Abyss Diana V2 Review | Among the best headphones on the Planet.

[@Shabu10]

Imagine DMS behind the camera with a gun pointing at him

[@GP-qb9hi]

xD

[@DMS3TV]

pffff I wouldn't do that. It was a crossbow come on.

[@nikks1371]

@@DMS3TV yeah, makes sense

[@theyruinedyoutubeagain]

@@DMS3TV you and Josh are the worst influences ever. My kids will miss Christmas this year because of you!

[@heavynova]

You beat me to this. Tier rank with DMS then next day this

[@VenVile]

Best headphones in the world, and all that good stuff. That's cool and all, but for 3000usd, comfort shouldn't even be a question.

[@MakubexGB]

Agreed. I couldn't call it "insanely well built" and also say it's not comfortable.

[@azzaisme]

No these headphones oubd the best I just don't want to wear them

[@amritjanardhanan]

Not all headphones are perfect, get the meze empyreans if you want peak comfort

[@cicada6957]

Of course not all headphones are perfect but imagine paying 3000 and it tries to kill you every time you wear it

[@amritjanardhanan]

He didn't say "oh my god these things feel like they're made of thorns" he said "these aren't exceptionally comfortable but they aren't uncomfortable either"

[@rickmathis8590]

I've auditioned both the Phi and V2 versions of this headphone.. I find the Phi version to be amazing on audiophile grade recordings, but it can be rather unpleasant for less than pristine music which means that their deficiencies can be brutally apparent. The V2 doesn't seem to have that as a problem, and I can listen to my less than audiophile recordings with an equal amount of pleasure. I agree with you, Josh. The V2, for me, is a superior headphone and the one that I am saving to get. Thanks for such a great review!

[@nate6862]

For only the cost of a daily cup of coffee...for like 11 years...

[@JoshuaValour]

this would last longer than 11 years.

[@DarkFireBlade25]

or going from 1000$ rent to 700$ rent for 10 months

[@fullyverified7491]

I dont think thats right dude. Edit I did the math. Its closer to 2 - 3 years depending on how much your cup of coffee costs ($4 - 6).

[@grau6770]

@Tasunke Calm down, no need to be so rude

[@YuhNinja]

@Tasunke I already told you I have dyslexia. Here's what happened. I divided the number backwards and I added an extra 0 in my head. 11x3650 = 40,150 ÷ 3000 = $13.38) when instead it should have been 11x365 = 4,015 then 3,000 ÷ 4,015 = 0.74 Imagine getting so mad over math. ;)

[@RonnyC98]

DMS: “Arya is F tier.” Joshua: “SO YOU HAVE CHOSEN DEATH.”

[@user-yo3cg9ev8y]

he isnt wrong tho lol

[@stephanebetzi576]

The small music segments in your videos are always amazing. I don't know how you do it. It's like the sound is fuller than normal. Well done !

[@kbeau937]

Between you, DMS and Z.. and all of the more recent reviewers, you guys have helped me get through my wifes cancer battle and helped me keep my mind off of things.... Although she isnt happy about the money spent XD

[@alvinnzx1]

hope she gets well soon bro

[@JoshuaValour]

I truly hope she makes a full recovery and kicks cancers ass. Cancer is shit.

[@kbeau937]

@@JoshuaValour goes without saying but thanks, me too! 2020 isn't a good year

[@Stormcrownn]

@@kbeau937 Hope you are still doing well.

[@kbeau937]

@@Stormcrownn thank youu.. life's moving foward

[@monstamicz]

Me: Watching a very good review of a headphones I will never own.

