Compare Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones vs Focal Bathys MG Wireless Headphones

Multiple reviews explicitly mention the 3.5mm connection, often alongside the included 6.3mm adapter.

ANC is good to very good and clearly improved over the original, but the consensus is that Sony and Bose still cancel more noise overall, especially in the mids. The three-mode ANC system gives useful control with Silent, Soft, and Transparency options, even though there is no true ANC-off mode.

The understated all-black styling is viewed positively and reads as low-key rather than flashy.

One review explicitly lists Android support.

Android support is straightforward, with repeated references to Android compatibility in specs, pairing, and app support.

The Focal & Naim app is useful for basics like ANC, EQ, personalization, lighting, and battery view, but several reviewers find it limited or occasionally glitchy.

aptX support is a clear plus and is repeatedly listed as part of the headphone's strong everyday wireless feature set.

Bass impressions are mixed but generally controlled rather than exaggerated: some reviews heard full, extended, punchy low end, while others wanted more richness, slam, or sub-bass weight.

Bass is generally praised for depth, slam, texture, and control, though several reviewers note the default tuning can run a little warm, boomy, or heavy before EQ.

Battery life is solid rather than class-leading, with the commonly cited 30-hour Bluetooth figure generally holding up well in real use. Battery replacement appears possible through Focal service rather than as a user-swappable design, offering some serviceability without true end-user replaceability.

Bluetooth performance is usually stable with fast pairing and dependable everyday use, but a few reports mention quirks rather than flawless behavior.

Build impressions are mixed: some reviewers call construction excellent, solid, or sturdy enough, while others think it feels flimsy or too delicate for the price.

Build quality is one of the strongest consensus positives, with premium materials, excellent finishing, and solid construction throughout.

The built-in DAC and hi-res USB playback are among the headphone's clearest differentiators, and many reviewers treat DAC mode as a headline feature.

Physical controls are a strength, with tactile buttons and switches that are generally easier to trust than touch panels.

The included cable is often described as long and locking, which helps studio use, but some reviewers find it too long or dislike the split-cable approach.

The included cables are generally described as acceptable to durable, even if they are not luxurious extras.

The carry solution is serviceable but not premium, with some reviews noting only a soft bag while another mentions a nice little carry case.

The carry case is repeatedly praised as protective, slim, and premium, even if a few users still find it bulky in a bag.

Fast charging is a practical plus, with the widely repeated 15-minute top-up for roughly five hours of playback.

Reviews that mention clamp describe low pressure and easy wear, especially with glasses, though the looser fit can feel unusual.

Clamp is generally better judged than on the original Bathys, feeling secure without being overly oppressive for most listeners.

Codec support is serviceable rather than cutting-edge: aptX and aptX Adaptive are welcome, but multiple reviews call out the lack of broader premium codec coverage.

Long-session comfort is one of the most consistent strengths, with many reviewers saying they could wear them for hours or forget they were on.

Long-session comfort is one of the Bathys MG's most consistent wins, with many reviewers praising fatigue-free wear over flights, workdays, or extended listening.

The wired connectivity is basic but clear, with support for 3.5mm and 6.3mm use.

Visually, reviewers describe them as sleek, stylish, simple, or modern, with a professional open-back look.

Design is a major selling point, with the chestnut finish, leather, metal accents, and illuminated logo giving the Bathys MG a clearly luxurious identity.

Multiple reviews confirm the detachable dual-sided cable is reversible or easy to remove, though not everyone likes the format.

The included 3.5mm and USB-C wired options add real convenience for travel, desk use, and higher-quality listening beyond Bluetooth.

One review explicitly questions long-term peace of mind because the thin build feels delicate.

Earpad comments are mostly positive, describing soft, thick, or comfortable pads, though one review found them slightly shallow.

Softer, more supple pads are a meaningful upgrade, improving comfort, seal, and overall premium feel.

One review directly criticizes the swivel as insufficient for fit and seal.

The cups offer enough articulation to sit comfortably and fold flat, but the headphone is not especially compact and does not fold into a tighter travel shape.

EQ is helpful and usable, but the five-band structure is repeatedly described as limited compared with fuller parametric options.

Reviews often describe the tuning as flat, neutral, smooth, or monitoring-oriented, emphasizing that little is overhyped.

Reviewers consistently describe the tonal balance as natural, balanced, or close to reference in the better presets, with cleaner frequency relationships than the original Bathys.

Headband fit is mixed: some found adjustment simple, while others said the system did not work well or stayed too loose on smaller heads.

The headband and slider system is easy to adjust and feels premium, helping users dial in fit without fuss.

Comments on the headband padding are mixed but generally positive on softness; one review likes the fabric support band, while another finds the leatherette pad concept poorly executed.

One review says the swivel feels weak, raising concern about sturdiness around the hinge or yoke area.

The yokes and hinge-related hardware are widely described as sturdy, well finished, and built to last.

The open presentation and surrounding effect are called immersive or enveloping in the reviews that address it.

Reviews mention a 3m split cable, 6.3mm adapter, and carry bag or pouch as the key items in the box.

The included bundle is straightforward but useful, typically covering the hard case plus 3.5mm and USB-C cables.

