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FOCAL Bathys - a week long review.

FOCAL Bathys - a week long review.

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An Auditory Adventure Wrapped in Comfort

Greetings, fellow audio enthusiasts! Today, I hope to take you on an exciting auditory journey as we explore the wondrous world of the FOCAL Bathys wireless headphones. Get ready to dive into a sea of impeccable sound quality, luxurious comfort, and jaw-dropping design. So, strap yourselves in, and let's set sail on this sonic adventure!

I've taken the Bathys away on vacation with me (and a toddler) - to put them through their paces and see how they cope with flights, noisey poolside locations and then critical listening on an evening when all is quiet.

The appeal for us here: amazing claimed battery life, ANC, EQ and FOCAL build quality at a fair price point (£699 at the time of writing).

"With a reputation for producing top-notch audio gear, FOCAL has crafted yet another winner with their Bathys headphones, and we're excited to take you on a whirlwind tour of what makes these babies truly sing."

Design and Aesthetics: Chic Sophistication Meets Ergonomic Bliss

At first glance, the FOCAL Bathys wireless headphones exude an air of chic sophistication. The designers at FOCAL have outdone themselves, crafting a beautiful blend of elegance and modernity that is both eye-catching and timeless. The smooth curves, polished surfaces, and luxurious materials used in the construction of the Bathys make it clear that these headphones are designed for the discerning audiophile who appreciates both style and substance.

But don't let their stunning looks fool you – these headphones are not just about aesthetics. The FOCAL Bathys are also a marvel of ergonomic design. The adjustable headband ensures a snug fit, while the plush memory foam ear cups gently cradle your ears in a cocoon of comfort. Weighing in at a surprisingly light, you'll hardly notice these beauties resting upon your head, even during marathon listening sessions. Say goodbye to headphone-induced discomfort and hello to a new era of luxurious listening!

Included in the retail box is a travel hard case, 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable and a USB C charging cable. There are no airline adapters - but most people now travel with a bluetooth device or a laptop.

Styling is modern, with he grey being slightly matted and durable - the headphones picked up no marks during their time in my travel bag, by the pool or in the hotel room and the leather ear pads are comfortable, breathable and provide a great seal to the ear if you decide to not use the ANC mode.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Freedom Unleashed

With the FOCAL Bathys wireless headphones, you're in for an auditory treat. The sound quality is nothing short of spectacular, courtesy of FOCAL's meticulous engineering and their passion for delivering an unparalleled listening experience. Let's break down what makes these headphones a sonic sensation.

First off, the FOCAL Bathys are equipped with powerful drivers that deliver crystal-clear audio across a wide frequency range. The bass is punchy and full without overwhelming the mids and highs, which are detailed and crisp. The overall balance is fantastic, allowing you to enjoy every nuance of your favorite tunes, from the subtlest whisper to the most thunderous crescendo.

The soundstage of the Bathys is equally impressive, providing a sense of depth and spaciousness that transports you right into the heart of the music. Whether you're listening to an intimate acoustic performance or a full-blown orchestral masterpiece, the FOCAL Bathys will envelop you in a captivating and immersive soundscape.

The ANC mode(s) give you as the user the perfect balance between discrete, silent listening (superb on the plane!) as well as a slightly passive and totally passive mode when you need to be more aware of your surroundings.

Perhaps most importantly, the Bathys maintain their exceptional sound quality even when used wirelessly, thanks to their advanced Bluetooth capabilities and support for high-quality codecs such as aptX HD and LDAC. Say farewell to the days of sacrificing sound quality for the sake of convenience!

The FOCAL Bathys wireless headphones utilize Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a strong and stable connection with your audio devices. Pairing is a breeze, and once connected, you can enjoy a range of up to 33 feet (10 meters) – perfect for dancing around your living room without worrying about losing signal.

Battery life is another highlight of the Bathys headphones. With up to 20 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, you can rest assured that your headphones will keep the tunes coming all day long (or even longer, for the more casual listeners among us). And when it's finally time to recharge, the included USB-C cable makes topping up the battery quick and convenient.

If you so desire - you can use the "DAC" mode on the Bathys - this is done by connecting your headphones via USB to a device and selecting them as an audio device. Subsequently, you're using the DAC only and this increases battery life quite considerably. This boosts quality of the audio available though you do lose any interaction with the app.

Sound Quality: Dive into a Sea of Sonic Splendor

Now, let's talk about the real star of the show: sound quality. FOCAL's Bathys wireless headphones deliver an audio experience that's nothing short of breathtaking. The clarity and balance across the entire frequency spectrum make every song feel like a live performance, right in your living room. The bass is punchy and satisfying, without drowning out the mids or highs, and the overall soundstage is so immersive, you'll swear you're standing front row at your favorite concert.

But it's not just the technical aspects of the Bathys that impress – it's also the emotional connection they create. With these headphones, you'll rediscover your favorite songs, as they reveal layers and nuances you never knew existed. It's like falling in love with your music collection all over again, and who wouldn't want that?

Controls and Microphone: Convenience at Your Fingertips

One of the most appealing aspects of the FOCAL Bathys wireless headphones is their straightforward and user-friendly controls. These headphones feature an ergonomic, touch-sensitive control panel on the right ear cup, which allows you to manage your music and calls with ease.

A simple swipe up or down on the panel adjusts the volume, while swiping forward or backward lets you skip tracks. A quick tap will play or pause your music, and when a call comes in, you can answer or end it with a simple double-tap. No more fumbling around with your phone or dealing with clunky buttons – the Bathys make controlling your audio experience a breeze.

What's more, the headphones also have a dedicated button for toggling the noise cancellation on and off. This makes it incredibly easy to switch between total immersion in your music and staying aware of your surroundings when needed.

To further enhance your listening experience, the FOCAL Bathys wireless headphones come with a companion app, available for both iOS and Android devices. This app acts as a control center for your headphones, providing you with an array of customization options and features.

See above for screenshots - the EQ, LED mode and noise cancellation all have their own customisations through the FOCAL/NAIM app.

One of the standout features of the app is the ability to fine-tune your audio preferences using the built-in equalizer. With this, you can tweak the bass, mids, and treble to create a personalized sound profile that suits your tastes. Whether you crave heart-pounding bass or crystal-clear vocals, the app lets you tailor the sound to your liking.

Another fantastic feature of the app is the adjustable noise cancellation settings. You can choose between different levels of noise reduction, allowing you to find the perfect balance between blocking out distractions and remaining aware of your environment.

The app also allows you to manage your device connections, check battery levels, and access firmware updates to keep your FOCAL Bathys headphones running smoothly and up-to-date with the latest features.

In Summary

The FOCAL Bathys wireless headphones deliver not only top-tier audio performance but also a user experience that is both intuitive and customizable. The touch-sensitive controls make managing your music and calls a seamless experience, while the companion app offers a wealth of options for personalizing your audio preferences and settings.

The controls and app integration truly set the FOCAL Bathys apart, making them an excellent choice for those who want a premium audio experience without sacrificing ease of use and personalization.

 

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