Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataFocal Bathys vs STAX SR-303: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Focal Bathys vs STAX SR-303, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Over-Ear
STAX SR-303
Not yet scored
$600
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-303
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys | STAX SR-303 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $799 | $600 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | Not scored |
| Released | 2022 | 1999 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome | electrostatic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-22kHz | 7Hz-41kHz |
| Impedance | - | 132000 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 | 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 | No |
| 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-303
The STAX SR-303 is a wired electrostatic over-ear headphone that relies on a high-voltage charged diaphragm to produce sound, delivering an extended frequency range from deep bass to ultra-high treble. It requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier and offers a transparent, detailed presentation typical of the technology, with a lightweight build for comfortable listening.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Very wide frequency response extends beyond human hearing
- Pro:Lightweight design reduces fatigue during long sessions
- Con:Requires a specialized electrostatic amp, adding cost
- Con:No noise isolation or wireless functionality
- Con:High impedance may be incompatible with standard gear
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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