Anyone with APMs - have you tried Focal Bathys or B&W PX8? How did they compare?

[ISignedUpToAskThis]

After using my APP2s for the past few months I'm wanting "more" and thinking of picking up a set of APMs again.

Since I last owned a set of APMs, there have been two new wireless headphones which have a similar or slightly higher price point - Focal Bathys (around $699) and B&W PX8 (around $599). If I went with either I'd buy used/nearly-new so saving around $200 meaning I can get all three headphones for around the same price.

I've heard amazing things about the Bathys, and likewise the PX8. All of the reviews I've read seem to say that the APMs are the best at noise cancellation and call quality, but the other two are better in terms of sound quality.

Just wanted to know if anyone on here had any first hand experience of either?

 

[GarethR]

I have both the Max and the PX8 currently and did have the Bathys. Sold the Bathys because ultimately prefer the PX8 sound signature and there wasn't enough differentiation between them, the PX8 and the APM. The PX8 is simply superb. Really well made with high quality materials. The Bathys is mostly plastic and built nothing like as well as the PX8 or APM. Whilst that might not be an issue for some where sound is the only priority it was an issue for me when spending that much.

The PX8 signature is very unique. Nothing out there like it, and it's often a love it or hate it thing. More people appear to love it than hate it though. Its quite intimate and the best way to describe is that you're sat right at the front at a concert, compared to a wider stage that the Bathys provide which is more like sitting in the middle of the band playing.

Call quality on the PX8 is very acceptable. Its transparency mode isn't anything like as natural as the APM though. But then nothing comes close to any AirPods there.

The APM is great also - particularly with films via AppleTV etc with the Atmos support. It also has that deep rumbling sub bass which is perfect for film.

For me the APM and PX8 are different enough to justify owning both.

There are some really good threads on all three over on Head-Fi, so I'd check those out too.

A couple of other options to consider, Master & Dynamic MW75 and the Mark Levinson 5909 too. They're actually a very similar set of cans, both made my Harman and share many commonalities, but with slightly differing tuning.