Over-Ear
Audio-Technica Adx5000
67Good
$2,200
Full review dataAudio-Technica Adx5000 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
Focal Bathys MG
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataScore 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.
- Audio-Technica Adx5000
- Focal Bathys MG
HearWiki score
67
83
Sound
8.4
9.6
Noise cancelling
-
8.4
Battery
-
7.7
Calls
-
7.8
Value
5.1
6.2
Price (USD)
$2,200
$1,500
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The Focal Bathys MG is 7 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Focal Bathys MG adds USB-C. For 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Adx50002017
- Bathys MG20247 yr newer
What differsAdx5000Bathys MG
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
Everyday features
Specifications
Adx5000Bathys MG
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $2,200
- $1,500
- HearWiki score
- 67
- 83
- Released
- 2017
- 2024
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 58 mm dynamic
- 40 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- dynamic
- Driver size
- 58 mm
- 40 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 1
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz - 50 kHz
- 10 Hz - 22 kHz
- Impedance
- 420 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
- No
- Yes
- Transparency mode
- -
- Yes
- Companion app
- -
- Yes
- Custom EQ
- -
- Yes
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- buttons
- Weight
- 270 g
- 350 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
- Connector
- 6.35 mm
- USB-C
- Balanced connection
- Yes
- -
- Microphones
- -
- 8
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica Adx5000
The Audio-Technica ADX5000 is a flagship open-back dynamic headphone built around a 58mm driver, delivering a transparent, airy, and highly resolving sound. Its ultra-light 270g frame offers exceptional comfort, though its 420-ohm impedance demands a powerful, high-quality amplifier to perform at its best. While its tuning may not suit everyone, it rewards patient listeners with an immersive stage and excellent midrange detail.
- Pro:Excellent resolution and airy treble
- Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable (270g)
- Pro:Immersive, spacious soundstage
- Con:Requires powerful amplification due to 420-ohm impedance
- Con:Stock cable is stiff and microphonic
- Con:Limited low-bass presence
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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