When it comes to premium wireless headphones, both the Mark Levinson 5909 and Focal Bathys are considered top-tier options, offering exceptional sound quality, comfort, and advanced features. These headphones are designed for serious audiophiles and those who appreciate high-quality materials and cutting-edge technology. In this comparison, we’ll dive into the design, sound performance, key features, and value of each model to help you make an informed decision about which pair suits your needs best.
Design and Build Quality
Materials and Comfort
Both the Mark Levinson 5909 and Focal Bathys are crafted with high-end materials and designed for comfort, but each has its own distinct aesthetic.
Mark Levinson 5909: The 5909 headphones have a sophisticated, luxurious design featuring high-quality materials such as stainless steel, leather, and soft-touch finishes. The earcups are made from a durable material that provides a plush feel, while the headband is padded for added comfort during long listening sessions. Weighing 11.4 ounces (320 grams), they are fairly lightweight but still carry a sense of premium quality. Their ergonomic design makes them ideal for extended wear.
Focal Bathys: The Focal Bathys features a sleek and modern design, with a combination of high-grade aluminum and leather. The earcups are made from aluminum, while the headband is reinforced with leather for added durability. The Bathys headphones weigh 15.2 ounces (430 grams), making them a bit heavier, but their robust build quality ensures they feel secure and comfortable on the head. The memory foam ear cushions offer a snug fit that enhances passive noise isolation.
| Feature | Mark Levinson 5909 | Focal Bathys |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 11.4 oz (320 g) | 15.2 oz (430 g) |
| Materials | Leather, Stainless Steel | Aluminum, Leather, Memory Foam |
| Comfort | Plush earcups, padded headband | Memory foam ear cushions, padded headband |
Both headphones offer premium comfort, though the Focal Bathys is slightly heavier, which may feel more substantial during longer sessions.
Sound Quality
Audio Performance and Signature
The heart of any high-end headphone is its sound quality, and both the Mark Levinson 5909 and Focal Bathys excel in this area, but they offer different sound signatures that will appeal to different tastes.
Mark Levinson 5909: The 5909 offers a neutral, balanced sound profile, which makes it ideal for audiophiles who prioritize accuracy and detail. With custom 40mm dynamic drivers, the 5909 provides clear and precise highs, well-rounded mids, and tight, controlled bass. The soundstage is expansive, offering excellent instrument separation and clarity, especially in classical, jazz, and acoustic music. The overall experience is natural and uncolored, perfect for those who want to hear music as the artist intended.
Focal Bathys: The Focal Bathys has a slightly more dynamic and warm sound signature, emphasizing a punchier bass and more vibrant mids. Its custom 40mm drivers deliver a rich and immersive listening experience, with deep bass response that is satisfying but not overpowering. The highs are crisp, and the mids are rich, making the Bathys ideal for genres like electronic, pop, and rock. It strikes a balance between detail and excitement, offering a more engaging sound compared to the neutral profile of the 5909.
| Feature | Mark Levinson 5909 | Focal Bathys |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Signature | Neutral, Balanced | Warm, Punchy, Dynamic |
| Driver | Custom 40mm Dynamic | Custom 40mm Dynamic |
| Bass Response | Tight, Controlled | Deep, Punchy |
| Soundstage | Expansive, Clear | Rich, Immersive |
The 5909’s sound is ideal for those who prefer precision and neutrality, while the Bathys offers a more dynamic and engaging listening experience with a focus on bass and warmth.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Features
Noise Isolation and Extra Features
Both headphones are equipped with hybrid ANC technology, but their performance and additional features differ slightly.
Mark Levinson 5909: The 5909 offers adaptive hybrid ANC, which automatically adjusts the noise cancellation level based on your environment. This makes it ideal for use in a variety of settings, from noisy offices to quieter spaces. The headphones also include an app that allows users to customize the sound profile, adjust the ANC settings, and control other features. The 5909 supports Bluetooth 5.1, LDAC, and aptX for high-resolution wireless audio streaming.
Focal Bathys: The Focal Bathys also features hybrid ANC, with multiple levels of noise cancellation that can be adjusted based on the environment. One standout feature of the Bathys is its “ambient mode,” which allows users to let in some outside noise when needed, making it useful for situations like commuting or traveling. The Bathys supports Bluetooth 5.1, LDAC, and aptX Adaptive, providing high-quality streaming with minimal latency.
| Feature | Mark Levinson 5909 | Focal Bathys |
|---|---|---|
| ANC | Adaptive Hybrid ANC | Hybrid ANC with Ambient Mode |
| Wireless Audio | Bluetooth 5.1, LDAC | Bluetooth 5.1, LDAC, aptX Adaptive |
| App Control | Yes, for EQ and ANC | No app, but ANC adjustable |
The Mark Levinson 5909 allows more customization through its app, while the Focal Bathys offers the added flexibility of ambient mode for greater situational awareness.
Battery Life and Charging
Longevity and Charging Speed
Battery life is a key consideration for wireless headphones, especially for those who use them on long flights or commutes.
Mark Levinson 5909: The 5909 offers up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC activated, which is excellent for most users. It also supports fast charging, providing 6 hours of playback with just 15 minutes of charging time.
Focal Bathys: The Bathys offers a slightly longer battery life, providing up to 35 hours with ANC on. It also supports fast charging, giving 5 hours of playback from just 15 minutes of charging.
| Feature | Mark Levinson 5909 | Focal Bathys |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 30 hours (ANC on) | 35 hours (ANC on) |
| Fast Charging | 15 minutes for 6 hours | 15 minutes for 5 hours |
The Focal Bathys provides slightly better battery life, making it a better option for extended listening sessions.
Price and Value
Both headphones come with a premium price tag, but they offer great value for their respective feature sets.
| Feature | Mark Levinson 5909 | Focal Bathys |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Premium | Premium |
| Value for Money | Excellent, with neutral sound and app control | Excellent, with engaging sound and ambient mode |
Both headphones provide exceptional value for their price, but the Mark Levinson 5909 may be the better choice for those seeking the most neutral and customizable audio experience, while the Focal Bathys offers more dynamic sound, superior battery life, and added features like ambient mode.
Who Should Choose Which?
| User Type | Recommended Model |
|---|---|
| Audiophiles | Mark Levinson 5909 |
| Bass Lovers | Focal Bathys |
| Frequent Travelers | Focal Bathys |
| Long Listening Sessions | Focal Bathys |
| Customizable Sound Preferences | Mark Levinson 5909 |
Final Verdict
The Mark Levinson 5909 is ideal for audiophiles who prefer a balanced, neutral sound signature and customizable sound profiles. It’s the perfect choice for those who value accuracy and clarity in their music, as well as flexibility in their listening experience.
The Focal Bathys, on the other hand, is a better option for those who enjoy a warmer, more dynamic sound with an emphasis on bass. It’s also perfect for those who need longer battery life, better noise cancellation, and an ambient mode for greater flexibility in various environments.
Ultimately, both headphones are exceptional, but the choice depends on your personal sound preferences, features, and usage needs.