If you take a look at our best wireless headphones page, you'll find lots of great recommendations for every budget.
But if you're looking for the ultimate option when it comes to style, luxury and sound quality, there's only one line we'd recommend: the Focal Bathys series.
Luckily, the original Focal Bathys now has a price tag that's not quite as high-end as its appearance: the premium pair of cans is now £399 at Peter Tyson.
That's the lowest price we've seen for the wireless wonders, which previously dropped to £449 earlier this year. Given that we reviewed them at a whopping £699, that's a rather generous £300 discount.
Focal was previously better known for its wired headphone offerings, but that all changed with the release of the Bathys. We're pleased to report that this transition to Bluetooth hasn't resulted in a step down in finesse – even at their high-end launch price, these cans don't disappoint.
As you will have likely noticed, the usual Focal flair is present in the design, with aluminium ear cups and light-up logos. The playback buttons have a plasticky feel, but otherwise this is a gorgeous and solidly built pair.
The Bathys were Focal's first foray into active noise-cancelling, and a strong opening effort. Two different levels are available ('soft' or 'silent') as well as a 'Transparent' mode. There's also codec support for SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive.
30 hours of battery life is on offer, with charging via USB-C. There's even a USB-DAC mode that supports 24-bit/192kHz audio through the USB-C port.
However you listen, the Focal Bathys are among the most engaging wireless headphones we have heard.
As our Focal Bathys review reads: "Instantly we recognise the smooth, warm, full-bodied tonal balance the company’s wired headphones have found so much success with, and here too that is complemented by very good levels of resolution, dynamic subtlety and rhythmic ability within the context of their type and price."
If you're willing to go the wired route, then the USB-DAC mode adds a degree of refinement and tightness to the delivery.
Focal has released an updated model with a purely magnesium driver, helpfully called the Focal Bathys Mg. The sound is a cut above in terms of refinement and expression, though you'll have to swallow the £999 asking price.
With the high-end Focal Bathys now at a similar price to the majority of the premium headphone market, now is the perfect time to snap up a flashy pair of luxury headphones at a drop-down price. With as much substance as they do style, the Focal Bathys come highly recommended for £399 at Peter Tyson.
MORE:
How do active noise-cancelling headphones work? Are they worth it?
The best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy
And our pick of the best wireless headphones
