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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
10.0/10
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is best in class for music, while the Focal Bathys is very good.
Gaming
9.3/10
7.1/10
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.2/10
8.1/10
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Bathys is only fair.
TV and Video
10.0/10
9.4/10
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is excellent.
Noise Reduction
8.3/10
2.5/10
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.
"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."
"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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