright so I’ll make this quick First, I love how you completely avoided my comments regarding MQA, it doesn’t matter that you want to listen to Tidal Master quality tracks on the go, these headphones are not going to feed the MQA narrative and good job to Focal for not pushing that nonsense, buy some other brand if that’s what you’re looking for. Second, regarding the sound, the Mark Levison and B & W both change their sound quality when ANC is active meaning they have different profiles based on ANC on or off vs wired which is actually what the engineers were referring to, hence why the Bathys is phenomenal for someone looking for Bluetooth hi-fi headphones that sound great no matter the use case. Additionally again we get to the point of you making baseless claims without doing research, you think I would buy a product that stops working after the battery dies? For one battery tech is greatly improved, my Opponent-HA2SE and several other devices still work to this day and it’s been almost 7 years, that’s not bad at all for a battery device. Additionally Focal has already stated that they will have a battery replacement service for the Bathys so no fear there. These headphones aren’t about features like Focal said, it’s about giving you the best sounding portable headphone possible and adding some features to it, their focus was sound quality above all else and I for one praise them for reaching their goal and making the best damn sounding portable headphones I have ever heard. If you don’t get that, then that’s fine the product isn’t for you. But it’s funny because in the world of the hobbyist audio lover, the sound of the music is above all else, that’s why we buy the massive Audeze’s or the terrible QC Hifimans that would never sell anywhere else because they sound phenomenal, we always accept trade offs for the best sound. Again, Feel to free to take your money and give it to someone else but YOU my good sir are the one missing the proverbial point. Have a nice day 😊

[@stephendenagy3396]

Great review. Glad I went for the Bathys! I have the B&W PX 7s2, and replaced it with the Bathys. I did not like it’s dark tuning and compression but put up with it for travel situations. The Bathys worked perfectly well traveling. And the balance of ANC is perfect for flying. The slightly less effective ANC in the upper register made it possible to appreciate announcements for gates and such (softly!) but work great on the plane and in office and other settings. The Bathys does remind me of other Focal headphones. Hard to fathom how B&W let the PX8 out the door. It is really the PX7s2 with a different driver, and upgraded padding. For twice as much. I bet this was rushed out the door knowing that finally Focal was entering the space. Too bad. But they will still make money, maybe not as much.

[@devon3658]

Have you tried the PX8?

[@stephendenagy3396]

@@devon3658 no, but I don’t like the P7s2 very much. If it is anything like P7 (likely, it would seem), that is not likely for me. But I have been following these headphones for several years and have a rough sense of correlation with actual sound. We are pretty rural here, and I don’t have the luxury of demoing as I did years ago in big cities. Meanwhile the Bathys is fabulous. Not perfect, the Clear MG is better. But the headphones are very articulate.

[@Tombalino]

u my favourite headphone reviewer

[@NZtechfreak]

I got the Bathys last week (following a two week wait for stock after auditioning it and deciding it was me), love it. Have waited a long time for a wireless NC can I can actually enjoy listening to music on, rather than just Netflix etc.

[@neohideo]

for me Focal Bathys wins! I totally love them!!

[@shahriarhaque915]

The intro got you a like, subscribe & comment

[@nickp.4915]

Looking into the Bathys... have a question about the eq\app. I may have misunderstood in this video but it sounded like he said that you need to have audio playing through the app for the EQ settings to be applied. If this is correct and I hope it is not, this would suggest the eq is actually a software eq within the app software and not an actual electronic eq within the circuitry of the headphones that is merely controlled (adjustments made) via the app. If the EQ is a mere software EQ within the app, thus requiring the app to be running and listening through a phone\device this would be deal breaker for me as I would want the same eq'd sound flexibility regardless of whether I'm listening via the Bluetooth or through the USB or the 3.5mm jack. Not to mention I would find it difficult to pay the high price tag if the app\software is just controlling the source fed into the headset as opposed to an onboard electronic eq that is just adjusted via an app. HUGE difference in my mind. I have been in the market for a great headset for a few years and just cant seem to locate a wireless bluetooth set that does not have half the magic done through software within the required app as opposed to features actually contained within the headset. Like I said I have no issues with using an app as a configuration\setup tool, but the headset needs to stand on it's own to get my money at this price point... The flexibility to get the same results whether I am connected to a phone\device via bluetooth or to a computer via USB or to a receiver\amplifier via 3.5mm in my eyes is very important.