[@BUTTERFLY-zl4dp]

can't you buy that for hearing kpop

[@StrangerInParadise58]

Great review, Josh. I agree with you completely. I have had my Diana V2 for about two and a half years now and thought they were very good. But recently I purchased the new bass-ported ear pads and OMG ... now I can’t listen to any of my other headphones! Additionally, I started listening to this through my Burson Soloist 3X Grand Tourer HPA, and combined with the new ear pads, these are just performing on another level! I also have a Violectric V281 - which I love - that sounds great, but I think I am actually liking the Burson Soloist 3X GT a little better. It is just a little cleaner and it seems to drive the Diana V2 with just a little bit more bass, which just makes it sound perfect. Everything I play through these sound great. I just have to emphasize that I think the new bass-ported ear pads are a super value-added upgrade in both sound and comfort. After breaking the pads in for a few hours, they now just disappear on my head and I get completely engaged in & lost in my music. 🎼💓🎼 FYI, for a DAC I am feeding them through the Mytek Liberty DAC II - which is a great sounding DAC.

[@aceofspades6667]

I have the 1266 Phi TC and it's near perfection.... It's certainly not portable and she's very amp finnicky but my god the performance is great across the board. Haven't heard the Diana but would love to one day. Great review!

[@gbarrows04]

What amp do you use for her?

[@NA26626]

This was just one of those videos you love to just listen to. If I ever have enough money I will buy this!

[@piyush10793]

Diane V2 vs Hifiman Arya, which one would you choose just based on sound

[@JoaoBarbosa1996]

so this is why you were with DMS ahah

[@JoshuaValour]

Nope. Filmed long before I was there. I was able to do the 1266 review while I was up there though!

[@JoaoBarbosa1996]

@@JoshuaValour hope you nicked some of his collection ahah

[@JoshuaValour]

Actually, speaking of that, I did ask them about the 45 degree driver thing, they said it was just a smaller footprint due to where the leads come off the magnet.

[@corbinchristensen1555]

Josh, while you were there, did DMS put you on one of the XIAudio amps with the V2, and did it make you reconsider your thoughts on the bass here? From what I understand, the abyss headphones are super amp dependant for low end

[@JoshuaValour]

@@corbinchristensen1555 I listened to a slightly older version of the Furmula S. All of the abyss headphones are deeply responsive in all ranges to the amps. The bass does float around a bit amp to amp, but it never reaches crazy strong levels imo. 1266 is a bit different though. More info on that soon.

[@PhilBoggild]

Hey Josh, is a review of the ZMF Verité something we can potentially look forward to?

[@klaymoon1]

I hope you review Diana TC soon!

[@Thugbubbles]

Hedd headphone review? Would love a comparison between hedd and Diana.

[@RyuMasterEX]

These definitely sound amazing, just way more transparent than most headphones yet it has more bass than those of the clarity focused headphones. However going straight to a well amped ab-1266 really shows the scale of difference, in basically everything. There are few headphones out there that can also do the warmer enjoyable sound yet have a large soundstage but they come in at higher price.

[@brianpacheco1927]

Arya can do it

[@krisrudecki9477]

When you have excellent drivers, FR and things that come from it like timbre, euphonic qualities etc. can in most cases be easily achieved and adjusted using EQ. Changing the sound stage, dynamics and general presentation however is pretty much impossible. Something to bare in mind.

[@jasonfranciosa]

Pretty sure I'm going to start using Joshua's intro's as test tracks on new headphones from now on.

[@dayman888]

Yeah he has amazing tracks and visuals for his videos.

[@hugevibez]

You could also just buy a Moog and open a whole new can of worms of audiophilia

[@TimpTim]

So, be sure to check out the music that John Darko uses as intro and transitions within the videos. Amazing!!!

[@mrfrosty3]

Beautiful photography. It is very impressive that such a sleek looking headphone can sound so awesome. It looks so different to any others on the market. I'm going to have to try them out.

[@onicEQ]

Thank you for announcing the price at the beginning. Saved poor me 15 mins. lol

[@mimizone]

Thanks for the review. I am intrigued to try it now. I was surprisingly not amazed when listening to Abyss older models at CanJam, but I partly blame the noisy room. Btw, it may not be intensional I think, the background music covers your voice a bit before 5min and around 15min I believe.

