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.
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. ♥️
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.
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.
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 :)
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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. 😀
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.
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.
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 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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?
The Sony's are really rather bad if one is used to even good sub-$100 wired headphones. They are made to sound as inoffensive as possible so anyone CAN listen to them, but they lack highs, are overly warm and the bass is mush. In the normal price ranges Anker has a few good cheap options and AKG N700NC M2 is in general pretty good sound. Bathys is certainly several steps further.
I found had the same opinion with my pair. They have crushed mids and boosted bass. Which creates a muddy sound. Its an easy fix with the inbuilt app eq. +4 on 2.5k +4 on 6.2k and tune clear bass to taste. Mine is -3. Makes it much closer to natural harmon sound.
John, you really to spend more time in DAC mode. I can’t listen to the Bathys in Bluetooth mode for long periods of time. That lossy harshness creeps up when I listen for about an hour and I can’t get that out of my head for the rest of the day. In DAC mode connected to a clean USB source, in my case, Holo Audio Titanis, the Bathys sound so smooth and spacious that I wonder why I still keep my Stellia. edit: more details of my setup: the USB cable that I use is the stock one, it is better than AudioQuest Carbon. The USB A male to female C adaptor is from my Zorloo Ztella DAC. I have two pairs. One of the pair sounds spot on and the other sounds too dry, both have been used for over 50 hours.
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!
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
Before this category will work for me at least, i think they need to solve the problem of user replaceable batteries. It will depend on the person, but at some price point, it won't compute that you're paying so much for what is a disposable product. Especially if you look at how the companies are dealing with it now.. bowers makes you pay an unacceptably high fee and just ship you another one.. All it takes is your first wireless headphones battery to fail before you become sensitive to the issue...
I charge these once every three or four days. Most phones you don’t notice a material decline in the battery performance until 2 years, but you charge a phone every day. That’s takes me to 6 to 8 years with the Focal, assuming a lithium ion battery. I considered this point before I got them and realised it’s not a problem for me. We will likely never get removable batteries with headphones.
What I loved about the Focal Listen headphones was how good they sounded with music that was badly recorded, like MUSE. What about the Bathys in that respect?
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.
With a name like Bathys (Greek for Deep), the size and bling, it looks like they may be marketed as "lifestyle" ANC rather than gear for "audiophiles". Maybe Focal will do Ads/Sponsorships with Euro-Sport celebrities.....similar to the way Beats Headphones featured US Sports figures (?)
First time watcher, great video! Love the "touch and feel" part of the review that most reviewers completely miss. One note! I couldn't find any references to the music, such as the banger @5:30. In case i just it wasnt just I who missed it, and there are no references, i would recommend listing songs used in the description!
Hi Man I am an big fan!! I know it's a long shot as you might be busy... But I really would just like to ask for the recommendation of which is the right CABLE to buy to be able to use the DAC mode with Iphone (13 pro max) . I already wasted money for a cable and adaptor that did not work. I would highly appreciate your input. Thanks a million!!
Use the cable they come with and an Apple Camera adapter..works perfectly for me having bought the Audioquest Forest usb-c to lightning cable which didn’t work at all.
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 😎👍
Thank you for the video. I recently bought the B&W PX7 S2 (the Focal Bathys was among my options for ANC headphones) and I am leaving some of my impressions below in case somebody finds it useful. John is right about the PX7 S2 being a little inconsistent or glitchy with the Bluetooth connection, particularly when hopping from one device to another (usually resolved by turning off and back on the headphones). Sound is pretty much on point as described in the WH1000XM5 vs PX7 S2 video; I just reduce the bass by 2.5 dB in the app, the trebble might be a little too splashy for some (decreasing the trebble a couple of dBs might help, or if available some extra 1 or 2 dB in the 6-7 kHz region for those not bothered by energetic trebble), and some might find the sound a little shouty in the 4 kHz region. The dynamic range is very good, punchy and physical when demanded (much better than the Bose NC700 I used in the past which are quite dull sounding). Soundstage and imaging are good for wireless ANC headphones, but imaging in particular is still not comparable with some wired counterparts. Fit and comfort are good for me with small ears and wearing glasses, your mileage may vary. Isolation is good, ANC performance is adequate (still some way to go to catch up with Bose NC700). This might be unfair because it was an in-store environment, but I have sampled the Airpods Max a couple of times and sound-wise, they lack energy in the 3-6 kHz region (acoustic guitars for example sound off, just dark and bright at the same time) and are not very detailed. The ANC and transparency modes in the Airpods Max are phenomenal, but I do prefer the PX7 S2 because of their more balanced sound. I was considering the Focal Bathys to be my stand-alone closed-back headphones (replacing my Focal Elegia and adding wireless ANC capabilities), but the aesthetics did not win me over. John again is on point here with headphones being fashion statements. So I end up with two headphones that I like aesthetically more, than one that can replace them both.
