New Focal Bathys MG: High-End Sound From a Bluetooth ANC Headphone?

When the original Focal Bathys ($699) hit the bluetooth headphone scene in 2022, it was clear that the French brand’s first wireless headphone with active noise cancellation was going to be a knockout hit. (See Wayde Robson’s enthusiastic Focal Bathys review.) A few years down the road, the Bathys remains one of the best-sounding and best-looking ANC bluetooth headphones out there. In fact, Focal recently introduced a new Deep Black color for the Bathys, responding to continuing customer demand. Now, Focal is back with a new high-end model positioned above the Bathys. The all new Bathys MG ($1,299) justifies its higher price with truly premium build quality and materials (genuine leather, magnesium, and aluminum), along with more advanced drivers that are reportedly capable of delivering the next level of audio quality compared to the existing Bathys. Focal promises “high fidelity sound with unparalleled purity and precision for a wireless headphone.”

Like the original Bathys, the Bathys MG is a bluetooth headphone with active noise cancelling, and it features a host of Focal’s exclusive technologies, enhanced electronics, and refined design. So what’s new? Quite a bit, as it turns out. First and foremost, the Bathys MG uses a more advanced full range driver with a magnesium M-shaped dome — the exact same dome used in Focal’s $1,600 Clear MG open -back headphone, which is one of my favorite all-rounder headphones. This should be a significant step up in performance compared to the aluminum/magnesium drivers used in the original Bathys. Focal says that the magnesium drivers, which are made in-house (in France), allow the Bathys MG to provide “natural, dynamic and extremely detailed sound, transforming every listening session into an immersive, captivating experience.” Part of that immersive experience will be due to improved active noise cancellation. The Bathys MG uses new digital microphones to optimize ANC, ensuring more effective control over ambient noise and improved soundproofing of voices, according to Focal. For the absolute best sound quality, try the headphone’s USB-DAC mode. Simply plug the headphones into your device using the included cable, and enjoy lossless, high-resolution sound at up to 24 bits/192kHz. Even when using bluetooth, however, Focal says to expect “high-fidelity sound that is rich, natural, and ultra-precise, with powerful bass and crystal-clear treble.”

Focal Bathys: Design and Build

The physical design of the Bathys MG is also a major step up from the original Bathys. New memory foam ear cushions result in a much lighter feel, according to Focal. The magnesium yoke and aluminum bracket give the headphone a robust and substantial feel, and the headband features memory foam, high-quality microfiber, and genuine leather, enhancing both comfort and a sense of luxury. Crucially, the ear pads are easily user-replaceable. A new backlit flame logo differentiates the Bathys MG from other Focal cans. The chestnut-colored finish is obviously inspired by the Clear MG, which is no bad thing in my book. The ear cups swivel, improving comfort and allowing the headphones to fit into a more compact hard-sided carrying case (included). The Clear MG lacks this swiveling ability, so its carrying case is on the chunky side. Even the packaging is new for the Bathys MG. The headphone is shipped in eco-friendly bamboo pulp packaging, made from bamboo and sugar cane bagasse plant fibers. This 100% natural, FSC-certified material complies with the most stringent environmental standards, according to Focal.

Focal Bathys MG: Features

The Bathys MG offers a solid 30 hours of battery life in wireless mode. That’s not exactly class-leading — Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 headphone delivers twice as much battery life per charge — but it’s easily enough for the longest international flights or multiple work days. When using the included analog cable, battery life extends to 35 hours. USB-DAC mode increases playback time to 42 hours. Best of all, the headphone’s fast-charge function offers an extra 5 hours of listening time after just 15 minutes of charging. Other new features include Bluetooth 5.2, which is both more efficient and more secure than the Bluetooth 5.1 standard used by the original Bathys. Supported Bluetooth codecs include SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive (but no LDAC). The Bathys MG promises effortless pairing with Android devices thanks to Google Fast Pair.

Users can take advantage of the Focal & Naim app to adjust the Bathys MG’s sound via EQ, either with presets or with the app’s user-adjustable, personalized EQ parameters. Depending on the listening environment, users can choose from three noise-cancelling modes: Silent, Soft, and Transparent. The app also includes a hearing test that adjusts the sound based on the individual user’s hearing.

The Bathys Mg is expected to ship in May 2025. More information: Focal Bathys MG

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.