AMPS Tier list with ABYSS! Amps for High-End Headphones RANKED!

[@muckily]

A+: 4:08​ XiAudio Formula-S ($3499) 11:57​ Woo Wa33 JPS Edition ($9999) A: 1:38​ XiAudio Broadway ($2299) 3:13​ Benchmark HPA4 ($2999) 8:03​ HeadAmp GS-X mini ($1795) 13:43​ Woo Wa33 Elite Edition ($14999) 14:44​ Woo Wa33 Standard ($7999) 15:26​ Wells Audio HeadTrip 2 ($7000) B: 2:17​ XiAudio Broadway-S ($1599) 10:39​ Cavalli Liquid Spark ($110) 17:12​ Audiovalve Solaris (€4600) 20:13​ Topping A90 ($499) 21:58​ Moon Audio 430A ($4500) 25:14​ JDS EL Amp 2 ($249) 27:45​ Woo Wa5LE ($3699) C: 6:11​ iFi Micro iDsd black label ($549) 9:21​ HeadAmp GS-X MK-II ($2999) 24:12​ iFi xCan ($299) 26:26​ Woo Wa11 ($1259) D: 19:05​ THX AAA 789 ($299)

[@auro8649]

my hero

[@alexbrier718]

Thanks

[@SHUTDOORproduction]

I love you

[@black_n5492]

Still a hero

[@prabinpaudel5572]

Now do the dacs next. 😁

[@4eyescreative423]

I would love to hear their opinions on DACs.

[@davidpilon9433]

Especially for Chord product

[@prabinpaudel5572]

@@davidpilon9433 I'm interested in schiit bifrost 2. And qutest as well. 😁

[@CutieCakeClips]

If the D90 sucks then I need to know the best one under $1,000

[@snitte77]

I was thinking the same

[@aceofspades6667]

Thank you for doing this episode Abyss team, this was my favorite content you've done thus far! Maybe in 2021 we can get you guys to expand your list of Midfi and entry level hifi amps both Solid state and tubes. Many of the people are told spend 75% of your budget on the speaker/headphone and 25% on the front end so likely a ton of your new customers buying 1266 and Diana will need an entry level or midfi amp/dac to start and then budget to scale up over time.

[@aceofspades6667]

A few suggestions to tank going forward: Cayin IHA-6, Cayin HA300, Burson Soloist 3XP, violectric v281, Flux FA-10, ifi ican pro, singxer sa-1, viva egoista 845, trafomatic primavera,

[@sierre00]

McIntosh mha200, t+a ha200, gax evo, quad pa one+, liquid platinum, soundaware p1, luxman p750u, spl phonitor x, niimbus us5 pro, little dot y3, z1.

[@fueledbyyams]

I’m sure this has been recommended before, but I think it’d be fun to see these gents give their opinions on some highly praised headphones from other companies 🧠

[@chethammer]

Won't happen.....most likely ever.

[@nomiguda]

I wonder what their knowledge is like in the more affordable (500$) price point

[@bronsoncjmj]

They've reviewed the AirPod Max and really enjoyed the build.

[@bronsoncjmj]

@Spanxsy True, yeah. My Diana V2's are wild compared to the APMs, but I do enjoy listening to the APM on the go. I haven't invested in an audiophile-to-go set up yet. I'd suggest @Fueled By Yams check out DMS' channel. He works with the Abyss crew and reviews headphones from other companies. As for @hangm4n's hope for a $500 price point, you might find some there on DMS' channel. He recently reviewed a set of in-ears that were $79(?) and he stated he assumed they were around that $500 price point.

[@ltg6589]

I purchased an XiAudio Broadway last week from you (to complement my V2) and I love it!

[@xyanide1986]

"Yeah decent amp, mediocre DAC"... $4500.. lmao

[@mat.b.]

meanwhile they say the $500 Topping paired with a decent DAC would be exceptional says a lot about how these things are priced

[@utsavratti]

Not sure if there is a refresh of this now three-year old video. Would be great to see. Also would be interested if you would include some Schiit products like the Jotunheim and Mjolnir.

[@realcrypt1206]

Fantastic, I believe a few others commented with this as well, but one video I would love to see would be a DAC tier list! Thank you for the content

[@amimartian]

Next time, please use larger images, maybe stick an image on screen from time to time when talking about a hardware unit. Thanks.

