The best sounding headphone on the planet -- Abyss AB 1266 TC

[@klewja]

Steve I agree these are the best headphone that I have ever heard. I have owned the LCD4Z, LCD X, Focal Clear, and heard many others. I originally bought a pair of Diana Phi but heard the TC and that was it I knew I would just end up upgrading. I pair them with a dCS Bartok and the XIAUDIO Formula S and Powerman. This is a combo that is incredible. It bests speaker that are many times more expensive. I have a pair of Magico S1MKII and am still chasing the level of performance that the Abyss offers.

[@y.k.9705]

At one point we all need to stop. :) I know I do, or this becomes a never ending rat race, a vicious circle of one more.

[@LetsGoBowlingNiko]

Damn when you say it bested even the most expensive speakers with that combo you're probably talking about Wilson Audio Sabrina, Focal Scala Utopia, or comparable speakers north of 20 grand. The Bartok alone is like 12 grand.

[@klewja]

@@LetsGoBowlingNiko yes it is on par or better than those speakers. My Magico S1MKII cost over $20k. I would say that the Abyss can keep up with speakers around $30k like wilson sasha daw and magico S3MK2. The Abyss is that good. My speakers do something's better as well it is all a tradeoff.

[@Merlin-wo1kj]

Try running a couple REL Stacks or even dual 212SE (if your on a budget)with your Magico speakers.Headphones are ok but they don't give you that body feel that a proper speakers setup can.

[@nicktan4530]

Wait till you hear the orpheus

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

I was undecided on the 80 dollar vs. 100 dollar sennheisers but now gonna sell my car to buy those.

[@chronometa]

Hahaha. This got me pretty good.

[@konradherrmann3213]

👏🏻🤣

[@MegaEpstein]

Lmao

[@QoraxAudio]

*Wise choice*

[@jareknowak8712]

Akg k550 mk2

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Hey, I reviewed and loved the $300 Fostex T60 RP planar magnetic headphone just the other day! I cover a wide range of products.

[@Aswaguespack]

Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac Regardless of the high price way beyond those of mortal men, reporting on exotic technologies are important because all improvements in technology will eventually mutate and morph into more mainstream consumer equipment benefitting many more consumers further down the road. Thanks for your review of all types of audio products regardless of affordability. 👍🏻 Stay Social Distant everyone! 😂

[@CrazyHorse74]

Thanks for letting us have a look. Out of my price range but appreciate the look and review.👍

[@bigjt37]

Yes you did. Love that you reviewed the t60rp AND the Abyss. Yes, out of my price level right now; but I want to still know about it and know the review to shoot for it; should it sound like something I like (which it does 😆), or, to at least shoot for hearing it one day 😁. So, I for one, like you reviewed it! 👍🏼👍🏼👌🏼💯

[@jackturtle131]

You don't live in the real world mate

[@hifiguy10]

Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac if you had to pay for these items list price out of your own pocket you’d sing a different tune.

[@deanchur]

Steve Guttenberg: "It's very expensive" Sennheiser Orpheus: "Why hello there!"

[@mr.george7687]

Finally! A headphone that fits my square head.

[@scottyo64]

Said Spongebob

[@nostro1001]

@ George.....lmao 😂 Gold man!!!

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

Are you Irish?

[@4epa1012]

Loooool

[@brianmoore581]

Frankenstein agrees that those are some very comfortable headphones.

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

something about snuff it in an old movie

[@Hare_deLune]

Lol! Excellent!

[@Baerchenization]

It's 2020 and people are STILL confusing the Dr with his monster... ;)

[@mikeday62]

abbey normal

[@mattgiunt]

@@Baerchenization I think the monsters wife wore these in Bride of when she got animated!

[@salmonline]

I'm thinking the model name/number isn't nearly long enough.

[@paulmilnes6553]

Wait until they make a very slight improvement on something. Those will be the -B model.

[@martytoo]

I don't think they will call the upgrade B, they'll be the Mark IIe.

[@paulmilnes6553]

Seriously here - that entire 14 minute review and you don't put those things on your head?

