Over-Ear
Audio-Technica Ad2000x
72Good
$563
Full review dataAudio-Technica Ad2000x vs Focal Bathys: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Focal Bathys comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Focal Bathys - Outstanding overall at around $799.
Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Audio-Technica Ad2000x
Sound8.0
Noise cancelling0.0
Value6.0
Focal Bathys
Sound9.5
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery8.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica Ad2000x | Focal Bathys |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $563 | $799 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 86 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2012 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome |
| Driver size | 53 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-45kHz | 15Hz-22kHz |
| Impedance | 40 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.1 |
| Codecs | - | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 30 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 30 h |
| Quick charge | - | 5 hours in 15 minutes |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes |
| ANC type | - | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Voice assistant | - | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 265 g | 350 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 8 |
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica Ad2000x
The Audio-Technica AD2000X is an open-back, over-ear headphone designed for high-fidelity listening, featuring a 53mm dynamic driver and a wide frequency response. It delivers a detailed, rich sound with tight bass, though its open-back design offers no isolation. While it is lightweight and generally comfortable, some users find it slightly less comfortable than its predecessor, and its overall value is considered moderate for its price point.
- Pro:Detailed and rich sound quality
- Pro:Tight bass response
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for many listeners
- Con:Open-back design provides no sound isolation
- Con:Slightly less comfortable than the older AD2000 model
- Con:Moderate value for money
Focal Bathys
The Focal Bathys are premium wireless over-ears that blend high-fidelity audio with everyday convenience. They feature adaptive ANC, a USB-C DAC mode for hi-res wired listening, and support for aptX Adaptive, making them a top pick for sound-focused users who also want wireless flexibility. While their noise cancellation is solid but not the absolute best in class, their impressive battery life and versatile connectivity options stand out in the premium segment.
- Pro:Excellent sound quality with detailed, dynamic drivers
- Pro:USB-C DAC mode enables high-resolution wired audio
- Pro:Strong battery life, often exceeding rated figures in tests
- Con:ANC is competent but not class-leading
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
- Con:Real-world wireless endurance may fall short of claims in some scenarios
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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