Over-Ear
Focal Bathys MG
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFocal Bathys MG vs Grado Ps1000 Le: 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 Ps1000 Le
64Good
$2,000
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.
- Focal Bathys MG
- Grado Ps1000 Le
HearWiki score
83
64
Sound
9.6
8.5
Noise cancelling
8.4
-
Battery
7.7
-
Calls
7.8
-
Value
6.2
-
Price (USD)
$1,500
$2,000
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 14 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 14 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Bathys MG202414 yr newer
- Ps1000 Le2010
What differsBathys MGPs1000 Le
- USB-C
- Yes
- No
Everyday features
Specifications
Bathys MGPs1000 Le
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $2,000
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 64
- Released
- 2024
- 2010
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 40 mm dynamic
- 52 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- dynamic
- Driver size
- 40 mm
- 52 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 1
- Frequency response
- 10 Hz - 22 kHz
- 4 Hz - 51 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
- buttons
- Weight
- 350 g
- 400 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- No
- 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 Ps1000 Le
The Grado PS1000 LE is a premium open-back headphone that delivers a powerful, detailed, and highly dynamic sound, with a particularly standout midrange. Its build quality is robust, and its sonic performance is regarded as among the best in its class, though its weight and firm headband may reduce comfort over extended periods. This wired model offers a neutral, revealing character that suits audiophiles seeking maximum clarity.
- Pro:Exceptional detail and clarity
- Pro:Powerful, dynamic sound with strong midrange
- Pro:Premium build quality
- Con:Heavy and can be uncomfortable for long sessions
- Con:Firm headband pressure
- Con:Non-detachable cable
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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