When it comes to headphones and other audio gear - the entire chain has to be considered - so a person who has cheap gear across the chain might find a slightly less cheap component to significantly elevate the level of sound that s/he is used to; on the contrary - for someone who has even a budget or mid-tier setup - a cheap component would immediately result in considerable degradation of the sound. When it comes to forums - both are voicing their opinions but the context and the remainder of the chain is seldom highlighted
The issue is when Eric says “this sucks” his reference points are the 1266 Phi Tc and Diana TC levels. So when someone produces a sub $1k headphones (Dan Clark close backs) the level of suck had to change with the price point. There are also headphones they perhaps aren’t designed to the abyss level of build quality or durability but still sound good for the price point. Hifiman would be an example of build quality issues (HE6 sev2) but for $500 it has exceptional sound quality (given proper amplifier) and decent build if you do the honeycomb grill mod and don’t get the magnet/driver stuck issue.
Well, that’s why he clarified about looking at things in absolute terms. When you throw out price, my 58XJ’s are dogshit compared to what I imagine an AB 1266 sounds like. That mentality makes sense when you want to make class-leading products.
@@TecnoTyler He also tends to focus quite a lot on the build of a product, how it feels in the hand and on your head, aesthetics, etc. The guys at abyss liked the airpod max's as an overall product, even if they don't sound that great by audiophile standards.
You can only adjust frequency response. Not resolution, imaging, impact, timbre, etc... Also, many headphones react horribly to EQ. I recall in 2014 my HE-400 HATED EQ!!
@@blueslime1703 people who like good sound such as Andrew on the headphone show always use EQ. Most newbies have no idea. Maybe if you watch his videos on how to use EQ you might learn one way of doing it.
30:41 - I actually have seen pretty much this exact situation IRL. One of my coworkers had a chance to visit Sennheiser, and got to try the Orpheus, and apparently both he and the person he was with put in their AirPods after and thought "these are better"
As a casual audio enjoyer I recently bought the Sundaras, had the PC38x before and the differences to an untrained ear are on the level of just that - different. Not better, not worse, just different. The more I listen to them though the more I am starting to appreaciate the details that I catch that I had never heard before and when I try the old pair back I can finally truly say that the Sundaras are a better, more detailed headphone. I am sure if tried the ABs I wouldn't be sure what to think of them. Or maybe they'd be the second coming of Jesus, who knows.
More DMS, please.
When it comes to headphones and other audio gear - the entire chain has to be considered - so a person who has cheap gear across the chain might find a slightly less cheap component to significantly elevate the level of sound that s/he is used to; on the contrary - for someone who has even a budget or mid-tier setup - a cheap component would immediately result in considerable degradation of the sound. When it comes to forums - both are voicing their opinions but the context and the remainder of the chain is seldom highlighted
The issue is when Eric says “this sucks” his reference points are the 1266 Phi Tc and Diana TC levels. So when someone produces a sub $1k headphones (Dan Clark close backs) the level of suck had to change with the price point. There are also headphones they perhaps aren’t designed to the abyss level of build quality or durability but still sound good for the price point. Hifiman would be an example of build quality issues (HE6 sev2) but for $500 it has exceptional sound quality (given proper amplifier) and decent build if you do the honeycomb grill mod and don’t get the magnet/driver stuck issue.
Very true and fair points for sure. Context is def extremely important!
Well, that’s why he clarified about looking at things in absolute terms. When you throw out price, my 58XJ’s are dogshit compared to what I imagine an AB 1266 sounds like. That mentality makes sense when you want to make class-leading products.
@@TecnoTyler He also tends to focus quite a lot on the build of a product, how it feels in the hand and on your head, aesthetics, etc. The guys at abyss liked the airpod max's as an overall product, even if they don't sound that great by audiophile standards.
this is such an important video and DMS is going to play a critical role in improving the way reviews are done! keep the awesome content coming :)
So glad DMS is back at the table.
I wanna see Keith. 🙂
$9 dollar scissors link?
oh man what are these fancy scissors?
Not everyone is going to love every headphone. The beauty of EQ is you can adjust much of the sound to your personal liking.
You can only adjust frequency response. Not resolution, imaging, impact, timbre, etc... Also, many headphones react horribly to EQ. I recall in 2014 my HE-400 HATED EQ!!
@@woopygoman those are the qualities are a function of EQ.
@@woopygoman my 4XX responded wonderfully to EQ. Pretty much all I need.
@@blueslime1703 LOL only people who care about sound should use EQ.
@@blueslime1703 people who like good sound such as Andrew on the headphone show always use EQ. Most newbies have no idea. Maybe if you watch his videos on how to use EQ you might learn one way of doing it.
Who is the guest, he’s not in the description?
Damn, DMS works hard.
What! Where’s the dad? Lol.
This is a great episode though.
this was fun to watch
Speaking of things that some people will absolutely hate while others will love, and giving overly negative/positive reviews...Sendy Peacock.
30:41 - I actually have seen pretty much this exact situation IRL. One of my coworkers had a chance to visit Sennheiser, and got to try the Orpheus, and apparently both he and the person he was with put in their AirPods after and thought "these are better"
As a casual audio enjoyer I recently bought the Sundaras, had the PC38x before and the differences to an untrained ear are on the level of just that - different. Not better, not worse, just different. The more I listen to them though the more I am starting to appreaciate the details that I catch that I had never heard before and when I try the old pair back I can finally truly say that the Sundaras are a better, more detailed headphone.
I am sure if tried the ABs I wouldn't be sure what to think of them. Or maybe they'd be the second coming of Jesus, who knows.
Possibly due to the fact that the Orpheus are ELECTROSTATIC headphones (which are not to everyone's taste - I, for one, detest them).
@@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices what is it about electrostatic headphones do you hate? I haven’t tried any just curious why you think so.
I really enjoy my ernest wright scissors lol.
Maybe the time will come for a cheaper Abyss headphone. Maybe around 1500usd
Does/did DMS work for Abyss?
He does and has for a few years now, he actually runs the Abyss YT channel if I’m not mistaken.
Will you please design a set for $500 and outsource it all, but before you ship qc it in house. I will wait.