I am looking for a pair of passive noise isolating headphones because ANC unfortunately makes me dizzy and nauseated. I also hear a high pitched whine after using ANC. I really wish ANC worked for me. I wonder if there are good options for passive noise isolating headphones.
Have you tried different brands and generations of ANC? I had some older Bose QC35s and their ANC felt like wax shoved into my ears. Then moved to Sony XM3s and it was a whole different ballgame - better!
Presume the “soft” noise cancelling setting uses less power thus increasing battery life. If the difference for power use is considerable it could provide a good halfway house between no cancellation and full cancellation.
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.
@@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).
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...
Got both. Focals are significantly better sounding. But you really don’t have to buy them when you already have the AirPods Max. The AirPods Max are more comfortable to wear though. For sound clear winner = Bathys For Comfort and practicality (if you’re immersed in the Apple ecosystem, clear winner = AirPods Max
I think you are absolutely right about the fact that this segment will be a huge segment in the future. The obsessed will probably keep obsessing but the mere mortal won’t bother. Also, if you’re like me and you have a great speaker system, you need headphones for what they were originally design for, not to listen to music at home. And who doesn’t like a bit of simplicity if sound quality is there.
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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.
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. ♥️
Agreed… I often go look up the various artists John mentions.
I actually have a playlist in both Apple Music and Spotify named “recommended by John”.
Same for me! ;)
Omg. I'm not the only one adding his music to their list. Lol.
CORRECTION: the Focal Bathys sell for €799 (and not €699). Apologies.
Now add B&W PX8 to the mix!
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.
Sennheiser can. Wow I thought that was standard features but guess not
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.
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.
Wait, so when I use AirPods max with the optional wired adapter, it’s still lossy?
I would definitely use this feature as well as the wireless 👍
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.
Or Mark Levinson No5909
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 :)
How do the Bathys compare to the Bowers & Wilkins PX8? NOT the PX7 S2, but the PX8.
Bathy's v PX8, that's the shoot out we want to see
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.
thank you so much dude for your detailed comparison
Thanks for your comparison. I’ve got the xm5 and 3 other headphones/earbuds, it’s hard to stay strong and not get more 😂
What about momentum 4 vs px7 S2, S2e and px8?
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.
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.
Exactly my use case and main reason I went for these
I know you’re not a wireless headphones channel, but the PX8 is the natural final piece to this puzzle.
Fully agree! I’d also say the H95 would be great, especially because they are foldable. Do it for us Darko ❤
It’s almost like you didn’t watch to the end of the video…
Yes!
@@willarthur4846 it’s almost like you didn’t, perhaps watch his follow up video, you might be surprised at your lack of awareness.
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
Love these reviews. Darko audio are the very best on the web IMHO.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
would love to see your thoughts on B&W PX8 VS. Focal Bathys
Thanks for your detailed and well-rounded information. Clear pronunciation and a sympathetic voice.
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.
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.
Amazing review Mr. Darko!!
Curious to hear what you think about the PX8, no pun intended. 🙂
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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?
I'd be interested in your opinion on the B&W PX8 when you get to demo a pair.
The Beloved is an excellent Band. Thank you for mentioning them.
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?
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
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.
I love "Bathysphere." Can't believe you mentioned it.
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.
What about momentum 4?
Great review. Lots of very useful information and plenty of killer camera/video shots! Really makes the beauty of this headphone stand out nicely.
Great video! Van you recommend the Bathys for metal music? Thanks
could you rewiew the Bang & Olufsen H95 and see if the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 is better?😀
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.
And Sony`s have a loud beep when you adjust volume. At least on my WH1000XM3. It`s very very annoying.
I love how I get great advice about gear and learn about amazing music at the same time. Keep it up.