[@cybersurf5]

Were these tests taken right out of the box? Typically sound tests should only be conducted after breaking the headphones in-normally over several weeks

[@fun-ghi]

I wonder too. My Bathys sounded definitely different after around 50 hours burn in. Much cleaner bass.

[@evilvirtuoso9408]

Don't expect reviewers to diligently do that. Making YT reviews is a business more than a hobby.

[@WorthlessDeadEnd]

Seven seconds into this video, and I already liked and subscribed

[@bluc6049]

Compared bathys and h95...won't bore anyone but preferred the bathys...preferred the look of h95 more, but they were less comfortable (earcups to small for me). Also my h95 were considerably lower on my phone compared to the Bathys which really surpised me. Once I wired them the SQ really started to seperate between the two. Still going to compare bathys with px8 and 5909, but from reviews I'm thinking px8 won't really be a factor. I could stop now with Bathy as they are amazing and very comfortable to me, but the passive mode of the 5909 really is a plus for me. I want wireless that can be wired, but wanted high level for both (I know high quality BT is oxymoron to some but Bathys sound better than any I've heard thus far). My setup is basic, mainly listening on phone, plugging bathys in with the USB c cable included was so elevated from the already great BT that I had to test out 5909 based on what I've heard about their wired sound.

[@BarnabyBarry]

Do you use Spotify or Tidal? Was one better than the other on your apple? And much than the wireless mode?

[@bluc6049]

@@BarnabyBarry Bluetooth not much. I have both but use tidal primarily. Wired tidal is way better.

[@silasking6279]

Thanks for the review. Any chance you're going to review or compare the Bang and Olufsen H95s?

[@evilvirtuoso9408]

Don't count on it.

[@welcomeghosts_uk]

I tried the PX8’s after reading endless reviews about how incredible they were and thought the pair I had must be broken. Sent them back for another pair. Exactly the same. Muddy, congested and dull. Beautifully made but otherwise horribly overpriced.

[@evilvirtuoso9408]

Same thing happened to me, but with Bathys. But I didn't suspect them to be broken, obviously. It's just a matter of whether it matches your preference.

[@ymmp30]

While there is a lot of useful info in this video and I appreciate the time and thought that went into it, it is still quite frustrating. To start, is FR the only sound criteria that matters? Isn't it the easiest thing to adjust? It's quite the contradiction to criticize the 5909 for having limited equalization in the app and wishing Treble could be adjusted, thus implying FR issues CAN BE improved or fixed but then come down on the 5909 for the 10K boost! The app may not have EQ but there are many other ways to do it: Wavelet, Poweramp EQ (my personal choice) and Galaxies built in EQ just to name 3. On the other hand what about Soundstage, Transparency, instrument seperation and other areas of SQ? Turning to build quality and design it would be good to know what materials each one uses - type of leather, how much plastic, etc. Then there is the different control scheme. To me it's a big strike against the PX8 for making you choose to control ANC mode or the Virtual Assistant but not both. The last thing that comes to mind is the reports I've seen on the Bathys having issues with sound leakage.

[@stevel4329]

Thank you for such an in-depth review. Nice to have it from someone that actually knows his stuff. Other reviewers were like the B&W is better than the Bathys etc... Makes you wonder if they are not paid to say things like that. Looking at what you have done here we need more videos like yours! Yes, I am after the sound quality 1st and foremost for the wireless cans. Just wanted something on the go that is great at sound and ok at the rest since you can't just buy a wireless set without the bells and whistles!

