The Focal Bathys MG promises to push the boundaries of wireless sound excellence, but at $1,499 / £999, it's more like a black hole in your wallet. Despite its compelling stock sound and comfortable design, there are cheaper headphones that deliver just as much pleasure.

Connectivity is top-notch with Bluetooth 5.2 and multiple audio codecs, but the app-based EQ feels like a blunt instrument, suggesting the stock settings already do an excellent job. Customisation through Sound Personalisation didn’t always enhance the listening experience for me; in fact, it sometimes drew too much attention to background noises.

The battery life is impressive at 30 hours with ANC and even more when wired up, but the premium price tag makes it a tough sell. It's all about balance – the sound quality is superb, but so are many less pricey options on the market.

For those who need to justify their spending or have an unyielding desire for high-end audio, the Focal Bathys MG might be a worthy investment. For the rest of us, perhaps sticking with proven classics and saving some cash is the smarter choice.