Informative, entertaining.... and effectively engaging considering it's a long-form video, because I just watched your entire 24-minute video. I like the changes in music... and conversational... jovial style delivery... I think you're on to something. Only wish... use chapters, plus it'll further optimize your already GOOD DESCRIPTION SECTION. Btw... just purchased Focal Bathys from Sweetwater.
2 Things: Figuring L-R is easy. Small circles on cups face front, large circles face back. These are DSP driven headphones. Hence the need for them to be powered on no matter how they’re being used. This also means that “improving” them is as simple as improving the app. Giving the end user control over frequency response is what is needed. The only remaining question is, “In giving the user the ability to control frequency response, would they have to drop down to a lower Codec?”
I struggled with the identifying the left/right side too. One way to do it is use the focal logo. The "f" and circle around it goes towards the front. So when you hold the cup in your hand in the upright position the right ear cup has the logo on the right and it's on left if you're holding the left cup.
Thank you very much for this detailed review. Could you please comment on how different these Bathys might be compared to the BOSE QC45? I am considering making a jump, but the price difference is what makes me hesitant.
Have you tried Roon convolution filter for Focal Celestee? I find Celestee sound almost identical to Bathys, with very very sharp imaging. Even the slight clicks and pops of Bathys occurs on Celestee. I guess that's why Bathys needs to be on all the time. The smaller cabin versus the bigger Focal cans forced Bathys to use some room correction filter to sound more normal. Bathys won't work pure passively.
You mentioned the focal bathys ear cups are short on room to accommodate larger ears. Would the mark levinson #5909's or bowers & Wilkins px8 be a better physical fit for larger ears that stick out some?
The PX8 has the tighter clamping force compared to the other two and the smallest earpads, Mark Levinson has the most padded earpads and are a little larger, and Bathys has the largest earpads with the most room for the ears. For anyone concerned about big ears or a big head the Bathys is probably the safest bet. I had all 3 and 5909 and Bathys were the most comfortable and my head is damn near 30lbs... unfortunately lol
for me the bathys is a perfect solution for commute and office use. I already have the celestee and ifi go blu so won't be buying them.. if I didn't I would be buying them.
I'd check out one of the other 700 RU-vidrs doing audio shows instead. I am most definitely an acquired taste and I can change my voice about as easily as you can change your fingerprints.
