Video summary

Gauntlet Series - FINALE | Focal Bathys MG Headphones vs. écoute TH1 Headphones

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product(s) reviewed / compared

  • Focal Bathys MG (also shown in subtitles as “Focal Patise/Batiste MGs”) — tested in the Gauntlet finale
  • E (Acut/ Eoot) TH1 headphones — the winner in this head-to-head (final “final boss”)

Key features mentioned

Focal Bathys MG

  • Works with the Focal “name” app, including:
    • EQ settings
    • Sound Personalization
    • Noise cancelling set to silent mode
  • Tuning described as clear and refined
  • No specific hardware details beyond the app/EQ are mentioned in the subtitles

TH1 headphones

  • Includes built-in vacuum tube amplifiers
  • Known for:
    • Very wide soundstage
    • Smooth, top-notch clarity
    • Balanced instrument separation (e.g., violins/cello) and vocals
    • Autotune on an E-40 track doesn’t sound “tiny” and remains smooth (interpreted as good tuning smoothing)

Listening experience (what the reviewer said)

  • Both headphones:
    • Deliver good volume without needing to crank it
    • At the reviewer’s preferred level, they’re around 60–65%
    • Avoid obvious distortion/crackling even at higher volume (one track mentioned around 75–80%)
    • Provide clear vocals (lead + background), with strong consonant annunciation (B/P/T sounds)

Soundstage difference (major comparison)

  • Bathys MG: “standard/conventional” soundstage—neither too narrow nor too wide
  • TH1: much wider soundstage with a concert hall / amphitheater feel and more “airiness”

Bass behavior

  • Bathys MG:
    • Bass hits show more punch (notably on the E-40 / T-Pain track)
    • “Silk” fadeaways
  • TH1:
    • Still has good thump/punch
    • Bass does not disappear despite the wide soundstage
    • Reviewer perceives a different bass “type” / power emphasis

Pros / Cons mentioned

Focal Bathys MG

Pros

  • Notable improvement over OGs (“noticeable improvement over the originals”)
  • Clear, refined sound
  • Strong vocal clarity and detailed nuance
  • Comfortable on the reviewed track; autotune doesn’t become harsh or piercing

Cons

  • In this direct comparison, it’s not enough to dethrone the TH1
  • Reviewer suggests it may have slightly higher overall dB level than the TH1 when nitpicking (implying TH1 could be more efficient or balanced at lower perceived loudness)

TH1 headphones

Pros

  • Built-in tube amp (major differentiator)
  • Wider soundstage than Bathys MG
  • Smoother, crystal-clear overall tuning (reviewer repeatedly calls it “smooth”)
  • Better overall sound and more realistic spatial feel

Cons

  • None explicitly stated in the finale comparison subtitles

Comparisons made vs other headphones (context for ranking)

  • Bathys MG previously went toe-to-toe with:
    • Dolby IO2 (spelled “Dolly IO2s”)
    • T+ Solitary TE
  • Updated ranking context:
    • B&O Play H100 is #5 in the updated top five, but volume issues are hurting it
    • Reviewer hopes for an LDAC update
    • Possible future contenders:
      • Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2
      • Cambridge Melomania P100 S2/SE (not yet reviewed)

Winner / overall verdict

  • Verdict: The reviewer’s winner of this Gauntlet finale is Eoot/Acute TH1
  • Reason: Better overall sound, especially:
    • the wider soundstage
    • smoother, crystal-clear tuning
  • Despite losing, the reviewer still ranks Focal Bathys MG very highly and calls them a “forever pair,” just not enough to take the top spot.

Ratings / numerical scores

  • No formal star rating/score given.
  • Volume preference mentioned:
    • Preferred listening level: 60–65%
    • Example higher volume without distortion: ~75–80%

Unique points list (distinct claims about Bathys MG / TH1)

  1. Bathys MG tested via the Focal app with EQ, sound personalization, and noise cancelling (silent mode).
  2. Bathys MG deliver nice volume quickly (don’t need to be turned up much).
  3. Bathys MG vocals are detailed/clear, with great annunciation.
  4. Bathys MG background vocals “fill space.”
  5. Switching to TH1: also clear, smooth, and wide.
  6. TH1 vocals and nuance are described as especially smooth.
  7. On E-40/T-Pain: Bathys MG bass has nice punch, silk fadeaway, and very clean clarity.
  8. Bathys MG bass doesn’t distort at higher volume; no crackling or statically harsh sounds heard.
  9. On E-40: TH1 has wider soundstage, clear crystal-like lyrics/vocals, and bass punches without disappearing.
  10. TH1 bass is described as a different character (due to wide staging) but remains impactful.
  11. Final track (Mozart) on Bathys MG: crisp violins, clear cello rumble, and full sound at the end.
  12. Final track on TH1: more theater-like presentation with wide soundstage, excellent instrument balance, and smoothness.
  13. Direct comparison: Bathys MG have a more standard soundstage; TH1 has much wider staging and better spatial realism.
  14. Both manage volume without distortion; preferred volume is 60–65%.
  15. Nitpicking suggestion: Bathys MG might show higher dB level than TH1.
  16. Bathys MG are a noticeable improvement over originals, but not enough for #1.
  17. Updated top five mention includes:

    • 1 TH1

    • 4 Focal Bathys MG

    • 5 B&O H100 (volume issue)

    • Other entries mentioned: #3 “Dolly IO2s” and #2 T+ Solitary TE

Speakers

  • Single main speaker/reviewer throughout the subtitles (no separate distinct speakers indicated).

Original video