Mark…can you review the Bowers PX8, if i decide to move from Airpods Max it will be the Bathys or PX8 but need to hear your views, some say the PX8 is like having two Bowers speakers either side of your head that lack space but pack a powerful stereo image compared to the more spacious and open Bathys 👍😊
Great review and comparison! I bought Bathys and it's the best pair of headphones I've ever bought. Worth every penny. Highly recommended for audiophiles. What most impressed me are its clarity and sound separation. Having an internal DAC is also a killer feature - you can hear high-definition lossless audio without the need for an external DAC. I own iPad, iPhone and Macbook, but didn't care at all about Apple audio features and integration. I mostly use it cabled, with DAC option ON, connected to iPad or Macbook.
I am glad to hear you enjoy your latest purchase. However, I am wondering - do you have experience with audiophile headphones? I sure do have and I recently did try the Bathys and while I appreciated some of the technical ability of the driver, the resolution, the realness of instruments and vocals were so incredibly far off, I really think they sound weird. Because they're able to do pretty good sound staging and imaging but completely lack the authenticity of the music. I have the Focal Stellia (so I am used to Focal) but I couldn't bring myself to purchase the Bathys. A beyerdynamic DT 1990 (although open-back wired) will wipe these out quite effortlessly at almost half the price. I think it's still the DAC / AMP in the headphones that are falling behind expectations - rather than the speaker driver in the 'phones. I used to own the beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless (purchased at 750€) and it performed so terrible using wireless. My two cents.
@@anonymerzyniker9183 No, I don’t have experience with audiophile headphones. I am a musician, though (piano player) and I have experience with audiophile speakers. So I cannot compare them with other top headphones. J just can say that, for me, they are the best sounding headphones I have ever purchased. As a product at this price range, everyone should try it before the purchase. All the best!
@@dariosensi6078 don’t worry, I have more expensive headphones than the Stellia (Utopia) and can tell you the that your hearing is fine, you just enjoy a more musical warm and relaxed sound signature vs a detailed analytical signature like what you would get with the Stellia (which I absolutely hate), the Bathy’s are more in line with the Focal Radiance headphone and several people have said that the Bathy’s get EXTREMELY close to their sound signature. So yeah don’t worry about the previous comment, they clearly lean towards brighter more analytical headphones as shown in their liking of the DT series. enjoy the Bathy’s and know that IMHO you got one of the best closed back headphones out there, My pair should also be arriving soon, can’t wait!
These sound amazing. The Sonys, the b & w’s and Apples I’ve all tested and they don’t even come close. I know they are not cheap, but if you appreciate the little details, these are amazing.
Just pulled the trigger on these. Found them on amazon used- "like new" (brand new, just open box) for 550. Was shopping in the xm5/momentum price range, but the price was too good to pass up. I can't wait to try them out!
I am old school and ANC for me means turning up the volume until you don't hear the outside anymore. I do listen to some music loud, probably near 100%, but not all the time. I am ok with loosing my hearing. I hate when iPhones or other phones give you the hearing warning. It is nice of them to care but I already have a set of parents. Most good headphones have many nice features but the important feature for me is the sound quality. I can see purchasing a good pair of headphones with just great sound quality and no other feature. Thanks for you reviews. I learn a lot from them and have purchased and not purchased items based on your reviews.
You've come quite some way since we chatted about the AirPods Max and audiophile interests. I have a set of Focal Radiance headphones which are part of my regular rotation of headphones. I also had a pair of Focal Clear that were excellent, but being open backed limited my use cases. I recently purchased the slightly less expensive B&W PX8 after studying the feedback from many audiophiles who were looking for what I was, great SQ in an elegantly designed body and very good to excellent ANC. Comparing the Bathys to the Mark Levinson 5909 and the B&W PX8, I opted for the latter and have been very happy with the purchase. I look forward to your comparison and full review of the PX8 Also please note that many audiophiles who have had the B&O H95s don't consider them in the range of the PX8, the ML5909 or the Bathys. Cheers
Another great review. I love my Airpod Max and I compare them to my HIFi Man Planar headphones. They stuck up pretty well. To me the Airpod Max is a better buy than the focal because of spatial audio that's an unbelievable feature. Also I like the case as a woman and I love the magnetic cushions. For sound I believe you the focals are better. As a whole package though especially for someone in the Apple ecosystem Airpods are better. Connectivity alone is amazing. Thank you.
Which Hifiman do you own ? Spatial audio is marketing gimmick,once you try actual Soundstage in a good headphone spatial audio will sound like crap compared to it)
@@jennifergala This. Having built in Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos anywhere you go (when paired with your iPhone and iPad) without needing any wires, external DAC/Amps and fumbling around with them is an absolute dream
I strongly recommend have a look at the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 too. Some likes the Bathys more others the PX8, both are in the same highend class, but they sounds different! The PX8 feels "closer" and has more punch in middle, voice, guitar.. sounds very life. The Bathy on the other hand pushes details more, you can hear how the sounds buzz around your head. Bathys feels like they are "the biger stage" and less close, something like "as you stand before" The thing is, it's a matter of taste. If you're one of those people who like the sound signature of the px8, take them, you'll save money, because the PX8 "only" costs about as much as the Airpod Max (street price).
Dude, being better than the Airpods Max is something a $30 wired headphone can do effortlessly (HD668b). The non-sound quality aspects certainly are top notch with the Max, but that's like paying top dollar for food that doesn't taste good, but looks and smells nice.
Welcome to the high-end sound (even though this is not a high-end headphone). Focal is one of the key players in the audiophile world. I had the Clear MG, and it sounds incredible!! But the Bathys is a little bulkier for a commute/airplane headphone. I am a big fan of Focal, but currently, I prefer the Bower & Wilkins design of PX7 S2 or PX8. They are cleaner and minimalist. Compared with PX7 S2, what are the main differences in sound? Also, what do you think about the portability of the Bathys? Do you think they are convenient compared to PX7 S2, XM5, Momentum 4, or APMax? I am between the Bathys, PX7 S2, and XM5. Congrats on the review! 👏👏
Well Mark, bit of a late comment but I have a Focal Electra sound system in my car. I have heard nothing like it ..... 14 speaker 600 watts monster! Omg ..... Absolutely stunning!! 🔊🔊😱😎❤️
Hello, I bought the Bathys a few days ago. Sound convincing, but the KH is permanently silent noise - whether music is played or not. It is enough when it is on. Even with quiet music, the noise is still perceptible and distracting in the long term. In Transparency mode, the noise is significantly stronger. With my current Sennheiser Momentum 3 or my older Bose QC35II I can also hear a slight noise in silence, but at the latest when music is played (also very quiet), then no noise is audible to me. Have I just caught an outlier or is the noise normal?
How is the bass on these? Anyone? I have some Focal Clear and they bass on these are very thin. I don´t want to buy these and have two pair of expensive headphones with low bass. Are the Bathys good with techno and electronic music? Because the Clear is not, so I use those for classic and jazz music mostly.
Can one listen to high-res audio using the Bathys’ DAC mode while plugged into an iPhone 15 Pro via USB-C? You mentioned a computer, but would it also work with an iPhone? Thanks for the excellent review!
