Audeze MM520 vs Focal Bathys MG: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Audeze MM520 vs Focal Bathys MG, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Over-Ear

Audeze MM520

Not yet scored

$1,700

Full review data

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Focal Bathys MG leads on 7 of 7 measures.

Audeze MM520
Focal Bathys MG

HearWiki score

Sound

9.6

Noise cancelling

8.4

Battery

7.7

Calls

7.8

Value

6.2

Price (USD)

$1,700

$1,500

Specifications

MM520Bathys MG

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,700; $1,500
HearWiki score: Not scored; 83
Released: 2026; 2024
Availability: Sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 90 mm planar magnetic; 40 mm dynamic
Driver type: planar; dynamic
Driver size: 90 mm; 40 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 50 kHz; 10 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance: 18 Ω; -
Sensitivity: 102 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: 555 g; 350 g
Detachable cable: -; Yes
USB-C: -; Yes
Connector: XLR; USB-C
Microphones: -; 8

Specification comparison of Audeze MM520 vs Focal Bathys MG
Spec	Audeze MM520	Focal Bathys MG
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,700	$1,500
HearWiki score	Not scored	83 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2026	2024
Audio
Driver	90 mm planar magnetic	40 mm dynamic
Driver type	planar	dynamic
Driver size	90 mm	40 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	5 Hz - 50 kHz	10 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance	18 Ω	-
Sensitivity	102 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	555 g	350 g
Detachable cable	-	Yes
USB-C	-	Yes
Connector	XLR	USB-C
Calls
Microphones	-	8

What reviewers said

Audeze MM520

The Audeze MM520 is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone built around a large 90mm planar magnetic driver, aimed at both monitoring and audiophile listening. It delivers a highly efficient, linear sound signature with notably deep bass extension, thanks to its SLAM technology. Priced at around $1699, it offers a transparent and precise presentation for critical listening sessions.

Pro:Excellent bass depth and extension
Pro:High efficiency for a planar magnetic design
Pro:Linear and accurate sound reproduction

Con:No active noise cancellation, limiting portability
Con:Heavy at 555 grams, potentially uncomfortable for long sessions
Con:Wired-only with XLR connection, requiring a compatible amplifier

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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