OK so I have had the 1266TC a week now and I promised myself I would not listen to my HEKs for at least a week as this is the best way for me to make a comparison, I cant do the quick switching of HPs with various tracks, for me that just does not work as I find I listen too hard if you like.
Also will state I am not that good at describing what I hear, but I will try.
First things first I think the 1266TC are not as forgiving as the HEK, if the recording is poor, but god you know its poor with the Abyss. I guess thats not really a criticism though.
HEK the vocals seem a little more prominent to me , they seem to take centre stage if that makes sense. I also noticed the drum snare more on the HEK.
My biggest gripe is the comfort of the 1266TC, I am getting used to it but I seem to be continually fiddling with the position of the earcups even after the revelation the other night of having them slightly toed out. The toeing out is a game changer for me as it just made them so much more comfortable on my head. The sound also opened up and I feel the bass sounded better this way too. I am sure I have a few OCDs though any my constant fiddling with the position of the TCs annoys me ....and I accept its me doing the fiddling
. My HEKs just go on my head and stay there.....I never fiddle. IF ONLY THEY SOUNDED AS GOOD AS THE 1266TC
, but they definitely do not!
My biggest feeling with the HEK back on is they sound like a closed headphone in comparison, lacking in that open sound and lacking the instrument separation.
The old cliche......yes they sound muddy in comparison.
The Abyss really excels in the bass area , and this is an area I used to love about my HEKs, but the TCs just take this to another level. This was really helped for me when I toed the earcups out a little. The bass then seemed to get tighter and did not become too overpowering. The HEKs bass now sounds dull.....I did not expect that.
So in summing up I would like to get the comfort issues finally put to bed but the Abyss are keepers.
I wish I could hear the Susvara too but thats not possible. I am sure they would be more comfortable, but what would I miss ? What does the TC have that the Susvara does not? Build quality for sure. The Abyss look like they will last a lifetime and I actually love the look of them.
Thanks to everyone who reached out and helped me on this forum, much appreciated.