Abyss Diana TC Review - I finally got a pair!

[@Nordraw]

Maybe it’s just me but at that price they shouldn’t have that many issues

[@PassionforSound]

I'm completely with you. I had no qualms handing them back ☹️

[@SSchithFoo]

It is just you. You are unworthy to be touched by those ear cups :)

[@joseluishernandezseptien]

@@SSchithFoo uuuhh what an answer 🥺

[@CJDilag]

Your voice makes you distinct Lachlan! I enjoy listening to your calm and smooth voice during reviews/impressions. You're a breath of fresh air among aggressive sounding audio reviewers!

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the support, CJ! Glad you like the sound of my reviews

[@dudexyt]

I think this review is spot on. At CanJam NYC, I tried the Elite and TC on the same chain and I like the Elite better. The Diana has details but fiddling with the pads is difficult. It’s also a small soundstage but you do hear the room reverbs. The Elite was more engaging, wider and there’s detail if you look for it.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for sharing your experiences, dudexyt!

[@robertreynolds2212]

Definitely a review I’ve been waiting for. Personally purchased a pair myself.

[@PassionforSound]

Have you got them already? How are you finding them?

[@robertreynolds2212]

@@PassionforSound Have to agree with almost everything you mentioned. Even with a full head of hair, I find them uncomfortable after some time. If you primarily listen to modern pop with female vocals they’re quite impressive. However when listening to artists like the Eagles, Crosby Stills & Nash, etc.. they sounded very off. Considering the Susvara is in my collection as well, they noticeably outclass the Dianas.

[@x32i77]

@@robertreynolds2212 you should checkout the Warwick acoustics bravura headphone system aswell :) you will love them . Personal Highlight of the München Audio Show in Germany 🙂

[@SumbaListens]

We finally got them 🙌🏾 Great video Lachlan! Looking forward to the month ahead.

[@PassionforSound]

Yep, it was a long time coming! 🙂🙂

[@taidee]

Thank you Lachlan for a nice honest review. I watch the reviews of things at this budget level just out of curiosity, I’m far below this budget point for personal audio gear.

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure. I think that's the beauty of reviews is that they sometimes let us get a sense of products we'll never get to own

[@AhloiFTW]

Finally! this is what im waiting for, much appreciated!

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure

[@Chuckster0]

Fantastic video as always. I enjoy the honesty and the perspective you place in your reviews.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks, Chuck!

[@riotz370]

I haven't hear Diana TC yet, but I'm 1266 TC owner for about 4 years now, with my current setup WA33 JPS + Terminator Plus + Gaia + Roon Nucleus + Farad Super 3 PSU + Superconductor Cable, the 1266 TC is not a headphones but rather a very good speaker system on your head, yes its that good!

[@PassionforSound]

I've finally arranged to review a pair later this year. Can't wait!

[@aceofspades6667]

pretty great review Lachlan! What I always appreciate from your reviews is how you're able to articulate your opinion one way or the other. Even if I don't agree with your take it's always completely fine as you thoroughly explain your opinion on gear. I enjoy the Abyss sound as I own the 1266 Phi TC but it took me a bit to get the fit/comfort/tuning just right. I haven't enjoyed the Diana's nearly as much during prior listening sessions.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks Ace. I'm yet to try the 1266s and believe they sound quite different due to increased bass presence which could do good things combined with the Diana's treble response. Hopefully I'll get a chance... 🤞

[@dasninjastix]

Awesome, appreciate the comparison with the Elite and the focus on ergonomics 👍.

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure!

[@itsabodh]

Amazing review! I bought Susvara based on your review without even trying TC. Hope I made the right decision. We would have loved a comparison with Susvara since you can get it open box or used for the same price but a quick yeah or nay would keep many of Susvara owners at ease? thanks for great reviews and detail comparisons!!

[@PassionforSound]

That's a good point about the open box pricing on Susvara. I didn't compare due to the large list price difference, but the Susvara is SOOOOO much better than the Dianas IMO. It does everything they seem to aim to do only better and is also more tonally balanced. You definitely made the right choice.

[@dfiled_]

@@PassionforSound I respectfully disagree. I've owned the Susvara and the DTC. I personally found the level of detail retrieval and resolution to be comparable on the DTC and the Susvara. The Susvaras were too soft and polite for me -- I find the DTCs to be much more engaging. Also, I personally find the DTCs to be more comfortable than the Susvaras.

[@PassionforSound]

That's ok, it was just my opinion. It sounds like your tastes are for a more aggressive sound than I like so that makes total sense.

