New Focal headphones for 2024! Azurys & Hadenys Review

[@ResolveReviews]

For anyone who didn't make note of this bit in the video let me just reiterate, these are both PASSIVE headphones, NOT ANC headphones.

[@endorphinADMIN]

no clue on the pronunciation, ask focal? though, given bathys (bah-tees), hadenys might be hah-deh-nees? and azurys might be ah-zoo-rees? you say potayto i say potahto, great review i recon!

[@TonyZEHS]

@@endorphinADMIN Focal should collab with George R.R. Martin and make a headphone called the Focal Dracarys.

[@sulgrave_]

BOOOO. BATHYS 2 in 2024!

[@LordVictorHalgaard]

Yea, whew - thought my brand new Bathys was already getting replaced.

[@zacharyanderson-white4932]

Do we know if the material on top of the headband is real or faux leather?

[@sassa317]

Your prononciation for the Hadenys is correct,and i'm a french living in France.And i love your vidéos,they are great to me.

[@TonyZEHS]

Focal really nails the aesthetics on their products just about every time. Good to see they put the Bathys chasis to good use. Mixed feelings on the cloth earpads though.

[@blorg8206]

The Bathys is headband design is actually better and far more solid than their older full-size cans, I have the Bathys, Clear and Utopia.

[@VexxedSR]

@@blorg8206 How is the weight on the Utopias? Any neck pain after extended listening sessions?

[@TonyZEHS]

@@blorg8206 For the headband contact shape/area *alone* I prefer the originals Focals as they were a bit wider in weight distribution (I currently have the Bathys, Elex, Clear, and Radiance), as well as more spread out contact surface for somone with long hair. However, the original frames themselves are a bit too rigid and bulky, and the spring mechanism tension is a bit too high (side and top frame curvature is questionable on thinner heads leading to small contact area, while cup spring tension is questionable for wider heads). Coupled by the much heavier mass, the newer designs' comfort are a step up in general for sure.

[@LordVictorHalgaard]

Gotta be honest, even as an owner of the Bathys, I'm really not a fan. I would have agreed in the past though - Wish the Celestee sounded good, because it was probably my favourite looking one. These new ones look a little too "early 2000's molded plastic headphone" to me. I think its ok - definitely better quality and more unique than most, but not ideal to me.

[@samcooper664]

The thing about the cloth earpads is that earpad material has a massive effect on sound. You can see this by swapping a pair of Clear pads onto an Elear (both even look and feel pretty similar), and the difference in sound is quite huge. There's a reason almost no audiophile company makes an open back with leather or pleather pads. It just never tends to sound right. My guess is they chose the cloth pads for this headphone because in testing a bunch of different pad materials, they came to the conclusion that this one sounded the best.

[@GadZookz]

Thanks Resolve. Your description of Focal headphones are always rich with meaning. Your choice of words is righteous, especially related to the open backs. 👍🏻

[@liammadridista2395]

I actually really like the looks of the azurys. But my favorite colour is blue so I'm not surprised.

[@cloudfireall987]

Felt compelled to comment on the headband issue, my Utopias snapped on me while sitting at my computer listening to music, ended up being the hinge. What really floored me was the cost to repair came in at $930, premium product, premium repair price I guess…

[@falcodarkzz]

bet you stored them on a stand with a very narrow pressure point. Almost always the case with these snaps.

[@reifortes_86]

Fantastic review as always Andrew! I’m happy to finally see what Focal has done with the Bathys platform/design language.

[@HugoDaSilva-ti6jk]

I actually like lighter headphones. I had a pair of Fostex's which felt heavy and sent it back. One of the key things for me when buying a new pair of over ear headphones is the weight, the lighter it feels on my head the better. I do get that quality sub conscious thing, flipping it on it's head using lightweight but strong materials to me screams quality and it's thought about in the design of it.