[@gwapster13]

His preference here does not invalidate other reviews. Sound is subjective and even measurements here use a target curve that is not to be taken as the only correct tuning.

[@kvnngkronos]

Thanks for the excellent review (as usual)! I currently own the B&W PX7 S2 (had the Sennheiser PXC500 and the Bose NC700 in the past) and hearing Resolve's impressions on the PX8, I feel like the PX8 and the PX7 S2 do share many similarities in their tuning. I down-shelf the PX7 S2 bass by 2.5 dB using their app, yet there is no fix in the app for the excess energy around 4 kHz compared to 1-2 kHz and and 5-6.5 kHz. That being said though, I find the PX7 S2 sound to be somewhat of a guilty pleasure to me with its punchiness (and sometimes compressed highs). Of course, I also have other headphones like the HiFiman Sundara or the Focal Elegia (with EQ) that I use for more of a relaxed and balanced listening, but boy do I like that punchy but quirky sound of the PX7 S2 on the go.

[@bassandtrebleclef]

Huh, I've got the px7 original, and I feel the same way about it that you do about the s2. I don't typically like this type of voicing for headphones but for some reason it works when I just want the wireless convenience which is happening more. It's a fun listen.

[@davidsantiago2626]

Exactly the same experience for me!! 😅 I personally don't feel like having a critical listen on my way to work, and the PX8 give me the exact experience I wish for. Whenever I want to have a more critical listen, I sit down and use the Hifiman Ananda. Aaand to be honest, I sometimes find myself reaching for my backpack to grab the B&W even when working from my house 🤐

[@johnmckevitt1917]

Thanks, great video. I’m looking for quality noise cancelling headphones for flight travel. Could you tell me how the Focal or B and W stack up against the Bose qc45 for this specific mode. Thanks again, John.

[@dranek]

The purpose of sound demos should be to demonstrate the relative differences between headphones. So if I’ve heard a pair of headphones that you’re doing a sound demo against a pair I haven’t heard, I’ll be able to tell if it has more or less bass than the pair I have heard from the sound demo for example.

[@Rodghost1]

I'm surprised you found the sound on the Px8, so objectionable. Fortunately, I don't listen to frequency charts. I listen to the music presented by the headphone. I had the opportunity to extensively listen to the Bathys and Px8. The Bathys are excellent as you suggest. They have a wider sound stage. BUT, the Px8, to my ears sounded better, with a warmth and intimacy missing in the Bathys. I have not heard the ML, but I wouldn't actually be willing to spend $1,000, so it would be academic at best. I have to wonder if the pair of Px8 you received had some issue with them? Or, if 11 months later, B&W has updated them to be more in line with the Bathys? Either way, for my money, I simply couldn't be happier with the Px8. Everyone's ears are different, of course. Mine chose the Px8 and I'm very very happy they did! I just received the Px8 on Friday. They are the newest Royal Burgundy color, so very new from B7W and perhaps some things have changed under the hood?

[@MrAkella33]

These types of comments make no sense to me “I don’t listen to frequency response charts” you think that’s all he did? He is just objectively measuring and showing what he’s hearing. This type of hand waving of an educated opinion that doesn’t fit yours is very bizarre.

[@Rodghost1]

@@MrAkella33 Bizarre? I find it odd that these frequency charts were used as a basis to suggest there is anything wrong with the PX8. I guess we can agree to disagree. Most reviewers applaud the incredibly well balanced sound. As do I.

[@MrAkella33]

@@Rodghost1 I don’t think you watched the video at all. Resolve obviously listened to these headphones to critique them you understand that right? Where is this idea coming from that’s he’s solely basing his opinion on the frequency response? What a strange accusation to make against a channel that literally specializes in headphone reviews and impressions

[@Rodghost1]

@@MrAkella33 I watched the ENTIRE video. And I stand by my comments. I never suggested he solely based his opinion on frequency graphs. But I stand by by comment that I don't listen to frequency charts. I listen to music and to my ears, over all the many Bluetooth OTE headphones I've owned, the Px8 are sonically, the best I've yet owned. I'm not sure what your stake is here. Do you even own a pair of Px8? Have you listened to them extensively? Also note, that the reviewer didn't bother to comment back to me, so he clearly wasn't too bothered.

