Hey Michael i'm happy you took my advice on the 1266. I'm falling down the Abyss myself and cant seem to get this headphone out of my head so i'm considering buying one by next year or as soon as they announce a new revision. I'm eagerly waiting for your next video comparing the 1266 to other headphones. And also your input on the 1266+WA5 pairing. Thanks for the great content you put out YT! And for the new albums that go to my collection every time I watch one of your videos.
Yeah, it's kind of funny. I've listened to the Abyss at shows-- I thought they sounded pretty good, but the styling was such a turnoff, I swore there was no way I'd be purchasing them-- at least not at $5000. This deal came up at half-price. I'm like-- that's sweet-- I just have to figure out how to afford them. I know it's not the latest and greatest version-- but who cares? The new version is a refinement of this one, not a whole new headphone. They're going to sound similar with some technical improvements-- and I can upgrade them if I get the itch. I don't have much else that's capable of driving the 1266. Maybe the Chord? But that would take some rewiring that I don't have time for at the moment. I want to get a GSX MK2 or GSX Mini in here so I have a good solid state amp to counter the Woo. iFi episode coming soon-- they likely sent some sort of amp-- that's 2 episodes away. Maybe whatever they sent can drive the Abyss. We'll see. Thanks for watching! Thanks for the tip! Absolutely love the 1266.
Michael. Really terrific video. I’m so glad you went through the ergonomics and the psycho acoustic adjustment properties that are available. They really are like an HD 800’s. Truth serum for your recordings. And something like the Abyss really can educate one on music sources. Yup. Upsampling is not all it is cracked up to be.
Thanks for the great review! That's quite the headphone! Is the Chord Hugo TT2 amp enough for the Phi? That's all I have and I love that amp! Thanks again! I love your channel!
Watched this video as it was suggested to me, went back and watched a bunch of your old videos. Ended up hitting subscribe and the bell, really enjoy what you're doing here.
Who cares how ugly it may look on your head anyways guys. Really, I couldn't give a toss since you're not leaving the house with these on without a neck brace and expensive surgery. They're heavy, ugly and for some they're uncomfortable. But they're engineered like a tank, sound phenomenal and that's all that matters: quality
Consider Changing the title of the video so the video will pop up when people search for "Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC"; the current title could imply a review of several different Abyss headphones under the same general name.
I don't know of an amp that can bring deep, impactful bass to the 009s, which is really the issue for me and the Stax with the music I enjoy. If I were a classical lover (I like classical, but it's not a genre I go to with frequency) The Stax would make for an easy choice. But I can't wait to do side-by-side comparisons of all of these headphones. It's going to be fun, and I've avoided a/b comparisons between the four until I get to that episode. I'm often surprised when I put the headphones in direct comparison. Part of the fun! Thanks for watching.
Hi Matthew! I do have WA-33 envy. There just isn't a path for me to get to that amp within a reasonable cost. The WA5LE v2 and the 2 sets of 300Bs I have in-house are just cost prohibitive to purchasing the WA-33. I've auditioned it though, and I agree, it's crazy special. Thanks for watching!
@@DirectorsGarage you know you want the wa33 elite version Michael. Us audio enthusiasts eventually do enough mental gymnastics that we eventually get the toys we crave anyway lol. Enjoy it all in good health my friend.
@@DirectorsGarage Lol invested. See? Mental gymnastics haha. You'll need to do some soul searching. Now you know what the wa33 sounds like...can you forget it and by happy with the wa5le? Your credit card is begging for mercy but your ears crave it. Give innnnnn. One of us....one of us....do itttt
The tweak ability is the most interesting and horrifying for me at the same time. I have a bit of OCD and I would just sit there for hours tweaking all the time instead of enjoying my music. Also if this hinge up to ever gets loose (in years of tweaking maybe?) they become unusable … 🤔? Anyway, very impressive piece of gear, I just wish they make one with better ergonomics
Yes. I've listened to them several times at shows, and I've owned the HE1000 V2-- which is its cousin (in rougher clothing). I like them-- but they sound like a better HE1000 V2 (not a bad thing) but they didn't sound twice the price as good as the HE1000, to me. It seemed like Hifiman dreamed up an uber-expensive price to see if folks would bite-- without adding a lot of value to the higher end purchase. Yes they are an improvement-- but I had a hard time swallowing that it was a double-price worthy improvement over their former flagship. Thanks for watching, Chris! Always like your comments.
im subscribed them on their utube channel, abbys. well i've seen some reviewers about this headphone they don't always said great things about them, maybe coz they haven't throw juice as much as they could. from my calculation to get the sound right from this abbys is to spend at least 1500 bucks. we can't see your hints maybe coz your camera lens focused on you and makes background bokeh. nice vids as always mr michael...
