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: 76; 83
Released: 2013; 2024
Availability: Still sold new; 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	76 / 100 Great	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 premium open-back planar magnetic headphone built for critical listening and professional audio work, featuring large 106 mm drivers that deliver exceptional detail and accuracy. Its wired-only design and high weight are trade-offs for its studio-grade transparency and dynamic range.

Pro:Large 106 mm planar drivers for superb detail
Pro:Open-back design offers natural, spacious soundstage
Pro:High sensitivity for a planar, easy to drive

Con:Heavy at 612 g, can cause fatigue over long sessions
Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless options
Con:Open-back leaks sound and offers little isolation

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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