[@nostro1001]

@ Paul....it's a social distancing thing. Ya don't know what's living in Steve's hair; they were being collected post video

[@martytoo]

He never lets us hear the headphones on UTuub either. 🙃

[@HarkamalAujla]

My favourite video yet. A definitive answer what's best by the best .

[@mikeday62]

I'm totally okay with $5000 headphones for wealthy citizens. To each their own. Got my Skullcandy Wage headphones on sale at kroger for $7.50 (normally $10). These sound seriously high-fidelity and very satisfying compared to the $5 walmart headphones.

[@y.k.9705]

I use Monk earbubs. They are great but only in a room ,not outside.

[@davemonell9308]

Skull Candy headphones are great for the price.

[@jamesfuller7903]

There's good stuff at every price range.

[@hifiguy10]

I use two tin cans on a string. Zero cost. Sounds really tinny, but hey, what do you expect😄? For best results, use empty cans of Beets.

[@thomosburn8740]

The Skullcandy "Smokin' Buds" and "Smokin' Buds 2" are among the best sounding budget earbuds out there. They are not the same audio quality as custom fit, 5 driver IEMs but then for under $30 they hardly need to be!

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

A comparison between the Abyss, the Susvara, and the Heddphone would be an interesting one. 👍🏻

[@hifix-man319]

Please check my review for susvara:) it is smoother than Abyss while abyss is more aggressive:)

[@MaGNaCET33]

The Susvara were too unforgiving for me. The HEDDPhone are really good. If I didn't hear the TC I would have bought the HEDDPhone. The bass impact of the TC is just insane and no headphone can come close to that.

[@medusa_lives]

Steve, have you heard the sennheiser he-1’s?

[@JohnKaess]

Steve, you need to put them on your head se we can see what they look like. It's an important part of a review.

[@RealHIFIHelp]

Great review Steve!

[@MRFUTURETECHNOLOGYGAMING]

I believe there was four versions The Abyss AB-1266 Abyss AB-1266 Phi Abyss AB-1266 Phi cc Abyss AB-1266 Phi tc

[@HiFiInsider]

I like to own TC one day but my current reference is the Diana also by ABYSS. The best headphone I've used to-date.

[@klewja]

Mike when you get one you are in for a treat sir. If you can get your hand on a WA33 you are in for a treat. I don't have a WA33 but they are great with my Bartok and Formula S.

[@tonamg53]

I am listening to this on my Abyss 1266 TC and I can hear the paper that Steve is holding weaving through the air very clearly or when he rubs his hands is also quite noticeable. This thing is a microscope but for your ears.

[@kaypee1972]

Well, I am listening it through my iPad speakers and can you hear those sounds too. Pretty sure that’s not what they were made for.

[@tonamg53]

@@kaypee1972 Its because you already know what to listen for after reading my comment. If you didn’t know what to listen for, it is extremely difficult to pick out all these small nuances from the overall sound you’re hearing. A really good pair of headphones, amps and DAC can really put these sound into to focus and grab your attention to listen to it. The sounds is always there but these headphones can make the sound a lot clearer for you to hear. Its like a low-res pic you might not be able to pick out small objects in the background but in the higher-res pic you can see each individual small items much easier.

[@kaypee1972]

@@tonamg53 Sorry, absolutely not! Being a coincidence or whatever, I noticed the sound of the paper then I went through the comments and read yours

[@tonamg53]

@@kaypee1972 Yes, it could be that you just hear it yourself too. You still going to hear more with these headphones including things you’ve never heard before though. For example in a metal song, I don’t just hear guitar distortion but its like I can hear how “rough” the distortion is. Another example, in a song there is “a clap” with every snare hit, with these headphones, I can hear that it’s not “a clap” but its actually “two claps” one clap on the left and a different clap on the right with every snare hit. Once you know its there then yes, can hear it even with crappy iphone earpods too because now you know where to pay attention to.

[@kato2395]

@@kaypee1972 Apparently sometimes when you buy an extremely expensive headphone, you got a huge dose of copium too.

[@max1492a]

I always love your videos. Thanks for what you do!

