Over-Ear
Focal Bathys MG
84Great
$1499
Full review dataFocal Bathys MG vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 - Outstanding overall at around $2865.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
88Outstanding
$2865
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Bathys MG
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery8.0
Calls7.0
Value6.5
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
Sound9.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys MG | HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1499 | $2865 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2024 | 2016 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm Magnesium ‘M’ profile dome | planar |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 131.15 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-22kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Neutral |
| Impedance | - | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 90 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | - |
| Bluetooth version | 5.2 | - |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 h | - |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | - |
| ANC type | hybrid | - |
| Transparency mode | Yes | - |
| Companion app | Yes | - |
| Custom EQ | Yes | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 350 g | 420 g |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 8 | - |
What reviewers said
Focal Bathys MG
The Focal Bathys MG is a premium wireless over-ear headphone that pairs hybrid active noise cancellation with a magnesium driver design for a natural, balanced sound signature. It offers extensive Bluetooth codec support, multipoint connectivity, and a robust feature set, though its standout audio quality comes at a very high price. With around 30 hours of battery life and a comfortable 350-gram build, it targets audiophiles seeking a top-tier wireless experience.
- Pro:Excellent natural and balanced sound quality
- Pro:Comfortable fit for long listening sessions
- Pro:Effective hybrid noise cancellation
- Con:Very high asking price
- Con:No wireless charging support
- Con:Lacks wear detection sensor
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
The HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 is a premium planar magnetic headphone offering a neutral, reference-grade sound signature with exceptional clarity and detail. Its large 131mm driver delivers a wide, airy soundstage while maintaining precise imaging, making it a strong choice for critical listening. Despite its high price, it earns top-tier marks for tonal accuracy and technical performance, though it requires a capable amplifier to shine.
- Pro:Excellent neutral tonality with accurate timbre
- Pro:Outstanding detail retrieval and resolution
- Pro:Very wide and open soundstage
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
- Con:Low sensitivity (90dB/mW) demands powerful amplification
- Con:Large ear cups may not suit smaller heads
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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