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Meet the Focal Bathys MG: Now twice the price and twice as fancy
Published onMarch 26, 2025
- Focal’s new Bathys MG takes the already premium Bathys headphones and makes them even pricier with magnesium drivers, upgraded ANC microphones, and luxury materials.
- The new Chestnut-finished model borrows the “M” shape dome tech from Focal’s high-end Clear MG headphones.
- At $1,299 USD, it’s nearly double the cost of the original $699 Bathys.
Focal is upping the ante in the luxury wireless headphone market with the Bathys MG, an upgraded version of the 2022 Bathys that seemingly decided $699 wasn’t exclusive enough. Priced at $1,299 USD, the Bathys MG brings a slew of enhancements aimed at audiophiles who want their ears—and their wallets—pampered.
The headline feature is the new full-range magnesium “M” shaped dome drivers, a technology borrowed from Focal’s well-regarded Clear MG headphones. Made in France, these drivers promise “natural, dynamic and extremely detailed sound reproduction” with punchy bass and crisp treble, potentially improving the slightly underwhelming bass response we noted in our original Bathys review.
Active noise cancelation also claims to be better this time around, thanks to new digital microphones designed to optimize ANC performance. Focal says users can expect “effective control over ambient noise and improved soundproofing of voices” across Silent, Soft, and Transparent modes, all of which are adjustable via the companion app. The original Bathys had decent ANC but wasn’t class-leading, so this upgrade could be promising.
The design gets a serious glow-up, too. Gone is the black resin exterior, replaced by an elegant Chestnut finish clearly inspired by the Clear MG. The magnesium yoke, aluminum bracket, and genuine leather headband aren’t just for show; they should contribute to a much lighter feel, along with new memory foam cushions and a redesigned headband aimed at improving comfort—something that could address the original model’s hefty weight.
On the tech front, Bluetooth 5.2 is a slight upgrade over the Bathys 5.1. While still not the latest and greatest in Bluetooth, it adds multipoint connectivity to the mix and still supports SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive codecs. For those who prefer a wired connection, USB-DAC mode is still here, offering high-res audio up to 24 bits/192kHz.
Battery life remains strong, with up to 30 hours of playback in Bluetooth noise canceling mode, 35 hours via jack mode, and 42 hours in USB-DAC mode. Focal promises a speedy 15-minute charge that will get you 5 hours of listening time.
Focal is also going the eco-friendly route, with new packaging made from “100% natural, FSC-certified” bamboo pulp that is said to meet strict environmental standards. At the very least, your wallet will feel lighter and greener.
For nearly double the price of the original Bathys, the Bathys MG clearly isn’t for everyone. But for self-proclaimed audiophiles with deep pockets who want cutting-edge sound wrapped in premium materials, Focal’s latest offering looks to deliver something special.