Focal continues to expand its wireless headphone offering and is releasing a more high-end version of its Bathys launched in 2022. The Bathys MG swaps the aluminum and magnesium alloy drivers of the first model for pure magnesium membranes, directly borrowed from the Clear MG living room headphones (1500 euros). This choice of material, known for its rigidity and lightness, promises increased responsiveness and precision in sound reproduction, while maintaining a natural and balanced sound signature.
With a price of 1200 euros, the Bathys MG is positioned far from market leaders like Sony, Bose, or even Apple and its AirPods Max, already untouchable at 580 euros. But Focal is not trying to play in the same category, and is reiterating its expertise in ultra-premium hi-fi speakers, like its recent first connected speakers Diva Utopia, priced at 35,000 euros. However, the brand is also trying to democratize its expertise with more accessible models like the Azurys, a wired headset at 550 euros, but without active noise reduction or Bluetooth connection.
The Bathys MG, meanwhile, ticks all the boxes for modern wireless headphones: Bluetooth 5.2 (SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive), active noise reduction (ANC), and an integrated USB DAC allowing it to be used in wired mode with high-resolution quality up to 24 bits / 192 kHz. Identical features to the original Bathys (800 euros), but with an even better sound promise.
A high-end design and studied comfort
The design and ergonomics of the Bathys MG remain largely faithful to those of the original model, with the exception of its new “chesnut” color finish which gives it a warmer touch. The assembly combines noble materials such as leather, microfiber and aluminum, while the yokes (the forks holding the earphones) are made of magnesium for greater robustness and lightness.
On each earphone, we find the emblematic backlit Focal logo, the brightness of which can be adjusted or deactivated via the Focal & Naim application. Note that the headphones have a significant weight of 350 grams. A mass that Focal has sought to compensate for with effective padding of the headband and memory foam ear cushions, guaranteeing optimal comfort, even during long listening sessions. We also appreciate the ample space left for the ears inside the earphones. However, after one to two hours of use, a short break is welcome before diving back into the sound experience.
The headphones are not foldable, a choice that may disappoint users looking for compactness. Only the earphones pivot flat for easy storage in the provided hard case. The latter, although of high quality, remains bulky with its dimensions of 24 x 21 x 7 cm.
Improvable noise reduction and a minimalist application
Unlike Sony, Bose, or Apple, Focal does not particularly shine in the field of active noise reduction. The Bathys already suffered from this slight delay, even if the Bathys MG improves the performance slightly. While it remains effective at reducing conversations and moderate ambient noise, it still struggles to compete with the best ANC headphones on the market when it comes to creating a true bubble of sound isolation. In urban environments or on public transport, some residual noise persists, limiting the total immersion sought by ANC enthusiasts.
In terms of transparency, the mode also lags behind market benchmarks. Voice reproduction lacks naturalness and gives a slightly artificial impression, which often leads to removing the headphones to hold a conversation.
Focal has not chosen to integrate touch surfaces to control the headset's functions; everything here is done through physical buttons. A choice that proves to be quite practical in use. The controls fall perfectly under the thumbs and do not call for false manipulations as can sometimes be the case with touch. Under the left earpiece, a single button allows you to switch from ANC mode to transparency. Under the right, the offer is much richer: a button to activate the smartphone's voice assistant, a slider button to manage power, DAC wired mode or Bluetooth wireless mode and a group of three buttons to manage the volume level, play/pause and Bluetooth pairing. Two ports, a USB-C and a 3.5 mm jack, are also integrated on this right side.
The Focal & Naim, for its part, limits itself to a few essential settings: management of the illuminated logo, adjustment of the ANC (Soft or Silent), 5-band equalizer and sound personalization via a hearing test (very effective). But it ignores certain features that are expected at this price level, such as multipoint management (although managed by the device) or automatic pause when removing the headphones, impossible due to the lack of integrated sensors.
Advanced acoustic engineering
But what really sets the Bathys MG apart are its pure magnesium drivers, a first for portable headphones from Focal. This material, both light and rigid, offers several acoustic advantages: minimal distortion, excellent responsiveness and optimal damping of unwanted vibrations. The choice of an “M” dome allows for better sound dispersion, guaranteeing a more ample and natural reproduction.
These 40 mm drivers are designed to deliver an immersive sound experience, with transient management of rare precision. The frequency response extends generously into the bass while preserving the overall balance of the spectrum. This design gives the Bathys MG a sound signature that is both analytical and warm, capable of adapting to a wide variety of musical genres.
A sound reproduction that lives up to expectations
Where the Bathys MG truly excels is in the quality of its sound reproduction. Precision is there, with an impressive wealth of detail. Each note is chiseled, each sound texture is palpable, offering a striking musical reproduction.
The bass is deep and controlled, never intrusive even if slightly boosted to suit the nomadic use of this model. It gives depth to the songs without masking the other frequencies. The mids are of exemplary clarity, giving the vocals a natural and warm presence. As for the treble, they are well defined without ever becoming aggressive, a notable improvement compared to the first Bathys.
The Bathys MG excels on both acoustic recordings and complex electronic productions. The sound maintains a beautiful balance, whatever the source or musical genre. In wired mode via USB-C, it reveals its full potential with 24-bit / 192 kHz resolution, doing justice to high-fidelity files.
The icing on the cake is that Focal announces a battery life of 30 hours in Bluetooth, and our tests confirm these figures with an endurance of just over 29 hours before recharging. In USB-DAC mode, the headphones are announced for 42 hours, while in jack mode, they offer 35 hours of listening. A small downside: it cannot be used in the latter case in completely passive mode when it is turned off.
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