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: 68; 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: 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	68 / 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	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 closed-back planar magnetic headphone built for professional monitoring, featuring large 106mm drivers that deliver detailed and accurate sound. It offers acoustic isolation for focused listening sessions, though it lacks active noise cancellation and requires a wired connection. With a robust build and high weight, it prioritizes sonic precision over portability.

Pro:Exceptional detail and accuracy for critical listening
Pro:Large planar drivers provide low distortion and fast response
Pro:Closed-back design offers good passive isolation

Con:Heavy and bulky, may cause fatigue over long sessions
Con:Requires a dedicated amplifier to perform optimally
Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless connectivity

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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