[@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices]

That is my own major criticism of the video. 👆👆

[@NyaowYeon]

Was looking forward to this. Looking to upgrade my stack with the Diana v2 this year. Probably going with XI Audio. Would be cool to see a DAC tier list though! And perhaps link back to what dac sounds good with these amps.

[@mrdevlorx]

i run my diana phi with a d90 and an RME ADi-2 DAC fs. I find diana phi harmonizes very well with it.

[@davidpilon9433]

You forgot the Chord Hugo 2 and Chord Hugo TT2 !!?

[@tomas_m]

Probably because those are primarily DACs

[@davidpilon9433]

The Chord Hugo 2 is the best portable Amp/DAC for driving the Abyss Diana Phi.

[@MMRSean]

Would be very curious to hear what you guys think of the new Burson Soloist 3XP amp! A lot of people are saying it’s one of the best Class A amps out there now in the several thousand dollar range.

[@nathan518]

Same here. I'd really like to see more reviews of the Soloist. I've been eyeing it for a while now and I'm mainly wondering if it can compete with the Vioelectric stuff or the GS-X mini.

[@awo_kin]

How about cavalli liquid platinum tube amp?

[@hishamhussein4282]

Great Video! Do you have opinions on the best all-in-one DAC/AMP combos and how they compare with separates? That would be a great video!

[@JTB--]

Recently got the Burson Soloist 3X balanced amp. Really nice amp that has a little hybrid tube flavor to it. Not cheap... but you get what you pay for

[@jusjay468]

LOL 789 owner here... was looking to get a pair of diana's and upgrade later on... guess not

[@ABYSSHeadphones]

The 798 can definitely get you by until an upgrade. Nothing on the list is "bad" but there's other amps we just prefer more.

[@eskamobob8662]

No mojo or hugo? Not enough power?

[@twolazy6348]

Hi, could you guys elaborate more on why you don't like the thx 789?

[@twolazy6348]

@@CJNooberson it's 300 dollars for 6 Watts of power and good measurements?! It's pretty good value. My guess is they don't like how clinical it is or something else.

[@aceofspades6667]

@@twolazy6348 The sound signature and sound stage of the THX and Topping A90 leaves a bit to be desired. Low THD is a metric but it only means so much unlike what ASR will lead you to believe.

[@TheDessel]

@@aceofspades6667 I would agree with that... But then they rated the hpa4 as an “A” class amp? It’s basically sonically at the same ball park as the A90 and 789 to most ears(reviewers included) while costing considerably more, so...

[@aceofspades6667]

@@TheDessel Sorry Marc that is where my limitation of what I can speak on ends... I have only tried the Phi TC with the A90 and 789.. Both were immediate sells for me on head fi. The HPA4 comparisons are typically done on lower headphones so yeah if you're using a set of Sundaras or LCD2 then there may be 0 difference between A90 -> HPA4 but if you A-B but the Phi TC would be a different comp. I can say the A90 paired just fine with my HP3s and LCDX but was not a great fit with Abyss. It's fine for $400 but not great in absolute terms.

[@TheDessel]

@@aceofspades6667 Well I never personally heard all three with a Phi TC, but did with a Meze Empyrean, which is more or less in the same ballpark, as long as headphones go. Sorry, but I just honestly can't hear what makes the HPA4 better than the A90 (or 789, for what it matters). Maybe it's a personal taste? But to my ears, the HPA4 is not better in any way or form than the A90. And costs 2x or more (if compared to the 789). Personally, I think its "bang for the buck" is among one of the worst on this list. Yet, it was classified as an A class here. Maybe it pairs too well with 1266? Otherwise, I can't possibly think of a reason.

[@kchuen]

How about the Feliks Audio amps? Do you guys have any exp with those tube amps?

[@Geoffrey.McDonald]

Love all of these videos you guys are doing. Saving up to get some of your headphones and get more into some of these talks. Cheers!

[@Mr._MN10]

Cool video. Though wish you would have included the DCS bartok (amp part)

[@reitencheng4878]

Could you guys put the link or the name mentioned in the video in the description?

