FOCAL Bathys review -- BETTER than Apple AirPods Max? (& more)

[@DarkoAudio]

PLEASE READ *before commenting*! 1) All comments here are moderated by a third party 2) Polite comments that advance the conversation are most welcome 3) No URLs, racist/sexist remarks or conspiracy theories, please CORRECTION: the Focal Bathys sell for €799 (and not €699). Apologies.

[@maemo4one]

What I love about your videos, even if I'm not in the market for whatever product is being reviewed, is that I'll always get some nice, new-to-me tunes out of it when the intermissions come up. ♥️

[@nomoremeetings1183]

Agreed… I often go look up the various artists John mentions.

[@lkibbler]

I actually have a playlist in both Apple Music and Spotify named “recommended by John”.

[@filipepaninho6558]

Same for me! ;)

[@camarykaren]

Omg. I'm not the only one adding his music to their list. Lol.

[@AliArghavan]

Now add B&W PX8 to the mix!

[@sapitts]

You need to do a FOCAL Bathys vs. B&W Px8 which are closer priced. This would be very helpful to decide which higher price one to go with.

[@newsappa49]

Or Mark Levinson No5909

[@NoahBershatsky]

The DAC via USB isn’t missing the point. It IS the point. Wired lossless active noise cancelling? The Sony and Apple can’t do that.

[@mvp_kryptonite]

Sennheiser can. Wow I thought that was standard features but guess not

[@nickthegun]

Yeah, I think the point is for someone to be able to Bluetooth on the commute and plug into a laptop or something in the office. As John says, it is an edge case but for some people getting rid of an extra dongle may be worth the price. I’d definitely use this function if it made its way onto a Sony or something priced in that ballpark.

[@jimfarrell4635]

People forget ANC started with wired headphones. I still have a pair of the excellent PSB M4U2 which, despite the dreadful name, still sound very good. The Focals, however, tempt me. I have a pair of Elegia which are great so going wireless might be the next step.

[@jonasharp3]

Wait, so when I use AirPods max with the optional wired adapter, it’s still lossy?

[@Rip-Van-Tinkle]

I would definitely use this feature as well as the wireless 👍

[@jarjared3522]

How do the Bathys compare to the Bowers & Wilkins PX8? NOT the PX7 S2, but the PX8.

[@EastPlanet]

Thanks for this - next closed-back I buy will be these bad boys. Just got the Clears and my life is forever changed lol. I really appreciate that Focal took everything into account here - controls/features, aesthetic, comfort, and of course sound/ANC quality. Nothing was compromised, and it still comes in at a fair (albeit expensive) price. Leave it to Focal to set a new standard for the audio market :)

[@digdees]

Bathy's v PX8, that's the shoot out we want to see

[@atmunn]

Love your review style. It is honest and well articulated. You also somehow make it both raw and well polished. Just the right balance of objective and subjective, and we really get the sense of how these make you feel. With audio equipment that is really what it is all about; how it makes you feel. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@Benvos]

I know you’re not a wireless headphones channel, but the PX8 is the natural final piece to this puzzle.

[@digitalm3ssiah]

Fully agree! I’d also say the H95 would be great, especially because they are foldable. Do it for us Darko ❤

[@willarthur4846]

It’s almost like you didn’t watch to the end of the video…

[@MrAntipathiQue]

Yes!

[@Benvos]

@@willarthur4846 it’s almost like you didn’t, perhaps watch his follow up video, you might be surprised at your lack of awareness.

[@DarkoAudio]

CORRECTION: the Focal Bathys sell for €799 (and not €699). Apologies.

[@arthurxu2858]

would love to see your thoughts on B&W PX8 VS. Focal Bathys

[@pauljordan3828]

Great review , I have the bathys and I’m very happy with them , I like the dac mode wired to my iPhone , Would I say the dac mode beats the Bluetooth mode , blows it out the water , night and day !!!! Well slightly better but Bluetooth is getting closer and closer which can only be good news

[@brothatwasepic]

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: many have noted the Bathys is way better than the airpods max in terms of sound quality. I conclude it sounds better than the Momentum 4 (Ignoring price differences) as well as the Momentum 4 sounds better than the Xm5 and Airpods Max. 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.

[@TaHu4Truth]

thank you so much dude for your detailed comparison

[@hortehighwind8651]

Thanks for your comparison. I’ve got the xm5 and 3 other headphones/earbuds, it’s hard to stay strong and not get more 😂

[@erikd6124]

What about momentum 4 vs px7 S2, S2e and px8?

