Over-Ear
Focal Bathys MG
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFocal Bathys MG vs HiFiMAN HE 6: 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 6
71Good
$1,900
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
- HiFiMAN HE 6
HearWiki score
83
71
Sound
9.6
8.9
Noise cancelling
8.4
-
Battery
7.7
-
Calls
7.8
-
Value
6.2
-
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,900
Specifications
Bathys MGHE 6
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $1,900
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 71
- Released
- 2024
- 2010
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 40 mm dynamic
- 60 mm planar magnetic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- planar
- Driver size
- 40 mm
- 60 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- -
- Frequency response
- 10 Hz - 22 kHz
- 8 Hz - 65 kHz
- Sound signature
- -
- neutral-bright
- Impedance
- -
- 50 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
- 502 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- Yes
- -
- 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 6
The HiFiMAN HE 6 is a demanding, high-end planar magnetic headphone that rewards powerful amplification with a bright-neutral, highly resolving sound. Its large 60mm drivers deliver impressive detail and extension, though the heavy build and firm clamping force require a sturdy setup and patient listener.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and transparency
- Pro:Wide frequency response with strong treble extension
- Pro:Detachable balanced cable for flexible connectivity
- Con:Very power-hungry; requires a strong dedicated amplifier
- Con:Heavy at 502g, causing fatigue during long sessions
- Con:Bright tuning may be harsh for treble-sensitive listeners
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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