[@dillacorn_linux]

I feel they were a bit harsh on the 789.. or they haven't listened to it In a while. Must have not left a lasting impression because compared to the other amps in the C & B tier I personally feel like it beats some of them in technical and enjoyable performance.

[@spartanV48]

Well the list is not a overall amp tier list, it’s a amp tier list for Abyss headphones

[@dillacorn_linux]

@@spartanV48 oh I didn't catch that. Thanks! That makes a lot more sense...

[@lukeshatterhand1969]

Do you have experience with Abyss Headphones and the Luxman P-750u? Where would you put it in your ranking?

[@Android-nv7gu]

How about the Schiit Magnius?

[@rickyshinobi2303]

I need a good option for a headphone amp to use for production, mixing, and mastering, so something that doesn't color the music too much or something that I can toggle mode from dynamic to linear. Is there such a thing? I see things like Rupert Neve or Little Labs options in headphone amps. What do you all think? What would you suggest? Also, I have both balanced and unbalanced headphones. So I think I would have to get an unbalanced amp or get all-balanced headphones?

[@andreyb3685]

Is chord mojo worth buying to drive Diana v2? (Ifi xcan doesn't sound pleasant to my ears) What can you say about SPL Phonitor amps for Abyss headphones?

[@denbofrancisco6958]

As a proud & picky owner of the Phi TC's, I have to also suggest you add the Cayin HA 300 to the 'A' top tier. Simply incredible transparency with virtually unlimited power.

[@Reeeepicheep]

What about the magnius?

[@vancybergoth]

For me as a PHI TC owner it would be an interesting comparison, to compare my Moon Neo 430 to the Formula S, I like the soft and warm sound of the 430, I like it better than my Hugo TT2, which plays more dynamically, faster and with higher resolution but not as musical as the Moon.

[@rondobeyondo14]

does your Hugo TT2 drive your 1266 Phi TC well? Just considering the Hugo TT2 and do you use it as a DAC/Amp or do you pair it with a separate amp?

[@vancybergoth]

@@rondobeyondo14 When it comes to power, the Hugo TT2 has enough for the PHI TC. I only use my TT2 as a DAC as an AMP I use the Moon Neo 430. I don't like the combination of the Hugo TT2 as an AMP with the PHI TC, too sterile and analytical. The moon sounds much warmer and more musical, of course it is also a question of your own preference. I made an unboxing video of the Abyss PHI TC and at the end of the video you can see the Moon and the TT2, you have a size comparison, so to speak.

[@alexkhan2000]

@@vancybergoth I recently got the Phi TC and am using it with the TT2 and driving it the TToby power amp for the extra power which provides a larger soundstage, improved imaging and bass response. I have to agree that the TT2 alone (or this setup I have with the TToby) is on the analytical and cool side but my personal preference leans that way so I'm fine with it - for now. I'm planning to get the WA33 JPS Edition later in the year and I certainly expect it to take the aural experience to a whole new level with added warmth and body to the midrange, sweeter highs, greater soundstage depth and dimension which will naturally improve the imaging, and a more elastic and textured bass while retaining clarity, definition and punch. The Moon Neo 430 looks very nice and I'm sure it sounds fantastic. Never heard of it until I saw your post. Only recently found out about the Luxman P-750u as well. So many nice great amps out there that it's dizzying just to keep up! :)

[@TheCangle]

I really enjoyed this especially since you're not following the "hype train" of amplifier recommendations. Thanks for posting this

[@kalel33]

Great discussion but the one thing that ruined it was not bringing up the price when talking about the vast majority of amps. You have to think of the audience, the ones that mostly have certain budget. It's nice to find out about all these great amps but then you have to search every single one of them to find out that the majority are on the very high end of pricing.

[@ABYSSHeadphones]

And your education level on this just went up 500%.

[@jordanfish]

Dare I ask, how about the Schiit Asgard 3?

[@SveinOlavGlesaaenNyberg]

I wondered about the Schiit lineup too. Even the Jotunheim packs a whoopping 2x6W.

[@jordanfish]

@@SveinOlavGlesaaenNyberg Yeah, I’d love to know what’s possible.

[@tomas_m]

Can you make a video about electrostats? Why Abyss didn't go that way. If Stax is a stronger competitor than planar brands.

