Audeze LCD-X 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

Score 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.

Audeze LCD-X
Focal Bathys MG

HearWiki score

Sound

9.0

9.6

Noise cancelling

8.4

Battery

7.7

Calls

7.8

Value

7.8

6.2

Price (USD)

$1,700

$1,500

Specifications

LCD-XBathys MG

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,700; $1,500
HearWiki score: 70; 83
Released: 2013; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; Still sold new
Driver: 106 mm planar magnetic; 40 mm dynamic
Driver type: planar; dynamic
Driver size: 106 mm; 40 mm
Drivers per side: -; 1
Frequency response: -; 10 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance: 20 Ω; -
Sensitivity: 103 dB/mW; -
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: -; Yes
Transparency mode: -; Yes
Companion app: -; Yes
Custom EQ: -; Yes
Wear detection: -; No
Controls: -; buttons
Weight: 612 g; 350 g
Detachable cable: -; Yes
USB-C: -; Yes
Connector: -; USB-C
Microphones: -; 8

Specification comparison of Audeze LCD-X vs Focal Bathys MG
Spec	Audeze LCD-X	Focal Bathys MG
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,700	$1,500
HearWiki score	70 / 100 Good	83 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2013	2024
Audio
Driver	106 mm planar magnetic	40 mm dynamic
Driver type	planar	dynamic
Driver size	106 mm	40 mm
Drivers per side	-	1
Frequency response	-	10 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance	20 Ω	-
Sensitivity	103 dB/mW	-
Wireless
Bluetooth	-	5.2
Codecs	-	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive
Multipoint pairing	-	Yes
Wireless range	-	15 m
Battery
Battery life	-	30 h
Battery life (ANC on)	-	30 h
Full charge time	-	90 min
Wireless charging	-	No
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	Yes
Transparency mode	-	Yes
Companion app	-	Yes
Custom EQ	-	Yes
Wear detection	-	No
Controls	-	buttons
Design
Weight	612 g	350 g
Detachable cable	-	Yes
USB-C	-	Yes
Connector	-	USB-C
Calls
Microphones	-	8

What reviewers said

Audeze LCD-X

The Audeze LCD-X is a wired, open-back planar magnetic headphone built for critical listening and studio work, featuring large 106mm drivers that deliver exceptional detail and accuracy. Its robust construction and reference-grade tuning make it a solid choice for professionals, though its weight and lack of isolation are notable trade-offs for portable or casual use.

Pro:Powerful, detailed sound with excellent transient response
Pro:Wide, spacious soundstage typical of open-back design
Pro:Solid, premium build quality for long-term durability

Con:Heavy at 612 grams, which can cause fatigue during long sessions
Con:Open-back design provides no noise isolation and leaks sound
Con:Requires a quality amplifier to reach full potential despite moderate impedance

Focal Bathys MG

The Focal Bathys MG is a premium wireless over-ear headphone that pairs hybrid active noise cancellation with a magnesium driver design for a natural, balanced sound signature. It offers extensive Bluetooth codec support, multipoint connectivity, and a robust feature set, though its standout audio quality comes at a very high price. With around 30 hours of battery life and a comfortable 350-gram build, it targets audiophiles seeking a top-tier wireless experience.

Pro:Excellent natural and balanced sound quality
Pro:Comfortable fit for long listening sessions
Pro:Effective hybrid noise cancellation

Con:Very high asking price
Con:No wireless charging support
Con:Lacks wear detection sensor

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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