Hi everyone! Today, I want to share my experience with the new Focal Azurys Headphones. let me tell you, they have insanely good bass! These headphones have quickly become one of my favorite closed-back models at any price. Despite being based on the Focal Bathys wireless headphones, which I didn’t love, the wired Azurys blew me away.
In this review, I’ll share my unfiltered opinion on these headphones, covering their strengths, limitations, and more. We’ll also get a fresh take from Courtney, who isn’t typically into high-end headphones. Let’s dive in!
Design and Comfort
The Focal Azurys headphones are built on the Bathys chassis but are lighter by about 50 grams, weighing only 306 grams. This makes them very comfortable. Compared to other Focal headphones, the Azurys has a smaller profile, fitting better and more comfortably on my head. The ear cups swivel, and the ear pads are nice, though they can make a bit of noise.
There’s no active noise cancellation, but the passive seal is decent for a closed-back headphone. The construction uses more plastic than higher-end Focals, which feels a bit more consumer-grade, but the comfort benefits are worth it.
Weight: 306 grams
Noise Cancellation: None
Material: Plastic, with a focus on comfort
Sound Quality
Bass
The bass on the Azurys is phenomenal. It has a lot of quantity and quality, offering impressive impact and volume without sacrificing clarity. The sub-bass performance is excellent, hitting hard with a clean and precise impact. The mid-bass is also very clean, not interfering with the mid-range.
Mid-Range
The mid-range leans a bit warmer compared to other Focals. While not as technically good as some other headphones, it offers a pleasing and enjoyable listening experience. Vocals sound better on the Azurys than on other closed-back headphones like the Lyric 2.
Treble
The treble response is clear and detailed, providing a surprising amount of technicality without being too forward or harsh. The clarity is apparent from the first song you listen to.
Soundstage and Imaging
The imaging on the Azurys is excellent, very precise for its price range. The soundstage is limited by the closed-back design, but it still performs well within its constraints.
Sub-Bass: 20-60 Hz
Mid-Bass: Clean and impactful
Mid-Range: Warm and enjoyable
Treble: Clear and detailed
Soundstage: Limited but good for a closed-back
Imaging: Very precise
Technical Aspects
Efficiency
The Azurys works fine off a laptop or phone, though it pushes the phone to its limits. It doesn’t scale much with higher-end amps, which is beneficial for a mobile-based closed-back headphone.
Build Quality
While the build uses a lot of plastic, it feels durable and comfortable. The color is a nice change from the usual black, though opinions on its aesthetics may vary.
Efficiency: Works well with mobile devices
Build: Plastic, but durable
Color: A refreshing change from black
User Experience
My Experience
I love the Focal Azurys. The bass is impactful and clean, the mid-range is warm, and the treble is clear and detailed. Despite being a closed-back headphone, it doesn’t have the typical drawbacks like a bloated bass or a dead mid-range.
Courtney’s Take
Courtney, who usually isn’t into high-end headphones, preferred the Azurys over other models we’ve tested. She found them lighter, more comfortable, and better sounding overall. She did have some critiques about the design, particularly the blue color, which she didn’t like.
Comparisons
Vs. Focal Bathys
The Azurys is wired and lighter than the Bathys, making it more comfortable. While the Bathys has noise cancellation and Bluetooth, the Azurys offers better sound quality, especially in the bass and mid-range.
Vs. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Compared to the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro, the Azurys offers cleaner and more impactful bass. The DT 770 Pro is a good headphone, but the Azurys outperforms it in terms of bass cleanliness and overall sound quality.
Key Takeaways
- Bass: Insanely good, both in quantity and quality
- Comfort: Lightweight and fits well
- Sound Quality: Fun, easy, and technical
- Build: More plastic but durable and comfortable
- Value
FAQs
Q: Does the Focal Azurys have noise cancellation?
A: No, it does not have active noise cancellation.
Q: Is the Focal Azurys comfortable for long listening sessions?
A: Yes, it’s very comfortable and lightweight, making it suitable for extended use.
Q: How does the Focal Azurys compare to other closed-back headphones?
A: It offers superior bass and overall sound quality, making it one of the best closed-back headphones in its price range.
the Focal Azurys headphones are a fantastic addition to any audiophile’s collection. With their incredible bass, comfortable design, and excellent sound quality, they offer great value for their price. While they have some limitations, like the lack of noise cancellation and a more plastic build, the overall performance and comfort make them a top recommendation. If you’re looking for a closed-back headphone that delivers on all fronts, the Focal Azurys is a great choice.