Bathys fit issue...what's next?

[dyross]

Hey folks,

I've been rocking my QC 35s for work/commute/chores since 2016. I've recently returned to the office a few times a week after working from home since 2020, so been using headphones more and am in the market for a new pair of wireless over-ear headphones.

I wouldn't say I'm an audiophile, but I am a music lover (rock, metal, jazz, classical) and an amateur musician/producer. My home setup is HD 650s and a pair of iLoud MTMs.

Anyway, what I've tried so far:

1. Bathys - blew me away, but fit issue, see below
2. QC Ultra - amazing ANC, solid (but 2D) sound, uncomfortable hot spot on head band
3. PX8 - looks awesome, not so comfortable, not happy with sound signature (and only 2 band EQ)
4. Noble Audio Fokus Apollos - extremely scooped sound (but EQ'able), not quite comfortable enough, I thought they looked a little too silly on me (close to deal breaker compared to others)

Things that are important to me:

1. Sound - want a lively and relatively balanced (or EQ'able!) sound, and as good of soundstage as possible for wireless closed backs. I mostly play from iPhone, so don't need the latest BT codecs etc. (I think?)
2. Comfort - I have a big head and big ears that stick out a bit. A lot of headphones are uncomfortable for me.
3. Solid ANC, but don't need the best, don't really need transparent mode
4. Solid for phone calls, but don't need the best
5. I'm not trying to make a fashion statement, but I also don't want to look too dorky at work

Of the ones I've tried so far, I really want to keep the Bathys. They kind of blew my mind, I had more fun listening to music in headphones than I've had in a long time. The classic "hearing things I never heard before" trope, and really connecting with the emotion of the music.

The 5 band EQ is enough for me - I just boost the bass and mids a bit, I find the soundstage impressive, and they just seem lively and musical. I really LOVE the sound.

But, the fit isn't perfect.

For one, they're just a bit small for me, I think. I open them up the widest possible, and they're ok, but definitely tighter clamping than I'm used to. When I wear a hat, they feel even tighter. In comparison, my old QC 35s feel like a pillow, most comfortable headphones I've ever tried.

The worst part, though, is (just) one of my ears doesn't seem to fit great into the cup. It just feels like it's being folded slightly, more than I'm used to with the QCs.

So...will the fit change with wear / break in? Or, am I going to be forever fighting with these?

If not the Bathys, what next? I think I've explored most of the options in this (premium) price point, but if there's others I should consider, please let me know.

Thanks!
David

 

[staticV3]

I mostly play from iPhone, so don't need the latest BT codecs etc. (I think?)

Correct. By default, iPhones only support SBC and AAC codecs.

FiiO make a dongle that unlocks aptX and LDAC in iOS, called the FiiO BT11, but in the first place, Apple's AAC encoder is so refined that it enables transmission fidelity about on par with LDAC, but at a fraction of the bit rate, hence with higher signal stability.

I think I've explored most of the options in this (premium) price point, but if there's others I should consider, please let me know.

Other premium Bluetooth headphones include the Mark Levinson 5909 and T+A Solitaire T.

I cannot comment on their comfort.

 

[dyross]

Correct. By default, iPhones only support SBC and AAC codecs.

FiiO make a dongle that unlocks aptX and LDAC in iOS, called the FiiO BT11

Ah, neat!

EDIT: Man, if these had built in parametric EQ, that would be amazing!

, but in the first place, Apple's AAC encoder is so refined that it enables transmission fidelity about on par with LDAC, but at a fraction of the bit rate, hence with higher signal stability.

I apologize, but I don't quite understand what this means. Do you mind explaining?

Other premium Bluetooth headphones include the Mark Levinson 5909 and T+A Solitaire T.

I cannot comment on their comfort.

The T+A seems to be not suitable for large ears based on some reviews I've read.

ML 5909 seems pretty polarizing. How is it generally considered on this forum?

 

[dyross]

Anyone have any insight into whether or not replacement pads like these might be more comfortable, especially for bigger ears?

Dekoni replacement earpads for the Focal Bathys Series

Visit us at Dekoni Audio for Elite Suede Replacement Ear Pads for Focal Bathys

dekoniaudio.com

 

[Ste_S]

I have a big head also, and struggle to find headphones that are comfortable for any length of time. Probably the best fit for me are Sennheiser Momentum 4, they sound fine, and have EQ in-app. Functionality is a bit janky, however, with the touch controls, head detection and auto power off having issues at times.

I’m also bald/shaved head, so tend to get more overheating issues with headphones too, compared to those with hair.

Generally I find IEMs (with XL tips) a lot more comfortable for longer listening than headphones.

 

[Stilgar]

I ordered bathys when it was released, the sound was good but the comfort are not. Not deep cups and tiny headband. Comparing with other focal its terrible for me. I return it in one week. Maybe try bowers wilkins px7s2(e or standart ) or px8 from a company which hasgot return policy. I use amazon many years and never problem in headphones shopping. Also my cabled setup are hd660s2 and vaious dongle dacs. I am using px8 for anc , closedback and wireless purposes at home.

 

[jonfitch]

I think Rtings shows Focal headphones tend to have about 1.1-1.2 pounds of caliper pressure, which is lower than Hifiman and Audeze, which are closer to 1.3-1.4. However, the pads on Focal headphones tend to be smaller and more stiff, which may be causing pressure points in different spots in your head and make them more uncomfortable.