[@dfiled_]

Interesting that you had such an issue with comfort. I have a big head and am very sensitive to comfort issues - I had to sell the LCD-5s and the utopias because I found them too uncomfortable (in different ways) and didn’t didn’t even find the Susvaras to be very comfortable - but I’ve had no issues at all with the DTC. I can actually forget I’m wearing them. I do have a full head of hair, so maybe that’s a factor, as you mentioned. Would love to see your FR measurements -- would you be willing to post them in the comments?

[@PassionforSound]

That's really interesting about the comfort factor - thanks for sharing. As for the FR graphs, I provide them to patrons, but otherwise they're just for showing in the video and they should only be compared to other graphs I've taken because every rig and compensation approach is different.

[@thefrator5275]

Any plans to review the LCD-5s? Curious to hear your take on them

[@PassionforSound]

I'd love to, but I don't currently have access to any Audeze products for demo loans ☹️

[@TheGreatMrBill]

Thanks for the great review. I found it to be very precise and you just articulated it in a way that was very understandable to me. I was going to run out and grab those things until this review which has given me pause (for good reasons) and made me think it's back to the drawing board. The search continues-

[@PassionforSound]

So glad I could help, Bill! What are your criteria for the headphone you're seeking?

[@brothatwasepic]

Thank you so much for this! Finally and experienced unbiased honest review. Still an awesome set. Thanks again

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure. Glad you liked it 🙂🙂

[@mareknowakowski1692]

Thanx for comparison with the Elites!

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure!

[@robertnoblitt518]

Hi Lachlan! I may have missed seeing this review when it was posted. There are some reviewers who like the Diana TC, but I'm sure I would respond to them as you did. I love my Meze Elites, and have little interest in trying other headphones at present. As always, your ability to accurately describe what you hear is amazing.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks Bobby! Yes, this is actually one of those few times where I can't imagine how people like this headphone (although I was a bit more polite about it in the review because I know some people love it). Normally I can understand people liking something even if I don't, but the TC is so uncomfortable and so unnatural tonally without offering any major soundstage benefits IMO. Not one to bother trying I think 🙂

[@audio-nirvana]

Just posted a comment on your cheeky titles from my work account. I'm Roop...Love your work!

[@alexsmith1207]

I listen almost all of it on a smartphone but also if i can on the laptop which one do you recommend for me. Meze Elite, Meze Emperean ( both are good for travel), Sennheiser needs a dac so that's not one of my choices although I LOVE their sound signatures AKG k671, Diana TC, Focal Radiance, Focal Stella. I'm sensitive on the long run on overly treble,or bright sounds, i though i do enjoy them on short time. I already have a wireless Sennheiser Momentum 4 for travel which i love for that transducer dynamic body sound which is lovely for my ears.

[@PassionforSound]

If you're not using an external DAC then spending thousands of dollars on a headphone is probably unnecessary. Something like a Meze 109 Pro or Ananda Stealth will be plenty for a laptop or phone output IME

[@alexsmith1207]

@@PassionforSound ok thanks

[@buffal0bilious]

Every single one of the most comfortable headphones I've tried uses suspension strap style headbands (Meze, DCA, higher-end Hifiman...). I've kind of stopped even looking into headphones that don't use that style of headband because they're never as comfortable, and I just can't really enjoy listening to headphones unless I can forget about them instead of constantly having my attention drawn toward how they feel on my head.

[@PassionforSound]

I completely agree! There are some great hybrid approaches like ZMF and Focal are quite comfortable despite a traditional band, but you can't beat a nice suspension band setup

[@PassionforSound]

Not yet, but I'm working on building more of a relationship with Sony so maybe in the future

[@PassionforSound]

Sorry, I wasn't sure so I thought I'd reply just in case 🙂

[@buffal0bilious]

@Supre I have! And I agree that they're quite comfortable. Sony's developed some kind of cushion/pad material that's much more malleable and less prone to causing pressure hot spots than what some other manufacturers use, which offsets some of the ergonomic disadvantages of traditional headbands (IE, rigid structures that don't conform completely to the shape of every head, thereby causing inconsistencies in weight distribution). I certainly didn't mean to imply that all traditional headbands are hideously uncomfortable. By no means are the Z1Rs or, say, the HD800Ss uncomfortable. They just don't quite work for my particular head quite as well as the best suspension designs like the Empyreans. That's a moot question though because all of these models are outside my budget (I've only tried them because I go to audio festivals). I'm using DCA Aeon Opens and 99 Classics. I haven't ascended to the realm of 4-figure phones.

[@Nephilim-81]

This is one terrific, beast of a review. Well done. I really understand and appreciate your impressions. :) You explain things so well.

[@PassionforSound]

So glad it was helpful! Thanks for letting me know

[@marley720]

What amplifiers did you use this on?