[@andrewsmith3121]

I believe the pronunciation for the Hadenys is: "Ah den ees" if my French is correct. So, no emphasis or inclusion of the "H".

[@hap6782]

Finally new focal headphones, hyped to try them for myself

[@johncheng9665]

0:01 General Kenobi

[@olivereliasson799]

Was looking for this comment

[@grantdillon3420]

This is great that they're making new headphones! What i'm really hoping for though is a Stellia update like they did with the Utopia

[@Accuaro]

I wish more reviewers would talk about replacement ear pads. Getting yourself OEM pads for Focals are difficult, and third party ear pads with the same frequency as stock pads are also difficult if not impossible.

[@monochromios]

Pronunciation: Asùris and Edenìs. Very interesting news. Thank you for sharing.

[@barrymckockiner8737]

Like the garden Eden?

[@kindgott]

If these were French words (they are made up), the correct pronunciation would be " ásurí" and "ádení". The final S is rarely pronounced in French.

[@blueandwhiteeighttwo]

I dream of the bathys in the azurys color...please focal make it happen

[@captainmarvel69]

Hi ! Great video ! If i can just say that it would be nice to see them on your head at least once to have an idea of the size

[@ChrisStoneinator]

IMPEDANCE CURVE?!?! Finally, a measurement that's acrually informative!

[@akuakumc]

Given the ability of the Bathys to be wire-connected and without ANC it would be interesting to comment on the similarities and differences with the Azurys

[@razisn]

Bathys always work with ANC in active mode. No passive mode, no non-ANC, no non-DSP mode.

[@dangerzone007]

Andrew looks happier than usual

[@Bonauce-ni1jj]

we all want that

[@gabech2789]

That seems a little questionable to me 🙃

[@kentxx12]

@@Bonauce-ni1jj Yes he is happier,maby he got laid :)

[@seowoo4585]

​@@kentxx12 doubt

[@Jakems28]

I've been rocking the Focal Clears for a couple years now, to the point where the earpads are so worn that there's a slight channel imbalance. I wonder if their newer products will see longer support. Having to wait for earpads to be back in stock is a bit of a pain. The soundstage width and depth on these is the real downside though so I'm curious how much better the Hadenys fair in comparison.

[@misericorde360]

You can buy excellent earpads from ZMF headphones, arguably better than the originals

[@Jakems28]

@@misericorde360 My issue is they'll change the FR. I'd rather keep the stock FR.

[@P.7005]

Great review! I have been using the Bathys for over a year now and I was just wondering how these compare to them? Also dekoni has recently come out with Suede and Sheepskin pads for the Bathys and i was wondering how those change the sound signature and if they would fit on these too?

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Wow. The open back seems really interesting! I’ll have to see if I can find a way to check them out!

[@JeffWernerIthacaNY]

I'm worried about the small ear cup... does it have less space than the Bathys? I have the Bathys and they work fine for me but they're absolutely the smallest cup I could go with.

[@chungang7037]

HD600, still in the conversation since 1997.

[@defu8592]

Same

[@christopherikechukwueyidah5928]

Thanks for this. Out of curiosity, why don't you feature sound samples so you can better explain headphone performance against a baseline? 👍🏿

[@NyteStalker89]

Because right now this was a preview and disclosing super detailed things is more than likely against some form of NDA from Focal until the units are actually released

[@liujun050612]

Curious how does Azurys compared to Bathys and Celestee when I hear at the dealer store.

[@GoodBoyShep]

I wish they had better quality control. Did they fix the band breaking issue?

[@s.anonyme6855]

That has not been an issue for a long time.

[@DaiPad881]

I already own the Bathys but have always wanted some passive closed backs…..Might the Azurys be the ones?

[@PhoggHawk]

I thought the Azuras was a blue Bathys in the ad I saw and I got all excited

[@dalejail]

can you ask them to restock the radiance please!!!!!

[@kittykittygumdrops]

GREAT VID! Recommendation of either of these vs HD800s?