The best part about the Airpods Max is the integration with the Apple ecosystem, as you mentioned. Being able to instantly connect to my laptop and my iphone almost simultaneously and switch between the two is really effortless. Also it's nice being able to see the battery life on screen and change modes via Airpods setting on the phone or mac. And then there's Find My, so you can track where the headphones are and not lose it. Tough to beat.
@@sonyfreak69wb what did Apple support say when you contacted them? I've never had issues with Apple connectivity. However, I got rid of some lyperteks due to connectivity issues, returned some Cambridge Audio (sadly as it sounded great for the price), and Edifier are appalling for connectivity - 70% of the time the app doesn't recognise they're attached so I can't use the app to set the sound profile (or much else). Those are with my android phones. Not an issue with my iPhone. Amd the Cambridge audio firmware wouldn't update with android but did over ios. Part of the problem seems to be the range of android devices whereas manufacturers test for ios as it doesn't vary by manufacturer. I liked the idea of the Sony wfxm4 as I had the wfxm3 but had fit issues. I've heard there are some fit issues with the wfxm4. I got the linkbud S and am loving the lightness of them.
How is call quality in terms of reducing background noise to the other person on the line? With the Airpods Max the noise cancelling for ME is superb. However people hear everything in the background (more than I can hear!). Compared to my previous office companion, Bose 700, the Airpods performe in this aspect worse.
I had the Bathys for a brief period of time and returned them because my use cases need ANC at the level of AirPods Max/Bose/Sony. Bathy's are really far behind in active noise cancellation where they apply the lightest of headphones and headsets I had on hand. This is for the user AND the call recipients on the other side of the headphones. Bathy's didn't do much to dampen noise for call recipients in my tests, whereas the XM5's practically eliminated noise so people on the other end of a call thought I was in a silent room rather than a noisy one. I didn't get a chance to test the APM's call quality/noise suppression for calls, so can't really speak to that. I had watched DHRME's APM v. Bose 700 comparo, and it seems your experience correlates with the recordings in their video. My experience with the Bathy's call quality in a noisy environment is about the same as the APM recording in DHRME's video.
@@spektrograf Thats a shame! But thanks a lot dear internet stranger for sharing your experience! I was hoping that the Bathys would be the endgame headphone...
H Marki, great video - the B&W PX7 give me sweaty ears after only a short listening period - do you think these Bathys would have the same effect? Thanks :)
Beoplay h95 vs Focal Bathys vs Airpods Max All three very expensive and which would you choose. I had the Beoplay H95 everything sounded refined couldn't tell bad recordings sadly for me, true to life instruments, with midrange slightly trebly, Natural 's" vocals. I currently rocking Sennheiser Momentum 4 the best I had.
Would you recommend it for immersive audio? I'm thinking on Dolby Atmos movies or personal creations of 360 videos and 3d audio recordings of nature environments? Thanks
Something for Apple to test their AirPods Max 2s against then! If Apple can fix all the dumb stuff (no on/off switch, horrific case) and improve the sound, battery, water resistance like the Pro 2s, I may be very tempted.
It's almost impossible for Apple to match the sound quality of the high end players like Focal,Sony( the XM5 are trash compared to what they are actually capable off with wired headphone ,try the MDR-1AM2 for comparison),AKG,Sennheiser ,Hifiman
Did I notice the canopy on your Max's sagging a bit? Mine's like that after almost two years. I will have to go to the Apple Store soon to have it fixed, but worry that they will replace them for a hefty fee.
@@MarkEllisReviews Ok cool! If it happens to yours, please let us know 😊 I’ve seen more and more comments on this issue over the last months, hopefully it’s not a general problem.
While gaming is not their focus, I find that in a game with a lot going on, like FF VII Remake, they can sound "busy" and overwhelmed. For music I really enjoy them, they suit my library very well. There's a tiny bit of boominess to the vocals that I perceive, but then again sound is subjective.
I got a Audioquest Forest usb-c to lightning…didn’t work 🤬 I now use the supplied usb-c cable with on the go camera adapter from Apple..make sure it’s genuine plus a usb-c to usb-a agapter to fit into the camera adapter. Sounds a bit awful but it works and in Dac mode these babies sing 👍
I think you do can get lossless with wired airpods max. But to be honest any proper wired headphones with a proper dac/amp sound way better than any bluetooth headphones. It's just the lossy nature of bluetooth.
Yes indeed. The Beyer DT 900 Pro X are brilliant for about £220, are built superbly for mixing at a studio desk. They are open back so do leak a bit of sound in and our but with a high end DAC trounce all these consumer products. They also come with two high quality detachable cables one up to 3m I think. For Apple folk save your money and get the new AirPod pro 2 for out and about. I just used them for strimming and hover mowing in my garden, couldn’t hear the equipment and didn’t look like a cyberman. Horses for courses.
I own a pair of focal bathys and I thought they are mediocre at ANC really. I think it's not even close if I have to be honest, for optimal noise cancelling I would still use my Bose QC45 or air pods pro (didn't buy airpods max cuz let's be honest they are a hot garbage xD). When I am outside I often forget I have ANC on cuz some noise slips through and I change mode and I realize, shit, I was in the right mode. I would say their ANC is on the same level as Sennheiser momentum 3. However, their sound quality is unrivaled in terms of Bluetooth headphone and the DAC mode is just on another level. Definitely a worthy investment if you have the money, even with just a serviceable ANC, the sound quality makes up hugely for it.
Wait. These are 10% more expensive than B&W PX8, i expected something insane, but at that price, it does not even matter. Are they made from materials that could last 10 years? (which for example thin faux leather can't?). On the other hand they are three times more expensive than sony wh-1000mx4 with black friday price (and twice compared to mx5 in october).
@@MarkEllisReviews It still alludes me. You mentioned airpods max but that has nothing to do with ascertaining the best sounding Bluetooth full sized headphones on the market. That's what people want to know to make a purchase decision. 99.99% of people watch these videos to make a purchase decision. Why pay $800 when I can pay $400 for something that sounds better? Before these, the number 1 was Sennheiser Momentum 4 Followed by the airpods max as #2.
@@h1a8 LMAO the FOCAL Bathys probably stomps the momentum in sound quality 😂cause they are an audiophile brand (and no , the Sennheiser audiophile team do not make their wireless stuff) but in terms of connectivity and features this is FOCAL's first attempt cant really point too many fingers at them and i feel the target audience is very different, this was made to cater the audiophiles who cant compromise on sound but want ANC and cut the cord
@@Dabal_R It depends on what you are use to. Using the following scale (excellent > great > good > ok > poor) For M4 are great in bass amount and great in bass quality. The bathys are good (not great) in bass amount but great in bass quality. The airpods max is good (not great) in bass amount and only good in bass quality.
Thank you for the wonderful review comparison! I'm curious if Focal will adopt the latest Snapdragon Sound: AptX Lossless, with Bluetooth 5.3, in their next iteration of the Bathy's while adding an app with EQ support, Dirac Spatial Audio, Latency mode, or even a Sound ID feature. Although the other features may seem more of a stretch, it is probable for Focal to add AptX Lossless or even LHDC.
