Audeze LCD-XC 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-XC
Focal Bathys MG

HearWiki score

Sound

8.7

9.6

Noise cancelling

8.4

Battery

7.7

Calls

7.8

Value

7.3

6.2

Price (USD)

$1,800

$1,500

Specifications

LCD-XCBathys MG

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,800; $1,500
HearWiki score: 74; 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: 100 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: 677 g; 350 g
Detachable cable: -; Yes
USB-C: -; Yes
Connector: -; USB-C
Microphones: -; 8

Specification comparison of Audeze LCD-XC vs Focal Bathys MG
Spec	Audeze LCD-XC	Focal Bathys MG
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,800	$1,500
HearWiki score	74 / 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	100 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	677 g	350 g
Detachable cable	-	Yes
USB-C	-	Yes
Connector	-	USB-C
Calls
Microphones	-	8

What reviewers said

Audeze LCD-XC

The Audeze LCD-XC is a premium closed-back planar magnetic headphone built for professional monitoring, featuring large 106 mm drivers that deliver precise, detailed sound. Its closed design provides passive acoustic isolation, making it suitable for tracking and mixing in noisy environments. With a wired connection and high sensitivity, it's engineered for accuracy rather than portability or wireless convenience.

Pro:Excellent sound accuracy and detail for professional monitoring
Pro:Large 106 mm planar drivers provide low distortion
Pro:Closed-back design offers passive isolation for focused listening

Con:Heavy at 677 grams, which may cause fatigue during long sessions
Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless features
Con:Requires a dedicated amplifier due to low impedance and planar design

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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