[TheAbyss2022]

I think that's a bit too harsh, but he is way more of a consumer-grade reivewer than a serious one that digs deep into the sound aspect. He only scratches the surface, which is fine, but it's not the type of review i will take very serious (anymore).

Perhaps its because I got burned when he stated the Topping A90D was the best amplifier and I fell for it. It was the most lifeless and boring amplifier I have ever heard.

I only trust reviewers such as WaveTheory, GoldenSound & Passion For Sound.

 

[Exekuhtor]

Yeah, i got burned by Soundnews' X26 and Ferrum Oor (& Hypsos) review. To be fair, the Ferrum stack was ok, it was nice, but not groundbreaking, the X26 on the other hand did nothing for me.
I think most audiophiles will make such experiences and then after testing the waters with certain reviewers, will know exactly who to trust completely. I am now with three out of three extremely impressed and super happy purchases from the stuff that HBB hypes up, (which happens rarely), and i suspect that the forth (incoming ZE51B) will be also a banger. And i don't even listen to his main music genre, which is hip-hop.

To lead this thread back: Has anyone heard the 1266 with the new pads? I saw a picture in the Canjam thread with them...

 

[kajetanjazz]

To lead this thread back: Has anyone heard the 1266 with the new pads?

I asked within an email conversation and they say the prototype is very new, so they don’t really have any (audio experience) notes for it. Speaking about the standard leather pad

The vegan ones they say they alter the sound same way they do for the Diana DZ and TC

 

[TDHEAD]

I became aware of the AB 1266 a few years ago I think Joshua was one of the reviews I saw. The thing is the AB 1266 was everything he positioned as and more. I love it, it's unique and made in the US so support is easy. With that said I don't care if he got his free or anything. I would only care if what he recommended was garbage and only plugged it for the freebee.........but that's not the case IMHO so good on all!!!!!!

 

[ufospls2]

Yeah, i got burned by Soundnews' X26 and Ferrum Oor (& Hypsos) review. To be fair, the Ferrum stack was ok, it was nice, but not groundbreaking, the X26 on the other hand did nothing for me.
I think most audiophiles will make such experiences and then after testing the waters with certain reviewers, will know exactly who to trust completely. I am now with three out of three extremely impressed and super happy purchases from the stuff that HBB hypes up, (which happens rarely), and i suspect that the forth (incoming ZE51B) will be also a banger. And i don't even listen to his main music genre, which is hip-hop.

To lead this thread back: Has anyone heard the 1266 with the new pads? I saw a picture in the Canjam thread with them...

I think I remember the Abyss account mentioning the inner ear opening is slightly larger. I'm really curious about them also, as a slightly larger opening might create a more spacious sound, but might also lessen the perceived impact. Every headphone seems to react to pad changes slightly differently, but usually that seems to be what a larger inner ear space brings to the table. Looking forward to hearing more about them when Abyss feels they are closer to release

 

[marcus2704]

I had a set of 1266 Phi TCs over four years ago, reading back on my notes at the time they were for me incredible, however I downsized soon after to other gear. Today, how are these stacking up, are they more than holding their own alongside todays elite? Aside of the Immanis and Susvaras, I look around at other headphone offerings and struggle to find any that really appeal or excite, what I recall of the 1266 is that it was a bonkers, fun headphone but I did have comfort issues around the fit back then. My listening sessions with my Armageddon rig are usually about two hours max, unlike before when I wore them much of the day, so I am not expecting comfort to be such an issue nowadays.

 

[walterboss]

I had a set of 1266 Phi TCs over four years ago, reading back on my notes at the time they were for me incredible, however I downsized soon after to other gear. Today, how are these stacking up, are they more than holding their own alongside todays elite? Aside of the Immanis and Susvaras, I look around at other headphone offerings and struggle to find any that really appeal or excite, what I recall of the 1266 is that it was a bonkers, fun headphone but I did have comfort issues around the fit back then. My listening sessions with my Armageddon rig are usually about two hours max, unlike before when I wore them much of the day, so I am not expecting comfort to be such an issue nowadays.

It took me 4 months to figure out the fit properly. Earpads were too high up on my ear. Changed o rings so it hung lower. Was like a jet taking off in my ears.

With a great tube amp and dac it's phenomenal with all genres but excels with rock and metal imo. Classical and jazz are well underrated for it too.

 

[xcluded]

1266 Phi TC is among the special few headphones that belongs to the stratosphere.

Until a successor appears , 1266 Phi TC deserves and performs to that testament.

Thoroughly enjoying every moment of it.

 

[Exekuhtor]

Yeah, it's still unbeaten for certain genres, and on a warm & resolving chain it's still in the top 5 headphones of all time in my opinion.

 

[jlbrach]

yes a special HP that still cannot be bettered for certain genres which is remarkable given that it has been around for quite a while

 

[Abyss Headphones]

Thank you guys for the kind words

 

[stemiki]

Thank you guys for the kind words

Thank you for making this masterpiece!

 

[PhazeCrive]

Hi all.

Would anyone be interested in a quick video of how to maximize the bass performance of your 1266? As a 3 year owner, I never once thought of this technique but it makes perfect sense. Perhaps could help out some newer owners.

As long as your system's up to task, there are two ways to increase the bass of your 1266.

The good way: Loosening the fit will give a pleasant increase in bass frequencies across the board.
The better way: Tightening the fit gives a massive boost to all bass frequencies. Give it a bit of clamp pressure.

I never thought I'd say that.

 

[marcus2704]

#edit - sourced

 

[kajetanjazz]

Hi all.

Would anyone be interested in a quick video of how to maximize the bass performance of your 1266? As a 3 year owner, I never once thought of this technique but it makes perfect sense. Perhaps could help out some newer owners.

As long as your system's up to task, there are two ways to increase the bass of your 1266.

The good way: Loosening the fit will give a pleasant increase in bass frequencies across the board.
The better way: Tightening the fit gives a massive boost to all bass frequencies. Give it a bit of clamp pressure.

I never thought I'd say that.

It depends on the song. Loosening the fit increases one frequency in the midbass, then it rolls off to the sub. If the song happens to focus bass in that higher frequency then you get the boom

However if the tracks calls lower frequencies in the subbass then loosening the fit will decrease bass. In that case getting them somewhat sealed gets you bass extending down low

Anyhow it’s just about finding the balance that you like