It has all that already minus the Spatial Audio and Sound ID. Dolby Atmos Audio does work with them though, so technically they do support Spatial Audio
I guess you just can't have the best of both world. Best ANC & best sounding doesn't mix well, you can only have one better then another. For me I prefer better sound and Bathys had nail it.
Just some additional information for people who need high performance active noise cancellation-the Bathy's are light in active noise cancellation. Having had the Bathy's for a short period of time, they're a clear generation behind in active noise cancellation when compared to Sony XM5's or AirPod Max's (I would also guess Bose 700's from other noisy environment test videos on YT). User-side environmental noise suppression for callers on the other end a call/Zoom is pretty light, as well. Sony XM5's are magical here suppressing almost all noise in my experience-I haven't tested call quality myself with the APM's or Bose 700's. DHRME has some good test recordings if anyone wants to know more about the call noise suppression capability.
Nice review! Enjoyed the video. But most expensive? Not by a country mile, Sir! Even 8 months ago, the Mark Levinson No.5909 was a more expensive Bluetooth headphone, by a high end audio manufacturer who have never made headphones ever. And now Audio Technica has an even more expensive!
Sound is most important for me but I haven’t the funds for the Focals so I’ll have to take a second on the house to pick one up. Thnk u for the great review
No option to turn off ANC. No passive wired mode. I have BTR5 and Gryphon to decode Tidal Masters and I can't play that with these cans when I get to my hotel. $200 headphones have these consumer options. Hard pass for me. I am going with B&W Px8. IMO, B&W has a much nicer style too. You have a great voice. Liked your video. Thanks!
aptx hd and ldac missing is kind of a big deal to me. I have them, and the difference between the bluetooth and direct dac is very big. Doesn't change the frequency response exactly, but it gets muddy. It's noticable. They need the absolute max possible bluetooth connection to legitimately sit in top position.
Almost bought them, as an audiophile I think this is the best way to go atm. However as an audiophile I also expect my expensive headphones to last decades, with BT headphones I always have the feeling that once the battery is done it will be just an expensive paperweight.
@@Max085 Focal confirmed they were gonna sell battery replacements. Will cost about 200 euro but the bathys is easy enough to open so swapping out the battery shouldn't be much of an issue
Despite the shortcomings you have listed which arent an issue for me, the airpods max which I bought for £400, are the best sounding over ear wireless headphones IMO. Especially for use with the Apple products. If they were so bad, I’m sure they wouldnt have sold so many even at their full retail price. I love them and wouldnt choose any other in the £400 price range for my personal use case.
FOR ME I REPEAT FOR ME I've Owned The Sony WH 1000X M5s Twice Now . Both Times I Returned Them . They Are Cheaply Made And Look The Part Too . Their Sound In Not Up To Par With The SoundCore Q35 And Q45 . The Headband Is Way Too Thin And Hurts The Top Of My Head Which Never Happens With My WH1000XM3 . THE ANC IS THE ONLY THING THE XM5 HAS GOING FOR IT . What An Utter Disappointment THE XM5 Is For Me .
That's cool, I hope you enjoy your new headphones. I own the Elex which are a really nice open back headphone but with some significant QC history. I'm not so sure the driver issues are exclusive to the Elex but I do know their headbands are notorious for breaking all across the range and Focal will not repair either issue even within warranty period.
For $799, I can’t get over how aesthetically unpleasant the look of these headphones is. They look incredibly cheap similar to a Chinese made knock-off pair of the Bose QC 45. Focal perhaps should get inspired by Meze’s designs. The Meze 99 classics looks 1000x better than the Bathys with more premium quality materials and construction while costing less then half the price.
@@zachhotchkiss what's the point of head tracking when you can have headphones with excellent Soundstage that basically sound like of you strapped a 5.1 system to your head 😐
@@kannamustafa6043 I’m sure it’s really good, but I’d rather sacrifice some sound quality to get the head tracking. If any headphones happen to be good at both I would happily try them.
@@zachhotchkiss Imagine trying to enjoy a movie and you are just sitting their swiveling your head 360 degrees the whole time 😂 i tried the spatial audio feature, pretty impressive but got bored of moving my head in the first 2 mins
They are changing $250 more possibly because of the inclusion of a DAC. I already have a DAC for wired headphones. I will stay with the AirPods Max that I currently have. There is no need to spend another huge amount of money and then stay without the great integration that I get with all the other Apple devices.
I am returning these. These headphones distort above 70% volume. Sometimes about 60% of volume. Depending on what you're listening to. Don't believe me. Try to listen to some old school hip hop at 100% volume. Particularly when you try to adjust the EQ that's when it really happens. It doesn't happen much on r&b music as long as you keep the equalizer on normal but try to do anything else and it's going to distort. And it has been talked about on some forms about these headphones. But I've experienced it first hand. Very disappointing for a pair of $800 headphones. My Sennheiser doesn't do that. The Sony XM5 don't do that. And they are half the price of these headphones.
@@MarkEllisReviews You've missed the point or you are purposely trying to distract people from the main point. The technology is garbage. I don't only listen to music at 100%. I typically listen around 60 to 70%. I only listen at 100% for maybe 5 or 10 minutes. But for anyone who wants to do that, they should be able to do that without the music Distorting. By the way, they still distort at around 60 to 70%. When you listen to certain tracks. Particularly when the equalizer is engaged. I'm not saying it does it for all but for enough songs to be distracting and disappointing.
@@thetruthstand if you listen to headphones at full blast for five to ten minutes, you’re going to seriously damage your hearing, mate. Please don’t do that.
@@MarkEllisReviews I understand where you're coming from. But that still does not excuse the main issue. But with that being said, I respect where you're coming from. Thank you.
This headphone is overrated, overhyped, and TBH the frequency response is unforgivable. I don't know why audiophiles don't seem to care about the horrendous dips in the FR and there are a lot of apologists of this clearly inferior measurable performance. And listening tests clearly show these dips, if one's REALLY listening and not hyping. Reputable speaker makers seems to release mediocre headphones... Focal and B&W, yes you. It would have been ok if you're not asking exorbitant prices for your underperforming "flagships".
AirPods Max are superior if you’re enveloped in Apple’s ecosystem. Instant connections, Find My capability, LIGHTNING, and Siri. Screw plain old Bluetooth.
I’m in the Apple ecosystem and will take the bathys over “convenience” features and the worst ai assistant that is siri. Sure I’m in the minority, but sound is king for me
this is the issue, the Bathys are meant for a completely different market: great sounding wireless headphones ,that has been empty for far too long and i cant believe you actually consider having a lightning port as a great feature in 2022, but yeah the rest of stuff is amazing provided you are deep in with Apple ecosystem
@@samarthbhat7889 Lightning is familiar. If the AirPods Max came with USB-C it would be fine but I charge everything with a bigger charge brick. So I get fast charging anyway. Lightning doesn’t bother me.