[@PassionforSound]

Chord TT2, Burson Soloist 3X GT, FiiO K9 Pro, Burson Conductor 3X GT and pretty sure I tried it on tubes too with the Elekit TU-8200R

[@mikylenaidoo1779]

I have not been able to take off my elites ever since getting them ... And I've been through so many headphones in the high end and summit-fi tier , it's crazy .... It's just pure enjoyment. Music first.

[@PassionforSound]

So glad you're enjoying them so much! I totally understand 😁

[@x32i77]

Z reviews also loves them . He also says they are for pure music enjoyment.

[@mikylenaidoo1779]

@@x32i77 yeah he had a nice review of them too , I enjoyed it, but I take him with a pinch of salt. Problem is , every second headphone he tries is 'the best he's ever heard'

[@x32i77]

@@mikylenaidoo1779 no not every , he hates the LCD 5 , he doesn't like the Sennheiser hd 800 and he is not a fan of the stelia and not a big fan of the 009 .

[@mikylenaidoo1779]

@@x32i77 "every second headphone" isnt the same as 'every headphone'... Nevertheless , it's also just a phrase and. Not meant to be taken literally. Glad you enjoy zeos tho , hes super entertaining.

[@harackmw]

I know the price point is completely different, but I hope you get a chance to hear the Austrian Audio x55/x65 headphones and their approach to detail. Other than that, thanks for the review!

[@PassionforSound]

I should try again to contact them. I've tried before with no reply ☹️

[@harackmw]

@@PassionforSound I guess it is a small company and they don't even sell their products at audiophile stores really (I had to go to a music instrument store where they had them for mixing/etc) so that might explain part of it.

[@PassionforSound]

Good point. I don't judge companies for that because they have a lot to manage beyond KZbinrs wanting to review gear. I just like people to know I'm not ignoring or avoiding any brands - I'll review any brand I can get a hold of (if it fits the channel content)

[@harackmw]

@@PassionforSound This is why you are already one of the top reviewers. Keep up the good work!

[@SugaFree2387]

How do they compare to the Utopia ?

[@PassionforSound]

I don't have the Utopia anymore, but based on my time opening them, I'd take the Utopias ten times out of ten over the Diana TC

[@NushiSama]

Would love to see the next TOTL headphones you review to be both the D8000 and D8000 Pro from Final Audio and the differences you head between them and compare them to other TOTL like ZMF Atrium and Meze Elites and Susvara. You've definitely become my favorite Reviewer with how your reviews are very unbiased and you let your audience know the upsides of a headphone and who it would be for. While also saying who the headphone wouldn't be for great review

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you're liking the reviews! I've recently formed a relationship with Final so I hope I can arrange something with the D8000s (either or both) in the near future 🤞🤞

[@bak2mb]

Stax X9000 will be the real deal....right now i enjoy my Utopia and LCDx5 and ZMC VC

[@marc8vino]

I hope you can get to review the 2024 Diana DZ with bass ported leather pads. My next set is going to be between the ZMF Atrium or Caldera, Empyrean II or the Diana DZ. Maybe to sets in the farther future.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm going to get my hands on a pair and I hope that I'll finally really enjoy a pair of Dianas.

[@davdidit6]

Any thoughts on how these compare to the Focal Utopia? (I am going right to your Utopia review next)

[@MistaLova-Lova]

I own a pair of Utopias and judging by how the Dianas were described in this review, it seems that the Utopias are a music lover's headphone whilst the Dianas are a headphone for the kind of person who either enjoys analysing music or is after a very specific result (in terms of the area of the frequency response).

[@davdidit6]

@@MistaLova-Lova thank you

[@MistaLova-Lova]

@@davdidit6 Glad I could be of some help 😃 The Utopias don't really have any weaknesses and are very comfortable and easy to drive. They present a coherent image of music as opposed to only focusing on a specific aspect of it. They will also scale with better equipment clearly showing you the differences between amps and DACs (but they will sound good with anything decent).

[@PassionforSound]

I sold my Utopias because I had other headphones (Elites and Susvara) that stole all their head-time so I can't compare directly, but if you were to offer me a choice of either the Utopias or Dianas, I wouldn't think twice and would grab the Utopias in an instant. They're better made, nicer to listen to and very comfortable. On top of that, with the right source chain they sound magic (but can be a touch aggressive in the treble on some setups)

[@Thiago_TS_BR]

very good review. honest !

[@PassionforSound]

Always the aim! Thank you 🙂

[@jhai2121]

I understand that you actually have the Abyss 1266 Phi TC. In that I appreciated your review of the ‘Dianna’, can you review or compare these 2 headphones. Yes, I do have the 1266, but whatever your opinion, I would be very interested in your seemingly very informed & balanced opinion.