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

It all depends on your preferences really. But I think HD 800 S has more 'wow' factor

[@C7V7NC3R3S]

I've been wanting a pair of focals for a while, and after this review i might bite the bullet

[@eruilluvitar]

I believe the pronunciation of the Hadenys is a subtle marketing campaign for a certain breakfast chain and pronounced Hey-Denny's.

[@joshhanlon1225]

Or Hay-den-eyes

[@eryckcrypton6412]

😂

[@high-captain-BaLrog]

but..why

[@audio_tron]

This…made me hungry. 😂

[@soulfulfool]

@@joshhanlon1225 nah its too american

[@lucastaieb6732]

Hi, thanks for the video. I am looking for a closed back to wear outside (mainly to have better/different soundstage than IEMs. How is the isolation and cable noise for this one ? For exemple compared to aeon 2 noire or compared to iems. Thanks

[@davex7444]

Hi Cameron. Love your reviews. I’m a headphones enthousiast and had quit a few over the last years. Here is my question. I love a headphone with a lot of SPL combined with audiophile qualities. At the moment use the Focal radiance. Can you give me some advice 😊

[@jeffcarrozzi5918]

The band tool got me excited ngl 😂

[@tgmwright]

My favorite song is The Grudge 🤘

[@aesonone]

​@@tgmwright fine choice

[@sjqideez6626]

Thanks for this, much appreciated

[@HobbyTalk]

That open back looks dope actually. FR looks promising.

[@ahmadfodeh3413]

Just a side note for you: when you measure the inside diameter of something, use the other side of the caliper 👍

[@masterxyr]

always thorough af

[@coardtech]

On your Diana MR livestream you called an unannounced headphone that is better than MR, were those these?

[@coardtech]

Turns out it’s Diana DZ.

[@Mr-Raccoon]

With comparisons with Bathys at the beginning of your video, I thought that both of these new models were running on bluetooth. Very confusing …

[@titienne3931]

They're using the same driver, that's all I think. It's also the last headphone Focal released, so it's a fair comparison in my opinion.

[@dukes00]

How would you compare the Azurys to the Elegias?

[@DubbyMoodz]

Was wondering the same, are any of these an "upgrade" over the Elegias?

[@CammyFi]

@@DubbyMoodz anything is an upgrade tonally from Elegia

[@dukes00]

@@CammyFi don’t disrespect my beauties like that

[@mattrismatt]

@@dukes00 Look into getting thick, real leather ear pads for your Elegia: models that must be secured with mounting rings. Compared to using the stock pads, the sonic upgrade with leather pads is significant... like night and day. Let me know if you want to know more.

[@jamesstevens968]

No Don't get Azurys get the Hadenys it has better sound stage and better imaging unless your taking the Azurys in a noisy atmosphere. But home use only Hadenys.

[@chronometa]

Oh man. The office headphone just got interesting for me. Audio-technica msr7b Sennheiser 620s Focal Azurys

[@Ratseeker]

Any comparisons to the Omega and the Hadenys?

[@RumblestripDotNet]

Yep the headband on my Elear's broke. Waiting 8 months now for them to be repaired.

[@DanielKostek]

I hate to be a downer, but this happened to me with my Radiance, and they just broke again after Focal "fixed" them, so I wouldn't be too optimistic. Pretty sure the headband on older Focal models have a key design flaw, which results in them snapping.

[@moyerca]

Has @ResolveReviews made any comments on his take on the DCA E3? I've just heard DMS' take. Interested in how the Azurys compares.

[@PerfectExsneeder]

Will you review the upcomming Sonos Ace headphone?

[@Zubaruxa]

Hello Andrew, thanks for the review. Do you think the open backs would work well for music production?

[@Mishael_Agyei-Boamah]

Yes they'd be perfect

[@falcodarkzz]

It's a shame not to get more of a comparison to the Bathys, for the Azurys that is, as it's really hard to tell whether one should by a Bathys and pop it in DAC mode or use an Azurys...Which is better, in other words.