[@robinmercier2906]

Great review, and agree with all as a Bathys and sony owner. Dac mode for me has had fair amount of use in office as I travel to work, and do notice a good improvement in sq once switched. It's a good "ace" for us niche peeps. Soft setting in NC is niche as well but helpful in office.

[@Krell666]

I'd be interested in your opinion on the B&W PX8 when you get to demo a pair.

[@SharpblueCreative]

Had a pair of Bathys for a week now - I live in Wiltshire and often travel on Stagecoach double decker buses between Swindon and Devizes or Swindon and Cirencester. I have noticed some anomalies when using the ANC in either modes. Given the roads are terrible, potholes, bad road surfaces & plus the ambient noises of the bus itself I find the ANC can’t cope when the noises are so random. Really messes with the music. So I find myself switching off the ANC. Elsewhere it’s perfect. Hopefully these issues may be addressed in a software update. But as a headphone generally they sound awesome.

[@nineteen76]

I use the Bathys in an office environment day to day and I always use it in DAC mode. But then I'm one of those audiophankers that used a portable DAC/AMP and wired headphones.

[@ivarhaaland5915]

could you rewiew the Bang & Olufsen H95 and see if the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 is better?😀

[@TorToroPorco]

It’s Bathys Day! I was one of the ones who asked about the Bathys although I don’t remember adopting John’s tone of voice. I always like the way John integrates the music he listens to with his sound quality impressions. It helps to solidify the descriptions of his sound impressions

[@jamesbittle9789]

I think the DAC mode is aimed at folks who might use the Bathys as a replacement for the wired headphones/dongle DAC/Schiit stack combo that some people use at the office or in a secondary listening area.

[@nineteen76]

Exactly my use case and main reason I went for these

[@mariostresow9755]

Thanks for your detailed and well-rounded information. Clear pronunciation and a sympathetic voice.

[@eugeniorenzi7790]

Thank you for this nice video. I dont see myself wearing this kind of product (nor any other all ear headphones) in the street. But your videos are always very pleasant. So I did enjoy. Take care. E

[@GMG0479]

Great review! (as usual) Sorry for the side question, but since you have close access to a Naim dealer, how about a review of the Supernait3?

[@paoloquintero86]

What about momentum 4?

[@forcecore]

Look forward for your comparison against Bower & Wilkins PX8

[@clintw9940]

Curious to hear what you think about the PX8, no pun intended. 🙂

[@olavvandenhogen5951]

Great video! Van you recommend the Bathys for metal music? Thanks

[@DarkFire515]

Thanks for recording such a thorough review. If I was an android user I'd be strongly tempted by the Bathys. System integration is probably going to keep me with my Airpods Max (which I love) but strong competition is only a good thing.

[@anncleverley4721]

Excellent review as I listen to you wearing the Bathys. I absolutely love them and sent the Bowers and Wilkins PX8 back for the Bathys. I think they look fantastic on you.

[@KrisBaca]

Would love to hear the comparison of the 5909, the PX8, and the new T+A Solitaire T coming out in a week or so (~$1800), and you're right there in Germany!

[@gilmoskovich7304]

The Beloved is an excellent Band. Thank you for mentioning them.

[@robertnoblitt518]

I have Sony XM5 and just recently the Bathys (Dune). To me, and I think many others, the Sony noise cancellation is better. However, the Bathys certainly sounds better. I also appreciate the multiple connectivity choices. DAC mode is great with my Android phone, Dell laptop & PC. I don't think you mentioned the hearing test and sound personalization feature. Maybe it has only recently become available in the app. As I have some high frequency hearing loss, this feature is fantastic for me and absolutely makes a difference that sets the Bathys ahead of every other headphone I have used.

[@BLyzZT]

I love how I get great advice about gear and learn about amazing music at the same time. Keep it up.

[@wrcarter62]

I am a Focal Utopia owner and I have had my Bathys for 2 weeks and I must say I am in love with them. Thanks for the fantastic review. Always top drawer content from you John.

[@thetenor1000]

Love these reviews. Darko audio are the very best on the web IMHO.

[@krisp3128]

Personally I am quite interested in the dac mode feature. Wireless on the go and extra sound quality with the cable where you can… In theory at least, a really nice feature!

[@waiik76]

I have the Focal Bathys headphone about 2 weeks. It's a fantastic and beautiful 😍. The sound are awesome 👌. If you have the money. Buy it.