Paid review lmao I tried both AirPods Max and these focal also and focal just don’t sound as good as AirPods Max . It’s funny how this guy can lie on the video like that to get paid 😂
These headphones were sent to me but I wasn’t ‘paid’ for the review. If I was, there would be a ‘paid promotion’ label at the start of the video. If I _have_ been paid by a sponsor, I have to do that (and, indeed make note of it verbally in the video). We both have different opinions on these headphones - I respect yours. Please try respecting the opinions of others - it makes the world a better place.
in my opinion the guy was not paid. he is doing very honest reviews i watched of his many reviews and most productive and helpful i have to say. Focal can easily beats many headphones in world in term of sound quality. they are high-end hifi brand apple is technology company and have huge softwarre team with incredible of capability for devoloping features at best. but when it comes to sound here you should understand they are not Hi-Fi audio company. this is why He clearly mentions in term of sound quality focal take it out apple airpods max. but for all other features airpods easily can beat focal or any other Hi-fi brand i owned many headphones i use as daily driver airpods pro 2 they are best for commuting , calls, transprency , ANC etc..but i dont listen much music with them they sounds like 50 usd chinese any mid-class brand ,i have noble audio fokus pro, IEM and some other headphones. Focal shouldnt be even compared to Applei Sony bose etc.. Focal can be compared to B&O , B&W, ML, Audio Technica etc.. this is GOD TIER segments.. not mainstream consumer brands.
@@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou Yes, I did. I didn't buy them, but I heard them in a music store. Honestly, hard to hear anything except bass. Even audiotechnica 40x sounds better. It's not even close to B&W PX7, which are twice cheaper. So, no, airpods are not made to enjoy the music, but for you to buy them. But to be fair, even focal won't sound perfect. You want a good sound, you buy Audeze
@@georgilia The notion that you couldn't hear anything except bass is so cartoonishly hyperbolic that it robs your comment of any credibility for being taken seriously. The AirPods Max are a relatively neutral headphone (especially compared to popular peers like Beats and the Sony WH-1000XM5), but even the most unbalanced bass-heavy headphones will still produce plenty of audible treble and/or mids. And comparisons largely agree that it is more neutral-or at least, less warm-than the Focal Bathys (which cost nearly twice as much). The notion that AirPods are not meant to enjoy music is such a ridiculously absurd claim that you do your argument disservice by saying things you know to be blatantly untrue. Of course, the point of AirPods is for you to buy them-that's literally the case with all headphones, all consumer tech products, and literally every good available for sale since the dawn of economic activity. After experimenting with high-end audiophile-grade setups, I eventually settled for the AirPods Max as a good compromise between sound quality, convenience, and comfort, including clearing up desk space by not needing an external DAC or amp, having the option to untether myself from my desk (or use a cable when I want to prioritize sound quality), ANC to block out fan noise, fabric earpads that don't make my ears sweat like leather and pleather do, and easily removable earpads and headband for easily modular repairability. The Focal Bathys are tempting, but I have no desire to spent many multiples on a needlessly complex and cumbersome audiophile-grade setup. Also, good sound is relative. I tried the HiFiMan Ananda and Arya and Sennheiser HD 800 S, and all three basically sounded the same to me, despite being from very different ends of the price spectrum. Neither could I hear much of a difference between using them straight out of my MacBook Pro versus using high-end DACs and amps from iFi, Schiit, and Burson Audio.
Wth is with this caption? Apple is not even close to Sony headphone which is half the price. And u compare with this? It's like comparing shit with gold. I know the colour is almost the same but u know
AirPods Max encourage views and engagement. Bathys on their own don’t. Unless you’re as big as MKBHD. Which I’m not. There’s a lot more to this business than meets the eye, John. You’re not really John Wick, are you.
What would make you buy a $799 pair of headphones?
ARTWS headphones
Mark…can you review the Bowers PX8, if i decide to move from Airpods Max it will be the Bathys or PX8 but need to hear your views, some say the PX8 is like having two Bowers speakers either side of your head that lack space but pack a powerful stereo image compared to the more spacious and open Bathys 👍😊
Sound quality above all else
Sound quality and looks
Only having the $$$. I AM annoyed with my AirPods Max for all the same reasons you mentioned. In fact, I don't use them much as a result.
Great review and comparison! I bought Bathys and it's the best pair of headphones I've ever bought. Worth every penny. Highly recommended for audiophiles. What most impressed me are its clarity and sound separation. Having an internal DAC is also a killer feature - you can hear high-definition lossless audio without the need for an external DAC. I own iPad, iPhone and Macbook, but didn't care at all about Apple audio features and integration. I mostly use it cabled, with DAC option ON, connected to iPad or Macbook.
They’re an amazing pair of headphones, aren’t they!
@@MarkEllisReviews absolutely amazing!
I am glad to hear you enjoy your latest purchase. However, I am wondering - do you have experience with audiophile headphones? I sure do have and I recently did try the Bathys and while I appreciated some of the technical ability of the driver, the resolution, the realness of instruments and vocals were so incredibly far off, I really think they sound weird. Because they're able to do pretty good sound staging and imaging but completely lack the authenticity of the music. I have the Focal Stellia (so I am used to Focal) but I couldn't bring myself to purchase the Bathys. A beyerdynamic DT 1990 (although open-back wired) will wipe these out quite effortlessly at almost half the price. I think it's still the DAC / AMP in the headphones that are falling behind expectations - rather than the speaker driver in the 'phones. I used to own the beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless (purchased at 750€) and it performed so terrible using wireless. My two cents.
@@anonymerzyniker9183 No, I don’t have experience with audiophile headphones. I am a musician, though (piano player) and I have experience with audiophile speakers. So I cannot compare them with other top headphones. J just can say that, for me, they are the best sounding headphones I have ever purchased. As a product at this price range, everyone should try it before the purchase. All the best!
@@dariosensi6078 don’t worry, I have more expensive headphones than the Stellia (Utopia) and can tell you the that your hearing is fine, you just enjoy a more musical warm and relaxed sound signature vs a detailed analytical signature like what you would get with the Stellia (which I absolutely hate), the Bathy’s are more in line with the Focal Radiance headphone and several people have said that the Bathy’s get EXTREMELY close to their sound signature. So yeah don’t worry about the previous comment, they clearly lean towards brighter more analytical headphones as shown in their liking of the DT series. enjoy the Bathy’s and know that IMHO you got one of the best closed back headphones out there, My pair should also be arriving soon, can’t wait!
These sound amazing. The Sonys, the b & w’s and Apples I’ve all tested and they don’t even come close. I know they are not cheap, but if you appreciate the little details, these are amazing.
Nice review. Another pair of headphones you may consider to do the comparison is B&W Px8. 😀
Just pulled the trigger on these. Found them on amazon used- "like new" (brand new, just open box) for 550. Was shopping in the xm5/momentum price range, but the price was too good to pass up. I can't wait to try them out!
“You can save yourself some money by getting the AirPod max” - don’t hear that every day :)
I am old school and ANC for me means turning up the volume until you don't hear the outside anymore. I do listen to some music loud, probably near 100%, but not all the time. I am ok with loosing my hearing. I hate when iPhones or other phones give you the hearing warning. It is nice of them to care but I already have a set of parents. Most good headphones have many nice features but the important feature for me is the sound quality. I can see purchasing a good pair of headphones with just great sound quality and no other feature. Thanks for you reviews. I learn a lot from them and have purchased and not purchased items based on your reviews.
What a lovely comment - thank you!
I love the Bathys the New Deep black color looks super !!
