I have enjoyed the HD800 for many years now, but decided it was time to try something new. Since I wanted to make a big step I was looking at TOTL headphones and narrowed it down to exactly these three. I had listened to STAX but they didn’t do it for me, just seemed to be a variation of the HD800 - I really enjoy the detail from these types of headphones, but their presentation is rather clinical. And frankly I was getting tired of rationalizing their recessed bass. So I wanted to see if I could find something that was more “fun” while retaining the qualities of the HD800, and better bass without exaggeration or bloat.
I screened them using a Questyle golden Stack. I compared to my current HD800/HDVD800 (they had the HD800 in the store, and I brought in my own amp). I basically occupied the store for an afternoon, going back and forth on a series of tracks I know well.
Firstly all where pretty amazing.They were a step up from the HD800, moving in the direction I wanted. My comments below are comparative, on an objective basis all are great cans!
I fairly rapidly eliminated the LCD4. A little too dark, bass was a little flabby compared to the Utopia or Abyss. It also gave up too much of the detail and soundstage I liked with the HD800. I therefore focused most of the session on the Utopia and Abyss. I went back to the LCD4 from time-to-time just to check, but it confirmed these impressions each time. They were also distinctly less comfortable than the other two.
So I went back and forth for hours with the Abyss and Utopia. Both had excellent bass - the Abyss was better, but not the deciding factor for me. Both much better than the HD800, but without exaggeration or bloat. On fast, complex tracks the Abyss was better. It had superior speed, resolution and separation. From the start I felt there was better presence with the Abyss. When I listened on the Utopia, I felt like I was listening to excellent recordings. When I switched to the Abyss, I felt like I was there. This happened over and over again, with many tracks. Almost an emotinal reaction in many cases.
So I ended up getting the Abyss. I have been really enjoying them, it feels like I a rediscovering all my music or hearing it for the first time.
So now I am looking at amps ..