Over-Ear
Focal Bathys MG
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFocal Bathys MG vs HiFiMAN Edition X V2: 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
HiFiMAN Edition X V2
63Good
$1,300
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
- HiFiMAN Edition X V2
HearWiki score
83
63
Sound
9.6
8.3
Noise cancelling
8.4
-
Battery
7.7
-
Calls
7.8
-
Value
6.2
-
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,300
Specifications
Bathys MGEdition X V2
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $1,300
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 63
- Released
- 2024
- 2016
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 40 mm dynamic
- 80 mm planar magnetic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- planar
- Driver size
- 40 mm
- 80 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 1
- Frequency response
- 10 Hz - 22 kHz
- 8 Hz - 50 kHz
- Sound signature
- -
- neutral
- Impedance
- -
- 25 Ω
- 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
- -
- Transparency mode
- Yes
- -
- Companion app
- Yes
- -
- Custom EQ
- Yes
- -
- Wear detection
- No
- -
- Controls
- buttons
- -
- Weight
- 350 g
- 399 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- USB-C
- -
- Balanced connection
- -
- Yes
- 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
HiFiMAN Edition X V2
The HiFiMAN Edition X V2 is a high-end open-back planar magnetic headphone with a neutral tuning that prioritizes accuracy and detail. Its large 80mm drivers deliver a wide, open soundstage and impressive transient response, making it a solid choice for critical listening. The lightweight magnesium-alloy frame and detachable cable add to its appeal for audiophiles seeking a reference-level wired experience.
- Pro:Neutral, accurate sound signature
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and clarity
- Pro:Very low 25-ohm impedance, easy to drive
- Con:High price point
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
- Con:Build quality feels less premium than some rivals
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.