Yessss!! No AirPods Pro Max mention without throwing the case/cover :)
I just ordered a pair and I cannot wait to listen 🎧
You've come quite some way since we chatted about the AirPods Max and audiophile interests.
I have a set of Focal Radiance headphones which are part of my regular rotation of headphones. I also had a pair of Focal Clear that were excellent, but being open backed limited my use cases.
I recently purchased the slightly less expensive B&W PX8 after studying the feedback from many audiophiles who were looking for what I was, great SQ in an elegantly designed body and very good to excellent ANC. Comparing the Bathys to the Mark Levinson 5909 and the B&W PX8, I opted for the latter and have been very happy with the purchase.
I look forward to your comparison and full review of the PX8
Also please note that many audiophiles who have had the B&O H95s don't consider them in the range of the PX8, the ML5909 or the Bathys.
Cheers
Hey, Jeff! Nice to hear from you - and awesome input, as always (from someone who _really_ knows what they're talking about).
Hey, do you think an upgrade from the airpods max to the PX8 is worth it? The PX8 looks much better then the max.
Another great review. I love my Airpod Max and I compare them to my HIFi Man Planar headphones. They stuck up pretty well. To me the Airpod Max is a better buy than the focal because of spatial audio that's an unbelievable feature. Also I like the case as a woman and I love the magnetic cushions. For sound I believe you the focals are better. As a whole package though especially for someone in the Apple ecosystem Airpods are better. Connectivity alone is amazing. Thank you.
Which Hifiman do you own ? Spatial audio is marketing gimmick,once you try actual Soundstage in a good headphone spatial audio will sound like crap compared to it)
@@kannamustafa6043 the Arya ones. Spatial audio on Apple tv is unbelievable. Not a gimmick at all.
@@jennifergala where do you plug the aryas ? You must be joking to say they are in the same league as the Airpods Max 😂
@@kannamustafa6043 No they are not in the same league obviously. The Airpods Max are very good headphones. I love the spatial audio.
@@jennifergala This. Having built in Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos anywhere you go (when paired with your iPhone and iPad) without needing any wires, external DAC/Amps and fumbling around with them is an absolute dream
I strongly recommend have a look at the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 too. Some likes the Bathys more others the PX8, both are in the same highend class, but they sounds different! The PX8 feels "closer" and has more punch in middle, voice, guitar.. sounds very life.
The Bathy on the other hand pushes details more, you can hear how the sounds buzz around your head. Bathys feels like they are "the biger stage" and less close, something like "as you stand before" The thing is, it's a matter of taste. If you're one of those people who like the sound signature of the px8, take them, you'll save money, because the PX8 "only" costs about as much as the Airpod Max (street price).
Dude, being better than the Airpods Max is something a $30 wired headphone can do effortlessly (HD668b). The non-sound quality aspects certainly are top notch with the Max, but that's like paying top dollar for food that doesn't taste good, but looks and smells nice.
Welcome to the high-end sound (even though this is not a high-end headphone). Focal is one of the key players in the audiophile world. I had the Clear MG, and it sounds incredible!! But the Bathys is a little bulkier for a commute/airplane headphone. I am a big fan of Focal, but currently, I prefer the Bower & Wilkins design of PX7 S2 or PX8. They are cleaner and minimalist.
Compared with PX7 S2, what are the main differences in sound?
Also, what do you think about the portability of the Bathys? Do you think they are convenient compared to PX7 S2, XM5, Momentum 4, or APMax?
I am between the Bathys, PX7 S2, and XM5.
Congrats on the review! 👏👏
This might help: ruclips.net/video/3b9cQEBkc6E/видео.html
The Bathy’s stomp on the B&W. Honestly they should not be called a high fidelity headphone brand anymore with their recent decade of releases
Got a pair of them yesterday. Yeah they’re great. Bathys sound amazing
Well Mark, bit of a late comment but I have a Focal Electra sound system in my car. I have heard nothing like it ..... 14 speaker 600 watts monster! Omg ..... Absolutely stunning!! 🔊🔊😱😎❤️
Thanks great review, please could you compare them to the B&O H95
Hello, I bought the Bathys a few days ago. Sound convincing, but the KH is permanently silent noise - whether music is played or not. It is enough when it is on. Even with quiet music, the noise is still perceptible and distracting in the long term. In Transparency mode, the noise is significantly stronger. With my current Sennheiser Momentum 3 or my older Bose QC35II I can also hear a slight noise in silence, but at the latest when music is played (also very quiet), then no noise is audible to me.
Have I just caught an outlier or is the noise normal?
How is the bass on these? Anyone? I have some Focal Clear and they bass on these are very thin. I don´t want to buy these and have two pair of expensive headphones with low bass. Are the Bathys good with techno and electronic music? Because the Clear is not, so I use those for classic and jazz music mostly.
Can one listen to high-res audio using the Bathys’ DAC mode while plugged into an iPhone 15 Pro via USB-C? You mentioned a computer, but would it also work with an iPhone? Thanks for the excellent review!
Great review. What's next after Focal headphones? Devialet?
The best part about the Airpods Max is the integration with the Apple ecosystem, as you mentioned. Being able to instantly connect to my laptop and my iphone almost simultaneously and switch between the two is really effortless. Also it's nice being able to see the battery life on screen and change modes via Airpods setting on the phone or mac. And then there's Find My, so you can track where the headphones are and not lose it. Tough to beat.
Not to mention being able to use an audiogram to tailor the eq for each ear. 👍🏼
And spatial audio, which sounds brilliant on some tracks.
Actually I have AirPods Max two pairs and they don’t always connect to my iPad Pro ? Where as my Sony mx 4 always do
@@sonyfreak69wb what did Apple support say when you contacted them?
I've never had issues with Apple connectivity. However, I got rid of some lyperteks due to connectivity issues, returned some Cambridge Audio (sadly as it sounded great for the price), and Edifier are appalling for connectivity - 70% of the time the app doesn't recognise they're attached so I can't use the app to set the sound profile (or much else). Those are with my android phones. Not an issue with my iPhone. Amd the Cambridge audio firmware wouldn't update with android but did over ios. Part of the problem seems to be the range of android devices whereas manufacturers test for ios as it doesn't vary by manufacturer.
I liked the idea of the Sony wfxm4 as I had the wfxm3 but had fit issues. I've heard there are some fit issues with the wfxm4. I got the linkbud S and am loving the lightness of them.
How is call quality in terms of reducing background noise to the other person on the line?
With the Airpods Max the noise cancelling for ME is superb. However people hear everything in the background (more than I can hear!). Compared to my previous office companion, Bose 700, the Airpods performe in this aspect worse.
I had the Bathys for a brief period of time and returned them because my use cases need ANC at the level of AirPods Max/Bose/Sony. Bathy's are really far behind in active noise cancellation where they apply the lightest of headphones and headsets I had on hand. This is for the user AND the call recipients on the other side of the headphones.
Bathy's didn't do much to dampen noise for call recipients in my tests, whereas the XM5's practically eliminated noise so people on the other end of a call thought I was in a silent room rather than a noisy one. I didn't get a chance to test the APM's call quality/noise suppression for calls, so can't really speak to that.
