Great review! Excellent detailed comparisons with a range of equipment notes. Diana DZ with leather bass ported pads is a 'mini-1266.' Just need 1266 equipment and you're there.
Excellent review! I don’t know how you do it, but you always manage to make your content even better with each release. The equipment you’re using for testing is truly stellar. I’m looking forward to your reviews of the Red October/XL and more insights on the Wavedream Reference. I’m also particularly interested in your comments about the timbral differences between the SUS OG and Unveiled. Keep up the great work!
For me the Diana DZ is a game changer, extremely huge soundstage, plays on the level of the more expensive competition and makes some look old, very comfortable to wear and all in the tiny design.
Hey man, if I could make a suggestion. Go ahead and make a share-able google spreadsheet of all your IEMs or Headphones in rank that you have tested, if you haven't already. That would be so cool to see bro.
Thank you so much for this review! I've been eyeing a pair of Diana's for a while now, but had my reservations because of comfort (and price), but these look they would hit the spot. I like how the Diana's styling looks good on a person when wearing them and are light enough to forget that you're wearing headphones as most high-end headphones don't feature either of these benefits. Would these sound good with a GSX mini and a $4,000 tube source, at least to get started or would I want to upgrade the chain first?
I put a small tab of tape underneath the pads hard plastic part so it’s easier to take off the baffle of the headphones without stressing the leather adhesive
Thank you for reviewing these, I've been waiting for you to have a "look" (listen) to them at some point and you did not disappoint! I do have a question though - How do you think Diana DZ would hold it own in collection of Binom-ER, Susvara, DCA Stealth, ZMF Caldera and Atrium (to name the heaviest hitters I have here)? I've been recently downsizing my collection and some headphones that are falling victim to this are both of my Dianas (Phi and MR) - they just don't compete with the top echelon of headphones that I have at my disposal (not saying they are bad but once you have likes of Susvara, it's not easy to go back to Diana MR for example). However, I'd still like to have one Diana model in my lineup, I just dig their looks too much, but I'm not sure if DZ would be "unique" enough to distinguish itself from competition I mentioned at the beginning. I've read some reviews/impressions saying DZ is quite similar to Focal Utopia (meaning out of all top-of-the-line headphones, DZ sounds closest to Utopias), which I also got rid of recently, so if that was true Diana could be a worthy addition. I have a decent chain (May KTE + Bliss KTE / Feliks Euforia Evo) if that makes any difference to your answer.
@@jan.tovarnak I would definitely say they change a lot with the system that it’s on, it’s closer to AB 1266 then anything else on the right chain, I would probably push out unless there is sentimental value the MR the CAL and the atrium personally and maybe stealth as well unless you use it on the go require it for its close back nature Would keep all else
@@ConvinceMeAudio Thank you for your honest answer - I don't have AB-1266, so I can't really compare DZ to it even if I got DZ. But I'd assume (hope) May + Bliss is good enough chain to let DZ seriously approach that AB-1266 vibe. As for trimming down my lineup - the MR is definitely going out at this point. They are not bad at all but I simply never reach for them when I have a chance to take one of the big boys, which is pretty much all the time. I'm a bit surprised that neither of those ZMFs would make your list though, Zach's tuning is quite different from others - I'd like to keep one of them but I'm a bit torn as I'd think of keeping Atrium for their rather unique sound, especially on tubes. On the other hand, I have the gorgeous LTD Red heart Caldera and its looks alone is trying to sway me to keep it. What a dilemma (aka first world problem) to have 😀 I do have more headphones than just the ones mentioned though, some already listed for sale (Denon AH-D9200, Diana MR, DCA Ether C Flow, Fostex TH-X00), some not really used but being kept for the time being due to their rarity (ATH-W3000ANV, ATH-WBLTD and Fostex TH900 mk2 White). If you'd ever had a chance to try W3000ANV, I'd recommend it wholeheartedly, they are very romantic, sweet and intimate, especially on good tubes 🙂
I was being extremely frugal, I would keep atrium around if I could. It just depends on use case and time on head, MR is outstanding but for me it’s always on the go never at the desk. I love it to bits, especially with a swade pads
I wonder about FR. Have to wait for resolve to review them. ps. you guys should really think about getting a measuring rig, landscape has changed lately.
pointless all of his measurements that is. Everything they’ve done over the last eight years is inaccurate above 5K and below 100 Hz It doesn’t provide any use case for anybody seen as it’s not the frequency response at the human eardrum it allows for no measurements that is of any worth to anybody apart from causing contention It will not teach you anything, just misinformation and inaccuracy Best to rely on Triden true methods Not that measurements have no benefits, but we are still long ways away from it being of any use Beyond the lab and the construction of headphones itself so that there aren’t discrepancies from one model to another during production
@ConvinceMeAudio being ignorant doesn't change facts. We don't have any better now but it doesn't mean they are pointless. It gives as a starting point to description about the sound. About leakage tolerances acoustic impedance positional variation and also if there is problem with distortion - especially important when someone wants to use eq to boost bass.... FR causing contention? Please don't treat people like that, they are not stupid they can read FR and know what limitations are. How your subjective talk is any better than measurements? You dont have any reference point to talk about what you hear. And as you guys say its subjective so its only valid for you..... I hope you will change your approach for better, it would be beneficial for the whole community
@@IHearEverythingDude v the only way it would make a difference is if you compare all the headphones on the same rig for the rig versus the rig and only relied on my channel specifically only in that scenario it would help Not only that but only rely on hundred hertz to one K as well because the rest of it is pointless
We publish frequency response and THD graphs on the product page of each headphone model. Diana DZ Frequency response direct link cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2685/4510/files/Abyss-Diana-DZ-Frequency-Response.jpg
Is there a big difference between the RO and the XL and do you think it's worth the extra 4k in your opinion? That XL was on the ground got me laughing so hard, i think i need new desk
Apart from some of the bands I mentioned in videos I usually like discovery new things and learning from instruments what product do rather than specific songs, which is a very dangerous way of assessing equipment as a rule unless there are dozens and dozens of songs in the same genre, but I will link you a playlist from TIDAL which has some of my favourite tracks
I’d wait for the eventual discount or 2nd hand purchase. Abyss left a sour taste in my mouth after buying the V2 and Phi new alongside JPS Labs loom and the XI stack. My HEK sounded better off my iFI Diablo than the Diana ever could.
@@jpined14 vs se? No way V2 requires a lot of power to sound right they were hard to drive It’s an exceptional headphone in fact, I think it’s one of my favourites
@@ConvinceMeAudioIf they require more power than their matching Broadway; I’m not sure why they would gimp their own work. I love your reviews so it’s not an attack against you Sir. I just think Abyss exaggerate their products.
i have doubts about the driver itself. the previous dianas have quite high distortion. it might still not be audible but it was still many times that of audeze headphones, which is not ok for these prices.
For the price for abyss , all there headphones sucks with unboxing experience , they treat it like a 200.00 dollar unboxing headphones , the company sucks
Lacks things bout endgames headphones system are..em are noisey with audiophiles iem..Sory!.. Have u try Brise audio Fugaku but way more expensive then this Diana wutever..usd18K.. which nice with AK sp3000t..Welcome noobs, Peace!
Great review! Excellent detailed comparisons with a range of equipment notes. Diana DZ with leather bass ported pads is a 'mini-1266.' Just need 1266 equipment and you're there.
Excellent review! I don’t know how you do it, but you always manage to make your content even better with each release. The equipment you’re using for testing is truly stellar. I’m looking forward to your reviews of the Red October/XL and more insights on the Wavedream Reference. I’m also particularly interested in your comments about the timbral differences between the SUS OG and Unveiled. Keep up the great work!
Great Review. I love your videos. You're the best RUclipsr for Headphone Reviews.
@@bjrnrs deeply appreciate the support, welcome to the Pham 🐅❤️🐅
For me the Diana DZ is a game changer, extremely huge soundstage, plays on the level of the more expensive competition and makes some look old, very comfortable to wear and all in the tiny design.
