Over-Ear
Focal Bathys MG
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFocal Bathys MG vs STAX SR-L700MK2: 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-L700MK2
69Good
$1,650
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
- STAX SR-L700MK2
HearWiki score
83
69
Sound
9.6
9.0
Noise cancelling
8.4
-
Battery
7.7
-
Calls
7.8
-
Value
6.2
6.8
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,650
Specifications
Bathys MGSR-L700MK2
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $1,650
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 69
- Released
- 2024
- 2016
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 40 mm dynamic
- electrostatic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- electrostatic
- Driver size
- 40 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 1
- -
- Frequency response
- 10 Hz - 22 kHz
- 7 Hz - 41 kHz
- Impedance
- -
- 145000 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 101 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
- 371 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- Yes
- -
- 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-L700MK2
The SR-L700MK2 delivers a highly detailed and open electrostatic presentation that echoes STAX's flagship character at a more accessible price. It excels in treble clarity, transparency, and spaciousness when paired with a suitable amplifier, though it may lack bass weight and dynamic punch. Build quality is a noted compromise relative to its premium cost, but overall sound resolution remains class-leading.
- Pro:Exceptional treble detail and transparency
- Pro:Open, spacious soundstage with cohesive imaging
- Pro:Strong value within the STAX electrostatic lineup
- Con:Limited bass extension and impact
- Con:Build quality feels below the price point
- Con:Can lack dramatic dynamics or musical warmth
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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