[@PassionforSound]

Unfortunately, I don't have the 1266s, but I hope to get my hands on them in the future 🙂

[@vancybergoth]

At the High End Munich I had the opportunity to compare the Meze Elite and Diana TC on the Feliks Audio Envy Tube Amp. I found the Diana TC much better. But I think a warm bass strong tube amp is not the right combination for the Elite. I don't find the Diana TC bad in terms of comfort, but to be fair I have to say that the Elite is better in this discipline.

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't heard the Envy so can't comment, but if it is particularly warm/bassy then it would favour the brightly tuned Diana

[@vancybergoth]

@@PassionforSound I also didn't find the Feliks Audio Envy Tube AMP to be an ideal combination with the Abyss PHI TC, which I own. The Envy is sensational with the Susvara. I really want to like the Elite, find the finish, looks and presentation extremely good.

[@PassionforSound]

I actually just got to try the Envy with the Raal ear speakers and they sounded great together, but it probably supports your feelings about the tone of the amp and why it might not suit the Elites (particularly with the hybrid pads) depending on personal listening preferences

[@vancybergoth]

@@PassionforSound I'm convinced that the Envy is a great amp. But I leave a larger air gap at the front with the Abyss PHI TC. With the PHI TC you can make this bass boost even more extreme than with the Diana TC. The Envy will definitely sound great with the Raal Ear Speakers, be sure to try the Susvara with it if you get the chance. For me, the Envy amp with the Susvara is better than Hifiman's only amp, the EF 1000.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the tip. I'll see if get the chance to check it out

[@irondad007]

Great review!!!

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks John. Glad you liked it!

[@RYU47376]

hello i know these is an old video, I have the opportunity to buy the tc at $2400. at that price point is that good?

[@PassionforSound]

I think you can buy far better headphones for less money like the HE1000SE from HiFiMan

[@RYU47376]

@@PassionforSound price wise the he1000se is priced the same in my country (could only get them new).

[@PassionforSound]

Oh wow. I thought their price has dropped recently. I'd still but the HEKSE over the Dianas. I feel like they're just too flawed in their tuning and comfort.

[@RYU47376]

@@PassionforSound The price drop is more due to the lack of audiophiles in my country where the minimum wage (1month) is like $300 in the capital city and average is probably like $100. soo for the average person its like saving for 15 months assuming u don't eat anything and live on the street.

[@dasninjastix]

I love that you spend as much time as you do on comfort and ergonomics. I'm an orge. I admit it. I have a giant melon head and ears that are tall enough to play in the NBA. I know it sounds crazy to some, but for a headphone the price has to reflect a level of comfort and ergonomic design about as much as the sound. Otherwise my brain just won't let me appreciate the sonics no matter how finely tuned they are. Really appreciate it mate, stellar consideration ✌️

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you found it helpful and I completely agree. I'll forgive some ergonomic issues on a budget can, but not at $4,500! Can't wait to see which team drafts your ears this year! 😉

[@sjqideez6626]

Smashed it Lachlan, thank you for this review. I hope Abyss don’t attack you (like they did with another reviewer). Abyss Diana series = no headband padding, no lateral cup swivel, not designed for human heads. So it makes you wonder, which Alien did they make it for?

[@PassionforSound]

I didn't hear about them attacking a reviewer!! Was that about the whole wrinkled driver issue or something else? I definitely agree that something's up with their design approach. When you've got brands like Meze, ZMF and even HiFiMan making wonderfully comfortable headphones, there's really no excuse for this at the price.

[@dmarcus1260]

@@PassionforSound The KZbin reviewer they attacked was Wave Theory. Wave Theory went out of his way to state he has nothing against Abyss, wishing them success. However they attacked him anyway. Probably because Wave Theory stated that he thinks the Diana TC is somewhat of a miss like the Sennheiser HD 700 was for Sennheiser. Wave Theory went on to say he thinks the Diana TC is way overpriced, that it doesn't sound like a $4,500 headphone.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the info. I tend to agree with him/her. 😲

[@x32i77]

@@dmarcus1260 when they did attack him , I would love to see that video 😃

[@dmarcus1260]

@@x32i77 I believe it happened a couple of months ago. Here's a link to the video/review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGbIk5eLir6nask

[@roopbhadury]

I really like your somewhat cheeky titles. I remember 'The great dongle fondle' - Comedy gold. Would love for you to infuse that irreverence into your actual content as well. Keep up the good work!

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks Roop. I've contemplated that a few times, but don't want to distract from the actual content so I try to just insert humour where I think it's relevant to the discussion. It's also somehow more difficult for me to have that humour when talking to a camera in my office. 🤷

[@roopbhadury]

@@PassionforSound Totally get it. We will take whatever we can get :-)

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks Roop! I do have something fun coming soon that you might like...

