The Abyss AB-1266, were do I start: well, the price – these are by far the most expensive headphones we have ever had in store and maybe ever will, such a price tag commands your attention and we have been eagerly awaiting their arrival, I am pleased to say they are now here!
So after the obligatory running in (these took some serious hours!) I, along with Raven will share our thoughts on what makes these headphones among the finest ever produced. It is key to partner them with electronics capable of bringing out the best in them, so I will run through the kit used!
Phones: Abyss AB-1266, HD800
Headphone Amplifiers: Sennheiser HDVD800. Sugden HA-4 Master Class and Oppo HA-1
Source: Mac Book, Naim CD5XS
All cables are high end from the Black Rhodium Opera interconnect to the Ecosse Big Red Mains cables, TCI Super Contrictor mains blocks provided distribution!
My first impressions
Aesthetically out of the box was, their big and they are but not uncomfortable on the head – they balance nicely and as the cups are removal and rotatable you can find that “sweet spot” kinda the same as a listening to speakers and getting that light bulb moment, think ESL’s!
I deliberately included the HDVD800 in this listening test as to date my most favourite combination is HD800, HDVD800 and balanced cable – those of you who have heard this combination will know it fearsome reputation.
First track with the Abyss and HDVD800, Fleetwood Mac “dreams” (CD, CD5XS) – not the best of recordings and I have know lesser systems to cause to loose attention quickly with this track. The Abyss held me were I needed to be, suspended in foot tapping land not worrying I may miss the last train home, (I did) these are good – very good. As I am sure you folks now however, a one off demo with no comparison is pointless, so queue the HD800.
The clear and definable difference between the two is bass weight and bass representation – the HD800 is, and I say this tentatively – lighter in the bass. I am not saying their response is wrong, just a different representation. Both mids and highs are quite similar, the Abyss have that endearing life like midrange I love about the HD800 and the highs frankly are even more defined and spacial, they excel in areas distinct from all other headphones, (IMO) a real achievement.
I listen to a large proportion of classical music, with a real passion for Choral especially, thinking sensibly about this the improved bass response of the AB-1266 may push some of sweeter vocal mids into the background but alas they take the upper hand and prove me wrong, the levels of definition on tap and without any perceived effort is breath taking, Rachminov’s Vespers were handled with authority and breath taking clarity.
In a nut shell, I am looking forward to spending as much time as possible with my new friend – they get better by the day, who knows perhaps the boss will let me take them home for the weekend, well done Abyss – you may have just stole the crown!
Over to Raven for her thoughts:
I must confess, I was a tiny bit sceptical about how much sound quality a headphone could truly deliver. The price tag is a hefty one, after all. But upon my first listen I was absolutely blown away and hereby eat any previous scepticism.
The Abyss offers something truly magical: a rich, clear and crisp sound that is somehow soft and deep. Perfectly balanced, I could hear details to songs I thought I knew well that seemed new to my ears. Nothing is overpowering, it’s like having a top sound engineer strapped to your head while the band plays just five feet away.
I know the general aesthetic is an acquired taste, but I quite like their gothic-industrial visual. And they are surprisingly light and comfortable, despite appearing otherwise.
I will be writing a proper review of them within the next week, which undoubtedly means spending a little more time with them. Of this I couldn’t be happier. I’m looking forward to exploring different genres and sounds and old favourites particularly – it will be like hearing them for the first time.
As always happy listening and do not hesitate contact us if you would like some of advice or to audition the AB-1266, available now from Audio Affair with a wide range of payment options!