[@devenmajmudar839]

Great review Steve Please review T+A Solitaire P with T+A HA 200 Amp/Dac. Thanks

[@Velvet_Torpedo]

I really enjoy hearing your opinions on the "best equipment ever." I might disagree, I might not ever hear it, I might not ever be able to afford it, but it's still nice to hear the Audiopheliaic's opinion, as you have heard more stuff than 99% of us

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks, I'm hoping viewers find my videos entertaining, not consumer reports!

[@lauriequinn7511]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac You are more entertaining that TV, thank you!!

[@erickallage]

great stuff, wonder what you think of these compared to the Dianna

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

erick allage Diana is truly awesome, but this one is significantly better

[@Hare_deLune]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Wow, significantly better than awesome. I can only try to imagine...

[@zackw4941]

Played this Noah Wall album on Tidal. There's definitely something about it. I'm on the last song now. Couldn't seem to stop listening. I'm usually more of a Rammstein kind of guy, too. Audio-gd R1 and Master 19, Audiovalve Solaris, LCD-4.

[@jordym9999]

What about Sennheiser HE1 and Hifiman Shangri-La Sr?

[@tonyd9998]

Steve, thanks. I love to see the reviewer excited when they are recommending a 5k headphone. it's a confidence builder for me. Anyway seriously I bought these after your review (actually spoke with Joe S) nice guy. They are everything you say and more. When I bought them I had just acquired a pair of Susvara's. I was building my system so trying to determine which would stay and which would go etc....... I also want from a Bartok to the New Lina DCS headphone system. again same comparison. Well the AB 1266 stayed.........everytime I thought of selling them usually after a really good Susvara listing session I put them back on and just could not do it! besides all the tech, there is just something very special about the sound, the non-seal approach and adjustments that can be made on the 1266's. It has taken me decades to be fortunate enough to be able to own anything in this price range so I don't take recommendations lightly. The Susvara 's are right up there , but maybe the difference between hitting a dead centerfield home run compared to hitting the ball over the deck and out of the park. The 1266 are detailed but "Kick Ass" is maybe how I would put them...... after trial and trial etc etc. I keep coming back to these Frankenstein looking things. Thanks again for your thoughts

[@Waitaminutesilly]

Making love to microphone. Yup that sums it!

[@dksculpture]

Awesome review! Very exciting product.

[@oldgeezerstechreview4048]

Hi Steve, I think a lot about the myth of this headphone being not comfortable is ... that you kind of need to own, or at least need to spend a lot of time with it (and the confidence to bent it) to get comfortable wearing the ab-1266. So, when people try it out on shows etc, they are not having the right fit. And they might not have the right sound as well.. I do love my Abyss for what it gives me ...and you describe that very well. But it took me a while to get it right. Thanks for your review.

[@davidpilon9433]

Which DAC do you preferred for the abyss 1266tc ?

[@hifix-man319]

How about Electrostatic Flagships such as Sennheiser HE-1, Orpheus, Warwick Acoustic Aperio? Also in the category of planner, how about Susvara with right amp?

[@JSym92]

Yeah I found the HE-1 and Susvara to sound better than the AB-1266 TC personally.

[@shadouxg7150]

@@JSym92 was it more detailed?

[@robertreynolds2212]

Just purchased a used pair on eBay. Can’t wait to compare with the Susvara.

[@alansim1970]

Does it come with an attachment to help straighten your teeth?

[@ericharrelson32]

Steve, what headphone amp are you using now with the 1266?

[@mavos1211]

Are these still the best Steve? I just want to know is there a clear stand above the rest headphone in 2022? Price no object which is the best?

[@prasadhlyalkar9746]

Hi Steve are you anyway related to Police Academy movie

[@matycee]

Hi Steve.... thanks for all the great reviews/posts over the years. What if one can't afford thousands for headphones but instead has a realistic budget of maybe closer to $300!? Do you have a video covering the best phones you've encountered for the audiophile in training?? Cheers!

[@joshb6666]

I just picked up sennheiser hd6xx from mass drop for $180 and I can’t recommend them enough! They’re a slightly different version of the 650’s, which go for something around $450. Only difference is a different cable, and a better color scheme in my opinion. Fairly low sensitivity so you’ll need an amp, but all together that should be around your budget.