Look forward for your comparison against Bower & Wilkins PX8
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!!
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.
Who cares, anyone with a brain and experience of both would attest the better sound quality beats everything else.
Thanks Mr. Darko. I’m not currently a big headphone person - but I’m really enjoying this series and curious to try.
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.
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. 😀
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.
I am waiting eagerly
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.
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 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Love your subjective takes on audio man.I honestly can’t wait until Focal releases a Bluetooth version of the Stellea
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!
And now the elephant in the room - B&W PX8…..
“Hello Darkness my ole’ friend 🎼 “ LETS PARTY 🎉!!!
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.
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.
Cannot wait for the review of Airpods Max 2
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.
Funny i think the px8 look extremely cheap and id say focal and meze have the best looking headphones out there
@@KopfdesRiesen highfive brother
Good work as always. Hope your health is continually improving.
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.
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.
Sennheiser momentum 4? Perhaps best compromise between costs, anc, looks, comfort, sound quality and call quality. So many choices....
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
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?
Hey john, great review as always! Are you gonna try out the new kef Mu7?
haha, I know its never gonna stop. We will always request even more then what you are already giving us❤
I purchased a pair of Sony whm1000x4 was not impressed muddy and lacked db. Anyone else underwhelmed?
The Sony's are really rather bad if one is used to even good sub-$100 wired headphones. They are made to sound as inoffensive as possible so anyone CAN listen to them, but they lack highs, are overly warm and the bass is mush.
In the normal price ranges Anker has a few good cheap options and AKG N700NC M2 is in general pretty good sound. Bathys is certainly several steps further.
I found had the same opinion with my pair. They have crushed mids and boosted bass. Which creates a muddy sound. Its an easy fix with the inbuilt app eq. +4 on 2.5k +4 on 6.2k and tune clear bass to taste. Mine is -3. Makes it much closer to natural harmon sound.
John, you really to spend more time in DAC mode.
I can’t listen to the Bathys in Bluetooth mode for long periods of time. That lossy harshness creeps up when I listen for about an hour and I can’t get that out of my head for the rest of the day.
In DAC mode connected to a clean USB source, in my case, Holo Audio Titanis, the Bathys sound so smooth and spacious that I wonder why I still keep my Stellia.
edit: more details of my setup: the USB cable that I use is the stock one, it is better than AudioQuest Carbon. The USB A male to female C adaptor is from my Zorloo Ztella DAC.
I have two pairs. One of the pair sounds spot on and the other sounds too dry, both have been used for over 50 hours.
Love the video. Super excited to see more mobile audio content
Darko doesn’t miss!
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!
I'm becoming more and more guilty of not pickup the Bathys at a local sale for 499€ (returned product).
dont be lol i can get a new one with that price in my place
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
Before this category will work for me at least, i think they need to solve the problem of user replaceable batteries. It will depend on the person, but at some price point, it won't compute that you're paying so much for what is a disposable product. Especially if you look at how the companies are dealing with it now.. bowers makes you pay an unacceptably high fee and just ship you another one.. All it takes is your first wireless headphones battery to fail before you become sensitive to the issue...
I charge these once every three or four days. Most phones you don’t notice a material decline in the battery performance until 2 years, but you charge a phone every day. That’s takes me to 6 to 8 years with the Focal, assuming a lithium ion battery. I considered this point before I got them and realised it’s not a problem for me. We will likely never get removable batteries with headphones.
Apparently Focal will replace them but at a great cost
Mmmm, time to get hold of the new B&W PX8 now then!
What I loved about the Focal Listen headphones was how good they sounded with music that was badly recorded, like MUSE. What about the Bathys in that respect?
Another great video. Stay well...keep 'em coming!
I would put the Sennheiser Momentum 4 in the mix just to complicate... 😉
I have 'Bathysphere' on my Smog mixtape, nice shoutout. What an artist Callahan is.
Mark Levinson headphones. Would be cool to get that review
Nice review! Would be awesome to see B&On H95 vs Bowers & Wilkins PX8 vs FOCAL Bathys
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.
With a name like Bathys (Greek for Deep), the size and bling, it looks like they may be marketed as "lifestyle" ANC rather than gear for "audiophiles". Maybe Focal will do Ads/Sponsorships with Euro-Sport celebrities.....similar to the way Beats Headphones featured US Sports figures (?)
