The technical characteristics of the headphones, as well as the feedback from users who have had the opportunity to test them, make Focal Bathys a flagship product for demanding audiophiles.
Available in Black Silver or Dune, the Focal Bathys stands out at first glance with its elegant and refined design. Made with high-quality materials, it offers a robust and durable feel. The over-ear earcups are covered in genuine leather, adding a touch of luxury while ensuring optimal comfort for extended listening sessions. The headphones are also relatively lightweight, weighing 368 grams, making them pleasant and comfortable to wear even for extended periods.
Where the Focal Bathys truly excels is in its sound performance. Equipped with M-dome drivers, a technology inherited from the brand's hi-fi headphones, the Bathys delivers rich and detailed sound reproduction. Users report a very wide and immersive soundstage, with excellent instrument separation. The bass is deep and punchy without being overpowering, while the treble is clear and precise.
The Bathys also features two-level active noise cancellation (ANC): Quiet and Low. While this feature is appreciated for its effectiveness in noisy environments, some users have noted that Quiet mode can sometimes feel like pressure on the ears. Additionally, the active noise cancellation isn't as good as some competitors', but it's still sufficient for most situations.
With a claimed battery life of 30 hours with ANC enabled and up to 35 hours without, the Focal Bathys is a very durable product. Users particularly appreciate the ability to connect via multipoint Bluetooth, mini-jack, or USB-C, offering great flexibility of use. However, it's important to note that the headphones cannot be used in passive mode (off) or while charging via USB.
The Focal Bathys user experience is generally very positive. The touch controls on the earcups are intuitive and responsive, although some users would have preferred physical buttons for more precise handling. The companion app, while rudimentary, allows you to customize certain settings and update the headset's firmware. Indeed, users unanimously praise the exceptional sound quality, for the richness and precision of the sound reproduction. The Bathys is not only elegant, but also very comfortable to wear. With up to 35 hours of listening time, the Bathys is perfect for long journeys or extended listening sessions.
Active noise reduction could be improved: Although the ANC is effective, it does not reach the level of some competitors.
Limited Features: The lack of a presence sensor and voice prompts may be a drawback for some users.
Unable to use while charging: The headset cannot be used while charging, which can be inconvenient.