[@amimartian]

Stax blows Abyss out of the water. The only downside to Stax is relatively limited choice of headphone amps.

[@jeffhampton6972]

Thank you for putting this together! It's really helpful. Thanks also for making the baddest-ass (badassest?) headphones.

[@SumbaListens]

Would’ve loved some b roll for the amps. Maybe for the dacs?🙏🏾

[@adeadcrab]

789 sounds boxed in, and snare drums sound mushy compared to my OTL tube amp. Tonal balance is good though

[@tr_vmi4844]

what DAC would you match with the Topping at that price point with the V2?

[@awo_kin]

Topping d90

[@JC-ig4xy]

What do you think of the TU-8900 for the Abyss 1266?

[@prabinpaudel5572]

I wish you guys checked out Flux labs FA10 pro.

[@WondrousMindTrick]

Funny reading the body language and power dynamics between you guys when trying to decide on tier.

[@NZtechfreak]

Running mine with the CMA800R in monoblock config (~5W class A current drive) and perfectly content. I am thinking to get an HPA4 also, it would slot in my Questyle stack as a preamp for the monos too which would be welcome. Nice vid, thanks!

[@brintamatic]

Great guys! Can you do DACs?

[@AF-rd2vf]

The Woo Audio WA5 LE was updated to the 2ND Edition in 2015.

[@PratikDaga23]

What do you got for 50 bucks

[@ABYSSHeadphones]

how about a t-shirt and a couple mugs

[@ecstasy5317]

@@ABYSSHeadphones Man that's a deal but that T-shirt better be 100% pre-shrunk cotton and true to American sizes. 👍

[@josjourney5512]

Where is the DCS Bartok ?

[@JohnSmith-fu3ec]

That's a dac with an optional amp module. If they do a Dac tier list i think it will be there

[@josjourney5512]

@@JohnSmith-fu3ec I thought it was the other way

[@ABYSSHeadphones]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWW4lnqta998o7s

[@DrMasonStorm]

Would love to hear your evaluation of the Woo WA-234 monoblocks w/the Phi TC, especially when played w/your favorite 2A3’s as it compares to the WA-33 JPS Elite.

[@TheRealAudioDidact]

This.

[@mproyuclan]

Don’t quite understand why you did not review the Pathos InPol Ear? Everyone who has paired it with the 1266TC say it is the best combination e.g. Steve Gutenberg

[@nick_g]

Burson Soloist 3x, Burson Soloist 3x GT, and the iFi iCan Pro Signature. These are pushing 8W, 10W, & 14W balanced @ 16ohm.

[@TheCangle]

Also as a funny video could we see an Abyss employee tier list? :)

[@samlee2562]

Old bigoty vibes from the middle one..! ✊😅

[@YannickKhong]

When is DAC?

[@zeeMuniStacksBundles]

Please consider Shitt audio in the future? I believe they deserve and have earned a chance for not only the quality of their products, but the virtues, integrity and history of their company.

[@Legato-2057]

Any portable Digital Audio Players that work well with the Dianna’s?

[@mspdec]

Trafomatic Primavera, Hifiman EF-1000 and Rogue Audio RH-5 ?

[@saphyaers8264]

Phonitor XE?

[@life_in_solace]

I guess people forgot the bryston bha-1 is a thing

[@chelicon21]

Hi there If you can get your hands on one, try a Luxman P-750u amp with your headphones. I'm pretty sure it'll be a top of the list candidate...

[@djsammyb1023]

The white XLR cables are such an eyesore on this fine set.

[@ABYSSHeadphones]

That’s JPS Labs Superconductor V, we make them , top shelf clear sound.

[@dhananjeyannatarajan5366]

What dac would you pair with the a90?

[@kchuen]

Definitely need one with Dac and please so a larger range. And definitely pls include RME adi-2 dac fs!

[@aldoantoniovicentesilva6996]

Do you think the McIntosh MHA 200 headphone amplifier would drive the ABYSS AB 1266 TC headphone well? THANKS FOR LISTENING !!

[@ABYSSHeadphones]

Not enough output power for AB1266...