[@Venndiagonal]

Is it weird that watching your reviews or DMS or Zeos, helps me with my depression?? LOL. Love your work man. Thank you for all your effort. This community is my favourite

[@thor8334]

hey man, hope you'll get better :)

[@allen0088]

Is it closed back? Because if it's not and doesn't have Soundstage then what's the point of the 3k price tag?

[@manchild8365]

This is the stupidest comment I’ve ever come across. A great headphone doesn’t just equal soundstage.

[@allen0088]

@Manchild a great headphone equals proper representation of the source and you cant achieve that without soundstaging. Stupid only seeing things as stupid fyi

[@manchild8365]

@@allen0088 bruh, a huge soundtsage can ruin a song. you know songs can have intimate vocals, plus its preference, not everyone needs a huge soundstage. i think you just think your opinions are the only ones that matter

[@allen0088]

@Manchild speakers have never ruined a song and its the largest soundstaging u can achieve. So your argument makes no sense. Like i should only listen to certain song through headphones because that darn soundstaging is just to present on my equipment. Just be quiet at this point.

[@GL-GildedLining]

I appreciate the review, Josh. Glad that you're on the scene for these things. (Sadly, even though I can buy these, I have big wingy ears, like to wear my cans for several hours at a time, and adore thunderous bass, so this pony ain't gonna run for me. Glad, though, to see that the state of this art is absolutely still inching ever forward.)

[@jamessteven9790]

when a pair of headphones costs more than your car

[@bak2mb]

i have the Empy its so comfy that sometimes i forget im wearing one…👍

[@thegloriouspotato6223]

Ever since I saw the LTT video, these have always been my dream endgame cans.

[@wanmanda]

Linus almost cried

[@alossson1865]

you should do a blind comparison test with someone who doesn't really know about headphones. Putting these against something like the 9500 could be interesting

[@Valla451]

Amazing video. Well done. And thank you for your insight.

[@TheJonazas]

These or Arya?

[@palefaced1]

So, since DMS is your boy and all, should we actually listen to this? Or do you get a cut from each set sold?

[@TheJudge064]

Between this and the phi's review I was really thinking how we don't have a lot of sounds to really describe sounds themselves. 90% of the terminology Joshua is using is derived from photography, which is kinda funny.

[@primeshmohanty7701]

5:51 That shot though! 👌

[@aeremi]

Solid review! Can't wait til you manage to get your hands on the ADX5000 :)

[@N02tradamus]

Hmmm Diana V2 better than Susvara? I have a feeling you didnt power the Susvara with speaker amps .... I need to stop watching reviews ... now im curious about the Diana v2 hahahaha

[@tusing7780]

I think I was one of the ones that described the HD800S as a microscope lol. I love the soundstage of the 800 though so I'm struggling with where to go from here

[@jamieteestudio]

HD800s is still king of soundstage. Really depends what next track of songs you listening to…

[@weygandttan]

Hello Josh, just wondering, what system do you use for v2 & phi? Any clue for dac amp? 😁

[@LakerTriangle]

I would bet the guys at Abyss do a whole video on why the magnets are at a 45 to answer your question.

[@hal9xxx321]

They will 😂. Those guys are my favourite. You can tell they're very passionate about their product.

[@hukama6911]

this would be far off, but just as fun fact brittle material fails due to tensile load and makes a right angle 'cut' and ductile material will fail due to shear and makes 45 deg angle cut. So if you have brittle material you orient the material 45 deg against the stress.

[@LakerTriangle]

@@hukama6911 but the magnet in the headphone isn't under any stressful load that would cause it to fail in that manner. The mounting and the outter material shell should prevent any flex beyond normal.

[@hukama6911]

@@LakerTriangle exactly why I said it's far off, it's not the answer.

[@musicxxa6678]

Abyss youtube channel is nice. Worth checking out. Lots of insight.

