In the hall of luxury headphones, few names ring louder than the Focal Bathys. Flexing impeccable out-of-the-box sound, longform comfort, and strong premium features, the French company crafts a listening experience still relevant approaching four years post release. Sony hit their own milestone this year with the ten year anniversary of their first 1000X model, releasing the luxury tier 1000X THE COLLEXION in celebration. As a pinnacle for the series, Sony fine tunes the technological milestones that have kept this line of headphones thriving for a decade.
Listening to them both side-by side, can Sony’s foray into the luxury world challenge one of its most enduring champions?
Package Contains
| Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION | Focal Bathys |
|
|
Build Design
As both are reiterations of preexisting designs, those familiar will know what to expect visually. The 1000XX actualizes its luxury status by vastly improving materials, using stainless steels and vegan leather to give a stronger, more comfortable experience. It also has a slimmed down profile in comparison to the prior XM6. Next to the Bathys, the lighter and thinner feel of the 1000XX is immediately noticeable, making it feel more outwardly portable.
The Bathys draw from the standard Focal model, with a few extra wireless tricks. Focal approaching the true wireless market as an outsider helps the Bathys stand out with some unconventional strengths. Defying the standard flashing button, the headphones go the extra mile with lights placed under the Focal logo for a futuristic look. They also fully commit to button controls, which I subjectively appreciate. Even if it is certainly heavier, the pads and headband felt more physically comfortable.
Sound & Feature Design
Pitting audio and feature specs against each other makes their product philosophies abundantly clear. Sony upgrades everything from the 1000XX line to create a luxury version of their premium wireless headphone experience. Collaborating with mastering engineers, Sony pushes a 30mm bespoke driver to better engage clarity and power. Their industry-fronting noise cancelling is made even better through their Q3 and V3 processors, brought through 12 mics. ANC becomes even more advanced through its adaptive capabilities, adjusting intensity to pressure and fit. Sony also carries over their Spatial Audio and smart app capabilities for even more customized listening.
Focal, by contrast, pulls much from their hi-fi standard to bring wired quality to a portable audience. Sporting a smaller, lighter version of their aluminum/magnesium “M-shaped” dome driver, the Bathys adjusts to its wireless specs whilst maintaining Focal’s sound standard. The standout feature for these is its on-board DAC mode, which allows for seamless wired connection through either a 3.5mm or USB-C port. Focal makes sure to keep up to speed with great ANC and Focal’s own smartphone app. While I can give high praise to the ANC, the Focal app needs some serious adjustment. Even in the coin-flip chance that it actually opens and works, its lineup of features are noticeably bare, especially in comparison to Sony or Sennheiser.
Prioritizing wireless smart features, the 1000XX far exceeds the Bathys in ANC strength and smart functionality. Those looking for a strong headphone from which to fine-tune their audio experience can look to the 1000XX. While Focal certainly falls behind in comparison, its audiophile base and wired options make it more appealing in sound potential, keeping it competitive for listeners drawn from the audiophile space.
Wireless Connection
Being four years newer, it should be expected that Sony has the stronger Bluetooth connectivity. Using Bluetooth 6.0, the 1000XX supports SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3 for seamless connection. Android users have access to LE audio to make that connection even tighter. The Bathys is inevitably dated by comparison, working with version 5.1 and SBC, AAC, AptX and AptX Adaptive.
Evidently, Sony has an edge in Bluetooth, but that does not mean the Bathys’s connection is poor. I found both connections to be stable and sturdy even when switching devices through their shared multipoint capabilities.
Battery
Even as Sony’s modern technology shines, it unfortunately siphons more power for a shorter overall battery life. With noise-canceling activated, the 1000XX lasts 24 hours, growing to 30 with ANC off. The Bathys gets 30 even with noise canceling, and that number can grow further either disabling ANC or using a wired connection. Even if Sony’s is physically lighter, the Bathys’s stronger battery makes utility for commuters a toss-up to preferences.
Soundstage
Fortunately for both headphones, neither felt too limited by their closed back nature. Sony’s stage might not feel as expansive as the Bathys, but its more intimate range made its impressive layering stick out. Placement, however, did end up feeling foggier in comparison. Spatial Audio unfortunately does not help much, as it pushes the stage outward in a way that feels incredibly artificial.
No stranger to a good closed back, Focal ensures the stage of their wired models be emulated here too. Extended width provides a broad foundation from which the other dimensions compliment. Layering is impeccably precise, putting every instrument in believable and satisfying positions. For the typical luxury soundstage, the Bathys has a clear edge.
Low End
Both headphones offer robust low ends, but approach their dynamics in different ways. Sony puts the staple 1000X rumble into the 1000XX, with some added clarity of offload potential mud. This is the best version of the Sony bass signature, so that will be a blessing or curse to those familiar with the standard. Personally, I found it sounding really fun on heavier electric or metal tracks, but gave some unneeded growl to lighter songs.
Focal proves to be the smoother experience. Bass gets a good amount of grit, but will not swing as hard as the 1000XX. Trading for clarity, the Bathys feels rewarding in its rounded feel that gives each kick and pluck its full texture. The sound is a good all-rounder that does not feel compromised for any particular style.
Mids
With both having lower signatures, mids are not particularly the star on either. Each takes priority in different ranges. Opting for a vocal profile more forward than usual, Sony places its focus in preserving upper clarity. Instruments do not feel as impactful, supporting the heavier bass force. Focal’s vocals might not have the same quality, but its darker signature gives an interesting profile to the instrumentals. Where Sony’s excitement was more bass driven, mids are where the Bathys appear more fun. Electric guitars especially sound great, with the Fall of Troy’s “F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X” having a gripping bite and engaging musicality.
Highs
In comparison to the Bathys’s darker sound, the 1000XX has a crisper brightness. While acting more as a support to the bass, Sony’s treble range has an admirable gloss that does not draw attention away from its focus. It is here where these become a serious consideration for electronic listeners, as high synths stay bright and fast amongst a thunderous bass. The Bathys contrast this with a more natural sound. Certainly present and clear, they keep a smoothed treble sound to run alongside its tuning.
Summary
Sony and Focal establish two different definitions of luxury. The 1000XX is a prestige edition of the commercial wireless headphone. With its top grade ANC, lightweight build, and extended smartphone integration, the COLLEXION contextualizes these wireless features for a pricier market. Coming from a high-fidelity brand, the Bathys brings impressive sound and direct connection capability of hi-fi to a wireless market. Their desire to capture these respective external qualities also end up being their bigger setbacks. Sony’s sound sometimes feels too premium to be luxury, and Focal’s dedication to better sound can greatly compromise portability.
Deciding between them comes down to whether you are looking for a luxury wireless experience or a wireless luxury experience. If you want a pristine version of premium true wireless, there are few better choices than the 1000XX. Those prioritizing hi-fi sound on the go will likely prefer the Bathys.
The Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION and Focal Bathys are available at Audio46.
