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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for wireless functionality and active noise cancelling for listening in noisier environments or while traveling, the Focal Bathys would serve you well as they also have built-in controls and a more convenient battery life for extended use. However, if you prioritize the absolute best audio quality and soundstage for critical listening at home, consider the HifiMan Arya Stealth, which excels in these areas, though they are open-back and lack the features for portability or blocking out ambient sound. Keep in mind that the Focal Bathys are a more modern model, offering compatibility with aptX Adaptive for improved wireless audio, whereas the Arya Stealth requires a wired connection and may be better suited for a stationary setup. 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 Focal Bathys
- Excellent for gaming
- Best in class for TV and video
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the HifiMan Arya Stealth
- Best in class for music
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.0
10.0
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is best in class for music, while the Focal Bathys is very good.
Gaming
9.3
7.1
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.2
8.1
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Bathys is only fair.
TV and Video
10.0
9.4
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is excellent.
Noise Reduction
8.3
2.5
The Focal Bathys is very good for noise reduction, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is poor.
Battery
31.0 Hours
N/A
The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life. The HifiMan Arya Stealth does not have a battery.
Cost
$699
$649
$300
$320
$340
$360
$380
$400
The Focal Bathys has a price of $699 and the HifiMan Arya Stealth costs $649.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
5.2
5.1
The Focal Bathys and HifiMan Arya Stealth are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Focal Bathys and HifiMan Arya Stealth both have excellent build quality.
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How the Focal Bathys and the HifiMan Arya Stealth compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Bathys | HifiMan Arya Stealth |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$699 | $649 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | HifiMan | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2022 | November 1, 2018 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 10/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 10/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 4.5/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 31 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 350 Grams | 408.2 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Focal Bathys
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Dig into reviews and images
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."
HifiMan Arya Stealth
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Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | October 2022
"The Arya can easily be end-game headphones for 99% of consumers, satisfying most audio desires. Priced well above USD$1000, the Arya are obviously and gloriously not for the mass market consumer; they are designed and built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts – especially those who view their expenses on this level of gear as investments."
Get a great deal on the Focal Bathys or the HifiMan Arya Stealth
About HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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Why trust us
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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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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