[@allydea]

Great review. I pretty much hated the Phi and didn't try the V2, but if the stage is even smaller, then I know this is not for me. What I look for in a headphone is to not distract from the music (comfort and naturalness of sound) and with the Phi, I could never forget I had it on because the music sounded so funky to me. I'm happy to hear there are others who love it.

[@chronometa]

I tried this at can jam. My favorite super endgame headphone from a planar perspective. Really good for metal tbh.

[@danm203]

You left out a disclaimer. I think you know which one.

[@joontech7715]

what is difference between v1 and v2?

[@ledfed1912]

I think the magnets are slanted due to it being easier to attach the driver to the connnector.

[@RealHIFIHelp]

I prefer the top Abyss model, it is a lot better, and in my opinion the second best headphone in the world currently. Most low - mid models almost always have a tame/numbing effect on the sound making it artificially more pleasant and nice in a lower level warmth kind of way, that is why I prefer the top Abyss model and also the top Focal Utopia model.

[@adriananonym8258]

Please do a review of the 1266 TC ... There is No really good review out there. In my opinion you are the best reviewer of Headphones and the 1266 tc is the best headphone that i have owend or listen to. Its expensive but Shit... Glad that i bought one after listening to this

[@haleyharris6539]

Awesome video Josh 👍

[@topaz5960]

What is the difference between the V2 and V1?

[@johnnylandry3226]

Any iem comparable to this you'd recommend?

[@enlistenmusic1719]

Those are some stranger things vibes in the music. Damn that sounds cool. Whatever track that is sounds incredible. Hope you use that track again.

[@i1pro]

Love your videos Joshua. I'm a big fan. Could you please review the Austrian Audio Hi-X55. I'm very close to pull the trigger but I'll wait because I want to hear your opinion and use your link.😉

[@StickySli]

I really thank I'm studying engineering. If things go right and I don't mess up, I'll be able to afford these headphones in a few years.

[@11clouds]

I imagine Dog and DMS making severe eye contact in the background

[@harackmw]

can anything cheaper compete?

[@parzival92]

Hey Joshua, I noticed a motorcycle helmet in the back of your room. What's your audio solution for motorcycling? (If you have one) could you maybe do a video on it? I haven't found a way I'm happy with yet.

[@IdkIdk-zv8yb]

I often dont use any audio when riding unless its on a long quite road simply to have that spacial awareness. Am interested in seeing what other people use when riding tho

[@JoshuaValour]

Really REALLY good ear plugs. My bike is pretty loud, so I gotta protect that hearing. Not riding long distance on it either, so no real big desire for music, as I catch enough of that at home lol.

[@parzival92]

@@JoshuaValour okay, thanks

[@dayman888]

Now the real question is when are you getting that AB-1266 Phi with the woo audio WA-33 amp?

[@tacobelljr]

Maybe someone asked this already but what songs did you use for this video? Loved the ending.

[@NicholsonNitroWorks]

Great review easy to understand. Did you see Tenet yet.

[@pacoedw]

Have you tried throwing crossfeed on them?

[@percival5207]

Please review the humble ‘Avantone Planar’, a 400 dollar hp released this month (Oct). It is basically a studio reference headphone and hands down beats the Arya for detail and Audeze X for dynamic impact. Very spacious soundstage and visceral impact of the bass is superb. all-metal build.

[@luizscheuer670]

Did you get an answer for the 45 degree thing?

[@Smood47]

Josh what amp did you use on the susvara?

[@connorking6315]

Could you make a video series on best AMP DAC and headphone combination at x prices?

[@Tential1]

Are you going to get the aeon rt anytime Soon?

[@Mr._MN10]

Great to hear your opinion on this headphone. Would be even more great if Abyss would send you the 1266 so we can get a better perspective / overview of their lineup! At least from your perspective. Hope this is not depending on whether you are positive or negative on their products. ps: How is this for FPS gaming ? Imaging, soundstage ? And compared to DT1990pro which I absolutely love for this purpose (with a littlebit of EQ on the treble spikes) DT1990 soundstage is on point, not too wide or roomy and imaging is very good and precise in my experience.