[@brothatwasepic]

The A90 and THX789 have outsold anything on this list by a huge margin in the last 2-3 years I believe

[@ownagebox]

yep, price to performance is just to good thats why, it should be A+ tier. theres no better judge then the market itself. 20k€ amps nobody cares about that .0 more you just cant hear that shit and everyone who does is full of shit.

[@YannickKhong]

LOL THX LOWER THAN SPARK XD

[@xxdalionxx]

I pretty much agree. Ill take a spark over any thx amp any day

[@Haldy1]

The 1266 pair with the evo400 with kt 150 is one of the best experience i ever have on headphone. You guys should try it out.

[@x32i77]

Where to get kt 150 ?

[@Haldy1]

@@x32i77 Sorry for the late reply . I got my KT 150 at upscale audio which also sale the evo400 ( I dont personally own it though)

[@x32i77]

@@Haldy1 how many kt 150 Tubes did you insert in the evo400 ?

[@Haldy1]

@@x32i77 for the unit i listen the abyss with there are 8 kt150 and 6x 12au7 ( all tung sol tube)

[@x32i77]

@@Haldy1 awesome 😍 but very expensive . What did it cost ? EVO400 is 5k$ and each kt 150 is 107$(x8=856$) + ( 6x29.95$ for 12au7 Tubes…=179$). So 6k$ for a complete primalune System . + 5400$ for abyss 1266 Phi TC and what DAC do you use ?

[@Jon-nz3dm]

Listening to the thoughts of these folks is crazy to me. Just so, so different. Compared to you 3 I am a poverty tier earner so I can't even comprehend 95% of your opinions

[@roymacasaet3285]

Which pres are yyou guys using for your microphones btw

[@ABYSSHeadphones]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6G1n4x6o8hrirc

[@jsharp9735]

You guys gonna offer that polo on your store ?

[@ConnorHammond]

Crazy to think a $100 amp is on the same list as a $20k amp. We've come a long way.

[@aceofspades6667]

Went back and watched this... Was surprised that the Headtrip 2 didn't make the A+ list given it's price. I would have thought the Headtrip 2 level 2 would have been at least at the Formula S + Powerman level.

[@JH-dh9hx]

It's because the list is a joke. I know everyone has their own tastes in hearing but this is clearly advertising. No one with two brain cells should actually take this list seriously.

[@aceofspades6667]

@@JH-dh9hx true... I'm less and less interested in Wells products.. Flux Volot + Niimbus US5 + Violectric V590 all appear to be very promising. Pathos InPol Ear would be very interesting as well.

[@dmarcus1260]

I wish the iFi Audio iCAN headphone amp would have been evaluated.

[@simianinc]

Really enjoyed this. I missed any of the Schiit and Chord products, but you can’t do everything. Looking forward to your DAC tier list

[@apj.-.-.-.-.-.-.-119]

its because chord products are primarily DACs

[@Tripokaridos22]

Its A'BYSS the TONE in ancient Greek history goes to A not to Y , from the Greek word άβυσσος that is the deep position on the ocean that light cant go throw also its the dark side of a mans soul . In modern history the English word change the tone and then called ABYSS the tone on Y .

[@speresec]

Can you do a roundup of DAC?

[@KareezyG]

DAC tier list would be nice.

[@awsomenesscaleb]

There is only a handful of amps powerful enough to drive the AB-1266. Those are some thirsty cans!

[@mihirchitnis905]

Do a similar list for speakers.

[@mikegooch8525]

they don't make speakers, so there's nothing for them to test, they're only testing equipment that drives their headphones.

[@vonBaronX]

No IFI Pro ICan or Niimbus?

[@aceofspades6667]

Phonitor X and Violectric V281 would be similar adds as well.

[@username-up1ph]

What's name of the first amp in A+

[@spartanV48]

XI Audio Broadway

[@ABYSSHeadphones]

Actually XIAUDIO Formula S in A+, along with Woo Audio WA33 JPS Labs Edition

[@alancrome3684]

Should've chose a different THX amp as there are a lot of new ones that are much better. If you wanted to choose that amp specifically for its notoriety then you could've mentioned it as "This is the better THX 789". Still a great video!

[@Forest0922]

Would have been cool to see the rebel in here

[@JBoulter11]

I love that you discussed amps that are outside the usual youtube content creator selections. Would love to see this for DACs and for speaker amps and hell even speakers and headphones.

