Over-Ear
AKG K812
78Great
$777
Full review dataAKG K812 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 K812
Sound8.2
Value6.5
Focal Bathys
Sound9.5
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery8.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | AKG K812 | Focal Bathys |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $777 | $799 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 86 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2014 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome |
| Driver size | 53 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-54kHz | 15Hz-22kHz |
| Impedance | 36 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW | - |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 110 | - |
| 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 | 390 g | 350 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 8 |
What reviewers said
AKG K812
The AKG K812 is a premium open-back reference headphone built around a large 53mm dynamic driver, offering exceptional detail retrieval and a clean, studio-oriented tuning. It demands high-quality upstream gear to perform at its best, and while its build and technical ambitions are impressive, its measured performance shows some transient and distortion issues that challenge its flagship status. Overall, it's a highly resolving headphone for critical listening, but not without caveats.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and resolution
- Pro:Clean, neutral reference-style tuning
- Pro:Premium build and large dynamic driver
- Con:Very demanding of upstream equipment
- Con:Measured distortion and transient-response issues
- Con:High price for the performance offered
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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