@@jessel.8697 great headphones still, cant see anything id rather have apart from amybe airpods max if I was deep in apple eco and didnt mind a big hit to sound
Its really strange how subjective audio is lol i tried the px8 and the focal bathys next to each other… and i felt like the px8 sounds too dark, nearly muffled compared to the focals. Their bass is a little too powerful and treble not bright enough. Also i didnt like the smaller sound stage. Preferred the bathys by far
Thank you for a very nice review. I just bought the Sennheiser momentum 4, but I will return them and order the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 to get better sound quality. I don't care so much about ANC and Transparency mode quality. The sound quality is the most important for me.
@@Dylan-cr5ub Yes they are perfect. I haven't found noticed any delays in sound. I am Shure you will be very satisfied with them. And the sound quality is on another level than the more mainstream brands like Sony, Apple and even Sennheiser.
@@lazerlabmusic Oh ok thank you very much, i am really considering buying them for my next headphones or the H95 from Bang and Olufsen if they are on sale.
I own the Bathys, PX8’s and the Mark Levinson 5909 and I disagree with your barely scraping the surface review of these high end headphones. While I concede that everyone’s personal anatomy is different I find the PX8 ear cups to be small and uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. To me, the Bathys are superior to the PX8’s in both comfort, build quality, and sound quality. The other two headphones you reviewed I can’t comment on since I wouldn’t own either. There’s another headphone, the B&O H95’s which I found to be overpriced and inferior, I had them and returned them.
Thanks for your very insightful and good review. The bathys have definitely wider soundstage, greater detail resolution and slightly leaner (but not anaemic) bass. However, I find them far less comfortable than the PX8 on my head, I prefer the build and looks of the PX8, and I also find the PX8 noise cancelling to be better. Also, the large volume steps on the bathys *really* bugs me - the PX8 had much more subtle volume control. When the bathys are in transparency mode in a quiet environment I get that really pronounced hiss that others have mentioned
Well after watching many reviews I'm glad to find your video. I've been torn between the Focal and the B&W. I have the B&W on the way. I do own the AirPods Max and think the ANC is great. But, sound quality does matter, so I am looking forward to the Px8 headphones. Maybe I'm going to have to travel with several brands of headphones ;) Thank you!
the Bathys are better sounding than the PX8....i have both of them....the reviewer is literally one of the few people who prefer the px8. It does have more low-end rumble than the Bathys.....but for true clarity, there's a clear winner.
I've owned the XM5s and AirPods Max and I prefer the XM5s over them to be honest. And that's because the APMs are quite heavy and after an hour or two of use, you can feel the weight and fatigue of it and to top it off, if you're going to workout with them, the sweat and the mesh earcups don't go well with each other. The mesh ear cups feel itchy to me and I'm not a fan. But other than that, they're pretty good in sound quality. The XM5s were good in price, sound quality, and all around. One thing bad I'd say is how big the earcups actually are. It's hard to fit that and my heaad under a hood or if I'm learning on a pillow during a flight, etc. It's just massive but other than that, it's good. I'm looking to get the PX8s soon but the McLaren Edition :P. Hopefully, it's better than the both of them or at least in the aspects and factors that I want in a headphone.
@@Daausby hi sir ! I have the px8, bathys and mark Levinson 5909. In a short resume, i can tell you that the px8 are my favorite by far. I listen to rock, metal, pop and rap. The problem with the bathys and the 5909 is the bass. They lack a lot in terms of kick in the bass. It’s a tight bass but so poor in rumbling. It doesn’t hit you in the chest like the px8 does. The bathys have a clearer sound with more details than the px8 and 5909. I would recommand the bathys for those who listen to classic, jazz, pop or blues or accoustics. The 5909 emphasized on the mids and highs a lot! They have the best presence for voices! Honestly it’s a huge difference between the three. But, again, they lack in terms of bass response!! They are for people who listen to accoustics, live shows or classical music. The px8 are the most fun to listen in the bunch! If you have a pair to choose, it’s easy: px8 ! They are so comfortable !! :) Hope this help! Oh by the way, i speak french here so sorry for bad english
So how did it sound to you. I just got mine yesterday. And find out that its bass sound kinda muddy, and not in a good way. Or perhaps it takes some time to burn in?
