Over-Ear
Focal Bathys MG
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFocal Bathys MG vs Meze Liric: 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
Meze Liric
65Good
$1,100
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
- Meze Liric
HearWiki score
83
65
Sound
9.6
7.8
Noise cancelling
8.4
-
Battery
7.7
-
Calls
7.8
-
Value
6.2
-
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,100
Specifications
Bathys MGLiric
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $1,100
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 65
- Released
- 2024
- 2021
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 40 mm dynamic
- hybrid
- Driver type
- dynamic
- hybrid
- Driver size
- 40 mm
- 92 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- -
- Frequency response
- 10 Hz - 22 kHz
- 4 Hz - 92 kHz
- Impedance
- -
- 61 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 100 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
- 427 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- 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
Meze Liric
The Meze Liric is a premium closed-back planar headphone that pairs a luxurious, compact build with a detailed and controlled sound signature. It is designed for portability and easy driving, though its rich tuning prioritizes engagement over strict neutrality. While it excels in clarity and comfort, it may not deliver the deepest bass punch or the most expansive soundstage for its price.
- Pro:Excellent build quality and luxury finish
- Pro:Detailed, controlled, and revealing sound
- Pro:Comfortable for extended listening sessions
- Con:Lacks physical impact and low-end punch
- Con:Requires high-quality sources to shine
- Con:High price for its performance
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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