[@x-techgaming]

Give your best setups for

[@Geoffrey.McDonald]

I don't think any of them have one...

[@aditya7955]

Please do DAC's

[@gomdoryzoa]

Better doing portable amps separately

[@comradesandwich9437]

Greetings from the Tan of Tannawanda! 😆

[@x32i77]

VIVA EGOISTA 845 Trafomatic Primeveria Where are these ?

[@pkal244]

I love these amps but they are so rare I feel no one has them

[@davidpilon9433]

This is a fantastic amp, maybe better than the Woo Audio WA33

[@phillipnunya6793]

I hope I have enough money laying around one day to buy a headphone from you guys and an amp/DAC that does it justice.

[@phillipnunya6793]

@Young Byun Hopes and dreams.

[@mattgrover3096]

It's amazing looking through the comments and how many people seem to not understand that music, sound and so forth is subjective. "You are wrong about my 789, it's sounds amazing and the a90 sounds absolutely identical, how dare thee give it low marks" like it's fact. All of this is subjective. So watch and judge accordingly. Basically, figure it out for yourself. KZbin isn't going to tell you what's best for you....

[@bibitsurawan]

I had Liquid Spark feed by Topping D10s, it sound meh to me, even my Fiio e10k have more power and advantage than Spark, For Spark it took 70 - 80% to make He400i sound properly, now I used Zen Can

[@256alexdt]

Wow that's interesting, must have been a defect the E10k is trash lol I had it and returned it while my spark was running anything at high gain even LCD-4 (Not that it's what I use for my LCD-4/LCD-3 LOL)

[@bibitsurawan]

@@256alexdt or maybe Liquid spark - d10s is not a fit combo, idk , but e10k is ... Good for its price

[@256alexdt]

@@bibitsurawan Lol the E10k is terrible you're comparing a 200mw at 32ohm Dac/amp vs a 1300mw at 50ohm pure amp. And the dac you use has nothing to do with the volume you'll get with the headphone. I never tried D10s and Liquid spark but I tried D30 and Liquid Spark and it was far superior then the E10k, also I tried the Fiio K3 and K5 which the Liquid Spark is also far superior which those are suppose to be better than the E10K ... lol Fiio is very meh. There's a reason these guys(Abyss) that are used to thousands of dollar amps are praising the liquid spark... Right now I mostly use a Gustard X16/H16 stack and a A90/D90 and even tho those are superior then the liquid spark it's really not that far off which is very impressive.

[@HiFiInsider]

long movie today 🍿

[@soulfulfool]

so there are few options for people who are not rich (only few 🤣) and yes A90 is my choice

[@SkywhiteChannel]

I wish you would list the names instead of the pictures. I need to take notes now. Definitely do dac’s next. PS- you can ignore my email now. 😁

[@SkywhiteChannel]

I see you added the list in the description. Thank you!

[@HalcyonSunset]

$300 for the 789 and you put it at D? Sounds like you guys just don't like it's popularity since it's really pretty amazing for the price imo. The power, cleanliness, low distortion and noise floor are all top notch for the price... I'm confused lol. Not saying it's the best but, D?

[@dillacorn_linux]

I agree... They dismissed it to quickly. Pissed me off a little as well

[@Weezox]

And then placed the benchmark that runs literally the same amplification circuitry at an A, lul

[@JUDE_WK]

@@Weezox lmao

[@KojiCO-ConvinceM]

Nice video lads I have my sites set on the Susvara, but I must admit I am thoroughly intrigued by the abyss line of headphones, once Covid plays nice hopefully I’ll get to auditions and then decide. A small piece of advice if I may, when creating a tear list, please forego the alphabet. The band margin is too narrow and it just confuses those who are new to this hobby, Who might stumble across this video or even for the aficionado it’s easy to forget. Using a number system 1 to 10, firmly establishes 1 to 5 as the mid to low tier band, 6 to 10 as the hi-fi class leading tear.

[@AlbinoTigerBarb]

rofl thx aaa 789 at d tier are you kidding me

[@iWasimAbbas]

Finally some common sense calling top tier A+, I still don't understand why other reviewers call it S instead.

[@chrisgg]

Why no Shiit? :)

[@Rahmalho]

LET'S GOOOOOO