Hi Michael, any chance of reviewing the Oriolus Traillii? , it's pretty hyped up right now. Vision Ears Elysium and UM Mason Fabled Sound are worth looking at too IMO.
@@Matthew-oh1wg There are so many great IEMs out there right now. I'm still stuck on the Sultan. I have a new budget IEM in the next episode. Haven't heard it yet, can't wait! Thanks for watching.
@@Matthew-oh1wg So I've heard. I thought about buying one a few times. But it's just so expensive. I went for the Elysium instead. Glad you are enjoying them. Maybe some day for me.
@@DirectorsGarage love your work Michael. You're a lot more eloquent then I could ever convey with this audio jargon and technicalities. But I think ull be blown away with the triallii. Of course...at 6k (5.2k at musictek ;)...it's a big commitment
No, this is the second version of the 1266. Next came the ceramic coated one and then the TC which has a new planar driver design. I hope Michael can get his hands on a TC version someday. I think I have only ever heard of one person on the internet who has liked the older one over the TC. :)
@@goldpieceleo He probably bought this one used for closer to two grand. Now that he has experienced the 1266, he will have to go all the way to the TC. ;)
Yes we have to cut some corners at the Director's Garage to keep the lights on and the cats fed. I got them at about half-off. They came with the upgraded cable and new ear pads. They were in terrific condition, other than the head band. Everything I've read on the Abyss in researching the purchase - the new driver is a refinement, not a wholesale change in sound. So I wasn't caught up in needing the latest-greatest. One thing I just learned in this comment-- they're upgradeable. Who knew? So that's pretty cool and something I might consider if the price is reasonable. But I like these so much-- I'm not tempted, at least for now!
Part of the fun! Can't wait to do it. The Meze will win on comfort-- I can predict that with reasonable certainty. Thanks, as always, for watching William!
Let's imagine for a second that the best electric vehicle would not be a Tesla, but a wagon - how successful would that be? So yeah, thank you for the review but man, those are some really ugly things
@@Matthew-oh1wg i know about that. But there is a reason 1266 doesnt look appealing bcs its only deisgned sound in mind. Not the best look nor ergo. They try to achieve life time product that has the best sound they could able do create
One thing I'd add-- though they are *clearly* not the last name in style-- Abyss engineered the crap out of these things. They are sturdy. They are built like a tank. And there are nearly no moving parts to wear or break. Stax and Hifiman could glean something from Abyss. And the 1266 is surprisingly comfortable (at least to me). It's not Meze comfortable, but as long as you don't have a mirror around-- they feel good on the head and the ear pads are top-grade. Not too heavy either. The Stax are super light, but they make my ears sweat, which is kinda gross. Great discussion! Thanks for watching everyone. Without your views, I can't keep doing the show. It means a lot.
1680 subs? that was quick! happy so see your channel grow.
You need to get a Hifiman Susvara in on that shootout!
Hey Michael i'm happy you took my advice on the 1266. I'm falling down the Abyss myself and cant seem to get this headphone out of my head so i'm considering buying one by next year or as soon as they announce a new revision. I'm eagerly waiting for your next video comparing the 1266 to other headphones. And also your input on the 1266+WA5 pairing. Thanks for the great content you put out YT! And for the new albums that go to my collection every time I watch one of your videos.
Yeah, it's kind of funny. I've listened to the Abyss at shows-- I thought they sounded pretty good, but the styling was such a turnoff, I swore there was no way I'd be purchasing them-- at least not at $5000. This deal came up at half-price. I'm like-- that's sweet-- I just have to figure out how to afford them. I know it's not the latest and greatest version-- but who cares? The new version is a refinement of this one, not a whole new headphone. They're going to sound similar with some technical improvements-- and I can upgrade them if I get the itch.
I don't have much else that's capable of driving the 1266. Maybe the Chord? But that would take some rewiring that I don't have time for at the moment. I want to get a GSX MK2 or GSX Mini in here so I have a good solid state amp to counter the Woo.
iFi episode coming soon-- they likely sent some sort of amp-- that's 2 episodes away. Maybe whatever they sent can drive the Abyss. We'll see. Thanks for watching! Thanks for the tip! Absolutely love the 1266.
