[MacedonianHero]

I went back and re-read the review again.

Not sure if your equating "smaller sounding" with "The CC pads give you a holistic view of the performance – a few rows back". And, " You hear the big picture.", I took both of Jay's comments as a good thing. I don't like "in my face" perspectives and in particular with full symphonic music things get muddled up to me. The way I hear the new pads "a few rows back" and "big picture" is the sound stage (and my distance from it) is now larger in all dimensions, placement is a bit more more specific, instrument outlines are sharper and don't overlap as much, the stage now has more breathing room.

I don't find the CC's thin sounding at all, but the tighter control of lower frequencies might give that that impression. If the original pads are warmer and give a sense of "bloom" to the lower frequencies and the CC's don't, tightening up those areas a bit, it's working well for me as my equipment in general including cables have signatures that tend towards the warm side of neutral, so using the same gear with the new pads presents a cleaner (but not antiseptic) sound to my ears allowing for a slightly better reveal.

Just a heads up that my CC update will be live tomorrow on Headphone.Guru in case anyone is interested....

 

[sobrietywarrior]

Looking forward to the review.

 

[MacedonianHero]

Looking forward to the review.

Just released:
http://headphone.guru/the-abyss-ab-1266-phi-cc/

 

[bidn]

I think you summed it up quite well

Hello Mr. Skubinski,

Reports about the Abyss are excellent and are even getting better with each new version, congratulations!
I sometimes consider purchasing them, but each time the same thing holds me (and maybe likewise for many other potential customers) back from doing so: the headband.
I would appreciate if you would produce another version with an easily adjustable and not big headband ( I mean a " normal" headband, if you allow me to say so), or at least keep us informed, would you start going into this direction.

Keep up with you excellent work and have a nice weekend,
bidn

 

[weasel1979]

True that. The construction keeps many customers away for sure.

 

[MacedonianHero]

True that. The construction keeps many customers away for sure.

Initially it did with me as well, but when you get them and get the fit right, they are quite good for long term sessions...and the sound quality is most definitely worth it! Truly the most "speaker-like" presentation I've gotten through a pair of headphones!

 

[weasel1979]

I like to lay down with my headphones and it is just hard with the Abyss 1266/ Phi/ CC. The cable hits my shoulder, the head construction hits the bed backrest. The whole thing is just kind of monstrous. Nothing new. The fit is better than expected though.
Not talking about the sound now.

 

[MacedonianHero]

I like to lay down with my headphones and it is just hard with the Abyss 1266/ Phi/ CC. The cable hits my shoulder, the head construction hits the bed backrest. The whole thing is just kind of monstrous. Nothing new. The fit is better than expected though.
Not talking about the sound now.

I use IEMs for that. no headphone can fit right for me that way.

 

[woodcans]

I use IEMs for that. no headphone can fit right for me that way.

I use the Diana for that.

 

[Joe Skubinski]

Having been out for over 5 years we sorta heard all this before, moreso in the early days. Should be obvious that traditional headphone design just doesn't do it for us.

In terms of appearance, it is what it is. This is one badass all machined aluminum made in USA headphone.
In terms of functionality, it's way more than you would think. The only way to appreciate the AB-1266 is to spend some quality time with it, all depends on your patience and how far you wish to take it. I'd say given a decent budget, a willingness to listen, and a few months you could potentially align a very good system around it, longer otherwise.

The tens of thousands of 2 channel people I've worked with over the last few decades spent years seeking the sound this headphone offers out the box, and in many cases never reach this level. In other words, IMO this is about as short of a cut as we can offer to world class music playback. So the real question is of trade-offs (as real or as imaginary they may be).
BTW, if more of a curved look is your priority, keep an eye on the Diana ball...

 

[FLTWS]

I use IEMs for that. no headphone can fit right for me that way.

I don't care for IEM's but even with my Utopia or HD800, if I lien my head back into something soft it pushes on the back of the ear cups and moves them out of position so ...

 

[weasel1979]

Sorry if this has been clarified before (this thread was a hard read), but are you saying that you need exacty this construction in order to get this sound?

 

[Joe Skubinski]

Yes.

 

[weasel1979]

Thats great then! Thanks for taking this risk. I am coming from high-end Stax and am blown away by this sound. (But please, keep looking for solutions to my comfort problems )

 

[HiFiGuy528]

I often say, high-end is not fast food so it should not be consumed that way. If someone lives their life eating fast food hamburgers, their first taste in a high-end, freshly-made burger may taste bland but when their palet adjusts, they could appreciate the true flavors. Take your time, learn the product and carefully listen. You'll be rewarded....