[@twanzwart]

That intro sound so much like the opening sound of one of those Netflix Original series. But I have no idea which one.. Which one was it again?

[@twanzwart]

Nevermind, it was Stranger Things obviously haha

[@Halvkyrie]

I want more of the music you used in the video. Care to share what it's called?

[@johnsonadekunle7675]

If you have ever heard the Arya on the Cayin HA-300 amp, you will drop everything else. The combo is like milk and honey. It's spectacularly special.

[@amanasd26]

a $4000 amp is crazy money

[@drharsha3376]

I took after your review and got a Hifiman Arya. Sold it after 2 months, because the treble absolutely killed my passion for listening. Would the Diana V2 be any better in the treble (meaning smooth and not sharp), or should I play safe and get the Meze Empyrean ?

[@thewoat6589]

Ive not heard the empyrean but nobody seems to think its worth $3k

[@bassimeledath2224]

@@thewoat6589 I think it's worth 3k. These headphones are a gem.

[@thewoat6589]

bassim eledath diana v2 or empyrean? I meant empyrean

[@weygandttan]

V2 definitely smoother and not sharp compared to arya.. v2 has a lot of potential, but it also depends on your system dac amp etc.. i sold all my open headphone and build the v2 system for my daily companion..

[@brianpacheco1927]

Arya even I think up to V3 had that annoying 5K peak. Soundstage was nice tho.

[@tr_vmi4844]

I was thinking a Schiit Mjolnir 2 or Topping A90....but I have no idea about the DAC. Any thoughts about the DAC in that same price range?

[@Skylancer727]

Curious how it compares to the L700 MK2. Personally really like the electrostatic sound so curious how they compare other than the obvious fact the L700 has an odd frequency response and almost everyone EQs it.

[@Testfortest142]

This or stax?

[@shreyasmahimkar4424]

are normal studio recordings good enough for these headphones?

[@corbinchristensen1555]

If you had to choose between these and the meze empyrian, which would you choose? I'm probably gonna get both at some point, but I wanna figure out which one to get first

[@enkahhh]

It really depends on your preferences. I did have the Empyrean, upgraded to the 1266 Phi and recently added the Diana V2 because it's easier to drive and it doesn't slaughter poor recordings as the 1266 Phi does. The Empyrean is a very comfortable and relaxing headphone in every aspect. The Diana V2 is technically much more capable: clarity, speed, detail, transparency, layering, you name it. It just grabs your attention. Besides comfort the Empyreans advantages are: more bass (which is a lot slower and far less detailed though) and the soundstage extension (not necessarily imaging). Mind you, comfort is not bad on the Diana V2 at all. I added some padding on the headband which improved things a lot. There's also the option to order the Diana Phi/V2 with the DMS pads that alleviate the pressure on the temples that some people complained about. I sold the Empyrean after hearing the Abyss house sound. Hope that helps.

[@jasonesterhuizen2089]

I can only dream of experiencing headphones of this caliber

[@nicklittle2413]

What amp/dac should I be using with these? I have the Focal Arche and I'm just not loving the v2 currently.

[@NoVoiOvi]

Got my Diana V2. Amazing, simply amazing. If you have the chance to listen to these let them saty on your head for a while, those pads need to adjust correctly, without it, sound has simply no soul and bass.Second I tried to run these with Topping A90 and E50, it was okay but i wanted to sell these as sound was not anything special, definetly not worth the asking of 3600e. Switched my amp to Singxer SA-1(no mod, yet), this improved the sound slightly and made these better, enjoyable. Next i swapped my dac to RME ADI Fs and bam, amazing, simply amazing, easy the best headphones i newer heard. Worth the 3600 asking? no, but you can get these around 2000e used, and now as i know how these sound id pay 2500e for these. But the biggest step up was the RME Dac, so get one, got mine used 700e. Just listening with the new dac setup, and with E50+Singxer SA-1 Adele was nothing special, now i can listen to her :)

[@enyx9638]

Thank you so much for that 800s comment! Made me laugh as well. You totally made my day.