[@dmarcus1260]

Both the Diana TC and the Meze Elite were on my short list. Being somewhat of a treble head I decided to go for the Diana TC. Joshua Valour's review of the Diana TC checked all the boxes in what I was looking for. So I jumped on the his hype train and bought a pair. After watching your review of the Diana TC, I can't help but think I probably should have gone with the Meze Elite instead. I'm a bald guy myself but I don't have comfort issues with the Diana TC. The problem I have is listener fatigue. It's not the treble but a certain frequency spike in the midrange that I'm very sensitive to. In my opinion the Diana TC isn't a bad headphone but it's not a great headphone either, especially for the price. I get far more listening enjoyment out of my tried and true Sennheiser HD 800s and HifiMan Aryas. Anyway I loved the review. So much so that I bought you a coffee. You're welcome. :)

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks so much for the coffee! ☕ Sorry that you haven't enjoyed the Dianas. Sadly, I think they're a bit over-priced for what they offer while the Elites are just exceptional. Hopefully you can flip the Dianas and get some Elites instead.

[@adamarczynski1546]

Meze Elite are much darker than Diana TC. It is surprising to me that you consider them as competitors. They are completely different sounding cans. I wouldn't say either is better. Just different. Mezes definitely are more comfortable and better looking to me. They feel premium. Look&Feel of Abyss doesn't give you a clue about the price tag which, frankly speaking, is awful. I currently own HiFiMAN Arya and like them a lot with slight EQalization. While I did not enjoy Meze Elite sound, I find Abyss Diana TC a possible upgrade. I am going to borrow them from a local audio store for a weekend to test them at home during the weekend soon. When I auditioned them in the store recently, I enjoyed them a lot without any EQ which happens very rarely. Of course, this is subjective, but they sound fantastic to me. Detailed but not too bright, forward vocals and nicely accented sub-bass but without overpowering the rest of the music. I find them kinda similar sound-wise to Aryas. If you like them, you should find Dianas TC very satisfying too.

[@PassionforSound]

The Elites are definitely a different sound from the Dianas, but they're competitors if you consider price and position in the market (i.e. TOTL headphones). The Elites with the provided Alcantara pads come closer to the Dianas, but they're still different sounding headphones for sure. I just find that the Elites provide a more natural tonal balance, larger soundstage and better separation of sounds. (Not to mention the comfort and build quality)

[@dmarcus1260]

@@adamarczynski1546 That's great that you are enjoying the Diana TC. I was thinking the Meze Elites would sort of sound like a hybrid with the Empyreans and the Diana TCs, leaning more towards the Empyreans but still share some characteristics of the Diana TC. Yesterday I went in an entirely new direction and bought the Hifiman HE1000K for an incredibly low price. Initially when comparing the HEKSE with the Aryas I wasn't very impressed with the HEKSE, actually preferring the Aryas (non stealth). Then while I was listening to the HEKSE I started hearing music that seemed to be coming from outside the headphones. The amount of detail that was coming at me was so intense that I thought my Starbucks drink was spiked.

[@adamarczynski1546]

@@dmarcus1260 Have a nice listening then. For me, HEKSE were too bright and I stayed with my Aryas last year. But yeah, HEKSE offers a lot of details. If you like this kind of sound, you can try Focal Utopia as well. IMO they offer even better resolution and timbre. Sadly at the cost of lacking sub-bass.

[@phillipnunya6793]

I brought up the padding issue in the comments of an Abyss video. They replied in a way that makes me think they don't see any issues with the headband design and don't plan to fix the stock design. They said they plan to sell cushions for it at some point, but they will probably not include it with the headphones. They will also probably sell them for $400. No thanks.

[@PassionforSound]

Yep. Not really acceptable IMO

[@audio-nirvana]

Coffee on me!

[@PassionforSound]

Thank you! ☕

[@chungang7037]

I can't wait until that wall behind you is covered with headphones, be sure to space them well to make room for more! ;D

[@PassionforSound]

I've been tossing up whether to start filling that empty space to the right of screen where I often put logos 🤷

[@chungang7037]

@@PassionforSound Eventually you might have to, but until then let us see them all in their glory!

[@TheBlissfulWalrus]

Interesting (and too bad) on the comfort! I personally have no issues there, some of the most comfortable I've tried actually (I don't have a ton of hair or anything haha). So strange how comfort varies, for example the DCA Stealth, people rave about how it's sooo comfortable, but it somehow makes my neck hurt within about 5 minutes, hate the way it vaguely floats around on its strap up there lol! I also agree with you for the most part on sound, it definitely emphasizes treble detail, but in a quite smooth manner, and bass is pretty de-emphasized. I didn't think the staging was as small as you suggested though, to me it sounds like it has decent width, depth, and imaging within that space. I do agree with you that it can also present things a bit "hollow", detail, texture, and speed of transients is where this one really excels. To be clear though, it is definitely too bright for my taste.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm glad you're finding them more comfortable than me, Sasha! Thanks for sharing your experiences and preferences - it will be helpful to others I'm sure 🙂🙂

[@onepieceatatime]

Pretty sure that's Luke Skywalker's flight jacket from his Tatooine days. Put it on eBay and I will buy it!