[@Kobinals]

How does the azurys comparento Raidance????

[@gabsriel]

The only Focal I like so far is the Radiance. I dunno if i'd like the shift in the uppermids here.

[@cargath]

Personally, the size and weight of most "audiophile" headphones has always annoyed me. Even the comfortable ones, they always look extremely dorky when you are on e.g. on a video call. So i applaud Focal for going against the grain here. I also like that they aren't using leather, that's pretty rare for closed back headphones. Personally i don't find leather to be comfortable for longer listening sessions, because it tends to get sweaty. On the other hand, some textile alternatives get itchy over time - these look similar to the material used on the AirPods Max, which have that problem for me. I'm also not a fan of light colours on earpads, because it's just gonna look gross after a while. But these look very promising, will definitely want to try them.

[@falcodarkzz]

I agree its really nice seeing Focal going against the grain. I did see a guy at the train station wearing Bathys, and he definately looked dorky, they stick out to the side a lot. Not as crazy as wearing a Celestee in public but still

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

Go online with the RAAL SR1A to assert dominance

[@mikafoxx2717]

Eh, either you make it kind of big for comfort, or you get tiny m50x pads that aren't nearly so comfortable.​@@falcodarkzz

[@falcodarkzz]

@@mikafoxx2717 or get Px8, which are even more comfortable and actually look good on the head ;)

[@dreamstormPL]

Thumb up from a Tool fan :)

[@Decenium]

Also, I personally am waiting for a second gen Bathys

[@petero3127]

After five years, my Elegia headband has broken. I have ordered a Chinese replacement headband to see if I can fix them. I like all my phones with 4.4mm balanced chords. Will the single entry cord be a problem when looking for 3rd party chords?

[@Chiren1337]

May I ask where u bought the replacement headband? My clear headband is also broken and its driving me nuts and how did the repair go was it relatively easy?

[@dangerzone007]

I couldn't see the EQ profile

[@sujayp11]

More Focals! How many do they need in their lineup 🤷‍♂️

[@kadenzzola8119]

can't wait for Azurys

[@reuben8192]

Anecdotally, my headband for my Elex did snap. It was my daily driver, and I babied it. It had a stand on my desk, it was set down carefully. One day I went to slide it onto my noggin, and realized it was snapped.

[@conork325]

Nobody else touched them?

[@reuben8192]

@@conork325 nope. My locked office, only my wife could have, but not the kids.

[@DanielKostek]

This exact same thing happened for me with my Radiance headphones. I sent them in for repair at Focal, and although they fixed them, the headband just snapped again within a month. I think it really comes down to a design flaw. I've done some research, and have found that a key stress point on the headband is an interface between metal and plastic. The plastic always snaps.

[@falcodarkzz]

which stand?

[@markshenefelt7611]

Soundstage of the open back compared to 560s?

[@NyteStalker89]

@ResolveReviews any idea of time frame Azurys will ship for pre-orders? Just curious

[@BrianMackinnon]

Any thoughts vs the Focal Clear MG? I have the Bathys & the Celestee and was looking for an open back option.

[@phobiedufromage2433]

clear MG is dogshit get the clear or elex and swap the pads

[@Tizer-T]

Which headphones do these replace in focals current lineup? Or are they just a separate line altogether?

[@razisn]

none

[@Tizer-T]

@@razisn ty

[@Michael_mki233]

Are the cables TRRS compatible? Or are we stuck with SE cables only?

[@dontpokethebear3893]

Still happy with my Clears. No EQ needed!

[@CaptainSkelly]

Would love if they sold the headbands by themselves. I'd love to replace my Focal Elex headband with one that doesn't have massive design flaws.

