Over-Ear
AKG K701
82Great
$569
Full review dataAKG K701 vs Focal Bathys: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Focal Bathys comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Focal Bathys - Outstanding overall at around $799.
Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
AKG K701
Sound8.5
Value6.5
Focal Bathys
Sound9.5
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery8.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | AKG K701 | Focal Bathys |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $569 | $799 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 86 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2006 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-39.8kHz | 15Hz-22kHz |
| Impedance | 62 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB/mW | - |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 105 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.1 |
| Codecs | - | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 30 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 30 h |
| Quick charge | - | 5 hours in 15 minutes |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes |
| ANC type | - | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Voice assistant | - | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 235 g | 350 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 8 |
What reviewers said
AKG K701
The AKG K701 is a wired, open-back dynamic headphone designed for critical listening, offering a spacious and neutral sound signature with strong detail retrieval. Its lightweight build and breathable earcups make it exceptionally comfortable for long sessions, though its open design leaks audio and its price point is a notable consideration. It suits home listeners who prioritize clarity and an airy presentation over isolation or portability.
- Pro:Very comfortable and lightweight for extended wear
- Pro:Open, wide soundstage with detailed, balanced audio
- Pro:Detachable cable adds convenience and repairability
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
- Con:Relatively expensive for its feature set
- Con:Not suitable for portable or noisy environments
Focal Bathys
The Focal Bathys are premium wireless over-ears that blend high-fidelity audio with everyday convenience. They feature adaptive ANC, a USB-C DAC mode for hi-res wired listening, and support for aptX Adaptive, making them a top pick for sound-focused users who also want wireless flexibility. While their noise cancellation is solid but not the absolute best in class, their impressive battery life and versatile connectivity options stand out in the premium segment.
- Pro:Excellent sound quality with detailed, dynamic drivers
- Pro:USB-C DAC mode enables high-resolution wired audio
- Pro:Strong battery life, often exceeding rated figures in tests
- Con:ANC is competent but not class-leading
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
- Con:Real-world wireless endurance may fall short of claims in some scenarios
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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