Focal Bathys vs iFi GR 2 MT DAC

Sound Quality

Both products score 26 out of 30 for sound quality in their categories. The Focal Bathys listing does not publish driver size, type, or tuning details, making direct evaluation difficult. Focal is known for acoustic engineering, but the listing offers no frequency response or distortion data. The Bathys sound quality rests on brand reputation and the presence of ANC and transparency mode.

The iFi GR 2 MT DAC uses a Burr Brown PCM1795 DAC chip and K2HD processing. It lists a high 2173mW output, which suggests it can drive many headphones. iEMatch is included for sensitive IEMs. These specifics give more concrete audio indications, but the iFi requires separate headphones, so sound quality will vary. The two products are not directly comparable because one is a headphone and the other is a source device.

The Bathys must render sound through its own drivers, but driver specs are unknown. The iFi depends on the headphones you connect, so its sound quality will vary by pairing. Buyers should consider this fundamental difference before using the sound scores side by side.

Comfort and Fit

The Focal Bathys is an over-ear headphone, so comfort depends on clamp force, pad material, and weight. The listing highlights real leather and a microfiber headband, which is a positive sign for skin contact. However, weight is not published, so all day comfort cannot be confirmed. Without this data, buyers must rely on the premium materials as a comfort indicator.

The iFi GR 2 MT DAC is not wearable, so traditional comfort and fit do not apply. Its comfort score of 14 out of 20 likely refers to ergonomics of the device, such as touch controls and OLED display. Dimensions and weight are not published, so pocketability is unclear. If comfort means physical wear, the Bathys is the only relevant product, but its actual fit remains unknown.

The leather and microfiber headband is a positive sign, but the lack of weight data is a drawback. The iFi adds no physical wear fatigue, but its handheld use may introduce different ergonomic considerations.

Noise Control and Features

The Focal Bathys includes active noise cancelling and a transparency mode, which are useful for travel. These features allow you to block ambient noise or let in surroundings. The listing does not describe ANC intensity or adjustability, but the presence of both modes is an advantage. No other noise control features are mentioned.

The iFi GR 2 MT DAC has no active noise cancelling because it is a DAC amp, not a headphone. Its feature set focuses on audio processing: OLED display, capacitive touch controls, iFi Nexis app, iEMatch, and K2HD. In noise control, the Bathys clearly wins. In general features, the iFi offers more published functionality for audio enthusiasts.

Battery, Bluetooth and Connectivity

The Focal Bathys has over 30 hours of battery life and fast charging that adds 5 hours in 15 minutes. It is Bluetooth capable, but codecs are not published. Wired options include a 3.5mm jack and USB-C outlet. The long battery life is a strong point for travel.

The iFi GR 2 MT DAC has up to 7 hours of battery from a 4900mAh cell, which is modest. It supports aptX Lossless Bluetooth, but the full codec list is not published. It works wired or wireless. For battery endurance, the Bathys is superior. For known codec quality, the iFi has aptX Lossless, while the Bathys codec support remains unknown.

Build, Design and Portability

The Focal Bathys listing emphasizes real leather, microfiber headband, aluminum-magnesium construction, and a Midnight Blue finish. These suggest a durable, attractive headphone. Weight and foldability are not published, so portability is unclear. No case or folding mechanism is mentioned.

The iFi GR 2 MT DAC is a portable device with an OLED display and touch controls. Dimensions and weight are not published, so pocketability is unknown. The 4900mAh battery adds bulk, but it is likely smaller than over-ear headphones. Both products score 8 out of 10 on build, reflecting solid materials but incomplete physical data.

Call Quality and Daily Use

The Focal Bathys listing provides no call quality details, microphone placement, or voice pickup. This is a notable omission for a wireless headphone. Without published microphone specs, call performance cannot be assessed. Buyers who need calls may be disappointed.

The iFi GR 2 MT DAC has no call or microphone features at all. It is purely for audio playback, not communication. In daily use, the Bathys is a self-contained wireless headphone with long battery and ANC, good for commuting. The iFi is a portable DAC amp for wired or wireless listening with a seven hour battery and no ANC, better for stationary use.

Who Should Buy It

The Focal Bathys is best for listeners who want a premium wireless headphone with ANC, transparency, long battery, and both 3.5mm and USB-C wired options. It suits those who value real leather and aluminum magnesium and do not need full specifications. Focal fans and travelers may appreciate it.

The iFi GR 2 MT DAC is best for listeners who already own headphones or IEMs and want a portable mid range DAC amp with high output, aptX Lossless, and iEMatch. It suits audio enthusiasts who want an OLED display, touch controls, and the iFi Nexis app. Those who value DAC chip specifications and output power will prefer it.

The Deciding Question

The central question is whether you need a self-contained wireless headphone with noise cancelling or a flexible source device for headphones you already own. The Bathys works out of the box; the iFi requires separate headphones. This distinction drives every other comparison.

If you value long battery, ANC, and premium headphone materials, choose the Bathys despite missing specs. If you value a high quality DAC chip, aptX Lossless, high output, and iEMatch, choose the iFi. Consider your typical listening environment: noisy travel favors the Bathys, quiet desktop listening favors the iFi.

Who Should Buy Which

Buy the Focal Bathys if you want a single product that provides wireless audio, ANC, transparency mode, and over 30 hours of battery. It is ideal for travelers, commuters, and office workers who prefer an over-ear headphone with premium build and do not want to carry a separate DAC amp.

Buy the iFi GR 2 MT DAC if you already have good headphones or IEMs and want to upgrade the source with a Burr Brown PCM1795 DAC, aptX Lossless, and high output power. It is better for home listening or portable use where seven hours is acceptable. The iEMatch feature makes it suitable for sensitive IEMs.