Focal Bathys MG review: when Bluetooth meets perfection

Focal returns with the Bathys MG, an improved version of its premium wireless headphones released in 2022. Featuring pure magnesium transducers, they promise even richer, more accurate sound, with optimized noise reduction and a latest-generation Bluetooth chip. Their refined design and advanced features make them an exceptional model for discerning audiophiles. But do these changes justify their high price (€1,190), and what added benefits do these headphones offer in comparison with the original Bathys?

Included accessories

The eco-responsible packaging of the Focal Bathys MG is minimalist, with a box made of plant fibers (bamboo and sugarcane pulp) that have been thermoformed to fit the contours of the headphones’ included hard carrying case. The latter holds the headphones, a USB-C to USB-C cable and a mini-jack cable with an angled end. A quick-start guide and Focal promotional brochure are also included.

What’s the difference between the Focal Bathys and Focal Bathys MG?

The Focal Bathys MG represents a major evolution of the Bathys, the first of its name, with a more premium approach. Thanks to their magnesium transducers, these headphones aim to deliver a richer, more natural and ultra-precise sound reproduction, with more impact and depth in the bass and perfectly defined highs. The active noise cancelling has also been enhanced with new microphones, promising better voice isolation during calls and more effective reduction of ambient noise.

• See the Focal Bathys review

In terms of design, the Bathys MG have exactly the same aesthetic, with an attractive brown finish called Chestnut, inspired by the Focal Clear MG hi-fi headphones. The Focal logo, now a single element, retains the distinctive backlighting introduced with the original Bathys.

The layout of the physical controls and connectors remains the same. The left earpiece features a single button to control the ANC. The right earpiece has the volume controls, pairing and voice control buttons, ON – DAC – OFF slider, and USB-C and mini-jack connectors.

The Bathys MG’s Bluetooth connectivity now benefits from the 5.2 standard for faster, more stable pairing. The battery life remains unchanged, with 30 hours of Bluetooth use with the ANC activated, 35 hours with the mini-jack connection and 42 hours in USB mode.

What functions does the Focal & Naim app offer?

As with the previous Bathys, the Focal & Naim app provides access to advanced controls, provided the headphones are connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth. It features an EQ section, offering several preset equalization modes, including the Dynamic mode, similar to Harman Target Response. The latter is an ideal frequency response curve defined by researchers at the Harman laboratory (Samsung group, with AKG, JBL…), which reflects what most people perceive as a pleasant, natural sound. It emphasizes the bass slightly, remains balanced in the midrange and offers clear highs that are not harsh. The user can also customize the response curve by adjusting 5 frequency ranges and saving several equalization profiles.

The sound customization function allows you to perform a hearing test, after which a corrected response curve is recommended in order to precisely adapt the sound to the user’s hearing.

You can also switch between the two noise cancelling modes (Soft and Silent) and the transparency mode, without the option of deactivating them all. It is also possible to adjust the brightness of the LEDs on the earcups and switch them off if desired.

At the bottom, the app displays the battery percentage and the audio streaming format (aptX, for example).

Finally, the Settings menu (gear in the top right-hand corner of the screen) lets you activate or deactivate the automatic standby function, as well as the Sidetone feature. The latter enables users to hear their own voice when speaking into the microphone. This ensures more natural conversations and gives greater control over voice volume during phone calls. You can also change the appearance of the app (light or dark) and reset it in the Settings menu.

Why usea pure magnesium transducer?

The French manufacturer, which produces the transducers for its headphones at its St-Étienne plant, is counting on the specific properties of magnesium to provide several significant improvements over the original Bathys.

Offering excellent rigidity, while being lighter than the aluminum-magnesium alloy, the pure magnesium diaphragm delivers a sound signature that remains neutral and balanced, while gaining in precision and dynamism. It should also deliver a more detailed sound across the entire frequency range, resulting in a livelier, more energetic musical reproduction.

The Bathys MG’s magnesium diaphragm provides better bass articulation, ensuring a more precise, controlled reproduction of low frequencies. The membrane’s lighter weight also contributes to a faster, more precise transducer response, revealing more nuance and subtlety in the music.

