Focal Bathys · Midnight Black
Over-ear · 2022
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Studio reference · Open · 250Ω
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Bathys · Midnight Black 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 · Midnight Black 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
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKIITuning, detail, and staging
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII leads on sound (96 vs 92).
Comfort
Focal Bathys · Midnight BlackLong-session wearability
Focal Bathys · Midnight Black leads on comfort (91 vs 88).
Value for money
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKIISpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII more score per dollar ($599 vs $799).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Focal Bathys · Midnight Black | 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 · Midnight Black
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
- +Reference-class detail retrieval
- +Made in Germany build
- +Includes both balanced + analytical pads
- −Open-back leaks sound
- −Needs amplification (250Ω)
- −No wireless variant
FAQ: Focal Bathys · Midnight Black vs beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Which is better, Focal Bathys · Midnight Black 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 · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $799, Focal Bathys · Midnight Black 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 · Midnight Black 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 · Midnight Black 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 · Midnight Black or beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII? +
Focal Bathys · Midnight Black — leads on comfort (91 vs 88). Long-session wearability.