[@PassionforSound]

Haha. Never! I love that jacket!

[@x32i77]

Your favorite headphone will be the Warwick acoustics bravura headphone system 🙂 it was the highlight of the muench audio show in Germany for many hifi enthusiasts including me :) Hopefully you will get it in 2022 🙂 And then there is ofcourse the aperio headphone system . The sound of god

[@PassionforSound]

Sounds like two products I need to try to get my hands on!

[@prabinpaudel5572]

Very Interested to see this! ❤️

[@PassionforSound]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@JB-ol3xo]

They are... surprisingly uncomfortable. Out of all the well reviewed high dollar cans these LOOKED like they should be the mosy comfortable, they're very small, very well built, they flex nicely, they aren't a design that looks like it clamps hard, from pictures you would think they would dissapear on the head. However contrary to all of my assumptions, stock they are remarkably fatiguing to wear and require pad mods to get the type of comfort you would expect. But god do they sound good.

[@PassionforSound]

It's a real shame how uncomfortable they are, isn't it. Glad you at least like the sound 🙂

[@lupoal4113]

very well done!

[@PassionforSound]

Thank you 🙂

[@chronometa]

Idk. I liked the Diana v2 vs empyrean. But I'm not listening to high end recorded tracks either 🤷🏾‍♂️. Not sure black metal and $4,000 headphones lol

[@PassionforSound]

The V2 and TC are apparently very different tunings so that could play into it too

[@tygevonsbaek3921]

Just so that it's not all padding each others backs down below :) I'm quite surprised you find the Susvaras more detailed. I think to exactly that point, the DTC's is notably more speedy, precise and detailed. The Susvaras are quite gentle and rounded in comparison.

[@PassionforSound]

My take on it is that the DTC detail is an artificial perception created by their tuning rather than the driver performing any better. The Susvara is tuned much flatter so it's detail and speed comes from the actual driver performance. It's just an opinion so I'm not saying I'm right - just my take

[@tygevonsbaek3921]

@@PassionforSound That may very well be. But that would be hard to qualify in any meaningful way without having insights into very specific driver specs I presume. I do think however that precision and speed is not something you tune for. To a certain degree that is.

[@PassionforSound]

You can actually test it for yourself by EQing some of the spike frequencies from the DTC into a less bright headphone and hear it for yourself (although applying EQ will decrease resolution by its nature). I'm not saying I know exactly the driver characteristics in either headphone, but I know what I hear and the Susvara is, to me, actually more insightful across all frequencies while the DTC probably has a slight edge in the treble detail, but only there.

[@CriPPleR_HD]

But how do they sound with Elden Ring? 😜

[@PassionforSound]

Haha. I didn't try that, but they don't have the depth or body for ER I don't think.

[@chefsteve8381]

Why do so many people bang on how great the bass is on the Diana, when it's so rolled off in the sub bass ?

[@PassionforSound]

I really don't get it. Although... I'm becoming aware that some people think bass that is rolled off and fast is good because they favour the treble detail and see bass as something that should be equally as detailed and fast. I disagree because live music doesn't sound like that, but I wonder if that's behind the praise of the Diana?

[@Izlude99]

@@PassionforSound Are you sure you get the fit right? If anything the Diana TC lacks mid bass not sub bass.

[@PassionforSound]

I used the headphones over an extended period so they were on and off my head a lot. There's no way I could have fudged the fit that many times that I haven't heard what they're capable of. There's either product variance at play (which would be concerning at the price) or there's a difference in our perceptions/expectations of sub bass and overall sound quality

[@phillipnunya6793]

@@PassionforSound I have the Diana V2, which is supposed to be a slightly more V shaped sound compared to their other designs. I have not done a direct comparison, but bass quantity seems similar to an SHP9500 with Dekoni Jerzee pads. It has a bit of thump on base heavy music, but not enough to sound like what I am pretty sure bass heavy music should sound like.

[@mjjm6220]

I certainly expected the review you gave. Before you even mentioned their comfort level, I thought they did not look even close as comfortable as my Meze Empyrean or my Beyerdynamic T5.3 And for sound quality, I did not expect they would be to my taste, either. The guys at Abyss are like typical American….think they make the best products….most certainly that is not even close to the truth.

