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Abyss Headphones: A Guide to the Most Coherent Line in the Industry
When I hear the word Abyss, my mind goes straight to my favorite headphone brand, and the name is fitting. In my experience, all the Abyss models make me feel that the music I am listening to is emerging from enormous depths. Though I have listened to countless audiophile headphones over my years in the audio world, I have only purchased one new pair. I bought my Diana MR headphones because they were a perfect balance between cost, sound staging, resolution, comfort, and pure enjoyment.
For me, that last factor is especially important. A headphone listening environment is quite intimate, and one of the critical questions that matters to me when choosing headphones is does listening make me feel like I want to smile? I know that is not a very scientific way to evaluate the sound of a pair of headphones, but I think, at the core of all our audio explorations, is the ineffable feeling of happiness we experience when the whole sonic environment falls into harmony. Every Abyss model passes that test for me. Below, I'll talk about the Abyss headphones and why I think this unique company has created the most coherent headphone line in the industry. But first, some background.
How Abyss came to be
Joe Skubinski started the high-end cable company JPS Labs back in 1990, and later sought to translate his work in 'signal integrity' to the very personal experience of audiophile headphones. He was an early pioneer in using an aluminum alloy in the geometry of his cables (coined Alumiloy by Skubinski) when nearly everyone else was using oxygen-free copper (OFC). The first Abyss offering was the AB-1266, a totally unique headphone design that included the now-iconic large rectangular frame that towers over the listener's head. From the start, Abyss maintained strict control over their manufacturing process, physically making most of the parts in their Buffalo, NY warehouse, which gave them substantial control over quality. It also gave them greater agency in refining their designs over time.
Something I really like about Abyss is the way they update their models (with backwards-compatible accessories), rather than constantly developing new ones. Their philosophy seems to be continuous improvement, rather than chasing flashy new models. In fact, up until 2025, they only had the AB-1266 model and the Diana line (adding the JOAL early last year).
Comparing Abyss headphone models
From the JOAL all the way to the AB-1266 Phi TC, anyone who wants to experience high-end headphones can find something to fit their desires. At $1895 new, the JOAL is still pretty expensive, but when you look at what it offers in the marketplace, it is clear to me that this model is a great entry into the high-end headphone market and stands toe-to-toe with competitors that cost substantially more.
There is also a robust used market for Abyss headphones, as evidenced by the fact that we regularly see used headphones at TMR. I don't have specific data to back this up, but my impression is that when we get a pair in, it's because the customer upgraded to a different Abyss model.
All Abyss headphone designs are planar magnetic, with proprietary low-mass diaphragms and custom neodymium magnets, tuned slots, and no magnets on the back of the structure. The Diana and JOAL have 63 mm drivers, and the AB-1266 has a 66mm driver. All the models have evolved over time, each being a variation on a baseline theme, tuned to bring particular characteristics to the forefront.
I have had the opportunity to spend time with most of the models, with different headphone amps, and to my ears, all Abyss headphones share some similar qualities. Maybe it is best to think of the models as having different personalities built on the sonic bedrock of the brand's design philosophy. This is what I mean when I say they have created a coherent line of headphones. All the models have big, enveloping sound staging, fantastic frequency balance across the entire audio spectrum, and an openness that allows a full appreciation of detail.
They all create a dynamic listening space that is a pleasure to experience, and all are incredibly comfortable (even the AB-1266, as we will talk about below). That is the theme, and the different models are variations on them. Below, I will share my general impressions of each model to help you consider which one might be right for you.
The Abyss JOAL
JOAL stands for 'Jack of All Listening.' I like to think that this name started out tongue-in-cheek, but they came to like it more and more over time. It is an accurate moniker, as the JOAL can work with just about any DAC/amp and any style of music. Of all the Abyss models, the JOAL really does everything well and is easy to listen to.
The resolution and detail is fantastic for general listening, and I wasn't able to find any music that didn't work. In particular, I loved the JOAL for Jazz and female vocal music. John Abercrombie's "Little Booker" from Open Lands just sung into my ears, and the JOAL was a perfect companion for Bjork's debut recording, and the deeply soulful voice of Dominique Fils-Aimé. The impedance is 30 ohms, so it is easy to drive, even with a portable DAC/headphone amp, such as a Chord Mojo2 or AudioQuest Dragonfly. Of course, you can use a more powerful headphone amp, which improves the sound staging and allows more defined instrument or voice placement in the sound field. I think the JOAL does color the sound a bit more than other models, but to my ears, that makes for a great general listening pair of headphones that can stand up to critical listening as well.
Abyss offers three variations of ear pads for the JOAL and Diana models (leather, ultra suede, and hybrid), which I will discuss in more detail below. The JOAL comes standard with the ultra suede, but any Diana ear pad will work.
I found the JOAL to be the most forgiving of all the models. Listening to, for example, Chris Whitley’s Dirt Floor, which was recorded with a stereo ribbon mic live to two-track in a Vermont barn, made me feel like I was in that barn with him.
