Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Focal Bathys · Midnight Black — Over-ear · 2022
Focal

Focal Bathys · Midnight Black

Over-ear · 2022

92
/ 100
From $799
VS
Audeze MM-500 — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze MM-500

Planar magnetic

92
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Bathys · Midnight Black lands at 92 and Audeze MM-500 at 92. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Focal Bathys · Midnight Black if…

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

Pick Audeze MM-500 if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

Focal Bathys · Midnight Black

ANC strength for commute and travel

Focal Bathys · Midnight Black leads on anc (90 vs 0).

Comfort

Focal Bathys · Midnight Black

Long-session wearability

Focal Bathys · Midnight Black leads on comfort (91 vs 88).

Value for money

Focal Bathys · Midnight Black

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Focal Bathys · Midnight Black more score per dollar ($799 vs $1,699).

Focal Bathys · Midnight Black 92
vs
92 Audeze MM-500

Score breakdown

Focal Bathys · Midnight Black
92
anc 90
sound 92
comfort 91
battery 82
features 88
Audeze MM-500
92
anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Focal Bathys · Midnight Black versus Audeze MM-500 — full spec comparison
Spec Focal Bathys · Midnight Black Audeze MM-500
Type
Over-ear
Planar magnetic
Release year
2022
—

Focal Bathys · Midnight Black

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

Audeze MM-500

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

FAQ: Focal Bathys · Midnight Black vs Audeze MM-500

Which is better, Focal Bathys · Midnight Black or Audeze MM-500? +

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

Is Focal Bathys · Midnight Black worth the price? +

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

Is Audeze MM-500 worth the price? +

At $1,699, Audeze MM-500 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in battery.

Does Focal Bathys · Midnight Black or Audeze MM-500 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 noise cancelling, Focal Bathys · Midnight Black or Audeze MM-500? +

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

Which is better for comfort, Focal Bathys · Midnight Black or Audeze MM-500? +

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