Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataFocal Bathys vs STAX SR-L500MK2: 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
STAX SR-L500MK2
78Great
$780
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-L500MK2
Sound8.5
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys | STAX SR-L500MK2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $799 | $780 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2021 |
| 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 | - | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 101 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 | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | No |
| ANC type | hybrid | - |
| Transparency mode | Yes | - |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 350 g | 340 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| 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-L500MK2
The SR-L500MK2 is a mid-tier electrostatic headphone that delivers the signature STAX clarity and open, detailed sound. It offers strong technical performance and represents a compelling value within the brand's lineup, though it often flies under the radar compared to more prominent Lambda models. Its transparent presentation and refined treble make it a solid choice for listeners seeking an authentic electrostatic experience without flagship pricing.
- Pro:Excellent electrostatic detail and transparency
- Pro:Open, airy soundstage with natural timbre
- Pro:Good value within the STAX lineup
- Con:Requires dedicated electrostatic amplifier
- Con:Lacks bass weight compared to dynamic rivals
- Con:Limited isolation due to open-back design
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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