Because they're hard to recommend based on price to performance ratio? Especially when the PX8 has at least as superb build and materials quality, not to mention better sound, for much less.
Love your review! I purchased the PX8s, and agree on all accounts with your review with apple and the Sonys. You nailed it and love the PX8s. I haven’t heard the Bathys, I just can’t be seen with larger the life headphones out and about. I’m sure they are crazy good, but I love the look and sound of the B&M.. I noticed the sound of the PX8s improve over time, my Sonys were the same, the older the better. Do most headphones have a break in period?
I went with the Bathys, though I've never heard the PX8 (full disclosure). The Sonys (either XM4 or XM5) are a great portable because of their feature set, including the best ANC, but the Bathys just sound so much better. I don't consider the AirPods Max to be a great portable. The aluminum shells are heavy and easy to scratch. Recharging involves that bra.
And if we compare vs. the mark Levinson 5909, which one do you think has better audio, I am between the px8, focal and the mark, a fact: the px8 are on promotion and I can get them almost in less than 500 dollars
Do not buy the B&W px8 they have a widely known issue eith the ANC causing noticably loud white noise when you tilt your head in a certain way. I had to return mine. It seems like the physical cups dont isolate very well so the mics pic up noise throwing off the ANC. There is no fix
Don't generalize. They don't fit you well. Who knows what your head shape and size is. Doesn't mean won't fit everyone else. Fits me just fine, and so I don't have that head-tilt issue. I was able to "emulate" that issue, though, by placing the headphones in an awkward position that broke the seal, and yeah it did that. So it's all about the fit on you. Try before buying is the better advice, certainly not an irresponsible "do not buy".
Airpods Maxes are the worst out of them all. 1. Terrible sound 2. Noice cancelling is mid after the update 3. And they are heavy af. If i compare the sound against airpods pro 2, airpods pro win every single time… The sound is just dull and mid. I think the XM5 are best for the price and sound actually.
I own the Bose 700, Sony XM5 Im Wondering if I could upgrade for Either Bathys or PX8 are these so much of a Level UP in terms of sound Quality ? Price Doesnt Matter, Just not wanna spend the Amount of the Focal Clear.
Definitely, I got the Bose and Sony. ANC has no competition with the Bose and Sony, but for sound, it’s a massive jump from these to PX 8 and Bathys. I know, as I own both the PX 8 and Bathys. Both are top-of-line wireless ANC headphones, where picking either only boils down to your sound preference.
@@robovirtuoso1354 yeah if you think it's sound good and only audiophile listen to graph and harman target.. Hahahaha.. Thanks for the joke of the day 🤪
i dont know how XM5 will compare to Focal bathys and BW after downloading an EQ app for PC and android (sony eq sucks) . Those EQ apps totally changed XM5 to the point that turning it off makes it sound a different headphone. I would say it became so much clearer that the Sony Eq app wasnt able to do.
And you think your favorite "audiophile" reviewers pronounce it correctly? Those so-called audiophiles are amazingly deaf when it comes to picking up the way their French friends/sponsors at Focal pronounce stuff. Even the "Focal" brand isn't pronounced by those Focal employees the same way those reviewers do. They're English-speakers that try so hard to sound French (when they don't actually need to) but fail miserably and just murders (in the negative sense) the words.
@@sunshinecycling Seriously watch any video where they interview the Focal lady, compare how she pronounces Bathys and Focal with how these English speaking "audiophile" reviewers say it "correctly". I mean, why try to sound French? It's totally unnecessary and even sounds condescending when done so terribly.
Everyone will have a different preference, and also different experience based on fit on their head and their ear anatomy. So yeah I wouldn't be surprised that many will prefer Bathys. I'm not one of them.
Basically had the same conclusions, bought Bathys and PX8 then returned Bathys. both are great though, but those PX8 mids dayuuum
How have they held up over the year?