The Abyss Diana MR
I think of the Diana MR as "midrange" because this model excels at the presentation of midrange, particularly vocal music. But I also found this model to be incredibly balanced for instrumental music of all kinds. Even with the Juilliard Quartet's four string quartets of Elliott Carter, famously dense and difficult music, the Diana MR shined. With propulsive electronic music, such as Dorisburg's House Organ for the Lonely, the MR had plenty of space for the low frequencies that remained in perfect balance with the full spectrum of sounds. I particularly loved Yosi Horikawa's Spaces, which seemed to be even more expansive with the MR, and the incredible detail never became overwhelming. These are my personal daily drivers, so I know them the best, and in all my listening, the ultra suede ear pads were my favorite.
The MR has an impedance of 30 ohms, making it, like the JOAL, easy to drive. Interestingly, I found the sound staging with dongle DACs a little better with the MR than the JOAL, and even the Chord Mojo2 seemed to provide slightly better presence in the MR. I think this might be because of the fuller frequency tuning of the JOAL, making it slightly harder to drive across the entire frequency range, but this is just a guess.
The reality is that both headphones performed well with portable headphone amps. Stepping up to the Hugo 2, I think, made this difference disappear for the most part. The Hugo 2 is not much more powerful than the Mojo 2, but has a considerably lower output impedance, which probably accounts for the better performance.
Abyss Diana V2 and Diana TC
The next jump in the Diana line really requires more power from the headphone amp. I would not recommend low-power portable DACs for any models from here. The Chord Hugo 2 works relatively well with the Diana V2, but I don't think it provides enough power to really appreciate what these models can do.
With this jump, I think it makes sense to step up to a desktop headphone amp that outputs at least 3- 4 watts, but more is better. I have had the chance to listen to Abyss headphones with a number of high-end desktop amps, including Amps and Sound, Feliks, and several Woo Audio units. The Diana V2 has an impedance of 42 ohms, not much more than the MR and JOAL, but the V2 is a more resolving model, and the rewards of more power are better sound staging and clearer articulation of detail. The older Diana TC (Total Consciousness) model has a slightly higher impedance of 70 ohm, and the benefits of more power are even more noticeable with the TC.
I love the Chord DACs, and explored using Chord with more powerful amps, such as the Woo WA23 and WA5. I also found the Weiss DAC502 to be a great companion to both models, with the newer MKII a marked improvement (another nice feature is the 4-pin XLR headphone output on the back panel, but the 1/4” output on the front also works well).
Listening to the purity of Glenn Gould in his last recording of the Goldberg Variations (he recorded the piece twice, in 1955 and 1981) was a revelation with both the V2 and the TC. Not many headphones have the sonic space to handle Gould’s extreme dynamics in the later recording. Going back to Little Booker, Kenny Wheeler’s melody was beautifully defined in both models, and I felt like I could feel the edges of his notes. With the V2, I preferred the ultra suede ear pads with more detailed music. But the pristinely recorded Bill Frisell album Music IS was wonderfully enveloping with both models and either the leather or the ultra-suede ear pads.
Contrasting the V2 and the TC, I would give a slight edge to the TC if you have enough power to drive it. For me, resolution and the balanced way it handled detail made the TC one of the most pleasurable headphones I have ever listened to. You do need that extra power to fully appreciate them, but with a solid desktop amp, the sound is stunning. There are so many recordings that I relished with the TC, experiencing them anew. Examples include Arvo Pärt’s "Tabula Rasa" with Gideon Kremer on violin, and Paul Motian’s Winter & Winter recording Play Monk and Powell, both of which felt like they had an expanded sound stage that allowed the music to breathe.
Abyss has recently released a couple new Diana updates, which I haven’t been able to hear. The Diana DZ apparently has an incredible high end presence and detail; the new TC Signature reportedly brings resolution to a new level.
The Abyss AB-1266
I previously mentioned the frame for the Abyss AB-1266, and it is one of the most discussed designs in the industry. A quick perusal of forums reveals there are strong opinions about this model. One thing I have noticed is that negative opinions are often put forward by people who haven't listened to the AB 1266, but that is another matter.
The first time I had a pair of these on my head, I was surprised at how comfortable they were. They are not as heavy as you expect, and the frame allows the headphones to feel almost suspended on your head. And here is an important detail: the center adjustment in the upper frame and the ear cup position allow you to dial in fit with laser precision. You can essentially set the ear cups exactly where you want them, and aim the drivers into your ears in exactly the way that optimizes the experience. This is the brilliance of the design, and I think that hinge is the least appreciated part of this model.
Also, surprisingly, I found they are great headphones for long listening sessions, though I do think the AB-1266 are best when you are strictly listening. The Diana model is great to use at your computer, when doing other work, reading, or, say, doing the crossword. I think the AB-1266 is a vehicle for pure listening.