[@zzezzobike]

Hi Steve, must say you steel have a leap over other guys who are desperately trying to impress their audience, you are so right,so honest and qualified nailing every word of your review without being boring Salute❤

[@tomlathrop4094]

So what happened to the RAAL ribbon headphone?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I tossed it into the garbage! NO, I sent it back.

[@Bhatakti_Hawas]

Where can I buy the T-shirt you're wearing ??

[@elpupogriton]

Yeah, wish I could afford those.... but I'm broke AF (and no audiophile by any stretch of the imagination). GREAT channel Steve, keep up the magnificent work!

[@christopherlangley8441]

I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on the HEDDPHONE, word on the streets is they can spar with the usual suspects for half the price. If they sound anything close to the abyss, I know where I'm parking my retirement funds.

[@thecooler68]

Those are bit expensive, can I get it without the case?

[@nostro1001]

Lmao...no.....the case is free with the headphones

[@wadimek116]

@@nostro1001 Why lmao? Audeze lc2 have the budget verion called c. It have very basic box. Through I returned them because of bad quality control

[@JerryZigmontMacWorks]

Oh, and I love their AC/DC, Spinal Tap Heavy Metal font. Perfect.

[@silverstone78]

what you think the priduction cost of the these headphones are? I know the some headphones and earphones have a price 20x or higher than actual production price.

[@InCerTo_AntiFragile]

See Heddphone vid : Ok. Its price reasonable accroding to dear Steve. See Abyss AB 1266 vid : Ok. Its price reasonable according to dear Steve.

[@gundum1o1]

Fantastic review Steve! You know, the new Audeze flagship is being touted as the new king of headphones. Will you be looking to review those as well? It's called the CRBN. 👍🏻

[@darkeldarblade916]

End Game headphone? I have the LCD-X, HD800s and Focal Clear. I need to really get a great headphone amp to pair with these. I have the THX 789 and DarkVoice. My DAC is the RME ADI-2. Would the Woo Audio WA22 or Caylin HA-6A tube amp work great with these headphones that are much cheaper than the amps you used in this review?

[@josesibaja1]

The Price is obscene!

[@klewja]

Some people like to spend money on audio others spend money on travel, wine, luxury watches. To each their own. I will say that for me they are worth the price.

[@thomosburn8740]

not compared to a $160,000 Porsche.

[@amirhajimohammad3003]

Steve , in the months you had the TC did you ever find yourself missing that traditional in your head headphone sound ? I've got multiple flagships , and I go through phases on which is my favorite as they all sound so different. Im slightly tempted to consolidate but worry down the line I'll miss the others.

[@hifiguy10]

amir hajimohammad all headphones have that unreal music in the middle of your brain. Until that is eliminated, I’ll stick to speakers.

[@sadammann2650]

I have owned the reviewed headphones for 1 month but I had decided to send them back. Reason? The sound difference wasn't big enough for me to justify the upgrade cost from LCD-2. What amp did you use to drive them?

[@stephensmith3111]

To reduce the effective weight tie a helium balloon or two to the cyberman connecting arch.

[@omenworks]

Can you please review Diana TC?

[@denbofrancisco6958]

Hey Steve, great 'descripted' review as always. I'm surprised that you (or anyone else that I'm aware of) reviewed HiFiMan's Shangri-la Jr. I own this system, and while also a bit ridiculous at $8k, it's really not any more than the Abyss or other upper-teir phones by the time you add a quality amp. Never owned or heard the Abyss, but had LCD4, Utopia, Susvaras, HD820, Stax SR007, etc. none even come close to the Shangri-la Jr. set up IMO. Thanks & keep the reviews coming!

[@rocksk8er111]

Glad to see so many people being positive in a comment section, especially when this was posted March 2020

[@piotrosinski-petestradamus6204]

Damn, I’ve been wanting these for months. They do sound amazing. Go use the Woo audio wa33 and be blown away.

[@brucegelman5582]

Upstate NewYork!!! That seals the deal...I will take two pair please.

