Over-Ear
Focal Bathys MG
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFocal Bathys MG vs Sennheiser HD 820: 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
Sennheiser HD 820
65Good
$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 7 of 7 measures.
- Focal Bathys MG
- Sennheiser HD 820
HearWiki score
83
65
Sound
9.6
8.0
Noise cancelling
8.4
-
Battery
7.7
-
Calls
7.8
-
Value
6.2
3.8
Price (USD)
$1,500
$2,000
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
The Focal Bathys MG is 6 years newer, but it is 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. For 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Bathys MG20246 yr newer
- HD 8202018
What differsBathys MGHD 820
- USB-C
- Yes
- No
Everyday features
Specifications
Bathys MGHD 820
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $2,000
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 65
- Released
- 2024
- 2018
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 40 mm dynamic
- 56 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- dynamic
- Driver size
- 40 mm
- 56 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 1
- Frequency response
- 10 Hz - 22 kHz
- 6 Hz - 48 kHz
- Impedance
- -
- 300 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 103 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
- 360 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- Yes
- No
- Connector
- USB-C
- 4.4 mm balanced
- Balanced connection
- -
- Yes
- Model code
- -
- 507435
- 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
Sennheiser HD 820
The Sennheiser HD 820 is a flagship closed-back headphone that aims to deliver open-back-like soundstage and detail in a sealed design. It excels in critical listening with strong bass control, wide imaging, and solid build, but demands a high-quality amplifier and a hefty investment. While praised for its technical performance, some find its comfort and value questionable at the premium price point.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and clarity
- Pro:Wide, immersive soundstage for a closed-back
- Pro:Precise bass control and punch
- Con:Very expensive for the performance offered
- Con:Requires a powerful, high-end amplifier
- Con:Heavy weight can cause fatigue over long sessions
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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