In 2022, Focal presented its first Bluetooth hi-fi headphones with active noise reduction (ANC), Bathys. Initially available in gray only, it was offered in a Dune (beige) finish in 2023, to which has now been added a Deep Black version that enhances the product’s elegance and discretion.
Inspired by Focal high-fidelity headphones such as Stellia (3 000 €) and Utopia (5 000 €), the Bathys’ singular design is distinguished by the Focal logo on the side, illuminated by white LEDs. Its construction combines genuine leather on the headband and earcups for comfort, with aluminium for structural strength. Its drivers feature the company’s famous 40 mm dome transducers with “M” profile in magnesium-aluminium alloy, familiar from other models such as the Celestee wired headset (999 €). The only drawback is that these components and the headset’s reinforced architecture result in a total weight of 350 g, which is a bit heavy for prolonged nomadic listening, even if it is still 35 g less than an Apple AirPods Max.
While its finish has been renewed (and now replaces that of 2022 which has become unavailable), the Bathys retains the features that have made it such a success, starting with an autonomy of 30 h in wireless listening, 35 h in jack and 42 h in USB-DAC (cables supplied). Added to this, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants are available, as well as customized settings via the Focal & Naim app (adjustable equalizers, individualized hearing tests). Like these rivals, it features active noise reduction (ANC) and a fully open mode, to which is added a microphone system that also reduces unwanted background noise, to guarantee sharper playback during telephone or video exchanges.
Priced at 799 €, the Focal Bathys remains the only nomadic headset from the French brand, and is still one of the most ambitious models on the market, both for its premium finish and its musical quality.
03/25/2025
