Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataFocal Bathys vs Shure Srh1540: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Focal Bathys comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Focal Bathys - Outstanding overall at around $799.
Over-Ear
Shure Srh1540
82Great
$549
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Bathys
Sound9.5
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery8.5
Value7.0
Shure Srh1540
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys | Shure Srh1540 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $799 | $549 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2014 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-22kHz | 5Hz-25kHz |
| Impedance | - | 46 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 99 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | - |
| Bluetooth version | 5.1 | - |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 h | - |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 30 h | - |
| Quick charge | 5 hours in 15 minutes | - |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | No |
| ANC type | hybrid | - |
| Transparency mode | Yes | - |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 350 g | 286 g |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | Yes | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 8 | - |
What reviewers said
Focal Bathys
The Focal Bathys are premium wireless over-ears that blend high-fidelity audio with everyday convenience. They feature adaptive ANC, a USB-C DAC mode for hi-res wired listening, and support for aptX Adaptive, making them a top pick for sound-focused users who also want wireless flexibility. While their noise cancellation is solid but not the absolute best in class, their impressive battery life and versatile connectivity options stand out in the premium segment.
- Pro:Excellent sound quality with detailed, dynamic drivers
- Pro:USB-C DAC mode enables high-resolution wired audio
- Pro:Strong battery life, often exceeding rated figures in tests
- Con:ANC is competent but not class-leading
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
- Con:Real-world wireless endurance may fall short of claims in some scenarios
Shure Srh1540
The Shure SRH1540 is a premium closed-back over-ear headphone praised for its balanced, detailed sound and exceptional comfort. It delivers deep, controlled bass and crisp highs without excessive coloration, making it a top choice for critical listening. While its soundstage and build quality are excellent, its average noise isolation means it's best suited for quiet environments.
- Pro:Accurate, balanced sound with deep lows and clear highs
- Pro:Extremely comfortable for long listening sessions
- Pro:Lightweight and well-built with premium materials
- Con:Average noise isolation
- Con:Premium price point
- Con:Requires calibration for optimal performance in some setups
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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