@@jessel.8697 great headphones still, cant see anything id rather have apart from amybe airpods max if I was deep in apple eco and didnt mind a big hit to sound
Its really strange how subjective audio is lol i tried the px8 and the focal bathys next to each other… and i felt like the px8 sounds too dark, nearly muffled compared to the focals. Their bass is a little too powerful and treble not bright enough. Also i didnt like the smaller sound stage. Preferred the bathys by far
Thank you for a very nice review. I just bought the Sennheiser momentum 4, but I will return them and order the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 to get better sound quality. I don't care so much about ANC and Transparency mode quality. The sound quality is the most important for me.
Are the PX8 good with delay in terms of watching UA-cam video's or movies?
@@Dylan-cr5ub Yes they are perfect. I haven't found noticed any delays in sound. I am Shure you will be very satisfied with them. And the sound quality is on another level than the more mainstream brands like Sony, Apple and even Sennheiser.
@@lazerlabmusic Oh ok thank you very much, i am really considering buying them for my next headphones or the H95 from Bang and Olufsen if they are on sale.
Too bad you couldn't get the Sennheiser Momentum 4 in for comparison.
I own the Bathys, PX8’s and the Mark Levinson 5909 and I disagree with your barely scraping the surface review of these high end headphones. While I concede that everyone’s personal anatomy is different I find the PX8 ear cups to be small and uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. To me, the Bathys are superior to the PX8’s in both comfort, build quality, and sound quality. The other two headphones you reviewed I can’t comment on since I wouldn’t own either. There’s another headphone, the B&O H95’s which I found to be overpriced and inferior, I had them and returned them.
did you eq anyone of them?
Thanks for your very insightful and good review.
The bathys have definitely wider soundstage, greater detail resolution and slightly leaner (but not anaemic) bass.
However, I find them far less comfortable than the PX8 on my head, I prefer the build and looks of the PX8, and I also find the PX8 noise cancelling to be better.
Also, the large volume steps on the bathys *really* bugs me - the PX8 had much more subtle volume control. When the bathys are in transparency mode in a quiet environment I get that really pronounced hiss that others have mentioned
11:00 wrong. The drivers are made in Focal factory but the final assembly is done in China.
Well after watching many reviews I'm glad to find your video. I've been torn between the Focal and the B&W. I have the B&W on the way. I do own the AirPods Max and think the ANC is great. But, sound quality does matter, so I am looking forward to the Px8 headphones. Maybe I'm going to have to travel with several brands of headphones ;) Thank you!
Go for the Focal’s. I have the PX8s and the Focals and the Focals are on _a whole other level._
Px8 is nowhere near as good as Bathys. It has nonexistent soundstage and image clarity compared to Bathys. It’s just mids-forward.
the Bathys are better sounding than the PX8....i have both of them....the reviewer is literally one of the few people who prefer the px8. It does have more low-end rumble than the Bathys.....but for true clarity, there's a clear winner.
Borrowed both for a week, now I own PX8. I do have a Focal Radiance but the Bathys is just not for me.
I've owned the XM5s and AirPods Max and I prefer the XM5s over them to be honest. And that's because the APMs are quite heavy and after an hour or two of use, you can feel the weight and fatigue of it and to top it off, if you're going to workout with them, the sweat and the mesh earcups don't go well with each other. The mesh ear cups feel itchy to me and I'm not a fan. But other than that, they're pretty good in sound quality. The XM5s were good in price, sound quality, and all around. One thing bad I'd say is how big the earcups actually are. It's hard to fit that and my heaad under a hood or if I'm learning on a pillow during a flight, etc. It's just massive but other than that, it's good. I'm looking to get the PX8s soon but the McLaren Edition :P. Hopefully, it's better than the both of them or at least in the aspects and factors that I want in a headphone.
None of those headphones are intended to be used in the gym. That's what earbuds or ear-hooks are for.
@@MrClassicmetal I mean even running itd slip sooo not for me lol
Pitty you didn't include the B&O H95
Where is the Mark Levinson No. 5909?
