Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White

Planar magnetic

90
/ 100
From $799
VS
Focal Bathys wins by 2
Focal Bathys — Over-ear · 2022
Focal

Focal Bathys

Over-ear · 2022

92
/ 100
From $799
Specdex verdict

Focal Bathys takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White lands at 90 and Focal Bathys at 92. That puts Focal Bathys ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Focal Bathys if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Focal Bathys

Tuning, detail, and staging

Focal Bathys leads on sound (92 vs 90).

Noise cancelling

Focal Bathys

ANC strength for commute and travel

Focal Bathys leads on anc (90 vs 0).

Comfort

Focal Bathys

Long-session wearability

Focal Bathys leads on comfort (91 vs 88).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White 90
vs
92 Focal Bathys

Score breakdown

Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White
90
anc 0
sound 90
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Focal Bathys
92
anc 90
sound 92
comfort 91
battery 82
features 88

Specs side-by-side

Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White versus Focal Bathys — full spec comparison
Spec Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White Focal Bathys
Type
Planar magnetic
Over-ear
Release year
—
2022

Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Focal Bathys

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White vs Focal Bathys

Which is better, Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White or Focal Bathys? +

Focal Bathys scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White worth the price? +

At $799, Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in battery.

Is Focal Bathys worth the price? +

At $799, Focal Bathys delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.

Does Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White or Focal Bathys last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White or Focal Bathys? +

Focal Bathys — leads on sound (92 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White or Focal Bathys? +

Focal Bathys — leads on anc (90 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.