Over-Ear
Focal Bathys MG
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFocal Bathys MG vs STAX SR-009D: 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
STAX SR-009D
81Outstanding
$2,600
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Bathys MG leads on 5 of 7 measures.
- Focal Bathys MG
- STAX SR-009D
HearWiki score
83
81
Sound
9.6
9.7
Noise cancelling
8.4
-
Battery
7.7
-
Calls
7.8
-
Value
6.2
7.4
Price (USD)
$1,500
$2,600
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
Both shipped in 2024. 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, Transparency mode, Custom EQ and Companion app.
- Bathys MG2024
- SR-009D2024
What differsBathys MGSR-009D
- USB-C
- Yes
- No
- Transparency mode
- Yes
- No
- Custom EQ
- Yes
- No
- Companion app
- Yes
- No
Everyday features
Specifications
Bathys MGSR-009D
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $2,600
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 81
- Released
- 2024
- 2024
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 40 mm dynamic
- 2× electrostatic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- electrostatic
- Driver size
- 40 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 2
- Frequency response
- 10 Hz - 22 kHz
- 5 Hz - 42 kHz
- Impedance
- -
- 145000 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
- No
- ANC type
- -
- none
- Transparency mode
- Yes
- No
- Companion app
- Yes
- No
- Custom EQ
- Yes
- No
- Wear detection
- No
- No
- Controls
- buttons
- -
- Weight
- 350 g
- 452 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- Yes
- No
- Pad material
- -
- leather
- Connector
- USB-C
- -
- 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
STAX SR-009D
The STAX SR-009D is a premium open-back electrostatic headphone engineered for audiophiles seeking exceptional clarity and detail. With its ultra-wide frequency response and refined driver design, it delivers a transparent, highly resolving soundstage, though it demands a dedicated amplifier and a substantial investment. Its leather pads and detachable cable add to a luxurious, high-end experience.
- Pro:Exceptional transparency and resolution
- Pro:Wide frequency response for detailed highs and lows
- Pro:Premium build with leather earpads
- Con:Very expensive
- Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier
- Con:No noise cancellation or wireless features
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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