Over-Ear
Dan Clark Audio Ether 2
59Average
$2,200
Full review dataDan Clark Audio Ether 2 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.
- Dan Clark Audio Ether 2
- Focal Bathys MG
HearWiki score
59
83
Sound
8.0
9.6
Noise cancelling
-
8.4
Battery
-
7.7
Calls
-
7.8
Value
5.0
6.2
Price (USD)
$2,200
$1,500
Specifications
Ether 2Bathys MG
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $2,200
- $1,500
- HearWiki score
- 59
- 83
- Released
- 2018
- 2024
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 71 mm planar magnetic
- 40 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- planar
- dynamic
- Driver size
- 71 mm
- 40 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 1
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- 10 Hz - 22 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 92 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
- 289 g
- 350 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- Yes
- Pad material
- protein-leather
- -
- Connector
- -
- USB-C
- Microphones
- -
- 8
What reviewers said
Dan Clark Audio Ether 2
The Dan Clark Audio Ether 2 is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone designed for audiophiles seeking a reference-grade listening experience. Its ultra-light 289g frame and 71mm TrueFlow driver deliver a linear, intimate sound with strong separation and imaging, while the low 16-ohm impedance makes it easier to drive than many planars. This wired, passive model prioritizes comfort and refined tonality over features like ANC, positioning it as a top-tier choice for critical listening at home.
- Pro:Exceptionally lightweight at 289g for extended comfort
- Pro:Highly linear and refined sound signature with excellent imaging
- Pro:Low impedance makes it easy to drive from a variety of sources
- Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless functionality
- Con:Intimate soundstage rather than expansive or airy
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
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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