Focal Bathys Headphones vs iFi GR 2 DAC
Quick Verdict
Choose the Focal Bathys Headphones if you want a single premium over-ear wireless headphone that delivers active noise cancelling, transparency, real leather and microfiber comfort, aluminium-magnesium build, and both Bluetooth and wired options with over 30 hours of battery. It is a complete listening device. Choose the iFi GR 2 DAC if you already own headphones and want a powerful portable DAC and amplifier with aptX Lossless Bluetooth, a Burr Brown PCM1795 DAC, high 2,173 milliwatt output, and sound shaping tools like K2, XBass+ and XSpace. The iFi GR 2 is not a headphone and has shorter battery life. The Bathys is for all-in-one convenience, the iFi GR 2 for audio chain customization.
| Spec | Focal Bathys Headphones | iFi GR 2 DAC |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear Bluetooth headphones | Portable DAC and headphone amplifier |
| Driver | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Noise cancelling | Active noise cancelling with transparency mode | Not published in listing |
| Bluetooth and codecs | Bluetooth, 3.5 mm jack, USB-C; codecs not published | aptX Lossless Bluetooth |
| Battery life | Over 30 hours; fast charge 15 minutes for 5 hours | Up to 7 hours playback |
| Wired option | Yes, 3.5 mm jack and USB-C | SPDIF and analog inputs, headphone output not detailed |
| Controls and app | Not published in listing | OLED touch display, iFi Nexis app, K2/K2HD, XBass+, XSpace, digital filters |
| Water resistance | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Weight | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Included accessories | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
Sound Quality
The Focal Bathys headphones earn a sound quality score of 24 out of 30 in the listing. The driver size and type are not published, so direct acoustic details are limited. The listing positions the Bathys as a hi-fi oriented product from Focal, a brand known for audio heritage, but without driver specifications or Bluetooth codec details, the sound character cannot be fully described from the supplied facts. The headphones do offer both wireless Bluetooth and wired connections via 3.5 mm and USB-C, which may allow for varied listening setups.
The iFi GR 2 DAC scores higher in sound quality at 26 out of 30. It uses a Burr Brown PCM1795 DAC, which the listing describes as refined. Its peak output of 2,173 milliwatts is high and may drive demanding headphones with authority. The inclusion of aptX Lossless Bluetooth suggests wireless audio closer to wired quality, though other codec support beyond aptX Lossless is not specified. The iFi GR 2 also provides sound shaping options including K2 and K2HD processing, XBass+, XSpace, and digital filters.
In direct comparison, the Bathys is a self-contained headphone, while the iFi GR 2 is a digital to analog converter and amplifier that requires headphones to be attached. Therefore, the sound quality comparison is not like for like. The Bathys relies on its own internal amplification and tuning, which the listing does not detail. The iFi GR 2 offers more published technical elements that affect sound, such as DAC chip, power output, and wireless codec. Buyers concerned with raw sound quality specs may find more clarity in the iFi GR 2 listing, even though it lacks headphone specifics.
Comfort and Fit
The Focal Bathys headphones are over-ear models. The listing specifies a headband made with real leather and microfiber, which suggests a focus on contact comfort. However, the listing does not publish the weight of the headphones, so the long-term comfort cannot be fully assessed from the supplied facts. The ear cup material and clamping force are also not described.
The iFi GR 2 DAC is not worn on the head, so comfort and fit principles differ. It is a portable device that would be held, placed in a pocket, or set on a desk. The listing does not state its dimensions or weight, making portability and ergonomic handling unclear. The comfort factor for the iFi GR 2 would depend on how the user interacts with the OLED touch display and the physical controls, but those details are not fully published.
For the Bathys, the aluminium-magnesium construction may imply a lighter frame than some all-plastic designs, but without an official weight, any claim would be speculative. The leather and microfiber headband is a positive comfort feature. The iFi GR 2 cannot be compared on head comfort at all. It is an accessory that users pair with their own headphones. Therefore, comfort for the iFi GR 2 is about portability and ease of use, which the listing leaves partly unspecified.
Noise Control and Features
The Focal Bathys headphones include active noise cancelling with a transparency mode. That is a clear feature set for controlling ambient sound. The listing does not mention adjustable levels of noise cancelling, nor any companion app for fine tuning. The score for features and noise control is 10 out of 15, which is moderate compared to other categories.
The iFi GR 2 DAC does not include noise cancelling, as it is not a headphone. The listing does not mention any noise control features. However, it offers a different set of audio features: K2 and K2HD processing to enhance digital audio, XBass+ for bass adjustment, and XSpace for crossfeed or spatial effect. It also has digital filters and an OLED touch display, with iFi Nexis app support. Its features and noise control score is 13 out of 15, reflecting the audio processing capabilities.