[@avle8268]

Which headphones would compliment the ab1266? I have the ab1266 and I'm looking for something that will complete it, I don't want to get bored with the ab1266, so I need something when I want to change and take a small break from them...

[@MrPrinceofthenile]

I want to know how much is the squish factor? I need a number!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Ear squish? From 1 to 10, 10 being maximum squish. The '1266 is a 1 or 2. Most high-end headphones are 7 or more.

[@MrPrinceofthenile]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac thanks Steve, you're just awesome! So technical.....

[@MrPrinceofthenile]

Maybe you did this before, but would love to see a video on best headphones at different price points. $500, $1000, >$2000

[@thisisnev]

There seems to be a contest at the high end of the headphone market to see who can make the most absurdly macho-looking pair of cans.

[@InCerTo_AntiFragile]

Hello sir Steve. I'm so curious about your opinion of pairing 1266 TC with eleven xiaudio's formula S hpa & its powerman combo. Cuz Abyss said that The Formula S amplifier is specifically designed for the ABYSS AB-1266 Phi. I will be so happy if i heard your opinion. Cuz i'm seriously considering purchase Abyss 1266 phi TC. And sorry for my eng. English is not my mother tongue. Thx. 🤠

[@jusjay468]

diana or 1266..... how would they sound with a drop thx 789 with drop grace design sdac?

[@aceofspades6667]

Thoughts on using a speaker amplifier to power these? I have a hegel H160 that does 50 w/pc into 8 Ohms... I could get a custom cable that does banana plug terminated to female xlr to power these. I really would prefer not having to spend 3-5 grand to power these when I already have a solution for speakers.

[@mastaboog749]

I want these Frankenstein monsters! Abyss is out of this world

[@nicktan4530]

This vs orpheus? Which one is better ?

[@oliverploger8007]

it`s a matter of taste in this class, no better or worse.

[@nicktan4530]

@@oliverploger8007 no there is better. Am sorry to say the orpheus is better

[@thomaswachter7782]

These are made in East Aurora NY. A very cute village. If you are traveling in NYS, it's just southeast of Buffalo. Thank you for the review, Steve.

[@JEG6919]

I would agree completely if they weren't so blasted large. Make them smaller already.

[@robinannaniaz9670]

on a moderate budget, what kind of amplifier would I need to make use of this ones full potential? would a powerful "hi res" digital walkman from Sony be enough?

[@adriananonym8258]

No not really at least something with the Power of a thx 789 on gain 3 with the Stock balanced cable but for full Potential you need Something Like the Woo Audi wa33

[@frog382]

I heard Kennerton Thror is by far the best... Have you heard them?

[@jimminychristmas8100]

Steve! Put those ridiculous headphones on yer dang coconut!!! No money shot?

[@bradkava2175]

wish they had a closed back version

[@matkagrogan5251]

Steve, you might be absolutely right here! never heard Susvara but I own HEKSE and as fantastic as they are Abyss are bigger, more sophisticated, better. Not to mention Raal SR1a offering very thin and unengaging sound, like a fife compared to what AByss 1266 TC can produce . I've been constantly blown away since I received them : >

[@anthonysmithjr.7388]

Yes i have a HEKSE also as well as the sra1 and original 1266 and phi tc. The phi tc is amazing. I never heard the susvara and I can’t imagine how it can compete with it’s detail. the hekse is great but not in the same league with both 1266’s. the sra1 has transparency and airiness but bot on the level of the 1266 og and phi. the 1266 also doesn’t get anywhere near as loud as the hekse or 1266. with a jot-r the sra1 is not loud enough and lacks bass. i’m keeping the hekse because it’s easy to drive but it’s hard going back from the 1266 to other headphones once you know the truth.

[@matkagrogan5251]

@@anthonysmithjr.7388 I also own HEKSE, SR1a and 1266TC (+The Heddphone). The resolution and the soundstage of TC must be the best in the business. Plus Abyss does all of it totally effortlessly. With SR1a you are the closest to the sound I got the impression but the tool you are using falls short on technicalities compared to 1266 TC

[@badhabit714]

5000$ and up!! Yeesh!