This is the first video I've seen by you and I have to say it's very well produced and very entertaining. Consider me a subscriber.
Michael. Really terrific video. I’m so glad you went through the ergonomics and the psycho acoustic adjustment properties that are available. They really are like an HD 800’s. Truth serum for your recordings. And something like the Abyss really can educate one on music sources. Yup. Upsampling is not all it is cracked up to be.
Thanks for the great review! That's quite the headphone! Is the Chord Hugo TT2 amp enough for the Phi? That's all I have and I love that amp! Thanks again! I love your channel!
one day i will demo these bad boys, great vid like always man
Next step is stealing two alien soundmakers from Area 51 and taping them to your head. With Dekoni pads of course.
Watched this video as it was suggested to me, went back and watched a bunch of your old videos. Ended up hitting subscribe and the bell, really enjoy what you're doing here.
It is the Abyss 1266 Phi. There is also an Abyss Diana Phi. So if you say "Abyss Phi", it is a bit confusing.
Abyss 1266 vs Hifiman Susvara vs Focal Utopia, please! :)
Who cares how ugly it may look on your head anyways guys. Really, I couldn't give a toss since you're not leaving the house with these on without a neck brace and expensive surgery. They're heavy, ugly and for some they're uncomfortable. But they're engineered like a tank, sound phenomenal and that's all that matters: quality
ty
Consider Changing the title of the video so the video will pop up when people search for "Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC"; the current title could imply a review of several different Abyss headphones under the same general name.
Ah yes. The 5 grand beasts.
I think for the Stax 009S to win the shootout, they will need a different amplifier based on your Episode 50 comments.
I don't know of an amp that can bring deep, impactful bass to the 009s, which is really the issue for me and the Stax with the music I enjoy. If I were a classical lover (I like classical, but it's not a genre I go to with frequency) The Stax would make for an easy choice. But I can't wait to do side-by-side comparisons of all of these headphones. It's going to be fun, and I've avoided a/b comparisons between the four until I get to that episode. I'm often surprised when I put the headphones in direct comparison. Part of the fun! Thanks for watching.
Are you in the Chicago area. If so, reach out to Ray Samuels about his A-10.
@@semccoin Nope I'm a west coaster. I left Chicago after 34 years in 2001. I'd had enough cold weather for one lifetime. I used to live downtown.
It sounds great with the wa33 too :) the Xi audio stack is also a good match but I like tubes timbre
Hi Matthew! I do have WA-33 envy. There just isn't a path for me to get to that amp within a reasonable cost. The WA5LE v2 and the 2 sets of 300Bs I have in-house are just cost prohibitive to purchasing the WA-33. I've auditioned it though, and I agree, it's crazy special. Thanks for watching!
@@DirectorsGarage you know you want the wa33 elite version Michael. Us audio enthusiasts eventually do enough mental gymnastics that we eventually get the toys we crave anyway lol. Enjoy it all in good health my friend.
@@Matthew-oh1wg No question I want it. I can't find a way out of the $10,000+ I have invested (ha! "invested") in the WA5LE.
@@DirectorsGarage Lol invested. See? Mental gymnastics haha. You'll need to do some soul searching. Now you know what the wa33 sounds like...can you forget it and by happy with the wa5le? Your credit card is begging for mercy but your ears crave it. Give innnnnn. One of us....one of us....do itttt
The tweak ability is the most interesting and horrifying for me at the same time. I have a bit of OCD and I would just sit there for hours tweaking all the time instead of enjoying my music. Also if this hinge up to ever gets loose (in years of tweaking maybe?) they become unusable … 🤔? Anyway, very impressive piece of gear, I just wish they make one with better ergonomics
Also I would like to know when I’m getting the reference tuning … which I don’t think there is a default setting for?
Have you ever tried a Hifiman Susvara? By most reports it is the one headphone that beats 1266, the king of all headphones. 👑🎧
Yes. I've listened to them several times at shows, and I've owned the HE1000 V2-- which is its cousin (in rougher clothing). I like them-- but they sound like a better HE1000 V2 (not a bad thing) but they didn't sound twice the price as good as the HE1000, to me. It seemed like Hifiman dreamed up an uber-expensive price to see if folks would bite-- without adding a lot of value to the higher end purchase. Yes they are an improvement-- but I had a hard time swallowing that it was a double-price worthy improvement over their former flagship. Thanks for watching, Chris! Always like your comments.
