Over-Ear
AKG K812
56Average
$1,110
Full review dataAKG K812 vs Focal Bathys MG: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Focal Bathys MG comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Focal Bathys MG - Outstanding overall at around $1499.
Over-Ear
Focal Bathys MG
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Bathys MG leads on 6 of 7 measures.
- AKG K812
- Focal Bathys MG
HearWiki score
56
83
Sound
6.8
9.6
Noise cancelling
-
8.4
Battery
-
7.7
Calls
-
7.8
Value
3.9
6.2
Price (USD)
$1,110
$1,500
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The Focal Bathys MG is 10 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Focal Bathys MG adds USB-C. For 10 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- K8122014
- Bathys MG202410 yr newer
What differsK812Bathys MG
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
Everyday features
Specifications
K812Bathys MG
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,110
- $1,500
- HearWiki score
- 56
- 83
- Released
- 2014
- 2024
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 53 mm dynamic
- 40 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- dynamic
- Driver size
- 53 mm
- 40 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 1
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz - 54 kHz
- 10 Hz - 22 kHz
- Impedance
- 36 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 96 dB/mW
- -
- Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
- 110
- -
- Bluetooth
- -
- 5.2
- Codecs
- -
- SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive
- Multipoint pairing
- -
- Yes
- Wireless range
- -
- 15 m
- Battery life
- -
- 30 h
- Battery life (ANC on)
- -
- 30 h
- Full charge time
- -
- 90 min
- Wireless charging
- -
- No
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- Yes
- Transparency mode
- -
- Yes
- Companion app
- -
- Yes
- Custom EQ
- -
- Yes
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- buttons
- Weight
- 390 g
- 350 g
- Foldable
- No
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- USB-C
- Model code
- 3458X00010
- -
- Microphones
- -
- 8
What reviewers said
AKG K812
The AKG K812 is a premium open-back reference headphone built around a large 53 mm dynamic driver, aiming for high-resolution, studio-grade sound. Its detailed and transparent tuning rewards careful pairing with quality upstream gear, though its measured performance has drawn some criticism regarding transient response and distortion. Overall, it's a technically ambitious flagship that prioritizes analytical listening over casual convenience.
- Pro:Exceptional detail retrieval and clarity
- Pro:Large 53 mm driver with wide frequency response
- Pro:Detachable cable adds versatility
- Con:Demanding of high-quality source gear
- Con:Measured distortion and transient issues noted
- Con:No noise cancellation or wireless features
Focal Bathys MG
The Focal Bathys MG is a premium wireless over-ear headphone that pairs active noise cancellation with a natural, balanced sound signature. It offers robust connectivity options including aptX Adaptive and multipoint, along with a USB-C DAC mode, all wrapped in a comfortable, high-end build. While its sonic performance is top-tier, the steep price tag is its most significant hurdle for many buyers.
- Pro:Excellent natural and balanced sound quality
- Pro:Comfortable fit for extended listening sessions
- Pro:Effective active noise cancellation
- Con:Very high price point
- Con:Limited high-resolution wireless codec support
- Con:No wireless charging option
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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