[@kesagatame]

I feel the same way about the bulkiness of the Audeze LCD-XC. Could never imagine leaving the house for a walk with those. Great review.

[@asimhussain2344]

I love "Bathysphere." Can't believe you mentioned it.

[@miguelbarrio]

One important point of the Bathys is it can play losslessly via a USB cable to your phone - up to 24/192 although even redbook sounds better over the cable than BT. So you can use it over BT and when you really want to sit down and listen in better quality, you can too without toting around a DAC.

[@DigitalHardrock]

So several years I thought there's nothing better in bluetooth ANC segment than sony and bose. So glad I was wrong, looking forward for more reviews! Thank you for this great video!

[@69Muscle]

As an owner of Focal loudspeakers and wired headphones, I’m planning on buying the Bathys. I love the Focal sound. To me, their sound signature of detail and crispness is amazing.

[@khuti007]

Just wanted to say I watched the outdoor shot of the Focal store about 6 times...for some reason. Outdoor shots around town, love it

[@pauliusb]

Nice review! Would be awesome to see B&On H95 vs Bowers & Wilkins PX8 vs FOCAL Bathys

[@james_tiberius_kirk73]

Just purchased a pair today on the strength of your review. I have a NAIM Uniti Headphone Edition and don't have any high-end headphones yet. These fit the "Wait until I can afford those" category. Managed to get them during a 50% off Sale here in Australia so only paid $649:00AUD (Not the full $1349:00AUD RRP). Looking forward to trying them out after your great review.

[@scottscottsdale7868]

I am waiting eagerly

[@shawntoronto7967]

Thanks Mr. Darko. I’m not currently a big headphone person - but I’m really enjoying this series and curious to try.

[@anthonyholland8549]

This feels like just the pressure we need for Apple to get on with some H2 Bluetooth 5.3 AirPods Max gen 2. By mid 2023 it will really be high time.

[@falcodarkzz]

Apple gets more revenue from airpods alone than B&W, Focal and ML get for all their products combined lol. If anyone could run away with it, then its apple, but the APM were not impressive sound wise or visually imo. I'm not expecting big things.

[@edelweisskoenig]

What a roundup. Thanks for all your good work. With Focal and Apple you've already covered my potential candidates. Now I have to go out and try them for myself. 😀

[@juniorniebles6048]

Kef also came out with a new Mu7 wireless headphones 😂 final headphone comparison just started

[@TM-fx2pi]

Your thoughts on these Focal are very similar to mine. I’ve heard the Mark Levinson but I ended up purchasing the Focal. I really enjoy them. Thanks for the review!!

[@bartboonstra948]

Hey john, great review as always! Are you gonna try out the new kef Mu7?

[@bartboonstra948]

haha, I know its never gonna stop. We will always request even more then what you are already giving us❤

[@saiden630]

Thanks. I was looking for a Bathys vs AirPod Max review.

[@ultimatesculpt]

My PX7s changed the way I watch television - late night or quiet times especially. Dialogue heavy programs are so much clearer at lower volumes. However thumping soundtracks are great fun as well. Noise cancelling on pulls the sound in and seems to make drama more intimate. Loving this headphone series.

[@EnthusiastGamers]

fantastic review we are all waiting for that of the new Bowser & wilkins px8 fantastic review we are all waiting for that of the new Bowser & wilkins px8 😎👍

[@mortengodtfrednielsen9893]

As always, an excellent video, John. I have already made my decision regarding noise cancelling headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4. I am fully aware that you can not cover every single relevant headphone that is being released, and I recognise that for this specific video, the price tags for the headphones in question is well above the Momentum 4, but since Sennheiser is such a well known brand, and the headphones have generally been well received, I am surprised that they have not been mentioned...not even in the comment section (only twice so far). Have they accidentally slipped under the radar?

[@thejonathandoan]

Great review. Lots of very useful information and plenty of killer camera/video shots! Really makes the beauty of this headphone stand out nicely.

[@HenrikKKristensen]

Haha, I am always amused by the focus on phone calls. I hardly ever talk on the phone in private and when I did, sound quality isn't so important that I would consider these product at these price points at all. To me it is all about music quality, comfort and controls.

[@michaelosullivan4989]

Mate you got it all spot on , I'm a jock for 38 years and I have touched head phones fir these silly so called extras for me it's for listing to music full stop , my head is spinning now on what to choose just for clean power sounds , and most of us are buying blind as we can hear them all , as most are never in stock or is broken , I have 3 in mind , please throw me a few models you think I might like price range I will got up to 600 Australia for comfort and clean powerful sound good battey life is a bonus , going shopping tomorrow or if I have to get online I like to think you pick out what I might like I got a pair of sinhizer 650 on hold even tho ther wired , any thoughts cheers Mike 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧

[@denisruskin348]

Man, being a EU radio kid in the late 90s, Sweet Harmony was playing absolutely non stop. Good times, I will get into their other works you mentioned, John.

[@frederickhardman3389]

100% understand your point on looks. Just got a pair of air pods pro 2 as I didn't feel comfortable with a large overhead headphone in public

[@hailtothevictorz]

I have 'Bathysphere' on my Smog mixtape, nice shoutout. What an artist Callahan is.

[@michelvanderlande2334]

Please try out the B&W Px8. To me these sound better and more comfortable than the Apple Airpod Max and even the (wired) Focal Celestee.

[@MrBravo143]

Bowers and Wilkins PX8 Vs Focal Bathys 🔥🔥

[@Kohbruh]

The DAC mode is why I gave my wife the H95s. The audio output options led me to believe that these headphones aren't for the airpods max crowd. The look is far to overt whilst the airpods are trendy and minimalist.

[@Henry14arsenal2007]

Who cares, anyone with a brain and experience of both would attest the better sound quality beats everything else.

[@anthonyberryman3443]

Cool video , I tried to listen to these at the weekend in Selfridges in London unfortunately they wouldn’t connect to my Sony WM1Z via Bluetooth, however I had no problem with the new Bowers & Wilkins P8. Try and go and have a listen to one you will be very surprised with the sound quality, it’s a great fun sounding headphone. I will have to go to a audio shop and have a long listening session to compare the Bathys against the PX8.

[@Adam_StefaniakSaltea_Moonspell]

Hi, are you going to review the KEF MU7 anytime soon Darko? I have pre-ordered and I have high hopes for this headset, not to mention it comes with 3.5mm cable which makes it still useable when the battery dies lol

[@attomicrooster7823]

Love your subjective takes on audio man.I honestly can’t wait until Focal releases a Bluetooth version of the Stellea

[@kjellhedberg7779]

I have been used Bathys for a month now. I can tell they need a burn in period for at least 300h. After that Focal start to sort things out. More pin point picture than ML 5909 and way better PX7ii. Use S22 Ultra and the sound is fast, dynamic, very transparent and tight bas. Resolution got much better too.

[@MarceloPaciorek]

Amazing review Mr. Darko!!

[@jonathanrichardson7043]

OK, first thing, your channel is brilliant,accurate and joyful to hear your detailed description, on headphones.... different ears different opinion's but nevertheless I'm on agreement but I didn't rate my old px7s sound as I do the lovely rounded px7 s2s signature, interestingly the next step up in comparison is the Bathys or px8s , double the price! so this could actually point out how good the 350 price range is, I also have the Dali io-6s which might be a cat among the pigeons in terms of there neutral ability and sheer scale of detail but maybe slightly clinical for some but a much different sound to the Bowers's warmth and Richness the Dali's sound more fun with certain music and slightly addictive dare I say! Definitely worth a review!

[@RadeksWorkshop]

I hate the touch control on Sony. When I want to change volume or pause I try to touch it and nothing happens, but the accidental touches work like charm, skipping to the next song or podcast, annoying me to death.

[@sverreflem]

And Sony`s have a loud beep when you adjust volume. At least on my WH1000XM3. It`s very very annoying.

[@KaTa-321]

I’ve just got a new Bathys today for 400€ (on sales) +2y warranty! I am just going to enjoy them 🎶 Thanks Darko

[@jinraigami3349]

Jealous.

[@filipepaninho6558]

I would put the Sennheiser Momentum 4 in the mix just to complicate... 😉

[@Elkemper]

Hey! I've listened them hor an hour in another Focal/Naim salon, and i'm totally agree on everything, but! wired connection, the DAC mode - seemed giving much more than just 'slightly better'. The clarity, sure, but what the most interesting - spacial information about "where" musicians are playing. they now play not in the box, but in the hall or somewhere else. this is why for me DAC mode is far superior sounding than BT

[@orangedan5424]

Great review John. I ended up with the Px8. I have tried all the 5909, bathys, and H95. Px8 has the worst sound of them, but they have the coolest look and smaller profile, not to mentioned best NC. Bathys I think has the best sound. How I wish both Focal and Mark Levinson can focus and improve more on their design, make them smaller profile or better looking design. The H95 is let down by the sound volume limitation, plus their ridiculous price, at least here in Australia.