@@DirectorsGarage interesting take, thanks for taking the time to share it. 😊
@@DirectorsGarage I agree. I owned them both and still own the phi TC. phi TC is worlds better
im subscribed them on their utube channel, abbys. well i've seen some reviewers about this headphone they don't always said great things about them, maybe coz they haven't throw juice as much as they could. from my calculation to get the sound right from this abbys is to spend at least 1500 bucks. we can't see your hints maybe coz your camera lens focused on you and makes background bokeh. nice vids as always mr michael...
It's the AB-1266.
Hi Michael, any chance of reviewing the Oriolus Traillii? , it's pretty hyped up right now. Vision Ears Elysium and UM Mason Fabled Sound are worth looking at too IMO.
They're not on my short list. It could happen, but I'd need a vendor to step up.
I have the traillii. It's a large step up from the Odin's :) my favourite by portable hifi purchase in ages
@@Matthew-oh1wg There are so many great IEMs out there right now. I'm still stuck on the Sultan. I have a new budget IEM in the next episode. Haven't heard it yet, can't wait! Thanks for watching.
@@Matthew-oh1wg So I've heard. I thought about buying one a few times. But it's just so expensive. I went for the Elysium instead. Glad you are enjoying them. Maybe some day for me.
@@DirectorsGarage love your work Michael. You're a lot more eloquent then I could ever convey with this audio jargon and technicalities. But I think ull be blown away with the triallii. Of course...at 6k (5.2k at musictek ;)...it's a big commitment
How it is Comapre to your Empyrean ?
Good thing I live in Asia, where there are not available.😁
You've discovered PhiFi? lol
That leaves the Susvara...
That leaves the Susvara
Is it the Phi AB TC? I mean is it the latest model?
No, this is the second version of the 1266. Next came the ceramic coated one and then the TC which has a new planar driver design. I hope Michael can get his hands on a TC version someday. I think I have only ever heard of one person on the internet who has liked the older one over the TC. :)
@@MWeston2 why did he spend that much money when he can get the latest model brand new and the same price?
@@goldpieceleo He probably bought this one used for closer to two grand. Now that he has experienced the 1266, he will have to go all the way to the TC. ;)
@@MWeston2 he can convert it to the latest model by sending it back to Abyss, they will change the drivers. I think cost around a thousand bucks.
Yes we have to cut some corners at the Director's Garage to keep the lights on and the cats fed. I got them at about half-off. They came with the upgraded cable and new ear pads. They were in terrific condition, other than the head band. Everything I've read on the Abyss in researching the purchase - the new driver is a refinement, not a wholesale change in sound. So I wasn't caught up in needing the latest-greatest. One thing I just learned in this comment-- they're upgradeable. Who knew? So that's pretty cool and something I might consider if the price is reasonable. But I like these so much-- I'm not tempted, at least for now!
shoot out.... hmmm....... i think the Meze will lose quite ugly
Part of the fun! Can't wait to do it. The Meze will win on comfort-- I can predict that with reasonable certainty. Thanks, as always, for watching William!
Let's imagine for a second that the best electric vehicle would not be a Tesla, but a wagon - how successful would that be? So yeah, thank you for the review but man, those are some really ugly things
They have dianna models if you into looks
I have both the diana phi and abyss 1266 phi. The diana is very good but nowhere near
@@Matthew-oh1wg i know about that. But there is a reason 1266 doesnt look appealing bcs its only deisgned sound in mind. Not the best look nor ergo. They try to achieve life time product that has the best sound they could able do create
@@mizikacibalik you don't have to convince me buddy :) I totally agree and I'm sold on their designs. Looks be damned
One thing I'd add-- though they are *clearly* not the last name in style-- Abyss engineered the crap out of these things. They are sturdy. They are built like a tank. And there are nearly no moving parts to wear or break. Stax and Hifiman could glean something from Abyss. And the 1266 is surprisingly comfortable (at least to me). It's not Meze comfortable, but as long as you don't have a mirror around-- they feel good on the head and the ear pads are top-grade. Not too heavy either. The Stax are super light, but they make my ears sweat, which is kinda gross. Great discussion! Thanks for watching everyone. Without your views, I can't keep doing the show. It means a lot.