[@bananaguard]

Just read your comment when he said that

[@life_in_solace]

I've heard the planar headphones fail alot alot. So is abyss any different? Do they actually last without breaking?

[@ZephonWing]

I was almost sold on them when I heard about the soundstage... which I prize... *sigh*

[@shadouxg7150]

Maybe the he 1000se

[@ZephonWing]

@@shadouxg7150 I recently had the chance to try the Diana V2 for myself. Absolutely loved it!

[@Josh-os2px]

@@ZephonWingwas thinking about about purchasing the V2 but the wonky measurements Audio Science did has me thinking twice

[@ZephonWing]

I'm now a proud owner of the V2, and I've never been happier about this purchase. I own multiple high-end IEMs and headphones, so far, the V2 and Odin are right up there. Glad I trust the Abyss guys after following their channel a bit and made the purchase decision.

[@brianpacheco1927]

@@ZephonWing How’s the soundstage on it?

[@dikiymedved9942]

Really nice presentation, thanks, for I can honestly say this will be as close as I will get!!! lol 😉

[@justinsugay1149]

With the advent of games like Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Red Dead Redemption 2, GTA 5, etc. Open world games I believe would benefit with open back headphones and 7.1 or 3D capabilities. I would envision a large sound stage and good imaging would enhance immersion. I say imaging because for example, when I play AC Odyssey, if while engaged with an enemy another attack coming from the rear say a boar, wolf, bear etc were to hit or more importantly an arrow, I would like to feel like within my dedicated game room to feel like I'm really in the middle of all the action. This being my man cave, I'm not concerned with my sounds affecting others and vice versa. I'm doing a lot of research and am leaning to the DT 1990s. What do you think would be better? I want to pair this with an A90 or D90 amp and will be playing this mostly on PC. With the onset of the pandemic I feel that I am not as alone in this market as one may think. Thanks!

[@loucipher7782]

*thanks, i will have this under installment and cancel my life insurance policy*

[@k-doggy1762]

The reason magnet lines are at a 45 degree angle is to match the logo above. You're welcome 😊

[@GingieAle]

You know it's a good headphone when Joshua puts the Stranger Things OST in the background

[@bassandtrebleclef]

I wonder how many $3000 headphones are sold every year.

[@allydea]

On the used forums? Quite a few. :-)

[@spartanV48]

More than you think. Looking outside, there are so many premium cars out there so people definitely have the money to pay for headphones this expensive.

[@DarkFireBlade25]

shoot you need to review the raal sr1a sometime to compare.

[@soulpath1]

And what is your #1 headphone, that's above this one?

[@mr.hansen5195]

You should check out the wireless Beoplay H95

[@julienchaudron9354]

I feel the 45 degree magnet are angled only for esthetic, to match the logo

[@olajideparis]

I love when you laugh about the 800 S

[@jacobmaston5462]

wtf I was looking at getting one yesterday then u post this my doubts are gone man

[@dasninjastix]

I'll take two please. I don't need both my kidneys, but I could use one V2 for upstairs and one for downstairs.

[@TiagrajI]

You have this and then you have the grado 3000es with the same foam and headband as the sr80... I can see the law of diminishing returns from miles

[@mikeythanos]

When you will be doing a review of the moondrop starfield iems?

[@edewolf1827]

No mention of comfort? So it is uncomfortable then?

[@kato2395]

I wonder what music this headphone is wonderful for? Is it an all rounder? Good for all but master to none?

[@user-yo3cg9ev8y]

you rly seem to dislike the hd800s heard you talking smack about them on a couple of videos wich is weird

[@svlagonda7417]

$3,000 is insane though.....