[@KopfdesRiesen]

Funny i think the px8 look extremely cheap and id say focal and meze have the best looking headphones out there

[@x3LightNinG]

@@KopfdesRiesen highfive brother

[@nacho2801]

Please compare them to the new PX8 🙏🙏

[@mjjm6220]

If you think the Bathys is a bit bulky…have you tried the Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless? The Amiron are a lot more bulky looking. I’ve had the Amiron for 5 years, but never used them outside. The Bathys I have a pair of them one the way.

[@barryjohnston3943]

Good work as always. Hope your health is continually improving.

[@jacobdorsey2440]

Owning a set of Focal Celestee I feel the same about wearing them out in public, they are big and flashy, lovely sound but almost to flashy to wear out / on public transport where I am

[@Lastman10101]

Mark Levinson headphones. Would be cool to get that review

[@davidflack1466]

could you possibly look into master and dynamics mw75 as they are in the same price range as the focal here. they look sweet.

[@user-hb1ve6mc6f]

“Hello Darkness my ole’ friend 🎼 “ LETS PARTY 🎉!!!

[@stephantranquille6681]

WOOP WOOP, another notch on Focal's gun! They look amazing, yes they are bulky but man are they comfy and sound so good. It's a lot of money but when uou want the very best...

[@cheewanng6138]

Cannot wait for the review of Airpods Max 2

[@jacobmperry]

Gotta see comparisons with the Kef Mu7s

[@60beats44]

Thanks for this detailed review. Could you please comment on a comparison on the BOSE QC model?

[@garypick007]

Woody richness 7:02 that cracked me up! 🤣 Thanks for another great review.

[@jeromewhitmill733]

I'm a focal fan over b&w home speakers. So l am not surprised by your assessment

[@ZappaTime]

Mmmm, time to get hold of the new B&W PX8 now then!

[@Magoo71]

I walk my Dog 3.5 miles every day while wearing my Apple iPod Max....I simply do not notice the weight and they do stay still while I'm walking....Plus I love their integration with my Apple iPhone 14 Pro......How do you like Roon ARC? Do you use it while walking with your Headphones? Also did you have to pay to use Seinfeld"s Sound Effect (pop pop) for your opening logo?

[@balduraan]

Please do a review/comparison with the B&W PX8!!

[@JeffJacquesmd]

John, thanks for this thorough analysis of the Bathys. Cheers Jeff

[@holliswong8519]

Loving these wireless headphone series. Please do the B&W PI7 as well!

[@TPQ1235]

Thanks again John for an excellent review, and your mention of the music you use in your assessments. My “Darko Audio” playlist in Apple Music is growing with each review and provides hours of music that I wouldn’t otherwise have experienced.

[@aresa8828]

The Other Space rocks, thanks for sharing him with us

[@shonen84]

“Audio Clothing”. Love that term.

[@robinr5787]

Sennheiser momentum 4? Perhaps best compromise between costs, anc, looks, comfort, sound quality and call quality. So many choices....

[@andrewwong9769]

I am a big fan of Sony XH-1000XM5 especially for ANC. I really look forward to try the Focal Bathys.

[@miguelbarrio]

Great review, thx. I got my Bathys last week and love it. And I agree with your perception of it. I should say that personally if I am going to wear a headphone outside, the style of the Bathys is a plus.

[@miguelbarrio]

@@allansh828 Interesting. I have, over the years, found that active USB regenerators do improve the sound when an electrically noisy source is used. I have tried a few: USB Regen and Wyred4Sound’s. The only catch here is that with an iPhone it then becomes a complicated mess of cables: I need the Camera Connection Kit, then the Titanis, then a full sized USB-A to USB-C cable. As a comparison, all I need without the Titanis is a lightning-USB-C OTG adapter (tiny) and next year will need no adapter at all (iPhones will go USB-C or so they say).

[@jetsetternick3588]

Phenomenon review!! I’m not afraid to admit I watched it 3 times 😂 and every time there was a new information nugget for me. Rich content! I’m in the market for new headphones and after your review I’m thinking about the Bathys Focal. Hoping the price drops lol