[@andrew-o5i]

i have owned the focal clears for 3 or 4 years and use them with rme adi2 dac , have always been very happy with them but recently purchased hifiman arya organic and wow there on another level , and so comfy like you got nothing on your head ........... the only problem now is were do you go from here ?

[@Oyvind88]

Love mine Bathys anc😍

[@mrclamg]

Do you have any recommendation for very good leather pads for these 2 Focal headphones? Thank you!

[@msld3529]

Awesome review, thanks!

[@Metalicraft]

I really dig the azurys look, it looks ghostly, ethereal ...

[@tacanacy]

Which Clear are you referring to?

[@jorgeluisfernandez2560]

Bro im between this New focal headphones and batys, which one you can recommend me? Thanks

[@Mishael_Agyei-Boamah]

Well do you need Bluetooth?

[@barneyrubble9309]

you done the ZMF Atrium yet??

[@thibaultdesorbay5164]

Hadenys VS Meze 109pro? Looking for new headphones in that price range!

[@flowstatelabs]

What amp / dac do u recommend for the hadenis? Does it benefit from more power or can I just use an iPhone dongle ?

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

You can run it from just about anything. Dongle is fine

[@steveobrien1708]

Will they be charging the ass ripping prices for replacement ear pads this time around?? Pleased that they changed the headband - my Clear MG still creaks and I feel I have to baby the headband as it is shite. I like them however, obviously.

[@razisn]

Is there a reason to get the Azurys when you can get the Bathys apart from the small price difference? Maybe just the opportunity to play with dacs and headamps which should be mostly just that, play, or maybe for PRO work.

[@dgevert]

When the Bathys' lithium ion battery won't hold a charge any more, do they still work as wired headphones? Or are they just e-waste?

[@mattrismatt]

@@dgevert e-waste, unfortunately

[@dgevert]

Then there you go. A little more money for something that's eventually going to become useless doesn't sound like a better deal to me...

[@falcodarkzz]

@@dgevert itll be easy to replace these things always are. A solder and a £10 chinese battery will do. And itll last over 5 years easily

[@alejandroandrade3473]

Bathys has to always be with its anc on and it has noise floor with it. If you get headaches with anc or you’re bothered by the noise floor, you have another option.

[@RNeeko]

I was honestly super bummed when the original Clear was discontinued and 'replaced' by the Clear MG. Now that I have the money to be able to afford such a headphone it's not there anymore (new at least). But it seems like Focal realised the hole in the market they created themselves and have filled it again. It might not exactly be the Clear but this will probably suit me better anyway. Definitely one to look out for to me since I really enjoy my Bathys.

[@samcooper664]

The silver lining of that is the Clear OG is still available and at a lower price than it used to be!

[@triskelion2778]

What's the main reason you prefer the clear over the clear mg?

[@RNeeko]

@@triskelion2778 I have not personally heard the Clear Mg but it seems to have be a bit more relaxed in the mids and darker sounding due to recessed treble. Most people seem to agree the Clear OG is the better one between the two.

[@jkhmonkey_kfp_pentium_ii_cpu]

Their store still sells Clear OG new, and at a discount (though it's final sale so no returns if you take a listen and decide maybe you want the MG instead)

[@samcooper664]

I also preferred the original Clear to the Mg. With the Mg, they toned down the treble a bit in an attempt to fix some complaints that the original Clear was too bright. However, with the retune I found that it lost a lot of what made the original Clear so special. All the detail is a bit smoothed over on the Mg and nothing sounds quite as precise or engaging.

[@rpastore1313]

How does the Hadenys compares to the Meze 109 Pro? Which one do you prefere?

[@s.anonyme6855]

I have both, and as strange as it is, because the 109 Pro is a comfortable headphone to wear for hours, the Hadenys is more comfortable and it sounds better for me. Both impressions are subjective, obviously, but I never had any experience with any Focal headphones before and I was surprised how good they sound. I have 2 Meze, the 99 Classics and the 109 Pro but I mainly use the Hadenys now.

