Over-Ear
Focal Bathys MG
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFocal Bathys MG vs HiFiMAN HE 1000se: 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 HE 1000se
77Great
$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 6 of 7 measures.
- Focal Bathys MG
- HiFiMAN HE 1000se
HearWiki score
83
77
Sound
9.6
9.3
Noise cancelling
8.4
-
Battery
7.7
-
Calls
7.8
-
Value
6.2
7.2
Price (USD)
$1,500
$2,000
Specifications
Bathys MGHE 1000se
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $2,000
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 77
- Released
- 2024
- 2018
- 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
- -
- Frequency response
- 10 Hz - 22 kHz
- 8 Hz - 65 kHz
- Sound signature
- -
- neutral-bright
- Impedance
- -
- 35 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 96 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
- -
- Transparency mode
- Yes
- -
- Companion app
- Yes
- -
- Custom EQ
- Yes
- -
- Wear detection
- No
- -
- Controls
- buttons
- -
- Weight
- 350 g
- 440 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- USB-C
- 3.5 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 1000se
The HiFiMAN HE1000se is a high-end planar magnetic headphone that delivers exceptional clarity, detail, and a spacious soundstage with a neutral-bright signature. It offers strong bass and treble extension, but its elevated treble can be sharp or fatiguing on demanding recordings. While relatively sensitive, it still benefits from quality amplification to reach its full potential.
- Pro:Outstanding detail retrieval and resolution
- Pro:Wide, airy soundstage with excellent imaging
- Pro:Strong bass and treble extension
- Con:Bright treble can be harsh on poor recordings
- Con:Midrange lacks warmth and body
- Con:High price limits value
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.