The JPS Labs: Abyss AB-1266 Impressions Thread

[Roasty]

77

Thank you for sharing! I’ve been trying it since yesterday, isn’t it all also source dependent? As every dac, tube, pre or whatever gives its own effect. I agree with your findings, however the midrange and vocals sound too subdued for me. That is on May + tubes. The bass boost is enjoyable and i guess the EQ is more forgiving of poorer recordings, but with the good ones the presentation is recessed behind the bass and less lively. I’ll try playing around with values to amend it slightly towards sth in between

sure man please report back with your tweaked eq and I'll give it a go as well!

 

[krude]

Does anyone have experience with power conditioning and regeneration? I had a few conditioners over the years (Niagra 1200, PS Quintet, Taga PC5000) and I quickly learned how much impact power has on both dacs and amps. TC is a great instrument for experiencing it bc it works like an audio microscope.

When I bought the Accuphase it didn't play well with my PS Quintet at the time and I upgraded to PS PowerPlant 12 which is a different beast entirely.

And since sorting out my power with the PP 12 and 2 DC blockers I have zero hum and the sound became silky smooth. This made my TC sound very refined, as refined as my AN speakers (which are famous for their tonal refinement) ... and I can only attribute this to power.

TC became so refined (new pads pushed it up another level) I put my Solitaire P up for sale because TC reached a very similar level ... shocking right.

I remember TC always sounding rather bright, hollow, borderline sharp ... now it sounds more like Sol P than anything else (think warmish, nonfatiguing, super smooth, almost rich).

It crossed my mind because EQ was mentioned and I used to EQ a lot in the past when I was learning my hifi lessons and my system had issues. Power seems to be the biggest one.

 

[tholt]

TC became so refined (new pads pushed it up another level) I put my Solitaire P up for sale becase TC reached a very similar level ... shocking right.

Wow! I am shocked lol. I would have never thought the TC could tonally come close to the Sol P. But IME, yes, power conditioning can be a huge X factor and definitely worth addressing as it affects the entire system. GLWS

 

[maii]

I ended up using DX320max as a source line out to EA4 as a pre amp to IHA-8 as a power amp. It sounds excellent with 1266. EA4 is very good as a preamp, has good clarity, and adds a bit of warm sound from the tube. DX320max is a fantastic digital rendering with ultimate mode using 4 DAC chips, and IHA-8 is a very transparent pure class A high current amplifier. It does not add colour, only amplifies what feeds in, with good transparency and correct PRAT. In this case, DX320Max is neutral and super detailed to EA4 clarity plus tube warm. I am very pleased with this combined setup.

 

[krude]

I spent more time going back and forth between the new and OG pads. Both new pads improve the treble, midrange control and timbre significantly. Seriously impressive and relatively inexpensive upgrade i would say it's a must for anyone wishing TC had better timbre.

 

[mitchb]

I agree with the new pads being a significant upgrade. It may be system dependent just like everything else in audio.

 

[pofofo]

One thing, amongst others, I like with the 1266 is the incredible soundstage. How are the new standard fit vs. classic fit in regards to that? I`m curious about the classic fit with vegan (ultrasuede), to maintain soundstage and soften the highs a bit, which sometimes is a bit sharp to my ears.

 

[krude]

One thing, amongst others, I like with the 1266 is the incredible soundstage. How are the new standard fit vs. classic fit in regards to that? I`m curious about the classic fit with vegan (ultrasuede), to maintain soundstage and soften the highs a bit, which sometimes is a bit sharp to my ears.

I haven't tried vegan, but geometry of new classics will control the treble by give or take 10% and sandards by 20% for me in my system. Ofc YMMV and probably suade will cut even more treble ... so depends how dark you want the sound to get.

For me its not affecting the performance in any negative way.

 

[pofofo]

So the new standard fit will make the 1266 darker than the classic fit? Does the soundstage and spaciousness change at all?

 

[krude]

So the new standard fit will make the 1266 darker than the classic fit? Does the soundstage and spaciousness change at all?

For me no change in performance, staging, imaging etc. Just darker sound signature. YMMV.

 

[rsbrsvp]

New pads sound better. More correct. More even sound. better tone, better midrange. More comfy. Worth it...

I'd say the new pads keep the unique character of the TC, which honestly- is technically unbalanced, but sounds incredible, while at the same time making it 10-15% more balanced, yet maintaining it's unique character. In other words it is now less extreme- yet still unique.

 

[DisguisedPikachu]

I started my HiFi journey in 2020 with the Abyss Diana V2. Now 5 years I have finally put in the order of my dream headphone the AB-1266!

Really excited and a bit nervous for it to arrive!
My current amps probably can't power it to its true potential. Not gonna rush a purchase though, gonna try and see if there's a shop around with some of the highend amps that are still sub 10k euro. Currently quite interested in the Feliks Envy. Any suggestions are welcome! I mainly listen to electronic music and pop music.

 

[Exekuhtor]

I started my HiFi journey in 2020 with the Abyss Diana V2. Now 5 years I have finally put in the order of my dream headphone the AB-1266!

Congratulations! The bass is truly the best bass available when it comes to any headphones, and on the technical side it's still in the top 5 if you disregard Stax.

Currently quite interested in the Feliks Envy.

Envy is truly endgame for the 1266TC with Western Electric 300B tubes and warm 6SN7's (BrimarCV1988 / Electro Harmonix Gold, or adapters with warm 6922's).
Even with the Full Music tubes it's very good. Buy an Envy without tubes and get the ones you want yourself, or buy the performance edition if you want the FM tubes (i did a buckload of tube impressions in the Envy thread).

Also, what's that 5595€ (headphone) purchase in between? I guess that Solitiare P which you sold? If you buy gear often, don't be afraid of the used market, especially from long-term head-fiers.

 

[jlbrach]

I started my HiFi journey in 2020 with the Abyss Diana V2. Now 5 years I have finally put in the order of my dream headphone the AB-1266!


Really excited and a bit nervous for it to arrive!
My current amps probably can't power it to its true potential. Not gonna rush a purchase though, gonna try and see if there's a shop around with some of the highend amps that are still sub 10k euro. Currently quite interested in the Feliks Envy. Any suggestions are welcome! I mainly listen to electronic music and pop music.

envy is a great choice and drives it without issue

 

[kajetanjazz]

Really excited and a bit nervous for it to arrive!
My current amps probably can't power it to its true potential.

Congrats! GSX mini is great for 1266, preferred it much over the Ferrum Oor. My unit though was modified as power amp. Didn’t have any problem driving 1266 and added warmth suited it well