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Focal Bathys · Arctic White — Over-ear · 2022
Focal

Focal Bathys · Arctic White

Over-ear · 2022

92
/ 100
From $799
VS
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII — Studio reference · Open · 250Ω
beyerdynamic

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Studio reference · Open · 250Ω

92
/ 100
From $599
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Bathys · Arctic White lands at 92 and beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII at 92. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Focal Bathys · Arctic White if…

  • Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • Premium build
  • Active noise cancellation (most models)

Pick beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII if…

  • Reference-class detail retrieval
  • Made in Germany build
  • Includes both balanced + analytical pads
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Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Tuning, detail, and staging

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII leads on sound (96 vs 92).

Comfort

Focal Bathys · Arctic White

Long-session wearability

Focal Bathys · Arctic White leads on comfort (91 vs 88).

Value for money

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII more score per dollar ($599 vs $799).

Focal Bathys · Arctic White 92
vs
92 beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Score breakdown

Focal Bathys · Arctic White
92
anc 90
sound 92
comfort 91
battery 82
features 88
build 0
value 0
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
92
anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 0
features 0
build 96
value 84

Specs side-by-side

Focal Bathys · Arctic White versus beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII — full spec comparison
Spec Focal Bathys · Arctic White beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Type
Over-ear
Open-back dynamic
Release year
2022
Driver
45 mm Tesla
Impedance
250Ω
Frequency response
5 Hz – 40 kHz
Cable
Detachable XLR / 6.35mm
Weight
370 g

Focal Bathys · Arctic White

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

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Pros
  • +Reference-class detail retrieval
  • +Made in Germany build
  • +Includes both balanced + analytical pads
Cons
  • Open-back leaks sound
  • Needs amplification (250Ω)
  • No wireless variant

FAQ: Focal Bathys · Arctic White vs beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Which is better, Focal Bathys · Arctic White or beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII? +

Both score 92 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Focal Bathys · Arctic White worth the price? +

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

Is beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII worth the price? +

At $599, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.

Does Focal Bathys · Arctic White or beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII 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, Focal Bathys · Arctic White or beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII? +

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII — leads on sound (96 vs 92). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for comfort, Focal Bathys · Arctic White or beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII? +

Focal Bathys · Arctic White — leads on comfort (91 vs 88). Long-session wearability.