Over-Ear
Focal Bathys MG
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFocal Bathys MG vs STAX SR-4070: 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-4070
59Average
$1,700
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
- STAX SR-4070
HearWiki score
83
59
Sound
9.6
7.6
Noise cancelling
8.4
-
Battery
7.7
-
Calls
7.8
-
Value
6.2
-
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,700
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 23 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, Transparency mode, Custom EQ and Companion app. For 23 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Bathys MG202423 yr newer
- SR-40702001
What differsBathys MGSR-4070
- USB-C
- Yes
- No
- Transparency mode
- Yes
- No
- Custom EQ
- Yes
- No
- Companion app
- Yes
- No
Everyday features
Specifications
Bathys MGSR-4070
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $1,700
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 59
- Released
- 2024
- 2001
- 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
- 7 Hz - 41 kHz
- Sound signature
- -
- mid-forward
- Impedance
- -
- 145000 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 97 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
- ANC type
- -
- none
- Transparency mode
- Yes
- No
- Companion app
- Yes
- No
- Custom EQ
- Yes
- No
- Wear detection
- No
- No
- Controls
- buttons
- none
- Weight
- 350 g
- 480 g
- Water resistance
- -
- none
- Foldable
- -
- No
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- Yes
- No
- 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-4070
The STAX SR-4070 is a premium electrostatic over-ear headphone designed for audiophiles seeking a wired, reference-grade listening experience. With a mid-centric sound signature and exceptional technical performance, it delivers detailed, high-fidelity audio across an extended frequency range. Ideal for critical listening, this headphone requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier and offers no modern conveniences like ANC or wireless connectivity.
- Pro:Exceptional technical performance with detailed sound reproduction
- Pro:Wide frequency response from 7 Hz to 41 kHz
- Pro:Mid-centric tuning ideal for vocals and instruments
- Con:Requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier, limiting portability
- Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless features
- Con:Heavy at 480 grams, potentially uncomfortable for 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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