I had the opportunity to briefly try a newer AB-1266 "complete" package, which is the Phi TC model (Total Consciousness), with the upgraded cable and other accessories, including a lovely soft leather bag that I really wanted to keep and use as a daily shoulder bag! I was able to listen with several headphone amps. This model has about a 50 ohm impedance, which surprised me (I thought it would be higher), but nevertheless benefits the most from power. I listened with a Chord Hugo 2 DAC into a Woo amp, a Gold Note DAC into a Feliks amp, and also an Amps and Sound unit. All were fantastic, with a huge sound stage, incredible detail that never leaned toward listening fatigue. I especially loved the tube amps with this model because I felt they added a little something ineffable yet beautiful, perhaps the way the tubes made the dynamics more nuanced.
In a perfect world, I'd own my MR headphones with the three different ear pads, and an AB-1266 Phi TC for when I truly wanted to disappear into the music. I picture myself leaning back in a comfortable chair outside at night, gazing up at the stars and the Milky Way while listening to Arooj Aftab’s Night Reign. Other than live music, I can’t think of a better way to deeply connect to music.
Ear pads and cables for Abyss headphones
In the realm of ear pads, just like in headphone designs, Abyss has remained innovative. All the Diana models and the JOAL have compatible ear pads (the AB-1266 has its own). They are magnetic and very easy to change. Abyss has taught me that ear pads matter a lot more than I used to think. Currently, they have three ear pad models, each of which can be ported or not, offering six different ways to tune any of the Diana or the JOAL headphones. And Abyss makes all the ear pads in-house.
The standard ear pads are made of soft Lambskin, and I found them to have the best resolution, especially in the upper frequencies. They are extremely comfortable, incisive, and provide a listening experience that sharpens detail. Ultra suede, which is a very soft, velvety-feeling material sourced from Japan that offers stellar comfort, and a great balance of resolution with a slightly tamed high end. If your setup has a little too much high-end detail, they can provide just the right compromise. It doesn't diminish detail, but perhaps makes it slightly more diffuse. For both comfort and sound, these are my choices for long listening sessions.
Then there is the hybrid, where the edges of the ear pads are leather, and the part that touches your head is ultra suede. These pads are in the middle of the two others in terms of resolution, and are perhaps the most neutral of the three. I have had the least time with the hybrid ear pads, only listening briefly to a set on a pair of Diana TC headphones, but I was impressed.
Porting is a relatively new feature that favors bass response in the range of about 50 Hz, compared to the deeper sub-bass of the non-ported version. Generally, I favored the ultra suede pads, especially at the end of a long day when I just wanted to be enveloped in music. I bought my MR model with ultra suede, but I also plan to purchase a pair of hybrid ear pads for increased resolution when I want to listen more critically. I think having more than one pair of ear pads is a great way to give your individual Abyss headphone model a wider range of sonic possibilities.
This flexibility also holds true for cables. JPS continues to manufacture cables at their Buffalo plant, so all the Abyss cables are made in-house. The main cable that comes stock with all Diana headphones is a high-end JPS cable that can be ordered with any of the standard headphone terminations. The cable has an excellent feel and doesn't easily tangle. From there, if you are inclined, there are two levels of upgraded cables available. The stock cable is excellent, and while I wasn't able to try the higher-end cables, I was very happy with the standard model.
The JOAL has its own very pliable twisted cable that comes with a 4.4 mm input jack, but they offer adaptors. And keep in mind that any Diana-style cable will work with the JOAL.
Closing Thoughts Abyss Headphones
Abyss is a unique company. Over many years, they have carefully built depth in a specific area, and instead of growing in sheer number of products, they have developed a small number of products into a coherent line of fantastic headphones that sit at the upper echelon of the market. From an engineering perspective, they have thought through every aspect of what makes a great headphone, and they continue to innovate. Joe's sons are part of the business, and his son Eric is the chief designer. As a listener, you can think about what you want in a headphone experience, then choose the model, ear pads, and cable to dial in exactly the sonic experience you desire. I can't think of another brand that is better at such a holistic approach, so clearly defining a set of options to get you exactly where you want to be.
So what made me choose the Diana MR over other models? First of all, I found the midrange focus and detail just a pleasure to listen to, and to my ears, the sound staging is fantastic. They had the best cost/performance ratio for my budget, and the fact that they are easy to drive was a big plus for me, so I am not tied to a desktop DAC/amp. I can appreciate that Abyss was thinking about vocals in the sound profile for the MR, but I listen to far more instrumental than vocal music, and I still found the MR's soundstage, detail, and warmth to be the perfect balance for me. There are a handful of moments in the universe of recorded music that are my benchmarks, and the MR handled every one with aplomb. I am very happy with my MR headphones and have paired them with a Chord Hugo TT2 on my desk, which I find to be a perfect combination. I can come home after a long day, put my feet up, and completely disappear into any kind of music with the MR. And, yes, they make me smile every time I listen.
By the way, if you are interested in the pair of MR that made me fall in love with the model, it is currently on our site for sale!