For those interested in premium wireless headphones, there exists a divisive crossroad. Do you look to the future’s newer opportunities, or to the past’s reliability? Noble’s new revision of the FoKus Apollo, the FoKus Apollo Pro, released to update their lineup with modern features and tuning. Almost four years after its release, the Focal Bathys remain a staple of the category due to their distinctly engaging sound signature and expanded quality potential. How does Noble’s newest release expand on what came before? Can the Focal Bathys maintain its status in the premium wireless headphone space?
What You Get:
| Noble FoKus Apollo Pro | Focal Bathys |
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Look and Feel
Neither Noble nor Focal were looking to reinvent the aesthetic wheel, as both headphones are direct continuations of previous models. That’s not a complaint, however; both headphones’ designs aptly convey their higher-end nature whilst keeping it sleek enough to not feel like a tacky luxury item.
The Apollo Pro provides a more practical look, with the only accents being textured fabrics on the headband and shell. While it doesn’t stick out as much visually as the Bathys, the Apollo Pro makes a greater impression in comfort. The premium velvet cushioning gives a cooler, softer feel, making them less intrusive for a longform session.
The patterned shells of the Bathys are more outwardly stylish, further accentuated by the glowing logo in the center. The pads and headband were certainly comfortable, but the build is slightly tighter than the Apollo Pro. This will keep them secure while walking, but might get a little uncomfortable during a more static listening session.
Design and Functionality
Both headphones make their money on unique patented driver setups, providing each a distinct identity and place within the premium wireless market. They support these systems with additional premium features and smartphone integration to allow users further customization and control.
Noble chose to retune the Apollo’s then groundbreaking hybrid dual driver setup for the Pro. Consisting of a 40mm dynamic driver and 14.5 magnetic planar driver, the headphones work to keep a textured profile that remains sharp. The Pros also build on the Apollo’s features, with active noise cancelling, transparency mode, boom mic support, and voice prompts. Audio-related features can be controlled with buttons circling the shell. Compatibility with Noble’s “Noble FoKus” app allows for a 10-banded EQ customization, as well as additional ways to control the headphone’s onboard features.
Also featuring a 40mm dynamic driver, the Bathys’ special appeal is in its aluminum magnesium “M-shaped” dome, enhancing the driver’s fortitude without compromising performance. Like the Apollo Pro, the Bathys has ANC, transparency mode, button controls, and a smartphone app. Personally, I found the ANC between both headphones to be minimally different in quality, though the Bathys allow for more customization with two levels of sensitivity. Focal’s “Focal and Naim” smartphone app provides similar toggles and EQ functionality, though “provides” is a bit generous to my experience. I’ve said in previous Noble reviews that their smartphone app is a little barebones and visually unappealing, but at least it works. In my time attempting to use it, Focal’s app struggled when registering touch inputs, loading specific features, and registering that I was playing any music to begin with. Looking online, this doesn’t appear to be a personal issue with my device, either.
While the last thing consumers think about when purchasing a headphone is likely post-connection smartphone integration, I feel this is an important acknowledgement, especially when looking at the features and functionality offered by other devices in the price range, Noble included.
Connection
Being almost four years newer than the Bathys, the Apollo Pro has reasonably more updated wireless technology. Improving on the Bathys’ Bluetooth 5.1, the Apollo Pro uses Bluetooth 5.3 with the Qualcomm QCC3084 chip. The headphones additionally support the LDAC, aptx HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC codecs, as well as multipoint connectivity. While the Bathys miss out on LDAC and include aptX Adaptive support, the advantages they have in connection come more outside of Bluetooth. Specifically, the on-board DAC which can enhance the Bathy’s sound through a wired connection. While I found the Apollo Pro’s direct and multipoint wireless connections to be faster and stronger, the improved wired experience of the Bathys keep both in competition for their capabilities.
Battery
In terms of battery life, the Apollo Pro greatly outlasts the Bathys. In a single charge, Noble’s headphones carry 80 hours of battery life, dropping to 60 when using active noise cancelling. This dwarfs the Bathys, whose maximum possible life is 42 hours in DAC mode, dropping to 30 with ANC. While both batteries are impressive outside of comparison and are beyond manageable if charged daily, Noble has the edge for utility in longform situations where charger access is minimal.
Soundstage
Defiant of the expectations placed on them by their closed-back designs, the Apollo Pro and Bathys have quite dimensional soundstages. Each has relatively impressive width, creating an expansive sound that keeps horizontal placement clear. Their significant differences come in the other two planes. The Apollo holds a strong depth that compliments its signature tuning, and the Bathys layer instruments within a broader vertical soundscape.
Low Ends
Both headphones put significant emphasis on their lows, but each function to serve a different purpose. The Apollo Pro’s bass has a lighter but present punch, acting as an establishing range to compliment an active midrange. For those looking for more weight behind their bass, however, the Bathys might be more sonically satisfying. Big swings feel appropriately exciting, providing the mix a throaty underbelly that doesn’t sacrifice the rest of its sound.
Mids
Noble opts to keep the mid frequencies most active at the ends, contributing to the aforementioned lower force as well as a natural transition to the highs. Clarity is not an expense, as vocal intimacy remains through the depth of the soundstage, and instruments feel precise and fluid. The Bathys certainly have a warmer signature, prioritizing its expanding instrumental range. The midrange of the Bathys creates a denser experience which serves to soften the sound.
Highs
Having support from the higher mids, the Apollo Pro provides a wider, crisp high range. This stronger emphasis fortunately does not create any unwanted brightness, maintaining a comfortable listening experience. Saying the Bathys doesn’t have as much gloss in the highs shouldn’t discredit what is there. The high range is still responsive, just contained enough to support the intended experience.
Summary
Comparing these two headphones makes each’s strengths that much more distinct, leaving the consumer’s choice to personal preferences. The FoKus Apollo Pro’s stronger battery life, comfortable makeup, and subtler “V-shaped” sound contribute to a headphone experience ripe for longform use. The Focal Bathys unique driver, DAC enhancement, and warm sound accent a fun, durable listen. Priorities in sound signature and desire for external features are likely where much of your decision will lie. Regardless, the premium wireless headphone environment continues to excite with newer avenues and old favorites.
The Noble FoKus Apollo Pro and Focal Bathys are available at Audio 46.