In their packaging in the store 😂
@@Patrickmathieu0482 🤡
@@Daausby hi sir ! I have the px8, bathys and mark Levinson 5909. In a short resume, i can tell you that the px8 are my favorite by far. I listen to rock, metal, pop and rap. The problem with the bathys and the 5909 is the bass. They lack a lot in terms of kick in the bass. It’s a tight bass but so poor in rumbling. It doesn’t hit you in the chest like the px8 does. The bathys have a clearer sound with more details than the px8 and 5909. I would recommand the bathys for those who listen to classic, jazz, pop or blues or accoustics. The 5909 emphasized on the mids and highs a lot! They have the best presence for voices! Honestly it’s a huge difference between the three. But, again, they lack in terms of bass response!! They are for people who listen to accoustics, live shows or classical music.
The px8 are the most fun to listen in the bunch! If you have a pair to choose, it’s easy: px8 ! They are so comfortable !! :)
Hope this help! Oh by the way, i speak french here so sorry for bad english
Can’t wait to unbox my PX8’s tomorrow morning (Christmas day)! Thanks for the review.
So how did it sound to you.
I just got mine yesterday. And find out that its bass sound kinda muddy, and not in a good way. Or perhaps it takes some time to burn in?
Why the h95 is not here?
Because they're hard to recommend based on price to performance ratio? Especially when the PX8 has at least as superb build and materials quality, not to mention better sound, for much less.
He lost me when he said the Airpods Max sound better than the Bathys
Great video. There are also two very good options missing: Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Bang & Olufsen H95.
Where is Beoplay H95? :(
YES WHERE? I am here to say that
Shit ANC… don’t expect that here.
@@mdatiqurrahman5834 anc is a clickbait. The video is about wireless headphones and h95 are the best
@@Star_Strider it is not a click bait at all, have a look at all the titles presenting in the video! Best in class ANC… at least three of them
@@mdatiqurrahman5834 than why does this video have b&w, and focal bathys, and doesn’t have bose?))) and why does it compare sound?))
Love your review! I purchased the PX8s, and agree on all accounts with your review with apple and the Sonys. You nailed it and love the PX8s. I haven’t heard the Bathys, I just can’t be seen with larger the life headphones out and about. I’m sure they are crazy good, but I love the look and sound of the B&M.. I noticed the sound of the PX8s improve over time, my Sonys were the same, the older the better. Do most headphones have a break in period?
sennheiser momentum 4 better than all of them but the focal, and it's not in the test?
My god maaaan you got me with that explanation.
New subscriber here. 🙋🏻♂️
Would you please help me?
Which one is louder Bathys or PX8?
Greetings!
I went with the Bathys, though I've never heard the PX8 (full disclosure). The Sonys (either XM4 or XM5) are a great portable because of their feature set, including the best ANC, but the Bathys just sound so much better. I don't consider the AirPods Max to be a great portable. The aluminum shells are heavy and easy to scratch. Recharging involves that bra.
sony xm5 has serious problem with swivel hinge connecting earcup. it breaks off easily after a year or so.
And if we compare vs. the mark Levinson 5909, which one do you think has better audio, I am between the px8, focal and the mark, a fact: the px8 are on promotion and I can get them almost in less than 500 dollars
imo the PX8 have nothing to do with good audio. Just boosted ranges
Great review. Sounds fair and comprehensive. Nice budget mix too.
Bathys ❤ got mine last week. That is glorious audio
Hows the bass?
Hi ! And would you say the Px8 is good for movies too on my laptop too ?
What about Bose sound link ultra?
Whats your favorite, and best headphones or earbuds. Something you use most, personal use. And why?
Why is no one talking about bose anymore
they fell off
Klipsch is much better
Because they have nothing good to say about em?
Px8 or Px7s2e ??