[@MrAkella33]

@@Rodghost1 I just don’t understand your criticism of the video, if you agree with my points than what is Resolve doing that’s wrong? Then that means your comment about “not listening to frequency responses” has nothing to do with the video I don’t have a stake in anything, I was just coming back to this video after listening to them against other headphones in my local audio shop and saw your comment. I just don’t understand what you are trying to imply with what seemed to be a very straight forward, criticism of the headphone. He gave both an objective and his subjective opinions about it. Why is that a bad thing?

[@asan1050]

ThanksMuch !

[@vicrattlehead3462]

Are the B&W worth it for $426? Are they a good upgrade from wh1000XM4s? The b and ws are on sale, if they were i wouldn't he considering them I'd go for the focals

[@Drummerboy185]

PX8 hands down 👍🏼 great headphones.

[@martinwilliams3595]

As always from the Headphone Show, an interesting review/comparison. As attested to by you, as well as the many, excellent comments below, sound - how we perceive and enjoy it - is ultimately subjective. Whilst a frequency response can give you some idea of the warmth, coolness or characteristic of a headphone, it tells you nothing about separation, soundstage, detail retrieval, etc. I also found your comments about where these stand in the market place against other types, particularly wired models, both interesting and simultaneously irrelevant. From my own circumstances, I see it like this... I want the very best sound quality so I'll have open-back phones. However, my main hi-fi system is in my lounge (BTW, I'm writing from the UK where houses are half the size!) and my wife doesn't want to hear my music when she's watching TV. OK, closed back then (Compromise 1). But during the day, I work from my kitchen table which is out of reach from my hi-fi so I get my music from ,my phone or laptop. OK, so a closed back and a USB DAC/amp (Compromise 2)? But when I'm not working from home, I do commute or travel by public transport, so I'll also need ANC and portability (Compromise 3). Whilst these do not have the supposed sound quality of equivalent priced wired headphones, that is because they have to do so much more. Do I buy a £400 closed back, a £150 DAC/amp and £350 ANC or one pair at £900 that does everything rather well? And that's the gap these models are trying to fill. As ANC headphones, yes, they are expensive. As a headphone suitable for every occasion and perhaps with fewer compromises, do they offer value for money? Very probably.

[@jonathanbarnes7641]

Can you please do a review and comparison of EDIFIER STAX SPIRIT S3?

[@bobhanuman65]

This is helpful I"m waffling between Bathys and 5909.

[@Fermistine]

which one should i buy px8 or focal bathys for music, light causal gaming(story mode only like breath of the wild or ori and the will of the wisps or last of us or uncharted) and i watch movies a lot

[@zenniz1992]

The sound signature is different. It is really up to your preference.

[@thelawfamilyproduction329]

Great review. Random question. Out of the Focal vs ML, which one had the better mic for phone calls? I don't work in a call center, but might have a few calls here and there. So this is an important feature.

[@callmeajajaj]

I personally tested the ML and Bathyste and went with the Focals. I'm on the phone a lot

[@thelawfamilyproduction329]

@aj jain actually I went to test both head phones. For some reason the ML was better on calls with my android

[@ysamuelarai]

Master & Dynamic MW75 is missing from the list...

[@keanua1852]

are many people having issues with the headband on 5909s pulling loose? Also how are the buttons?

[@liammadridista2395]

Interesting to know how the focal bathys compare to the audeze Mobius yes I know it's a gaming headset and it doesn't have ANC but in terms of sound quality what one would you choose I've heard that the Mobius is pretty good for a Bluetooth headphone

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

Mobius sounds great for gaming headphones. In fact, they sound great, period. But comfort could be better (weight, hot spot) and fit and finish average as well (very plasticky with some creaking). Still, enjoyable overall and ahead of its time at launch!

