Over-Ear
Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed X
78Great
$499
Full review dataDan Clark Audio Aeon Closed X 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.
Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed X
Sound8.0
Value7.5
Focal Bathys
Sound9.5
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery8.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed X | Focal Bathys |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $499 | $799 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 86 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2020 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar magnetic | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome |
| Driver size | 62 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 15Hz-22kHz |
| Impedance | 14 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 91 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.1 |
| Codecs | - | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC |
| Multipoint pairing | - | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 30 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 30 h |
| Quick charge | - | 5 hours in 15 minutes |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | Yes |
| ANC type | none | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | No | Yes |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | none | - |
| Voice assistant | - | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 342 g | 350 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 8 |
What reviewers said
Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed X
The Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed X is a wired, closed-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers a neutral-leaning sound with deep bass and impressive clarity for its price. It's exceptionally light for a planar, but its low impedance and modest sensitivity mean it still needs a decent amp to shine, and its treble can be bright without the included tuning inserts. Overall, it's a well-built, technically capable closed-back option that benefits from careful source pairing and minor tweaks.
- Pro:Very lightweight for a planar design
- Pro:Deep, punchy bass with good extension
- Pro:Spacious soundstage for a closed-back
- Con:Treble can be sharp without damping inserts
- Con:Needs a powerful amp despite low impedance
- Con:No built-in controls or app support
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.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.