First time watcher, great video! Love the "touch and feel" part of the review that most reviewers completely miss.
One note! I couldn't find any references to the music, such as the banger @5:30. In case i just it wasnt just I who missed it, and there are no references, i would recommend listing songs used in the description!
John, thanks for this thorough analysis of the Bathys.
Cheers
Jeff
could you possibly look into master and dynamics mw75 as they are in the same price range as the focal here. they look sweet.
Hi Man I am an big fan!! I know it's a long shot as you might be busy... But I really would just like to ask for the recommendation of which is the right CABLE to buy to be able to use the DAC mode with Iphone (13 pro max) . I already wasted money for a cable and adaptor that did not work. I would highly appreciate your input. Thanks a million!!
Use the cable they come with and an Apple Camera adapter..works perfectly for me having bought the Audioquest Forest usb-c to lightning cable which didn’t work at all.
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 😎👍
Thank you for the video. I recently bought the B&W PX7 S2 (the Focal Bathys was among my options for ANC headphones) and I am leaving some of my impressions below in case somebody finds it useful.
John is right about the PX7 S2 being a little inconsistent or glitchy with the Bluetooth connection, particularly when hopping from one device to another (usually resolved by turning off and back on the headphones). Sound is pretty much on point as described in the WH1000XM5 vs PX7 S2 video; I just reduce the bass by 2.5 dB in the app, the trebble might be a little too splashy for some (decreasing the trebble a couple of dBs might help, or if available some extra 1 or 2 dB in the 6-7 kHz region for those not bothered by energetic trebble), and some might find the sound a little shouty in the 4 kHz region. The dynamic range is very good, punchy and physical when demanded (much better than the Bose NC700 I used in the past which are quite dull sounding). Soundstage and imaging are good for wireless ANC headphones, but imaging in particular is still not comparable with some wired counterparts. Fit and comfort are good for me with small ears and wearing glasses, your mileage may vary. Isolation is good, ANC performance is adequate (still some way to go to catch up with Bose NC700).
This might be unfair because it was an in-store environment, but I have sampled the Airpods Max a couple of times and sound-wise, they lack energy in the 3-6 kHz region (acoustic guitars for example sound off, just dark and bright at the same time) and are not very detailed. The ANC and transparency modes in the Airpods Max are phenomenal, but I do prefer the PX7 S2 because of their more balanced sound.
I was considering the Focal Bathys to be my stand-alone closed-back headphones (replacing my Focal Elegia and adding wireless ANC capabilities), but the aesthetics did not win me over. John again is on point here with headphones being fashion statements. So I end up with two headphones that I like aesthetically more, than one that can replace them both.
I am looking for a pair of passive noise isolating headphones because ANC unfortunately makes me dizzy and nauseated. I also hear a high pitched whine after using ANC. I really wish ANC worked for me. I wonder if there are good options for passive noise isolating headphones.
I got the Focal Celestee myself, and they are great with passive noise cancellation
Have you tried different brands and generations of ANC? I had some older Bose QC35s and their ANC felt like wax shoved into my ears. Then moved to Sony XM3s and it was a whole different ballgame - better!
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
Thanks. I was looking for a Bathys vs AirPod Max review.
Kef also came out with a new Mu7 wireless headphones 😂 final headphone comparison just started
Presume the “soft” noise cancelling setting uses less power thus increasing battery life. If the difference for power use is considerable it could provide a good halfway house between no cancellation and full cancellation.
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.
@@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).
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...
Love the airpods max i would have to hear the focal to decide as they are both audiophile for Bluetooth
Got both. Focals are significantly better sounding. But you really don’t have to buy them when you already have the AirPods Max.
The AirPods Max are more comfortable to wear though.
For sound clear winner = Bathys
For Comfort and practicality (if you’re immersed in the Apple ecosystem, clear winner = AirPods Max
@@tundekara3224if I am an iPhone user planning to buy one mainly for long flights overseas, which would you recommend?
I think you are absolutely right about the fact that this segment will be a huge segment in the future.
The obsessed will probably keep obsessing but the mere mortal won’t bother.
Also, if you’re like me and you have a great speaker system, you need headphones for what they were originally design for, not to listen to music at home.
And who doesn’t like a bit of simplicity if sound quality is there.