Focal Launches The Bathys Wireless Headphone With ANC
It was only a matter of time before a reputable audiophile brand decided to break the $200-$300 range of traditional wireless/bluetooth headphones with a high-reaching and high quality endeavor. Sure, there are subtle moves from the likes of Bose and Sennheiser to move the ceiling in the market, but the latest from Focal really sets their Bathys wireless headphone right in the middle of their high fidelity headphone lineup, both in terms of esthetics and technical prowess.
With an asking price of $799, that puts the Focal Wireless Bathys headphone right up there with the other audiophile headphones in terms of price as well. Tech on the receiving end pushes some of the newest options including on-board ANC and the usual wireless codecs including Apt-X Adaptive. Wired capabilities do include a traditional analog connection and USB with a built in DAC capable of 24/192. All the goodies, just in time for Halloween.
More info in the PR release below.
“October 4, 2022 – Focal presents Bathys, its first wireless headphones with Active noise cancellation and high-fidelity sound.
Benefiting from the brand’s savoir-faire in sound and high-end headphones prowess, Bathys delivers a pure hi-fi sound, via 5.1 Bluetooth® multipoint or wired connection thanks to its USB-DAC mode.
The headphones boast Focal speaker drivers made in France, high-performance noise cancelling technology, over 30 hours of battery life, high-grade materials and a number of attractive features. Bathys is the new must-have Bluetooth® headphone set to enhance all your travels.
HIGH-FIDELITY SOUND & MULTIPLE FEATURES
Bathys offers a detailed, precise and dynamic sound, showcasing the high-fidelity sound responsible for Focal’s reputation for over 40 years, both in France and worldwide.
It offers two noise-cancelling modes for a total escape into your music: a “Silent” mode optimized for journeys with high background noise (planes, trains, etc.) and a “Soft” mode to help with focus at home, in the office, etc. It also features a “Transparency” mode that allows you to hear sounds around you when needed.
Easily accessible control buttons and Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants are provided for effortless use. It also has an adjustable EQ to customize the sound. The voice assistants, EQ and other settings are available in the dedicated app developed by Focal.
Compatible with SBC, AAC, Apt-X™ and Apt-X™ Adaptive codecs, Bathys provides an extensive choice of connectivity modes (Bluetooth®, Jack, USB). It also has a Clear Voice Capture microphone technology for crystal clear telephone conversations.
In terms of battery life, Bathys offers over 30 hours of use, with its fast-charging function giving you 5 extra listening hours in just 15 minutes. Finally, two cables – 4ft (1.2m) 3.5mm Jack and 4ft (1.2m) USBC® – are supplied with the headphones for optimal wired listening to suit all uses.
MADE IN FRANCE SPEAKER DRIVERS
Manufactured in Saint-Étienne at the Focal workshops, the speaker drivers inside the Bathys headphones benefit from the expertise of a brand that constantly innovates to improve its products, providing the ideal solution regardless of how you want to listen.
With their Aluminum/Magnesium dome, the Bathys speaker drivers deliver a deep bass, soft trebles and a clear mid-range, for an extremely precise sound. The integrated USB-DAC mode offers a resolution of up to 24 bit / 192kHz for even more impressive performance.
A REFINED AESTHETIC SIGNATURE
The Bathys design is inherited from Focal’s open- and closed-back headphones. These ergonomic headphones combine refined materials, such as Magnesium on the yokes, real leather on the headband and Aluminum for a robust construction, resulting in outstanding comfort for any head shape. The earcup grilles reflect Focal’s distinctive headphones design code, with its highly aesthetic curves. Focal’s flame symbol features at the center of the earcup, incorporating a white backlight system to be activated if desired, for an understated, chic visual effect. Another standout feature of Bathys is its elegant and timeless Black Silver colorway. Designed to be lighter, more compact and with superior staying power, it is the ideal travel companion. A meticulously finished carrying case is supplied with the headphones.
BATHYS: WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Bathys comes from the word ‘bathyscaphe’, the first submarine exploration vehicle. The embodiment of calm, depth and absolute silence, this vessel is the inspiration behind the name of these ANC headphones.”
Bathys will be available October 2022 for $799.
More info: Focal Bathys