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Focal Bathys MG vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Focal Bathys MG vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Focal Bathys MG leads on 4 of 7 measures.

  • Focal Bathys MG
  • HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
HearWiki score
83
83
Sound
9.6
9.3
Noise cancelling
8.4
-
Battery
7.7
-
Calls
7.8
-
Value
6.2
8.8
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,400

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

Focal Bathys MG (2024) against HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth (2023). 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 MG20241 yr newer
  • HE 1000 Stealth2023
What differsBathys MGHE 1000 Stealth

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No

Specifications

Bathys MGHE 1000 Stealth
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,400
HearWiki score
83
83
Released
2024
2023
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
planar magnetic
Driver type
dynamic
planar
Driver size
40 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
10 Hz - 22 kHz
8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature
-
neutral
Impedance
-
32 Ω
Sensitivity
-
93 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
458 g
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
Yes
No
Connector
USB-C
6.35 mm
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 HE 1000 Stealth

The HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth is a wired, open-back planar magnetic flagship that delivers a neutral, highly detailed sound signature. It's easier to drive than typical planars thanks to its 32-ohm impedance and 93 dB sensitivity, yet still rewards quality amplification. With its relatively lightweight build for a large headphone and detachable balanced cable, it offers strong technical performance and comfort, though its size and price may not suit everyone.

  • Pro:Refined, neutral sound with excellent detail
  • Pro:Easier to drive than most planar headphones
  • Pro:Comfortable for its large over-ear design
  • Con:Still relatively heavy at 458 grams
  • Con:Large fit may be awkward for smaller heads
  • Con:Treble can sound uneven on bright recordings

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

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New comparisonFocal Bathys MGHiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth