Focal Bathys
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
The Focal Bathys is frequently cited by Reddit's audiophile community as the gold standard for wireless sound quality, praised for its punchy bass and high-performance USB DAC mode. While it excels in audio fidelity, it faces criticism for its high price, mediocre Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) compared to market leaders, and significant concerns regarding long-term build durability and reliability.
Pros
- Top-tier sound quality for a Bluetooth headphone
- Punchy and dynamic bass response
- Excellent USB DAC mode for high-resolution wired listening
- Premium aesthetic and attractive design
- Generally comfortable for long listening sessions
Cons
- High price point compared to other premium wireless options
- ANC performance is considered inferior to Sony and Bose competitors
- Reports of build quality issues, including ear pad separation and loose ports
- Heavy and bulky for frequent travel or commuting
- Reliability concerns, with some users reporting units dying after a year
Caveats
- Requires the battery to be powered on even when using the 3.5mm wired connection
- Some users experience an uncomfortable 'air pressure' sensation during use
- The build features more plastic than some users expect for the premium price
- Defaults to the last used EQ profile, which may require manual adjustment
Best for
- Audiophiles prioritizing sound quality over ANC
- Users who want a high-quality USB DAC mode in a wireless headset
- Listeners who enjoy a punchy, engaging sound signature
Avoid if
- Top-tier noise cancellation is your primary requirement
- You need lightweight, rugged headphones for heavy travel
- You are concerned about potential hardware longevity and durability
- You require a passive wired mode that works without battery power
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 6-month half-life. The evidence is drawn from a window between February 2025 and March 2026, with a median source age of approximately 211 days.
Sentiment
124 positive (71%) · 26 mixed (15%) · 25 negative (14%)
Trust + time weighted score: +52% · raw score 57%
What redditors said (10 of 175)
Focal Bathys and B&W PX8 are tops in my list for sound quality and looks; but their ANC sucks, and they’re too heavy (and too pretty) to carry around in a backpack for commutes or air travel.
And for people who like a bit of punch in their headphones’ sound signature, the Focal Bathys and BW PX8 frequently come up as winners.
This. Unless you want some level of build quality (Focal Bathys) that doesn't possess the neutral, widely EQable sound signature that the 630 has.
Because of that, I’m honestly thinking about returning them and trying to grab something like the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 or maybe the Focal Bathys if I can find them on sale.
I had two Bathys. First one was dead on arrival. Second one died after a year. There's exactly zero chance I spend more money on expensive Focal products, I don't care how good they sound.
The seam connecting the plastic to the elastic connecting to the main body has separated on 50% of the right pad and inner foam is falling out.
Let me say I like the sound quality for a wireless headphone but I am disappointed at the build quality of this set for USD$650. When I first got them, I was surprised to discover that the ear cups were not made of metal or some type of alloy which I expected from the pictures considering the price. The worst part is that the plastic they used is that type of plastic that gives the feeling of trying to look nice and ending up looking gaudy as a result.
On top of that now the 3.5 port is wiggling And does not have a secure connection resulting in and this is after only 10 months of use in that way when this never happened after five years on the Sony.
These are all points. I’ve ignored up to this point until it comes to the fact that cups are now falling apart again after only 10 months of constant use.
The fact that they have to be on to pass through the 3.5 it’s kind of surprising after using the Sony XM4 Which allows without being powered. After getting used to using headphones that way for five years, it was a bit of change to get used to having to remember to charge them At the end of the day.
Compare
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