Focal Bathys
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 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 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 BathysLong-session wearability
Focal Bathys 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 | 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
- +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 vs beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Which is better, Focal Bathys 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 worth the price? +
At $799, Focal Bathys 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 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 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 or beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII? +
Focal Bathys — leads on comfort (91 vs 88). Long-session wearability.