[@oraz.]

Why does Guttenberg always have dislikes?

[@TorToroPorco]

It’s either a KZbin smoothing algorithm or bots...

[@wadimek116]

@@TorToroPorco Nah there are just people that dont agree with his opinion. I cant decide before I wont listen them myself but at least I know what I can expect from each brand because of him

[@MrGenius2302]

Most people probably won't remember but he used to be in movies from the 90s. They were called the Police Academy films. They were comedies. Quite good.

[@Taladin1234]

They just have the same name

[@MrGenius2302]

@@Taladin1234 No they didn't do remakes of the movies. The only ones were the ones from the nineties and they didn't make new ones and call them the same. They were called Police Academy.

[@Taladin1234]

@@MrGenius2302 im saying that the actor has the same name as steve, from the pictures they do not look the same

[@MrGenius2302]

@@Taladin1234 Yes, that's what I'm saying. Steve Guttenberg. Before the audio reviewing he was an actor. He was in a series of movies called the Police Academy films. I know his name is Steve, it's in the name of the channel. If you look it up he used to have curly dark hair.

[@MrGenius2302]

@@Taladin1234 They had one that made all the noises and the big one with the moustache as well. They had the one who used to have all the army and combat stuff with him Dangleberry. They were called Police Academy.

[@Dampfaeus]

Yeah, the Abyss AB-1266 TC are very probably made to convert people into Cyberman (Doctor Who). Some reviewers even hint at it, saying that listening to these headphones can make people cry. On the other hand, maybe the Cyberman have the crying mark on their eyes because they can listen to supreme Audiophile level music all the time. Maybe not such a bad choice after all.

[@j_vasey]

I would never wish to try these as I know I couldn’t afford them, especially considering what would reasonably required to drive them to there fullest capability. Each time I buy something better it’s the best I can afford. I never know what I’m missing, I think personally ignorance is bliss in this area. Although if I was to be made a cyber man these would be for me

[@SveinOlavGlesaaenNyberg]

Steve, I have weighed back and forth and listened to many reviews, and yours (and your repeated assertions years after the first review) were the golden finger on the scales. Now, I am wondering if you have any comments on the amping of these. Abyss has a list of amplifiers that will re-break my wallet, but I notice that you are often a "voice of reason" going against the grain of "needing" multi-$10k amplifiers. But as so many of us, we don't want to fall short, and tend to add in that little extra $$$ just in case. But do we need a Wa33 to be happy with these, or will for instance a Schiit Jotunheim do a just as good job so that we can enjoy the music without having to block out the sound of our wailing wallets?

[@barchetype6430]

Ever heard the SR1A by Raal ran off a Johtunheim-R?

[@brkly99]

I’m listening to it right now. Quite comfortable, I can wear it all day long with no fatigue whatsoever

[@Hare_deLune]

The rare air of all the best headphones in the World! Some would seem to perhaps even be somewhat obscure for a lot of people. So, Audiophiliac or Headphonicus? Mr. Headphone?

[@QoraxAudio]

I have a wired Beyerdynamic Amiron for a while now... still like it very much. There definitely are better ones out there, I've heard them... But none are actually so much better to justify spending anything! Especially in combination with my fully analog SPL Phonitor 2, it is a very good one.

[@speakersr-lyefaudio6830]

The perfect headphones for me to play Minecraft with

[@adeadcrab]

thanks steve.

[@512bb]

Well, iooks like I finally got a answer on the Real headphones. I have to hear these now as I really think you know headphones in the real world better then anybody, thanks Steve.

[@Aswaguespack]

Designed by Cybermen. Dr. Who where are you?

[@diegocampos703]

Revenge of the Audiophiliacs

[@stephensmith3111]

Which Doctor?

[@mica412]

I knew I'd seen them somewhere before!

[@ABYSSHeadphones]

Peter Capaldi takes it!

[@xeniavader]

Great headphones, and I dare say, worth the money if you're really into music reproduction. Older model used pairs can be had for 2500 dollars on sites like headfi, audiomart, even EBAY.

