Focal Bathys MG vs DALI IO-12: Two Luxury Wireless Headphones That Aim for Audiophile Greatness

The Focal Bathys MG and the DALI IO-12 are two of the most luxurious wireless headphones you can buy right now. Priced in the $1,500-1800 range, these headphones aren’t just competing with each other—they’re setting the bar for high-end Bluetooth audio. But if you’re on the fence about which to pick, this comparison breaks down everything you need to know: from sound performance and build quality to ANC, app support, and overall value. Let’s dive into how these two heavyweights stack up in the world of luxury wireless listening.

What You Get

Look & Feel

The Bathys MG features a refined industrial design with magnesium yokes and aluminum earcups that feel exceptionally premium. The patterned grilles and backlit logo scream audiophile elegance, and the comfort is excellent thanks to its plush memory foam pads. The DALI IO-12 opts for a sleeker, more minimal aesthetic. It trades visual complexity for smooth elegance, using premium synthetic leather and an aluminum slider. While slightly bulkier than the Bathys, it spreads its weight well, offering excellent long-session comfort. The Bathys MG feels a little more boutique in its detailing, but the DALI IO-12 wins points for understated luxury and long-wearing comfort.

Design & Functionality

Both the Bathys MG and the IO-12 have unique drivers, with DALI’s being slightly bigger at 50mm. The Bathys MG uses its 40mm M-shaped dome design, which Focal is known for. These Bluetooth headphones offer a good output of volume that you don’t need to listen to at the highest level. They both offer plenty of headroom without noise canceling, but the extra isolation does help. In terms of which one has the best isolation through noise-canceling, I think the Bathys MG makes the best case for itself. DALI’s ANC is competent but not a standout feature. It’s more about passive isolation combined with moderate noise suppression. Focal offers more flexibility with a dedicated app, while the DALI IO-12 simplifies things with two distinct sound profiles built into the hardware without needing to tweak it.

Bluetooth

The Bathys MG and IO-12 both support Bluetooth version 5.2. They both offer standard CODEC, including aptX for Android users. Where the Bathys MG makes its case is its multipoint support, which the IO-12 doesn’t have.

Battery Life

For the most part, both the Bathys MG and IO-12 share the same amount of battery life. Dali’s model is slightly better at 35 hours compared to the MG’s 30, but a five-hour difference might not be a dealbreaker.

Soundstage

Listening to the Bathys MG and the IO-12 back to back reveals some interesting soundstage comparisons. Knowing both brands, it honestly feels like a role reversal. I expected a headphone from Focal to feature the most precise and accurate soundstage, while the IO-12 might be better with holographic imaging. The opposite is true here, as it is the Bathy MG that exhibits the more holographic layering, and the IO-12 that has the better precision. There’s more width over the Bathys MG, but it’s a closer headspace compared to the IO-12, which has a more expansive stereo field within its narrower left and right boundaries. I like the immersion that the Bathys MG paints, especially with more atmospheric tracks, but the IO-12 wins out when it comes to replicating a live environment.

Low End

Both the Bathys MG and IO-12 have a bass response that offers something for everyone. For instance, the Bathys MG has a tight bass that will satisfy listeners who value control and warmth. The IO-12 has a richer response that has more of a physical impact, and it’s able to extract more depth out of the lows as a result. The MG also has some weight to it, but the IO-12 has more significant thump to it, but might put it more over the edge based on what kind of bass performance you prefer.

Mids

The midrange on both the Bathys MG and the IO-12 is similar, aside from a few key factors. Both headphones have the same level of clarity and articulation with natural tonality. If you prefer a more laid-back presentation, the Bathys MG fits that mold more than the IO-12, which has a more forward display in comparison. The IO-12’s midrange feels denser and even more separated with its instruments.

Highs

Those who like their highs smooth and easy to consume will strongly prefer the Bathys MG to the IO-12. The Bathys has some nice air to it, with a fluffy tonality that extends but doesn’t exactly taper off. I tend to prefer a bit of brightness, which the IO-12 delivered to me. It has a more shimmery tonality that holds a more precise, surgical response compared to the softer MG.

Summary

Both the Focal Bathys MG and the DALI IO-12 are elite wireless headphones built for audiophiles who won’t compromise. The Bathys MG is more flexible and user-friendly, while the IO-12 brings studio-grade precision to a Bluetooth package. Ultimately, your choice comes down to listening preference: lush and enveloping vs clean and punchy.

The Focal Bathys MG and DALI IO-12 are available at Audio46 and Audio46 Express.