[@PassionforSound]

I have to admit that I'm pretty wary of brands like Abyss where there seems to be a level of ego/bravado around their products. Pride and confidence in a well-made product is one thing, but I've seen some fairly questionable behaviours and attitudes from Abyss over the years on forums, etc. I had hoped the Diana would transcend all that and really impress me, but the more I've thought about it after completing the review, I think they're very over-priced for what they offer

[@soulfulfool]

Abyss most certainly are like that, bunch of rich snobs yet not so many people own or praise their products. I personally respect American brands like Audeze and Grado, got their products and like them very much :)

[@willsenwijaya5377]

@@PassionforSound Audeze is the best! I only own two high-end headphones, and they are both Audeze (LCD-X and LCD-5). When you buy expensive products like these, you want to have a reliable and ongoing relationship with the company during the period of ownership. My personal experience with Audeze's customer service has been nothing but exceptional. They are humble and genuinely respect their customers.

[@PassionforSound]

It's great that there are multiple brands like this in the market for us. Brands like ZMF, Geshelli, Sparkos Labs and Burson are also providing great service and great products (based on what I hear)

[@theodorezurla496]

Lcd x review please 😁

[@PassionforSound]

I'd love to, but can't currently get Audeze cans

[@keith9388]

For a song, try B.B. King - Lucille

[@PassionforSound]

Great track

[@palefaced1]

I don't think there is a better headphone at this time then the meze elite.

[@PassionforSound]

I feel the same. There are many other great headphones, but the Elite combines comfort, enjoyment, technicalities and also happens to look amazing too

[@land_walker]

So a few quick things about the Abyss Diana line. You can fix the head band with an adhesive AKG cushion for about 6USD. For the ear pads, if you just get a small rubber foot, like what's on the backside of many devices, and put one right next to the peg that faces the back of your head, that will break the seal and make them more comfortable. Then lastly, I know people hate the cost of Abyss cables but any cheap HD700 cable fits perfectly in them. I know for how much they cost you shouldn't have to mod them but you can and it's cheap and easy. I have the Diana V2 and they are my favorite overall headphone.

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried the V2, but breaking the seal on the TC isn't a great idea IMO due to the creation of a severe bass spike that's quite unnatural. I also agree with you that the need to modify a headphone at this price is a bit disappointing

[@phillipnunya6793]

Abyss told me to buy the same little pleather AKG sticker pad to fix my issue with the headband. Think about that for a minute. Pretty much everyone says that they don't like the comfort of their headphones, and they tell me that the headband is fine in their opinion. Then they suggest that I pay $6 to put a shitty pleather pad with permanent adhesive on to the fabric headband of my $3000 headphone as if that should be default fix for everyone who buys their headphones.

[@PassionforSound]

Wow. That's not a great response

[@Laudrengen]

The jarring jump-cutting isn't made any better by the continuity-breaks clearly displayed by that breathing LED light in the left of frame :)

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, I forgot to switch off the keyboard lighting effect that day. Sorry!

[@darrellross8609]

Donny's ,"Yesterday", Wow.

[@PassionforSound]

Not sure I've heard that - I'll check it out. Thanks!

[@sca7531]

i totally agree with most of your review but...compare with elite...? tc has faaaar better resolution and speed, texture... not even same league. i think compare with susvara or lcd 5 is better.....

[@PassionforSound]

I can only compare with what I have here. I don't disagree with the resolution and speed being better on the Elite. I'm just not a fan of the tonal and spatial trade-off required to get there.

[@ericspda]

The pads are not really designed to be rotated on the Diana…

[@PassionforSound]

That makes sense because they weren't comfortable in any other position.

[@cyprio8182]

Too many caveats for the money they're asking. So glad I came across (was saved by) this review. I was nearly close to buying a used pair for £2000 - phew!

[@PassionforSound]

So glad I could help and yes, way too many caveats when there are amazing (better I think) options for less.

[@sto-humanfriendly]

I like it A passionate voice

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks!

[@asan1050]

Thanks

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure

[@gitmobob6266]

It seems your biggest problem is with the ergonomics or this headphone and I agree at this price that's disappointing. Maybe the manufacturer should hire some bald guys with different shaped heads listening for at least an hour to judge comfort. As with all things audio the sound is what will suck you in and trying to find stores that have a good collection of cans to listen to is a challenge especially with so many being only direct from the manufacturer sales.

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, I think a broad range of people testing a headphone for comfort and fit would be important before finalising a design. And I agree that it would be good if there were more opportunities to audition products before buying because reviews can only tell you so much and then it's about your own preferences and tastes

[@gitmobob6266]

@@PassionforSound Thank you, my sentiment exactly.

[@darrellross8609]

You ALWAYS respond to my comments. That means so much. (Please do not respond). Ha ha. Best,D.