I had watched DHRME's APM v. Bose 700 comparo, and it seems your experience correlates with the recordings in their video. My experience with the Bathy's call quality in a noisy environment is about the same as the APM recording in DHRME's video.
@@spektrograf Thats a shame! But thanks a lot dear internet stranger for sharing your experience!
I was hoping that the Bathys would be the endgame headphone...
H Marki, great video - the B&W PX7 give me sweaty ears after only a short listening period - do you think these Bathys would have the same effect? Thanks :)
Beoplay h95 vs Focal Bathys vs Airpods Max
All three very expensive and which would you choose. I had the Beoplay H95 everything sounded refined couldn't tell bad recordings sadly for me, true to life instruments, with midrange slightly trebly, Natural 's" vocals. I currently rocking Sennheiser Momentum 4 the best I had.
Are the px7 s2 better than the AirPods Max for pure sound quality?
Do the bathys have a mic for phone calls?
Yes
Would you recommend it for immersive audio? I'm thinking on Dolby Atmos movies or personal creations of 360 videos and 3d audio recordings of nature environments? Thanks
Audeze Maxwell?
Something for Apple to test their AirPods Max 2s against then! If Apple can fix all the dumb stuff (no on/off switch, horrific case) and improve the sound, battery, water resistance like the Pro 2s, I may be very tempted.
It's almost impossible for Apple to match the sound quality of the high end players like Focal,Sony( the XM5 are trash compared to what they are actually capable off with wired headphone ,try the MDR-1AM2 for comparison),AKG,Sennheiser ,Hifiman
Hello ! And for Netflix movies and Blu-ray do you think Bathys is more immersive ? (I don’t have Apple TV)
Thanks!
in sound sections which is better ? Airpods max or Edifier stax spirit s3 ?
Did I notice the canopy on your Max's sagging a bit? Mine's like that after almost two years. I will have to go to the Apple Store soon to have it fixed, but worry that they will replace them for a hefty fee.
Nope, not noticed that on mine.
@@MarkEllisReviews Ok cool! If it happens to yours, please let us know 😊 I’ve seen more and more comments on this issue over the last months, hopefully it’s not a general problem.
Are Bathys much better than F CLEAR?
I had the Celestee And I felt they had no Bass... So I went with the PX8
Please review the KEF mu7
How do these compare soundwise to your ZenDAC and HD560s combo that you recommended so highly?
While gaming is not their focus, I find that in a game with a lot going on, like FF VII Remake, they can sound "busy" and overwhelmed. For music I really enjoy them, they suit my library very well. There's a tiny bit of boominess to the vocals that I perceive, but then again sound is subjective.
Does this need a USB C cable to Lightning cable to get lossless audio?
I got a Audioquest Forest usb-c to lightning…didn’t work 🤬 I now use the supplied usb-c cable with on the go camera adapter from Apple..make sure it’s genuine plus a usb-c to usb-a agapter to fit into the camera adapter. Sounds a bit awful but it works and in Dac mode these babies sing 👍
Still I love my beoplay h95.
Have you tried px8, what is your comparison if you have?
I think you do can get lossless with wired airpods max.
But to be honest any proper wired headphones with a proper dac/amp sound way better than any bluetooth headphones. It's just the lossy nature of bluetooth.
Yes indeed. The Beyer DT 900 Pro X are brilliant for about £220, are built superbly for mixing at a studio desk. They are open back so do leak a bit of sound in and our but with a high end DAC trounce all these consumer products. They also come with two high quality detachable cables one up to 3m I think. For Apple folk save your money and get the new AirPod pro 2 for out and about. I just used them for strimming and hover mowing in my garden, couldn’t hear the equipment and didn’t look like a cyberman. Horses for courses.
Why no comparison with Sen Momentum 4 ?
I own a pair of focal bathys and I thought they are mediocre at ANC really. I think it's not even close if I have to be honest, for optimal noise cancelling I would still use my Bose QC45 or air pods pro (didn't buy airpods max cuz let's be honest they are a hot garbage xD). When I am outside I often forget I have ANC on cuz some noise slips through and I change mode and I realize, shit, I was in the right mode. I would say their ANC is on the same level as Sennheiser momentum 3. However, their sound quality is unrivaled in terms of Bluetooth headphone and the DAC mode is just on another level. Definitely a worthy investment if you have the money, even with just a serviceable ANC, the sound quality makes up hugely for it.
I own two focal listen wireless. So they did make bt headphones
They're not noise-cancelling, though, mate.
True
Anyone know if these compare to the hifiman ananda BT
Welcome to the audio rabbithole
As usal most honest review
hi managed to get these for 430 which was bargain I feel at that price it beats all nc headphones
430 USD?! Holy moly
Wait. These are 10% more expensive than B&W PX8, i expected something insane, but at that price, it does not even matter. Are they made from materials that could last 10 years? (which for example thin faux leather can't?). On the other hand they are three times more expensive than sony wh-1000mx4 with black friday price (and twice compared to mx5 in october).
Why not compare to the momentum 4 wireless? They sound significantly better than airpods max and are cheaper.
I explain why at the start 😉
@@MarkEllisReviews
It still alludes me.
You mentioned airpods max but that has nothing to do with ascertaining the best sounding Bluetooth full sized headphones on the market. That's what people want to know to make a purchase decision. 99.99% of people watch these videos to make a purchase decision. Why pay $800 when I can pay $400 for something that sounds better?
Before these, the number 1 was
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Followed by the airpods max as #2.
@@h1a8 LMAO the FOCAL Bathys probably stomps the momentum in sound quality 😂cause they are an audiophile brand (and no , the Sennheiser audiophile team do not make their wireless stuff)
but in terms of connectivity and features this is FOCAL's first attempt cant really point too many fingers at them
and i feel the target audience is very different, this was made to cater the audiophiles who cant compromise on sound but want ANC and cut the cord
@@h1a8 how's the bass in momentum 4
@@Dabal_R It depends on what you are use to.
Using the following scale (excellent > great > good > ok > poor)
For M4 are great in bass amount and great in bass quality.
The bathys are good (not great) in bass amount but great in bass quality.
The airpods max is good (not great) in bass amount and only good in bass quality.
Thank you for the wonderful review comparison! I'm curious if Focal will adopt the latest Snapdragon Sound: AptX Lossless, with Bluetooth 5.3, in their next iteration of the Bathy's while adding an app with EQ support, Dirac Spatial Audio, Latency mode, or even a Sound ID feature. Although the other features may seem more of a stretch, it is probable for Focal to add AptX Lossless or even LHDC.
It has all that already minus the Spatial Audio and Sound ID. Dolby Atmos Audio does work with them though, so technically they do support Spatial Audio
I guess you just can't have the best of both world. Best ANC & best sounding doesn't mix well, you can only have one better then another. For me I prefer better sound and Bathys had nail it.
Great video. I am considering either the Bathys or the PX8. Any possibility of having a video comparing both? ;)
Cheers
This might help you a bit.
ruclips.net/video/98d37Gd02Us/видео.html
@@anthonyberryman3443 thank you Sir
@@luismartins6642
You are most welcome and here is another from a owners perspective, enjoy!
ruclips.net/video/CHwbs5UgJ00/видео.html
All great stuff, Mark. Not surprising as you apparently received them for free.