This technological evolution is in line with Focal’s ongoing research into the materials used for its transducers. Magnesium offers an ideal compromise between the exceptional performance of beryllium, used for the transducers of the top-of-the-range Focal Utopia headphones, and the aluminum-magnesium alloy found in the French manufacturer’s more affordable models.

Key specifications

• Closed-back over-ear headphones
• 40mm pure magnesium transducers
• Frequency response: 10Hz to 22kHz
• ANC + transparent mode
• Bluetooth 5.2, SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
• USB DAC mode (PCM 24-bit/192kHz)
• 30h autonomy (Bluetooth + ANC)
• Rigid carrying case
• Weight: 350g

Bathys MG listening conditions

To test the Focal Bathys MG headphones wirelessly, we paired them with an Android smartphone via Bluetooth to benefit from aptX reproduction quality when playing Hi-Res music from Qobuz. We took advantage of this to gauge the quality of phone calls, and to test the active noise cancelling on public transport and in other noisy environments. The multipoint connection also enabled us to link the headphones simultaneously to our smartphone and PC, so we could listen to music wirelessly from either source, while remaining available on the phone.

We then tested these headphones in USB DAC mode, first with a smartphone to listen to hi-res tracks on Qobuz from the USB Audio Player Pro app. Then with a computer, using the Audirvana and Roon interfaces to listen to Qobuz and locally stored hi-res audio files.

The headphones lent to us by Focal for this review were brand new. We broke them in by letting them run at a sustained volume for about 48 hours.

Our impressions

Design, finish, comfort

The Focal Bathys MG uses the same formula that made their predecessor such a success. The build quality is impeccable, the finish splendid and the comfort perfect. Ultra-soft leather ear pads and a generously padded, velvet-covered headband provide the perfect level of comfort for long listening sessions, even when wearing glasses.

Noise cancelling

The fairly good passive isolation of the Bathys MG is accompanied by an active noise cancelling system that uses new microphones, and no doubt an improved algorithm. Slightly better at attenuating the lowest frequencies (road noise in a bus), it was more effective at attenuating noises higher up the spectrum (traffic, hubbub in stations and shopping areas, discussions in an open-plan office), with real efficiency down to around 1,500Hz. As a result, even the clink of a handful of coins in our hand was attenuated: it remained audible, but with a much duller sound.

Hands-free calls

The Bathys MG was perfectly at ease with hands-free phone calls. Well isolated from surrounding noise, we were able to fully concentrate on our conversations. The microphones effectively extracted our voice, which remained completely audible to the caller, even in noisy urban environments. We must mention the Sidetone function, already present on the first Bathys, which enables the user to remain aware of how loud they are speaking at all times. Those around you will appreciate it!

Bluetooth aptX and USB audio tests

Billie Eilish – Chihiro – Qobuz 24/44,1
The bass was heavy, deep and impactful, perfectly respecting the energy and syncopated rhythm of the track. The artist’s voice was beautifully embodied, both on the lead and on the backing vocals, which were airy and precisely positioned. The highest notes were smooth and flowed with great clarity, without being harsh. All the elements of the mix stood out distinctly, yet occupied a large space. We were completely immersed as the synth notes began to build up to the final break.

Giorgia Fumanti – Ave Maria (Cassini version) – Qobuz 16/44.1

The violins, aerial and fluid, benefitted from a beautiful harmonic richness and gentleness, supported by the delicate piano notes. The suave, nuanced voice of the Italian soprano rose and occupied the soundstage very naturally, with a beautiful presence. The Bathys MG subtly revealed the tonal richness and nuances, right down to the slightest inflections of the artist’s vibrato. The instrumental score was also excellent, with a superb expression of the double bass and the lowest notes of the piano.

Aerosmith – Water Song/Janie’s Got a Gun – Qobuz 24/192

From Water Song‘s airy, crystalline opening instrumental to Steven Tyler’s opening vocals, the Focal Bathys MG displayed their perspicacity and sense of rhythm. The riffs were catchier than ever, the bass line hypnotic, the percussion resonated and unfolded with authority, before Joe Perry carried us away with a guitar solo. Clarity was always in the forefront, without the sound becoming analytical or surgically cold. The Focal headphones always delivered excellent vocal and instrumental texture, with a remarkable ability to extract the smallest details and reproduce the most minute nuances of this track. We also enjoyed the density, impact and depth of the bass.

