[Joe Skubinski]

I can put this whole price thing to rest right now. I guarantee that this version of Diana will never go down in retail price, and in fact the near completed prototype you now see is a base model.

 

[mulder01]

Base model?  So there's a dearer version?
"Not worth it" posters TRIGGERED

I hear you can buy a version with accessories like the 1266, except the Diana accessory is a beach towel  

 

 
KIDDING, I'M KIDDING.
It's a surfboard
 
 
Also, I noticed all the products that have halved in price since their launch are not summit fi products like this.

 

[Beagle]

   
I think most serious audiophiles are sick of that pattern. Makes me wish Head-Fi had that impressions tag feature you mentioned awhile back so people could load only actual impressions without having to sift through everything else.

 
I'm sure you've noticed there are actual "impressions" threads. And if the product is not out yet, what exactly would you expect to read in the other threads?
 
 

   
I totally agree. Head-fi's threads are filled up with too many people posting comments that are hard to sift through. 
 
Though, I don't think there needs to be a specific function. I think self restraint from members for the following would keep things simple.
 
1. Comments or recommendations on headphones on headphones/equipment that haven't been heard
2. Speculation
3. Hype
4. Any comment that doesn't contribute to a meaningful conversation.
5. Posting the same comment/hype about your latest purchase.

 
So not a word until the headphone is actually available and heard? If that's the case, then the manufacturer should only announce the existence of said headphone the day it is actually released.

 

[Music Alchemist]

  I'm sure you've noticed there are actual "impressions" threads. And if the product is not out yet, what exactly would you expect to read in the other threads?

 
I was primarily referring to having to sift through posts without impressions in impressions threads. Some products only have one main thread, with general discussion and impressions, making this even more cumbersome. Obviously when the product isn't out yet, there aren't going to be many impressions. And I never said that no one should make posts that aren't impressions. I support open discussion. I just wish there was an easier way to track down impressions.

 

[Music Alchemist]

Looks like the color schemes are a work in progress. At the moment, the product page says:
 

Choose from 2 colors -- Arctic (shown), or Chocolate

 
I also noticed that the drivers are 63 mm.

 

[mulder01]

And the wearing them at the beach reference is gone

 

[ThatPhil]

And by Chocolate I guess they mean brown, I'd suggest they just go with the opposite of the arctic scheme so black with red stitching and inner headband.

 

[ithilienrp]

White Diana looks quite nice. It would be a real contrast to the original Abyss in every sense, design-wise.
 
Chocolate Brown sounds like a good idea.
 
However, a black (or dark-gray) should complete the color options in the line-up.
 
Hmmmm .... this reminds me of something .... where did I see this 3-options before?
Ah, got it ... the Fischer Audio FA-005, which has White/Red, Brown/Yellow, and Dark-gray/Gray.

 

[Music Alchemist]

Diana: it's in your banner ads.

 

 

[conquerator2]

 
So not a word until the headphone is actually available and heard? If that's the case, then the manufacturer should only announce the existence of said headphone the day it is actually released.

I'd actually like that. Or a reasonable period ahead, say month not a year...

 

[mulder01]

Actually it's coming up to 2 years

I'm guessing they didn't plan on it taking this long to finish...

Well, I'd rather they put the time into it and make the best product possible, rather than rush it out and release another revised version shortly after, then another one... Y'all know who I'm talkin' about...

 

[Beagle]

I'm guessing they didn't plan on it taking this long to finish...
 

 
Well, It looks like it's uncomplicated to build, but perhaps looks can be deceiving.
 
Quote:

  I'd actually like that. Or a reasonable period ahead, say month not a year...

 
So would I. It's almost like Noah asking how many animals would be interested in riding an ark, then deciding whether to build one or not.

 

[Joe Skubinski]

Last year was the plan, then we became aware of some cutting edge magnetics and spent too much time in development. Sonic results are stellar!

We also invested in a metal cutting laser and annealing oven to bring the thin, flexible headband development in-house.

Making a high performance headphone as thin as possible is not easy. Even a surface mount 2.5 mm jack hits the space constraints. I can see why Apple would want to eliminate it.

The hole pattern design has been much further refined, shown now is camouflage.

Diana will debut at the High End show in Munich, Germany in May and in retail shortly thereafter... And.. she looks good!.

 

[Music Alchemist]

This is relevant, so I'm sharing Joe's recent posts from the Abyss thread here:
 

I have some very cool news!

We've managed to squeak greater transparency to the source out of the AB-1266 drivers.

In working toward creating the world's thinnest boutique headphone Diana, a new high-tech magnet was created that allowed us to further customize the magnetic field and refine the AB-1266 transducer.

Bottom line, we are now producing new drivers for the AB-1266, the update named the AB-1266 Phi, after the lower case Greek symbol φ.

Much improved transparency to the source, crazy low frequency impact and res, EDM plays at any level, scary vocals, you get the idea.

The best attributes of dynamic, planar, and electrostatic transducers, rolled into one.

More to come...

Any existing AB-1266 can be upgraded to the new Phi version. The cost is 1500 USD which includes a new pair of AB-1266 Phi drivers, a one year warranty on the drivers, and return shipping. Upgrades are only available factory direct, the headphone (only) needs to come home.

Please email joe@abyss-headphones.com if you would like to upgrade and we’ll get back to you with more specifics.

Should mention, the new AB-1266 Phi retails for the same price as the original model.

Website has been updated with the new specs, http://abyss-headphones.com/abyss_ab_1266.html

Sensitivity increased a few dB, impedance came down 10% to 42 ohms. They are a bit easier to drive, you will find yourself playing them at a lower volume that the original.

Transparency to the original recording is beyond expectation. What was once a bit veiled is easy to hear, the room boundaries, ambiance, you're closer to the microphone than ever before. Only catch is the recording.

Jason here was maxing out the Moon 430 playing EDM the other day, they play fast and clean. Crazy bass detail, crazy mid detail, clear highs. I was listening to some of Chesky's binaural recordings, in some they are talking near the dummies ears, may as well be your own.

 

[ufospls2]

Looking great! I sure would love to hear these.