What’s not surprising?
Hi, better than bowers and wilkins px7 s2 ?
ofc, its much more expensive
These compete with the B&W PX8 instead.
Just some additional information for people who need high performance active noise cancellation-the Bathy's are light in active noise cancellation. Having had the Bathy's for a short period of time, they're a clear generation behind in active noise cancellation when compared to Sony XM5's or AirPod Max's (I would also guess Bose 700's from other noisy environment test videos on YT).
User-side environmental noise suppression for callers on the other end a call/Zoom is pretty light, as well. Sony XM5's are magical here suppressing almost all noise in my experience-I haven't tested call quality myself with the APM's or Bose 700's. DHRME has some good test recordings if anyone wants to know more about the call noise suppression capability.
Nice review! Enjoyed the video.
But most expensive? Not by a country mile, Sir! Even 8 months ago, the Mark Levinson No.5909 was a more expensive Bluetooth headphone, by a high end audio manufacturer who have never made headphones ever. And now Audio Technica has an even more expensive!
Most expensive I've reviewed, as noted in the video ;) Glad you enjoyed it!
Sound is most important for me but I haven’t the funds for the Focals so I’ll have to take a second on the house to pick one up. Thnk u for the great review
No option to turn off ANC. No passive wired mode. I have BTR5 and Gryphon to decode Tidal Masters and I can't play that with these cans when I get to my hotel. $200 headphones have these consumer options. Hard pass for me. I am going with B&W Px8. IMO, B&W has a much nicer style too. You have a great voice. Liked your video. Thanks!
Thanks for the video.
These are great headphones.
Too bad Focal didn't implement aptx HD...
aptx hd and ldac missing is kind of a big deal to me. I have them, and the difference between the bluetooth and direct dac is very big. Doesn't change the frequency response exactly, but it gets muddy. It's noticable. They need the absolute max possible bluetooth connection to legitimately sit in top position.
@@erickruse4679 I totally agree.
Almost bought them, as an audiophile I think this is the best way to go atm. However as an audiophile I also expect my expensive headphones to last decades, with BT headphones I always have the feeling that once the battery is done it will be just an expensive paperweight.
That's my concern as well. I asked Focal, if i can change the battery, but i'm still waiting for the response.
you can still use them on usb DAC mode, you cant really complain about longevity if you wanna go wireless
@@Max085 Focal confirmed they were gonna sell battery replacements. Will cost about 200 euro but the bathys is easy enough to open so swapping out the battery shouldn't be much of an issue
the 200 euro does include them doing the work for you.
@@LifeAspect88 Cheers!
didnt think much of the bathys at all - ML 5909 on the other hand crystal clear
Lol I'm watching this video wearing a
Hifiman Susvara ...
Laughs in Flac
Oh, don't you just love Headphone People.
Despite the shortcomings you have listed which arent an issue for me, the airpods max which I bought for £400, are the best sounding over ear wireless headphones IMO. Especially for use with the Apple products. If they were so bad, I’m sure they wouldnt have sold so many even at their full retail price. I love them and wouldnt choose any other in the £400 price range for my personal use case.
ok calm down apple sheep sheeeesh
FOR ME I REPEAT FOR ME I've Owned The Sony WH 1000X M5s Twice Now . Both Times I Returned Them . They Are Cheaply Made And Look The Part Too . Their Sound In Not Up To Par With The SoundCore Q35 And Q45 . The Headband Is Way Too Thin And Hurts The Top Of My Head Which Never Happens With My WH1000XM3 . THE ANC IS THE ONLY THING THE XM5 HAS GOING FOR IT . What An Utter Disappointment THE XM5 Is For Me .
I bought a pair, they don't sound so good to me.. & the head band don't let down enough I return them .. My Sony /stax/ & beats sounds better to me
How can you compare these sound wise for music compared to BO H95 and BW PX8? What has best clarity and tight bass punch?
These headphones are 60% more expensive than my first car… ok, fair enough, that was back in the early 90s but still…
Personally I much prefer the Mark Levinson 5909 to this Focal. I sent the Bathys back.
I don't
That's cool, I hope you enjoy your new headphones. I own the Elex which are a really nice open back headphone but with some significant QC history. I'm not so sure the driver issues are exclusive to the Elex but I do know their headbands are notorious for breaking all across the range and Focal will not repair either issue even within warranty period.
For $799, I can’t get over how aesthetically unpleasant the look of these headphones is. They look incredibly cheap similar to a Chinese made knock-off pair of the Bose QC 45. Focal perhaps should get inspired by Meze’s designs. The Meze 99 classics looks 1000x better than the Bathys with more premium quality materials and construction while costing less then half the price.
yeah agreed , their radiance, stellia ,etc look stunning, this one looks like the most budget option they could offer
Tin cans with a piece of rope connecting to each other would still sound better than the airpods max lmao
Focal BARTYS
Which is, I'm pretty sure, how I pronounce them.
The AirPods also run out of charge because 20 hours is a pathetic number
Not Bar Tees, they are Bat ees
Not according to the manufacturer contact I spoke to.
No spatial audio means it’s a no go for me. It’s changed the game for me when watching movies on my tv.
You need to try actual Soundstage ,spatial audio is crap compared to it
@@kannamustafa6043 Name a pair of headphones with soundstage so good that they magically support the head tracking that spatial audio also offers.
@@zachhotchkiss what's the point of head tracking when you can have headphones with excellent Soundstage that basically sound like of you strapped a 5.1 system to your head 😐
@@kannamustafa6043 I’m sure it’s really good, but I’d rather sacrifice some sound quality to get the head tracking. If any headphones happen to be good at both I would happily try them.
@@zachhotchkiss Imagine trying to enjoy a movie and you are just sitting their swiveling your head 360 degrees the whole time 😂 i tried the spatial audio feature, pretty impressive but got bored of moving my head in the first 2 mins
I can get a pair for $500.
They are changing $250 more possibly because of the inclusion of a DAC. I already have a DAC for wired headphones. I will stay with the AirPods Max that I currently have. There is no need to spend another huge amount of money and then stay without the great integration that I get with all the other Apple devices.
Every wireless headphone has a built in dac
@@onion_time I knew that. Also the dongle for the earphone jack has a DAC. I meant a separate DAC like those from IFI brand or Kandhas Tea.
Wasent impressed at all from these.. px8 were way more lively and detailed
you’re in too deep with audio gear now, your wallet will not be thankful
Apple is taking notes airpod max 2 will trash those
Focal quality and customer support is top tier garbage. Hard pass
You just can’t afford it that’s why 😂
@@thomassiegers3007 11 headphones 2 Bluetooth headphones. K ur cool
@@thomassiegers3007 I'm a collector and very active on headphones forums. Do your research before you open ur mouth fanboy
@@thomassiegers3007 My used LCD x and mest mkII both cost more than them. Just because you can afford doesn't mean you should buy
Plastic on a $799 - is unacceptable. Period.