The Bathys addresses environmental noise with active cancellation, which is valuable for travel and noisy environments. The iFi GR 2 focuses on sound customization rather than noise isolation. A buyer must decide whether they need ambient noise reduction from a headphone, or digital sound shaping from a DAC and amplifier. The Bathys has a transparency mode to let sound in, while the iFi GR 2 has no microphone or passthrough features mentioned. The iFi GR 2's features are for headphone output, not environmental control.
Battery, Bluetooth and Connectivity
The Focal Bathys headphones offer over 30 hours of battery life, with fast charging that provides 5 hours of playback from 15 minutes of charge. That is a strong endurance figure for wireless over-ear headphones. Connectivity includes Bluetooth, a 3.5 mm jack, and USB-C. The Bluetooth codec support is not published in the listing. The wired options mean the headphones can be used passively or via USB-C digital input, though the details of USB-C audio are not specified.
The iFi GR 2 DAC provides up to 7 hours of playback from its battery. That is significantly shorter than the Bathys. Its wireless connectivity is aptX Lossless Bluetooth, which is a high quality codec. For wired connections, the listing states SPDIF and analog inputs, but the headphone output connector is not detailed. The iFi GR 2 is primarily a DAC and amplifier, so its battery powers the internal circuitry and headphone output. The 7 hour figure is modest for portable use on the go.
In terms of wireless range and stability, neither listing provides specifics. The Bathys gives the convenience of a long battery for all day listening. The iFi GR 2 trades battery endurance for high output power and a lossless Bluetooth codec. For a traveler who wants a single device to wear for many hours, the Bathys is more suitable. For a listener who already has wired headphones and wants wireless high resolution input to a powerful portable amp, the iFi GR 2 may be appealing despite the shorter battery life. The Bathys also has fast charging, which the iFi GR 2 listing does not mention.
Build, Design and Portability
The Focal Bathys headphones use an aluminium-magnesium construction, which suggests a balance of strength and low weight, though the actual weight is not published. The listing mentions real leather and microfiber on the headband, adding a premium touch. The build and portability score is 9 out of 10, the highest among breakdown categories. The headphones likely fold or come with a case for travel, but the listing does not specify included accessories.
The iFi GR 2 DAC does not publish its build materials, dimensions, or weight. It features an OLED touch display, which adds a modern control interface. The build and portability score is 7 out of 10, lower than the Bathys. Without physical dimensions, it is hard to assess pocketability or desk footprint. The listing does not state if it has a metal or plastic chassis. The presence of SPDIF and analog inputs suggests a slightly larger design than ultra portable dongles, but that is speculation based on typical implementations, not the supplied facts.
The Bathys is a self contained product that must be stored and carried as a headphone. The aluminium-magnesium frame and leather headband indicate a focus on durability and luxury. The iFi GR 2 is a separate component that must be transported alongside whatever headphones the user chooses. Its portability is unclear due to unpublished dimensions. For build quality, the Bathys listing provides more material details, while the iFi GR 2 listing leaves more to the imagination. Both have high build scores relative to their categories.
Call Quality and Daily Use
The Focal Bathys headphones do not include any published call quality specifications or mention a built-in microphone. Therefore, their performance for phone calls or video conferences cannot be evaluated from the supplied facts. In daily use as a wireless headphone, the Bathys would serve music listening, noise canceling, and wired connections. The absence of mic details is a notable omission for a wireless headphone.
The iFi GR 2 DAC has no built-in microphone or call features mentioned in the listing. It is designed as an audio output device, not a communication tool. Daily use would involve connecting it to a source via Bluetooth or wired input, then plugging in headphones. The OLED touch display and app support may make daily operation convenient, but the listing does not detail the app's functions beyond the named audio processing. Call quality is not applicable or at least not provided.
For users who take frequent calls while listening, neither product offers a clear advantage based on published information. The Bathys might be expected to have a mic in a wireless headphone, but the listing does not confirm it. The iFi GR 2 explicitly lacks call functionality. Therefore, call quality is a weak area for both in this comparison. Daily use for music and media is more clearly supported by both, with the Bathys being more self contained and the iFi GR 2 requiring additional headphones.
Who Should Buy It
The Focal Bathys headphones are best for listeners who want an all in one over-ear wireless headphone with active noise cancelling and transparency mode. The listing's emphasis on real leather, microfiber, and aluminium-magnesium suggests an audience that values premium materials and hi-fi brand heritage. Users who need both wireless freedom and wired flexibility via 3.5 mm and USB-C will find the Bathys suitable. Its long battery life over 30 hours is a practical benefit.
The iFi GR 2 DAC is best for headphone enthusiasts who already own headphones and want a powerful portable DAC and amplifier. The high 2,173 milliwatt output and Burr Brown DAC appeal to those who want to improve their sound chain. The inclusion of aptX Lossless Bluetooth, K2 and K2HD processing, XBass+, XSpace, and digital filters provides extensive customization. This is not a headphone, so buyers must supply their own wired or wireless headphones.
