Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataFocal Bathys vs STAX SR-202: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Focal Bathys vs STAX SR-202, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Over-Ear
STAX SR-202
Not yet scored
$500
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
STAX SR-202
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys | STAX SR-202 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $799 | $500 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | Not scored |
| Released | 2022 | 2019 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome | electrostatic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-22kHz | 7Hz-41kHz |
| Impedance | - | 183000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 100 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | - |
| Bluetooth version | 5.1 | - |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 h | - |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 30 h | - |
| Quick charge | 5 hours in 15 minutes | - |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | - |
| ANC type | hybrid | - |
| Transparency mode | Yes | - |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 350 g | 295 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| USB-C | 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
STAX SR-202
The Stax SR-202 is a wired electrostatic over-ear headphone that delivers a refined, natural sound through its ultra-thin diaphragm, powered by an electrostatic charge rather than traditional magnets. It offers an impressively wide frequency range from 7Hz to 41kHz and can reach a loud 118dB, making it a solid choice for audiophiles seeking detailed, airy audio in a home setup. However, it requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier and lacks any noise-canceling features, limiting its portability.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail in highs and mids
- Pro:Very low distortion thanks to electrostatic design
- Pro:Wide frequency response for immersive listening
- Con:Requires a separate electrostatic amp, adding cost and setup complexity
- Con:No noise cancellation, so ambient sounds bleed in
- Con:High impedance makes it incompatible with standard headphone jacks
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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