Do not buy the B&W px8 they have a widely known issue eith the ANC causing noticably loud white noise when you tilt your head in a certain way. I had to return mine. It seems like the physical cups dont isolate very well so the mics pic up noise throwing off the ANC. There is no fix
Don't generalize. They don't fit you well. Who knows what your head shape and size is. Doesn't mean won't fit everyone else. Fits me just fine, and so I don't have that head-tilt issue. I was able to "emulate" that issue, though, by placing the headphones in an awkward position that broke the seal, and yeah it did that. So it's all about the fit on you. Try before buying is the better advice, certainly not an irresponsible "do not buy".
@@robovirtuoso1354 none of my other headphones do that. It's a PX8 issue.
Airpods Maxes are the worst out of them all. 1. Terrible sound 2. Noice cancelling is mid after the update 3. And they are heavy af.
If i compare the sound against airpods pro 2, airpods pro win every single time… The sound is just dull and mid. I think the XM5 are best for the price and sound actually.
I own the Bose 700, Sony XM5 Im Wondering if I could upgrade for Either Bathys or PX8 are these so much of a Level UP in terms of sound Quality ? Price Doesnt Matter, Just not wanna spend the Amount of the Focal Clear.
Definitely, I got the Bose and Sony. ANC has no competition with the Bose and Sony, but for sound, it’s a massive jump from these to PX 8 and Bathys. I know, as I own both the PX 8 and Bathys. Both are top-of-line wireless ANC headphones, where picking either only boils down to your sound preference.
if you enjoy the signature focal sound you will love the bathys
px8 sound better? You sure...cause tried the px8 and it suck big time. even some of the lower end budget cans sounded better
I agree. 😂😊
Yes they do sound better. Only audiophiles who "listen" to graphs and are so stuck up on Harman curve think otherwise.
@@robovirtuoso1354 yeah if you think it's sound good and only audiophile listen to graph and harman target.. Hahahaha.. Thanks for the joke of the day 🤪
thanks for the vid!! helps alot
i dont know how XM5 will compare to Focal bathys and BW after downloading an EQ app for PC and android (sony eq sucks) . Those EQ apps totally changed XM5 to the point that turning it off makes it sound a different headphone. I would say it became so much clearer that the Sony Eq app wasnt able to do.
I'm not agree with you. The comfortable of the apple and b&a are at last. The sound of the Sony and apple is bad.
I want great ANC, and pricing!
Can you try the earbuds from angry Miao cyberblade?
Great video as always 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
You've been to the France facility and you still manage to pronounce "Bathys" incorrectly???
And you think your favorite "audiophile" reviewers pronounce it correctly? Those so-called audiophiles are amazingly deaf when it comes to picking up the way their French friends/sponsors at Focal pronounce stuff. Even the "Focal" brand isn't pronounced by those Focal employees the same way those reviewers do. They're English-speakers that try so hard to sound French (when they don't actually need to) but fail miserably and just murders (in the negative sense) the words.
@@robovirtuoso1354 You certainly sound French. I will listen to this robo stranger on the internet.
@@sunshinecycling Seriously watch any video where they interview the Focal lady, compare how she pronounces Bathys and Focal with how these English speaking "audiophile" reviewers say it "correctly".
I mean, why try to sound French? It's totally unnecessary and even sounds condescending when done so terribly.
Great review! Thank you
Dali… IO6?
I hesitate between xm5 and px8.
I have the PX8 and can tell you it’s worth every penny. I’ve tried almost all modern ANC headphones and the sound quality is my favorite on these.
No technics eh?
I love my Sony XM4's
The MSRP for the Sony is $399 not $350
Many people admit that Bathys has best sound among these
I would agree. I was not overwhelmed by B&W
Everyone will have a different preference, and also different experience based on fit on their head and their ear anatomy. So yeah I wouldn't be surprised that many will prefer Bathys. I'm not one of them.
actually, sony’s earcup feels so cheap on touch compared to even px7s2
OMG at least learn the correct pronunciation….
Are you sure you pronounce whatever that is correctly? Or you just think the audiophile reviewers pronounce it right? Coz they don't.
@@robovirtuoso1354 wow. And you can’t even spell correctly.
Thank’s!! Great video you heleped me a lot! Waiting my b&w!! 🫶🏻