When we switched to USB mode, the Bathys MG were even more generous and precise. Bass became more pronounced and intense, with greater impact. Vocals stood out better, with more nuance and a more physical feel. The energy of tracks seemed to increase tenfold, and new details were revealed.

Focal Bathys MG compared to the Focal Bathys

Both headphones offer excellent comfort, with the weight ideally distributed over the head. There is, however, a slight difference in pressure around the ears, with the Bathys MG being a little looser, improving comfort during long listening sessions.

For musical listening, we first compared these two headphones without any equalization or sound customization, selecting the Soft ANC mode. In this configuration, the sound of the Bathys MG was more solid, thicker and harmonically richer, gaining in amplitude and realism. The bass was both more dynamic and deeper. Vocals also had greater presence and nuance. High frequencies were clearer and more detailed. There was also a better delineation of the various elements in the audio mix, resulting in greater amplitude and spaciousness, as the soundstage seemed to have more room to breathe.

We were also impressed by the dynamic behavior and commitment of the Bathys MG. We had the feeling that the original Bathys kept us slightly at a distance, being rather well-behaved and a little reserved. The MG, on the other hand, immersed us more fully in the music with its extra energy. With the Bathys, we’re in the crowd in front of the stage, whereas the Bathys MG takes us right up onto stage alongside the artists!

By adjusting the equalization on the Bathys, you can emulate the sound signature of the Bathys MG, without, however, achieving the same overall energy, low-end depth, fuller midrange and richer highs.

In our opinion, the extra cost of the Focal Bathys MG is fully justified by the sound performance. This new iteration of the French manufacturer’s flagship Bluetooth headphones almost manages to make the Bathys, which we thought was great when it came out just two and a half years ago, sound dull…

Focal Bathys MG compared to the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100

Luxurious design, high-end materials and premium finish: the two manufacturers pull out all the stops to seduce music lovers. Danish minimalism comes in three colors, while French elegance is adorned with a single hue and sophisticated motifs. The design you prefer will be a matter of personal taste.

Both models offer excellent comfort, although the H100 can exert a slight pressure on the jaw that can cause discomfort during long listening sessions.

A notable advantage of these two headphones is that their design allows the ear pads to be easily replaced, as well as the headband on the B&O. The battery can also be replaced if required, ensuring even greater durability.

Behind the scenes, the Bathys MG features magnesium diaphragm transducers, while the Beoplay H100 relies on titanium, with the result that the latter offers more extensive high-frequency coverage for better reproduction of the highest harmonics. However, the Focal model stands out for its energy and slightly more engaging character, particularly in the bass, which is particularly intense and always well controlled.

As far as clarity, detail and spatialization are concerned, these two headphones are virtually on a par, at least for stereo listening. The Bang & Olufsen stands out for its compatibility with spatial audio and head-movement tracking, for an even more immersive experience with Dolby Atmos content. The H100 also boasts slightly better active noise cancelling thanks to its 10 microphones, compared to 8 on the Bathys MG. All these assets are reflected in the price of the Danish headphones, which are €300 more expensive.

Who are the Focal Bathys MG designed for?

The Focal Bathys MG headphones are aimed at discerning audiophiles looking for top-of-the-range Bluetooth headphones offering high-fidelity sound quality. They’re ideal for music lovers on the move, thanks to their ANC and USB-DAC mode, offering high-resolution sound. The refined design and comfort also make them a perfect choice for long listening sessions on trains and planes.

The Focal Bathys MG will win over audiophiles with their high-fidelity sound quality, effective active noise cancelling and comfort for long listening sessions.

Our verdict

The Focal Bathys MG headphones improve on their predecessor by offering a fuller, more detailed and immersive sound, with improved noise reduction and a more energetic sound signature. Their clarity, level of detail and bass impact ensure captivating sound, making every listening experience lively and immersive. The only real drawback is their high price. But for those in search of a refined, powerful and emotionally engaging pair of headphones, the Focal Bathys MG are a superb invitation to rediscover your favorite music.

We liked

• The clarity and level of detail
• The energy across the entire frequency range
• The rich, subtle timbres
• The depth and impact of the bass
• The excellent equalization
• The comfort
• The effective ANC

We would have liked

• For them to be priced under €1,000