[@liammadridista2395]

@@raphaelmeillat8527 thanks for your insight much appreciated 👍

[@MustaClient]

Hey, im just a casual listener who wants to try out some better headphones than i normaly do. Right now im owning a gaming headet (not very fun because mine lack in bass a lot).... im looking for a headphone that i can use for watching movies, gaming and listening music with. My budget with AMP is about 500$. Im mainly looking at the Harmonicdyne Zeus, Sundara, hd6xx and the Hifiman Deva pro. Which headphone would you recommend for Casual listeners who want to have a fun experience rather than an analytical?

[@christianwilmes]

Thanks :) !!!!

[@bobsykes]

Hands down the most useful review of today’s best options for wireless noise cancelling headphones. The only thing missing is how they work for phone calls, especially for the person on the other end of your call.

[@metal571]

While that would be nice, this information will most likely never be a part of this channel. Here we care about the chasing raw sound quality of the headphone itself rather than "peripheral" uses like calling

[@lakeland6798]

i took a phone call while using a loud 2 stroke edge trimmer with my focal bathys and the other person couldn’t hear it at all

[@metal571]

Rtings has some very good mic tests for such things. Not sure when they'll cover this one though

[@neogenesus]

Works great with my Bathys sound wise. Another neat thing is I most of the time connected my Bathys to my PC via USB bluetooth dongle that can do AptX Adaptive and also at the same time connected to my Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. If there is a call on my phone, the Bathys will pause the music or video on my PC and connect the call to the phone.

[@williamgardiner3487]

Mic test was consistently better on the ML compared to the Bathys.

[@russella7263]

Listening to this guys description of active mode (ANC on and Ambient on) which active mode did he test to produce the active graphs i.e. do the graphs show ambient noise removed (i.e. ANC on) or ambient noise added (i.e. Ambient on, more commonly known as pass through).

[@RorRiiZzLE]

I know the 5909 is 12 grams or so and I was thinking of getting a pair (maybe a pair of the Focal Bathys or Ikko OH5) as my daily driver and for drumming. I currently have a couple pairs of over ear Sennheiser Momentums and a PCX 550 II, which sometimes gives me headaches from wearing when drumming. Are these other choices light enough and displace their weight well enough? Also, is the background hiss on the 5909 similar or worse than how the Bose’s ANC works whilst making that sorta white noise? (Idk if it still does it… it’s been a while since I had Bose).

[@evilvirtuoso9408]

which Momentums do you have? If, for example, you find Momentum 4 still gives you headaches from wearing, then these other options would crush your head.

[@RorRiiZzLE]

@@evilvirtuoso9408 Momentun 2&3. I ended up getting a pair of Ikko OH-5 IEMs. Still might look at getting a 5909 or some other over-ear headphones that come out in the future. I also gotta figure out what amp to get. I think I’d really like an xDSD Gryphon, but they’re pretty pricey compared to like a BTR-5 or 7.

[@evilvirtuoso9408]

@@RorRiiZzLE I see. I thought it was Momentum 4, which is very comfortable to wear, much more than the headphones in the video. But of course we're not comparing their sound.

[@scottdavidson5154]

I bought both the PX8s and the Bathys. For my tastes it was not a contest - the Bathys are far more articulate than the PX8s (which I returned). The Bathys (broken-in for about 200 hours) in DAC mode are competitive sound wise with my Focal Celestee / iBasso DX220 w/ tube amp / Cardas kit which cost 3 times as much. That they don't have a passive input is fine with me. Bluetooth for casual listening and DAC mode for serious listing is working really well. Will build an upgraded USB C cable before too long which should push them a bit further up the audiophile ladder. My one gripe is that the buttons/controls need to be upgraded to a better material. The case for the PX8s was nicer, but I didn't buy them for the case and the Bathys case is decent.

[@uonadtehrrocks]

We need a video like this for the Clear MG and OG and gaming headsets