If you compare them to that pitiful airpods max, the focal bathys, lengths are not worth considering
The only problem is there to bulky
I am returning these. These headphones distort above 70% volume. Sometimes about 60% of volume. Depending on what you're listening to. Don't believe me. Try to listen to some old school hip hop at 100% volume. Particularly when you try to adjust the EQ that's when it really happens. It doesn't happen much on r&b music as long as you keep the equalizer on normal but try to do anything else and it's going to distort. And it has been talked about on some forms about these headphones. But I've experienced it first hand. Very disappointing for a pair of $800 headphones. My Sennheiser doesn't do that. The Sony XM5 don't do that. And they are half the price of these headphones.
Note to anyone who reads this comment: please don’t listen to anything at 100% volume.
@@MarkEllisReviews You've missed the point or you are purposely trying to distract people from the main point. The technology is garbage. I don't only listen to music at 100%. I typically listen around 60 to 70%. I only listen at 100% for maybe 5 or 10 minutes. But for anyone who wants to do that, they should be able to do that without the music Distorting. By the way, they still distort at around 60 to 70%. When you listen to certain tracks. Particularly when the equalizer is engaged. I'm not saying it does it for all but for enough songs to be distracting and disappointing.
@@thetruthstand if you listen to headphones at full blast for five to ten minutes, you’re going to seriously damage your hearing, mate. Please don’t do that.
@@MarkEllisReviews I understand where you're coming from. But that still does not excuse the main issue. But with that being said, I respect where you're coming from. Thank you.
This headphone is overrated, overhyped, and TBH the frequency response is unforgivable. I don't know why audiophiles don't seem to care about the horrendous dips in the FR and there are a lot of apologists of this clearly inferior measurable performance. And listening tests clearly show these dips, if one's REALLY listening and not hyping. Reputable speaker makers seems to release mediocre headphones... Focal and B&W, yes you. It would have been ok if you're not asking exorbitant prices for your underperforming "flagships".
AirPods Max are superior if you’re enveloped in Apple’s ecosystem. Instant connections, Find My capability, LIGHTNING, and Siri. Screw plain old Bluetooth.
You clearly haven't listened to any good headphones 😂,even the 100$ AKG sound better then the Airpods Max
@@kannamustafa6043 I’m good with that.
I’m in the Apple ecosystem and will take the bathys over “convenience” features and the worst ai assistant that is siri. Sure I’m in the minority, but sound is king for me
this is the issue, the Bathys are meant for a completely different market: great sounding wireless headphones ,that has been empty for far too long
and i cant believe you actually consider having a lightning port as a great feature in 2022, but yeah the rest of stuff is amazing provided you are deep in with Apple ecosystem
@@samarthbhat7889 Lightning is familiar. If the AirPods Max came with USB-C it would be fine but I charge everything with a bigger charge brick. So I get fast charging anyway. Lightning doesn’t bother me.
They are one of the ugliest headphones for sure.
I am NOT buying Apple crap
You're not very objective when it comes to AirPods Max, therefore can't take your review seriously 😏
I’m not with you, Jack. Why am I not objective?
He is right tho in everything he said…Bathys are way superior to Airpods Max and i have both 👍
Paid review lmao I tried both AirPods Max and these focal also and focal just don’t sound as good as AirPods Max . It’s funny how this guy can lie on the video like that to get paid 😂
These headphones were sent to me but I wasn’t ‘paid’ for the review. If I was, there would be a ‘paid promotion’ label at the start of the video. If I _have_ been paid by a sponsor, I have to do that (and, indeed make note of it verbally in the video).
We both have different opinions on these headphones - I respect yours. Please try respecting the opinions of others - it makes the world a better place.
in my opinion the guy was not paid. he is doing very honest reviews i watched of his many reviews and most productive and helpful i have to say. Focal can easily beats many headphones in world in term of sound quality. they are high-end hifi brand apple is technology company and have huge softwarre team with incredible of capability for devoloping features at best. but when it comes to sound here you should understand they are not Hi-Fi audio company. this is why He clearly mentions in term of sound quality focal take it out apple airpods max. but for all other features airpods easily can beat focal or any other Hi-fi brand i owned many headphones i use as daily driver airpods pro 2 they are best for commuting , calls, transprency , ANC etc..but i dont listen much music with them they sounds like 50 usd chinese any mid-class brand ,i have noble audio fokus pro, IEM and some other headphones. Focal shouldnt be even compared to Applei Sony bose etc.. Focal can be compared to B&O , B&W, ML, Audio Technica etc.. this is GOD TIER segments.. not mainstream consumer brands.
ok i take it back airpods max sounds like trash apple disappointed big time. i tried them and airpods pro 2 sunds better
But.. airpods don't sound good.. it's like comparing Ferrari and Fiat, the winner is obvious 🤔
Something made you watch this video though, didn’t it.
@@MarkEllisReviews comparisons are always interesting 🤷
Have you actually listened to the AirPods Max? As far as wireless headphones go, they were among the best-sounding at the time they were released.
@@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou Yes, I did. I didn't buy them, but I heard them in a music store. Honestly, hard to hear anything except bass. Even audiotechnica 40x sounds better. It's not even close to B&W PX7, which are twice cheaper. So, no, airpods are not made to enjoy the music, but for you to buy them. But to be fair, even focal won't sound perfect. You want a good sound, you buy Audeze
@@georgilia The notion that you couldn't hear anything except bass is so cartoonishly hyperbolic that it robs your comment of any credibility for being taken seriously. The AirPods Max are a relatively neutral headphone (especially compared to popular peers like Beats and the Sony WH-1000XM5), but even the most unbalanced bass-heavy headphones will still produce plenty of audible treble and/or mids. And comparisons largely agree that it is more neutral-or at least, less warm-than the Focal Bathys (which cost nearly twice as much). The notion that AirPods are not meant to enjoy music is such a ridiculously absurd claim that you do your argument disservice by saying things you know to be blatantly untrue. Of course, the point of AirPods is for you to buy them-that's literally the case with all headphones, all consumer tech products, and literally every good available for sale since the dawn of economic activity. After experimenting with high-end audiophile-grade setups, I eventually settled for the AirPods Max as a good compromise between sound quality, convenience, and comfort, including clearing up desk space by not needing an external DAC or amp, having the option to untether myself from my desk (or use a cable when I want to prioritize sound quality), ANC to block out fan noise, fabric earpads that don't make my ears sweat like leather and pleather do, and easily removable earpads and headband for easily modular repairability. The Focal Bathys are tempting, but I have no desire to spent many multiples on a needlessly complex and cumbersome audiophile-grade setup.
Also, good sound is relative. I tried the HiFiMan Ananda and Arya and Sennheiser HD 800 S, and all three basically sounded the same to me, despite being from very different ends of the price spectrum. Neither could I hear much of a difference between using them straight out of my MacBook Pro versus using high-end DACs and amps from iFi, Schiit, and Burson Audio.
These things have zero bass. None.
That is categorically untrue.
Not a word about spatial audio.
I mention it at the end.
Wth is with this caption? Apple is not even close to Sony headphone which is half the price. And u compare with this? It's like comparing shit with gold. I know the colour is almost the same but u know
AirPods Max encourage views and engagement. Bathys on their own don’t. Unless you’re as big as MKBHD. Which I’m not.
There’s a lot more to this business than meets the eye, John.
You’re not really John Wick, are you.