Over-Ear
Focal Bathys MG
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFocal Bathys MG vs Grado Signature HP100 SE: 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 Signature HP100 SE
79Great
$2,500
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.
- Focal Bathys MG
- Grado Signature HP100 SE
HearWiki score
83
79
Sound
9.6
8.9
Noise cancelling
8.4
-
Battery
7.7
-
Calls
7.8
-
Value
6.2
5.6
Price (USD)
$1,500
$2,500
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
Both shipped in 2024. These are 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.
- Bathys MG2024
- Signature HP100 SE2024
What differsBathys MGSignature HP100 SE
- USB-C
- Yes
- No
Everyday features
Specifications
Bathys MGSignature HP100 SE
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $2,500
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 79
- Released
- 2024
- 2024
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- 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
- 3.5 Hz - 51.5 kHz
- Impedance
- -
- 38 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 117 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
- -
- Weight
- 350 g
- 490 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- Yes
- No
- Connector
- USB-C
- 6.35 mm
- 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 Signature HP100 SE
The Grado Signature HP100 SE is a premium open-back wired headphone that blends the brand's signature sound with modern engineering, featuring a 52mm dynamic driver and a detachable cable design. It delivers an expansive, detailed, and natural soundstage with an analytical yet balanced presentation, making it easy to drive despite its high-end price tag. While its focus on pure audio performance and reference-style tuning appeals to enthusiasts, its bulky build and relatively light clamping force may not suit all listeners.
- Pro:Excellent openness and detailed soundstage
- Pro:Easy to drive with high sensitivity
- Pro:Detachable cable design adds versatility
- Con:Very high price point
- Con:Bulky and heavy frame
- Con:Loose clamping force may affect fit stability
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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