[@metalfighter7735]

Hi@@s.anonyme6855 Currently looking for Hadenys as an "upgrade" for 99 Classics. Based on your comparison to 109 Pro I see that it worth the upgrade on your opinion. Therefore would really appreciate if you could share more details comparing them soundwise (99c vs Hadenys) - what are the difference that impressed you the most? Unfortunately cannot find any direct comparison online and cannot reach the store at the moment to test them out.

[@lukasjanecka9996]

I hope this is a sign of audiophiles and manufacturers finally realizing that lighter is better

[@The_Hipster_Cow]

What exactly is to the left of the camera (the right facing outward?) Throughout the video you are constantly glancing over, is it your notes/script or the camera monitor?

[@ResolveReviews]

I just have two lazy eyes that drift to the left.

[@kristiandawe85]

Are these headphones 32ohm, I know they are different than the Sennheiser HD560s but how do they compare sound wise, I adore the sound of my HD560s connected to a FiiO BTR7 tweaked with oratory1990 eq settings

[@kaimynas2313]

New Azurys or used Celestee are better for the same price? :)

[@jasenbourne1]

TIP: In regards to pronunciation. Just use Google Translate. Set your language to french. And type in the headphones names. A speaker should show up with a rough pronunciation.

[@PeterbFree]

I wonder how many times bigger the market is for Bluetooth ANC headphones vs the market for passive headphones. What kind of product planning puts out 1 Bluetooth ANC product vs multiple passive models?

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

Judging by the fact you only seem to comment on BT headphone reviews, you dont really understand anything about this hobby. lol

[@RadoDani]

How does the sound quality compare to Bathys?

[@josecintron85]

I own a pair of Elegias, I would like to know how these 2 stack against them.

[@mattrismatt]

Look into getting thick, real leather ear pads for your Elegia: models that must be secured with mounting rings. Compared to using the stock pads, the sonic upgrade with leather pads is significant... like night and day. Let me know if you want to know more.

[@josecintron85]

@@mattrismatt Like Dekoni Audio Elite Fenestrated Sheepskin or do you have something else in mind? Thanks in advance.

[@WilkinsonX]

Which leather pads do you recommend for the Elegia? I love those headphones, never been a huge fan of the stock pads though.

[@canemturrim9659]

How is the soundstage in the Aeon X closed compared with, let's say an Elex?

[@raymondtaylor6966]

How can I purchase the headphone brake in head rig you have in your desk in the videos

[@Biodanzero]

Totally unrelated question: which headphones under $1200 have the best bass, sub bass delivery? I am looking for clear, defined, buttery lows for my mid tempo electronic music. Any suggestions?

[@nielsoe8970]

I suggest you give the Focal Celestee a listen.

[@NotOrdinaryInGames]

Wake me up when Focal explicitly releases a neutral headphone (Clear and Elex are neutral, but more like they did not try to get there) with a replaceable headband.

[@russellledonne2202]

I was really exited about the Hadeny until I saw that the frequency range is 25Hz-22kHz which is much narrower than the OG Clear at 5Hz-28kHz (perhaps felt more than heard) and the cables use 1.25 mini-plug jacks. I'd like to pull the trigger on either the OG Clear or the Hadeny...just not sure which.

[@itamararye7471]

hi thanks for the detail review. if i have hifiman sundara its worh to upgrade to the new focal sound wise. if the diffrent can be closer if i eq so let me naw thnks so much

[@KTZ_86]

So are these basically non-wireless passive Bathys (open and closed versions) ?

[@Mishael_Agyei-Boamah]

The Hadenys is better than the Bathys

[@nonnnth]

Is Focal entering hi-end mass consumer market?

[@pandapv]

does the headband have the same number of notches as the bathys? I can barely get that around my big head :/

[@jasonweaver3629]

Thank you.

[@x32i77]

Review zmf headphones please 🙏🥺