A buyer should choose the Bathys if they want a single product that delivers music directly to the ears with noise management. A buyer should choose the iFi GR 2 if they want to enhance the sound of existing headphones, especially high impedance or demanding models, with a feature rich portable source. The two products are not substitutes; they occupy different roles in a listening setup. The supplied best_for and avoid_if fields support this distinction.
The Deciding Question
The key question is whether you need a complete headphone or a separate DAC and amplifier. If you want to put on a device and listen wirelessly with noise cancelling, the Focal Bathys headphones are the direct choice. If you already have headphones that you enjoy and want to upgrade the source with more power and sound shaping, the iFi GR 2 DAC is the better option.
Another deciding factor is battery life and portability expectations. The Bathys provides over 30 hours on a charge, while the iFi GR 2 provides up to 7 hours. For long trips away from power, the Bathys has a clear advantage. For desk or short portable sessions where sound quality adjustments matter more, the iFi GR 2 might be acceptable.
The presence of active noise cancelling is a major differentiator. The Bathys includes ANC and transparency, while the iFi GR 2 offers no noise cancelling because it is not a headphone. Buyers who frequently travel or work in noisy environments will likely prefer the Bathys. Buyers who listen in quiet settings and want maximum control over their audio chain may prefer the iFi GR 2.
Who Should Buy Which
Choose the Focal Bathys Headphones if you want a premium over-ear wireless headphone with active noise cancelling, transparency mode, real leather and microfiber headband, aluminium-magnesium frame, and both Bluetooth and wired connectivity. It suits those who want a self contained hi-fi oriented headphone with long battery life and fast charging. The listing's omissions on driver size and codecs are a tradeoff.
Choose the iFi GR 2 DAC if you already have headphones and want a powerful portable DAC and amplifier with aptX Lossless Bluetooth, Burr Brown DAC, high output, and extensive sound customization via K2, XBass+, XSpace, and digital filters. It is for the enthusiast who values sound shaping and wired input flexibility, even though battery life is shorter and physical details are unpublished.
In short, the Bathys is a headphone; the iFi GR 2 is a DAC and amplifier. They solve different problems. The Bathys replaces both source and output device for wireless and wired listening with noise control. The iFi GR 2 improves the source for whatever headphones you already own, but does not provide sound output on its own.
Focal Bathys Headphones
Pros
- Active noise cancelling with transparency mode
- Real leather and microfiber headband
- 3.5 mm jack, USB-C, and Bluetooth connectivity
- Aluminium-magnesium construction
- Over 30 hours battery life with fast charging
- Mid-range price tier from a hi-fi brand
Cons
- Listing omits driver size, Bluetooth codecs, and weight
- No water resistance rating
- No companion app or control details published
- Call quality specifications not provided
- Included accessories unspecified
iFi GR 2 DAC
Pros
- High 2,173 milliwatt peak output drives demanding headphones
- Burr Brown PCM1795 DAC known for refined sound
- aptX Lossless Bluetooth for near wired-level wireless audio
- K2 and K2HD processing plus XBass+ and XSpace customization
- OLED touch display and app support via iFi Nexis
- SPDIF and analog inputs for wide source compatibility
Cons
- Battery life of 7 hours is modest for portable use
- Dimensions and weight not published, making portability unclear
- No built-in microphone or call features mentioned
- Bluetooth codec support beyond aptX Lossless is not specified
- Build materials and durability not disclosed
Who Should Buy Each
Focal Bathys Headphones
- Fans of Focal's audio heritage who want a wireless model
- Commuters and travelers needing long battery life and fast charge
- Buyers who appreciate premium materials like leather and metal
- Users who want a 3.5 mm jack and USB-C alongside Bluetooth
iFi GR 2 DAC
- Owners of demanding over-ear headphones or sensitive IEMs who need high power
- Users who want aptX Lossless Bluetooth for high quality wireless audio
- Listeners who enjoy tailoring sound with XBass+, XSpace, and digital filters
- Those with multiple sources including SPDIF and analog gear
Quick Decision Guide
| If you want a complete wireless over-ear headphone with active noise cancelling. | Choose Focal Bathys Headphones |
| If you already own headphones and want a powerful portable DAC and amplifier. | Choose iFi GR 2 DAC |
| If you need long battery life over 20 hours for travel. | Choose Focal Bathys Headphones |
| If you want aptX Lossless Bluetooth and high output for demanding headphones. | Choose iFi GR 2 DAC |
| If you want a product with real leather and aluminium-magnesium build. | Choose Focal Bathys Headphones |
FAQ
About This Comparison
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
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