Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataFocal Bathys vs ZMF Vibro MKII: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Focal Bathys vs ZMF Vibro MKII, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Over-Ear
ZMF Vibro MKII
Not yet scored
$480
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
ZMF Vibro MKII
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys | ZMF Vibro MKII |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $799 | $480 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | Not scored |
| Released | 2022 | 2016 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome | planar |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-22kHz | 15Hz-35kHz |
| Impedance | - | 50 Ω |
| 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 | 450 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
ZMF Vibro MKII
The ZMF Vibro MKII is a planar magnetic over-ear that builds on a familiar Fostex foundation, offering a modular build with adjustable comfort features. Its sound leans toward a natural, uncolored tuning with a particularly refined high-frequency response, making it a solid choice for listeners who value clarity without extra bass emphasis. The wired, non-cancelling design keeps things straightforward for home or studio use.
- Pro:Natural, balanced sound with excellent treble detail
- Pro:Modular design allows for easy customization and comfort tweaks
- Pro:Detachable cable adds convenience for replacement or upgrades
- Con:No active noise cancellation, limiting portability use
- Con:Open-back style may leak sound and let in ambient noise
- Con:Requires a decent amp to reach its full potential despite 50-ohm impedance
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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