Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataFocal Bathys vs STAX SR-L500: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Focal Bathys vs STAX SR-L500, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Over-Ear
STAX SR-L500
Not yet scored
$830
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-L500
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys | STAX SR-L500 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $799 | $830 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | Not scored |
| Released | 2022 | 2016 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome | electrostatic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-22kHz | 7Hz-41kHz |
| Impedance | - | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 101 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 | 339 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-L500
The STAX SR-L500 is an open-back electrostatic headphone that delivers exceptionally detailed and transparent sound, thanks to its ultra-thin diaphragm and precision-engineered electrodes. Its lightweight frame and adjustable headband provide a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions, while the high-quality cable ensures minimal signal interference. However, it requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier, making it a significant investment for audiophiles seeking reference-grade clarity.
- Pro:Exceptional transient response and micro-detail retrieval
- Pro:Comfortable, adjustable headband with lightweight build
- Pro:Low-capacitance cable for clean signal transfer
- Con:Requires a separate electrostatic amplifier (not included)
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
- Con:High impedance limits compatibility 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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