[@1mctous]

You would need state-of-the-art sources and electronics to realize the AB 1266 TC's potential and justify its purchase. I adhere to the Linn philosophy of getting the best possible sources then improving what's downstream in order: preamps and phono stages, amplifiers, then finally headphones or speakers. I don't ignore the interconnects and speaker cables but IMO they shouldn't be more than 15% of the total price.

[@stevenholt5484]

Great review Steve, and thank you!

[@oliverploger8007]

i own them. before i spent like 30k in "normal" stereo gear. i know its a kind of apple vs. oranges comparison, but i think i hear my music better with the abyss headphone. i bought them used btw, paid 2300 euros und use them with the speaker taps of my mcintosh integrated amp. YES, the speaker taps because the abyss needs a looooot of power. the sound is as speaker-like as it gets, it has nothing to do with a "in your head" sound at all. i had to experience this by myself, didn`t know about such a posibility before. cheers from germany, oliver ps: if sound is important to you and you can have the best of the best for this amount of money? i think it`s a bargain to be honest! :-)

[@dasohr7549]

oliver plöger Moin, Oliver. Ich hab' mir ebenfalls die AB 1266 Phi (ohne TC) gebraucht gekauft. Einen passenden KHV hab' ich noch nicht. Nur einen Astell&Kern Acro L 1000. Eine Frage: wie hast Du die Hörer an den LS-Ausgang angeschlossen? Viele Grüsse! marcus.

[@hansr433]

Does anyone remember the Swiss-Made headphones from the 1980s that sat on your head the same way? I am unsure about their name, perhaps Jenkins? They marketing themselves as "Ear Speakers". Price at the time was around $1,000.

[@Yiannis2112]

It's a bit Frankenstein-ish but hey, we all have a few loose screws...

[@MrDwadi84]

IT is bit ridiculous to spend almost 5K for headphones

[@nostro1001]

@MrDwadi84....it would be if you didn't have an amp and something to play music at least. 😃

[@jamesbittle2138]

@@nostro1001 All the best headphones need amps/dacs.

[@doriarama]

"bit ridiculous " is understatement. Only a fool will buy 5K headphones. A person should spend such amount of money on loudspeakers such as the superb Focal Trio11 Be.

[@thomosburn8740]

@@doriarama I love pricey speakers but Focal isn't even on my radar. My most expensive 'phones were $250.

[@mumpfpabla]

instantly converts you into a cyberman

[@carlosbauza1139]

Mmm great review! I suspect these 'phones would sound great, too, over the Emotiva "BasX a-100" amplifier. Mmm...truly! Delicious.

[@bricedoan6695]

I'd like to drive Abyss TC and Susvara direct from speaker amp taps, that's my next project.

[@bigjt37]

They do look different as heck. But I hear they're phenomenal sounding. I'd wear em 😁💯🎧

[@reaganshen6091]

You can try to test Mu6 Space2 heaphones. They say it's the same quality as Sony.

[@hifix-man319]

For me the best is Sennheiser flagship electrostatic headphone, the second is Warwick Acoustic Aperio, which is close to No.1 except the soundstage.

[@davepastern]

Odd things is, the very best headphones I have ever heard are the 20+ year old Sennheiser Hd540 reference golds. Beats the hell out of the current HD800 and the Audeze LCD2 in every way. Wonder how it'd compete vs these headphones Steve?

[@RyuMasterEX]

Hd800 and lcd2 are mid tier. You still have the high tier before you get to the summit tier, that's like 20 headphones in between them and this

[@DocRealTalk]

Can't wait until someone copies this headband idea and make it affordable.

[@BunnyslippersEUC]

I tried the Abyss and Raal on a hifi show. But they weren't playing music I know. And it was still very crowded. I think after 17.00 most people left. At the end of the day I tried the Raal for 15 20 minutes. The Abyss I tried for 30 seconds in a crowded environment. The Raal phones need to be flipped fully open. That way the soundstage opens up and it gives you a nearfield speakers experience. It looks stupid with the two straps over my head.

[@aceofspades6667]

IMO you really need to get headphones in your home and listen for a week to all sorts of music before passing judgement. You want to be comfortable isolated and using your source/music.