The headphones are repeatedly described as good at separating elements or placing sounds clearly in the stereo field.

Instrument separation is frequently singled out as excellent, with strong channel separation, precise placement, and the ability to keep dense mixes organized.

The built-in mic setup is a practical part of the package, handling calls, assistants, and ANC duties without standing out as a weak point.

LDAC is a notable omission and one of the most commonly cited feature complaints at this price.

At louder playback levels the Bathys MG generally stays composed and detailed, but some reviewers still hear treble edge on bright material, so max-volume behavior is good rather than perfect.

The microphone array does a respectable job suppressing background noise and keeping speech intelligible, though wind and harsher noise are not fully erased.

Call quality is generally solid, with voices coming through clearly and naturally even if the very best Sony-style call performance is still a step ahead.

Midrange and vocals are a recurring strength, with multiple reviews calling them clear, forward, or easy to hear, though one reviewer felt the mids could verge into shout or honk.

Midrange performance is a major strength, delivering clear, rich, weighty instruments and improved vocal/instrument resolution over the original, even if a few reviewers wanted vocals pushed further forward.

One review explicitly lists iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, and another says they suit everyday listening, mixing, mastering, and gaming.

The Bathys MG works broadly across phones, computers, tablets, and wired sources, making it easy to use across mixed-device setups.

Multipoint is supported and often works well, though several reviewers mention occasional switching quirks that keep it from feeling completely polished.

As an open-back design, passive isolation is weak; reviewers note outside sound gets in and the headphones are poor for recording around microphones or noisy environments.

Passive isolation benefits from the over-ear seal and softer pads, though seal sensitivity with glasses is noted by at least one reviewer and total isolation still leans on ANC.

Most reviewers recommend them for mixing, mastering, or critical listening, though several add caveats about bass preferences, fit, or build.

Reviews frame these as home or studio headphones rather than portable ones, with explicit warnings against bus or commuting use.

Portability is decent for a premium over-ear: the headphone folds flat and the revised case is slimmer, but it still is not a truly compact travel design.

Premium-feel reactions are split: one review says they feel premium, while another says the materials do not look luxurious.

Preset profiles, especially Dynamic, are viewed positively and can materially improve tonal balance depending on listener taste.

Reviews explicitly mention replaceable velour pads.

Replaceable earpads are explicitly mentioned and add welcome long-term serviceability.

Reviews explicitly note that replacement earpads and headband parts are available.

Convenience sensors are sparse, with at least one reviewer specifically calling out the lack of wear detection.

Sidetone adjustment is present in the app, but it is not explored deeply enough in reviews to suggest anything beyond basic usefulness.

One review praises the simplicity of a no-app, no-button wired design: plug them in and play.

Setup is usually straightforward, but the app and feature set are not always as polished or flexible as the best consumer-audio ecosystems.

Sound leakage is a major, repeatedly confirmed trait of the open-back design; people nearby can hear what you are playing.

Reviews consistently describe the sound as natural, clear, and strong overall, with several calling it expertly tuned or great-sounding, though one reviewer found it only a fine fit for their tastes. The directly relevant wired-use review rates the sonic performance as expertly tuned.

Across the file, the Bathys MG is repeatedly described as one of the best-sounding wireless headphones available, with standout refinement, detail, dynamics, and realism. Wired listening is a real strength, especially in USB-DAC mode, with reviewers repeatedly hearing cleaner, higher-resolution playback than over standard Bluetooth.

Reviewers repeatedly praise a spacious, open presentation, with several calling the stage wonderful, extended, or wider than expected.

For a closed-back wireless design, the Bathys MG earns unusually strong soundstage marks, with convincing width, layering, and better spatial openness than most ANC rivals.

Spatial audio is absent, and several reviewers explicitly note that Focal prioritized core sound over that feature.

Fit stability is mixed: one reviewer says they stay on well despite light clamp, while another says they slowly slip on a smaller head.

Fit stability is mostly good for seated use and commuting, but a few comments suggest movement-related thumping or shifting during more active use.

The packaging and material story show some environmental consideration, including recycled or FSC-style materials in the box and presentation.

There are no touch controls here, so anyone wanting swipe gestures or tap controls will not find them.

Transparency mode is considered effective and natural enough for conversations and situational awareness without removing the headphones.

Reviewers repeatedly say these are bad picks for commuting or public listening because of their open-back leakage and studio-oriented use.

Treble is usually described as clear, crisp, and smooth rather than piercing, though a few reviews note it is restrained or intentionally smooth instead of bright.

Treble is mostly clear, smooth, and detailed, but a few reviewers hear some edge or heat up top, especially on bright recordings or at louder levels.

USB-C is central to the product experience, handling charging and the high-value DAC mode for higher-resolution wired playback.

Value takes context: several reviewers think the performance justifies the price, but they also stress the need for a suitable use case and, sometimes, amplification.

Voice assistant access is built in and works as expected through the dedicated button and supported platforms.

Several reviews say the 470-ohm design needs proper power or a headphone amp, and can sound under-driven or require higher volume to open up.

Nearly every review highlights how exceptionally light they feel, often framing that as a major comfort advantage.

At about 350g the Bathys MG is not especially light, but most reviewers still find the weight well managed and comfortable in practice.