Over-Ear
Focal Bathys MG
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFocal Bathys MG vs Grado GS1000: 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
Grado GS1000
57Average
$1,200
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Bathys MG leads on 6 of 7 measures.
- Focal Bathys MG
- Grado GS1000
HearWiki score
83
57
Sound
9.6
7.2
Noise cancelling
8.4
-
Battery
7.7
-
Calls
7.8
-
Value
6.2
-
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,200
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 21 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 21 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Bathys MG202421 yr newer
- GS10002003
What differsBathys MGGS1000
- USB-C
- Yes
- No
Everyday features
Specifications
Bathys MGGS1000
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $1,200
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 57
- Released
- 2024
- 2003
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 40 mm dynamic
- 50 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- dynamic
- Driver size
- 40 mm
- 50 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 1
- Frequency response
- 10 Hz - 22 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- -
- 38 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 99.8 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
- No
- Transparency mode
- Yes
- -
- Companion app
- Yes
- -
- Custom EQ
- Yes
- -
- Wear detection
- No
- -
- Controls
- buttons
- none
- Weight
- 350 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- Yes
- No
- Connector
- USB-C
- -
- Microphones
- 8
- -
What reviewers said
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
Grado GS1000
The Grado GS1000 is a high-end, open-back wired headphone that prioritizes musical engagement and an expansive soundstage over neutrality, delivering rich detail and dynamic expression. Its 50mm dynamic drivers are easy to drive, but the design is strictly for quiet home listening—there’s no isolation, no controls, and it leaks sound heavily. This is a specialist tool for audiophiles who value character and treble sparkle, not a versatile everyday headphone.
- Pro:Expansive, immersive soundstage
- Pro:Revealing and emotionally engaging treble detail
- Pro:Excellent dynamics and clarity
- Con:Very expensive for the feature set
- Con:No noise isolation; leaks sound heavily
- Con:Unusual, bulky on-ear design
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.