[@PassionforSound]

Ok, I won't respond 😉

[@ydid687]

oh yeah i need to remind myself that you south of the equator people have your winter time now, that's why you're wearing that jacket-coat:)

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, it's not some strange new fitness thing to sweat myself to a healthier me 😉

[@mr.dynamite2543]

$4,500 for a headphone that looks like you’d listen playing off your 8 track stereo in the 70’s. I don’t care how it sounds. For $4,500 I want headphone pornography and this ain’t it.

[@PassionforSound]

Yeah, the design could be a bit polarising. There are things about it I like and other things I really don't (aesthetically only)

[@SkywhiteChannel]

I enjoy your reviews but I think you’re way off base on this one. I own the 1266tc, Diana TC, Susvara, Meze Elite and focal Utopia. There’s nothing wrong with the Diana TC comfort. Also it has some of the best mids and highs from a sq standpoint. They are not my favorite (Susvara are) but they are very good. Better than the focals and Meze. Also your graphs don’t match the other reviewers. So I question why you would use graphs that clearly are not truly accurate or very scientific. Seems like a hatchet job considering how you raves about other headphones that are clearly inferior to the Diana TC. Another aspect to consider is that abyss designed these with form factor into account. These are not meant as your only home hp’s. You’re not going to wear the others in the office or on a vacation. The diana are perfect for those scenarios.

[@harackmw]

other reviewers have complained about the comfort as well

[@PassionforSound]

TDGararge, the measurements used on any channel or review site should never be compared as any measurement captured is influenced by the rig used and the compensation curve applied. You should only ever compare measurements on a site with other measurements on that site (unless you can confirm identical rig and calibration/compensation). In other words, there's nothing correct or incorrect about these graphs or any other site's graphs so please be careful cross-comparing as there is no one right standard. As for the "hatchet job", all of my reviews focus on what is good and what is maybe not so good about a headphone. If I rave about a product it's because I think it has very few flaws, but that's rare. Check my review of the Focal Utopia and Meze Elite and you'll see that neither was "perfect" as no product is. I'm sorry if you take offense at my perspectives on these headphones, but we all have different tastes and preferences.

[@chungang7037]

@TDGarage I don't know why people place so much emphasis on measurements anyway. Anyone who is lucky enough to have a place where they demo units side by side (before looking at measurements) will be terrified to learn that out of 10 headphones you listen to you might like 3 or 4, and they often won't be the ones that "measure well". What then? Quit the hobby because your hearing is defective? Plenty of gear that sounds good does not measure well, and plenty of gear that does measure well sounds bad.

[@PassionforSound]

Very well said. FR graphs tell only a fraction of the story of any headphone's sound. It's a significant fraction, but the "speed" of the sound, staging capabilities, etc. are all missing

[@x32i77]

If I would be you , I would sold all of those headphones and go for the aperio headphone system 🙂

[@ahmedsafa91]

its scary when hearing two controversial reviews on a multi thousands HP.

[@PassionforSound]

It really is, isn't it!? As a reviewer it's also hard to go against the "hype" sometimes because it makes me question what I'm hearing, but then I get commenters agree with what I've said (and others disagree) and it makes me marvel at the fact that our perceptions and preferences all vary. What I've come to understand is that we all generally hear the same, but what we value and prioritise can be vastly different.

[@johenkay1129]

Abyss is overrated. A lot of reviewers have said the same thing about the wonky hollow mid range… why would people want that is beyond me.

[@PassionforSound]

I definitely don't get the appeal of the Diana TC. I can't speak about other models.

[@TattooMyBones]

4500 dollars for a headphone that inst comfortable is crazy

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, I tend to agree

[@ixoye56]

Sennheiser HD600 are a better option than these I think.

[@PassionforSound]

I would personally prefer the HD600s 🙂

[@jarjared3522]

Diana TC is a VERY controversial product among Abyss fans. Some (including me) would tell you that the Diana V2 sounds way better.

[@PassionforSound]

I've read that a fair bit and I can understand it because the TC is quite a flawed tuning to my ears

[@MrAta64]

Heard it...never would buy it! Overpriced .... perhaps 400€ Headphone! Cablesound guys (which love €€€ or $$$ at their equipment) go with it....otherwise....go with a tuned M106!!0 or an AKG of your choice :D

[@PassionforSound]

I'm not sure I agree that the M1060 or AKG models are better than the Diana, but I do agree that they're probably asking more than they should for it and that there are definitely better value headphones on the market

[@TOM7952]

If you don't also get their kilobuck cables you're not even a real person. Might as well get some Beats.

[@sjqideez6626]

I don’t think a real person typed this ; )

[@PassionforSound]

It's hard to know sometimes 🤣

[@ecstasy5317]

TOM7952 💪

[@davidh8258]

worst headphone i have ever worn, so uncomfortable. listened for 5 minutes and had to take them off.

[@PassionforSound]

I feel your pain!