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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize overall sound quality and a wide soundstage for an immersive music experience, the Audeze LCD 2 Classic with its open-back design would be excellent for at-home listening. However, they don't come with a microphone and they're not suitable for noise-sensitive environments or outdoor use due to lack of isolation. The Focal Bathys, being closed-back and offering active noise cancelling, would provide better isolation and versatility, allowing for enjoyable use in various environments including air travel. These also have wireless capabilities and a decent built-in microphone, making them convenient for calls and offering longer battery life for extended use. Keep in mind the Audeze are heavier which can affect comfort during long listening sessions. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Audeze LCD 2 Classic
- Excellent for music
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Focal Bathys
- Excellent for gaming
- Best in class for TV and video
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
9.2
8.0
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Focal Bathys is very good.
Gaming
7.3
9.3
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7
6.2
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Bathys is only fair.
TV and Video
8.6
10.0
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The Focal Bathys is very good for noise reduction, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
Battery
N/A
31.0 Hours
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic does not have a battery. The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life.
Cost
$799
$699
$350
$360
$370
$380
$390
$400
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has a price of $799 and the Focal Bathys costs $699.
Build Quality
10.0
9.0
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Focal Bathys has excellent build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.8
5.2
The Focal Bathys and Audeze LCD 2 Classic are both poor for phone calls.
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How the Audeze LCD 2 Classic and the Focal Bathys compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audeze LCD 2 Classic | Focal Bathys |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$799 | $699 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audeze | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2017 | October 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.3/10 | 9.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.6/10 | 10/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 31 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.1 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 635 Grams | 350 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audeze LCD 2 Classic
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Dig into reviews and images
The Greatest Song
Greatest Song Team | August 2023
"These headphones outdo rival planar magnetic headphones, especially in terms of dynamics. Compared to the Hifiman Ananda or the Hifiman Edition XS there is noticeably more slam in the sound, particularly in the bass. The LCD-2C gives you a fantastic sense of quiet dynamics with crystalline precision. This is evident also in our clinical tests, where it’s just easier to understand spoken text at very low volumes."
Focal Bathys
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Soundguys
Christian Thomas | May 2023
"As much as I hesitate to recommend a headphone that sells for $800 USD, if you’re looking for the best sound quality you can find in the ANC space: it’s the Focal Bathys."
Get a great deal on the Audeze LCD 2 Classic or the Focal Bathys
About Audeze
Audeze is an, award-winning, American premium headphone manufacturer based in California. Founded in 2008, their products are developed around aerospace materials technology first used by NASA and are widely used by enthusiasts and professionals alike, not only in the fields of music and sound engineering but also in e-sports and the health industry.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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