Nice! Looking forward to the Ideon Audio Absolute DAC review.
Thanks! Sounds like the best Diana yet.
A touch of tubes, a touch of life, it’s beautiful
Great review. Very expensive set, but interesting how it can perform different on some setups.
Hey man, if I could make a suggestion. Go ahead and make a share-able google spreadsheet of all your IEMs or Headphones in rank that you have tested, if you haven't already.
That would be so cool to see bro.
@@sasquatchcrew wow LOL that would take a long long time, it’s hundreds and hundreds and hundreds 😂
Thank you so much for this review! I've been eyeing a pair of Diana's for a while now, but had my reservations because of comfort (and price), but these look they would hit the spot. I like how the Diana's styling looks good on a person when wearing them and are light enough to forget that you're wearing headphones as most high-end headphones don't feature either of these benefits. Would these sound good with a GSX mini and a $4,000 tube source, at least to get started or would I want to upgrade the chain first?
@@PickanPop that’s a nice warm source it will sound fantastic
For a start, of course
I put a small tab of tape underneath the pads hard plastic part so it’s easier to take off the baffle of the headphones without stressing the leather adhesive
They put all the effort in the build but the planar driver tech itself is not up there with Audeze, DCA or Hifiman
You always want a desk big enough and strong enough to fuck on. If it can pass that test, then it's up for the job to lay any amplifiers.
@@One-Two_swift-kickbox lmfao
listening to these at canjam socal i actually prefered them over the 1266
Thank you for reviewing these, I've been waiting for you to have a "look" (listen) to them at some point and you did not disappoint!
I do have a question though - How do you think Diana DZ would hold it own in collection of Binom-ER, Susvara, DCA Stealth, ZMF Caldera and Atrium (to name the heaviest hitters I have here)? I've been recently downsizing my collection and some headphones that are falling victim to this are both of my Dianas (Phi and MR) - they just don't compete with the top echelon of headphones that I have at my disposal (not saying they are bad but once you have likes of Susvara, it's not easy to go back to Diana MR for example). However, I'd still like to have one Diana model in my lineup, I just dig their looks too much, but I'm not sure if DZ would be "unique" enough to distinguish itself from competition I mentioned at the beginning. I've read some reviews/impressions saying DZ is quite similar to Focal Utopia (meaning out of all top-of-the-line headphones, DZ sounds closest to Utopias), which I also got rid of recently, so if that was true Diana could be a worthy addition. I have a decent chain (May KTE + Bliss KTE / Feliks Euforia Evo) if that makes any difference to your answer.
@@jan.tovarnak I would definitely say they change a lot with the system that it’s on, it’s closer to AB 1266 then anything else on the right chain,
I would probably push out unless there is sentimental value the MR the CAL and the atrium personally and maybe stealth as well unless you use it on the go require it for its close back nature
Would keep all else
@@ConvinceMeAudio Thank you for your honest answer - I don't have AB-1266, so I can't really compare DZ to it even if I got DZ. But I'd assume (hope) May + Bliss is good enough chain to let DZ seriously approach that AB-1266 vibe.
As for trimming down my lineup - the MR is definitely going out at this point. They are not bad at all but I simply never reach for them when I have a chance to take one of the big boys, which is pretty much all the time. I'm a bit surprised that neither of those ZMFs would make your list though, Zach's tuning is quite different from others - I'd like to keep one of them but I'm a bit torn as I'd think of keeping Atrium for their rather unique sound, especially on tubes. On the other hand, I have the gorgeous LTD Red heart Caldera and its looks alone is trying to sway me to keep it. What a dilemma (aka first world problem) to have 😀
I do have more headphones than just the ones mentioned though, some already listed for sale (Denon AH-D9200, Diana MR, DCA Ether C Flow, Fostex TH-X00), some not really used but being kept for the time being due to their rarity (ATH-W3000ANV, ATH-WBLTD and Fostex TH900 mk2 White). If you'd ever had a chance to try W3000ANV, I'd recommend it wholeheartedly, they are very romantic, sweet and intimate, especially on good tubes 🙂
I was being extremely frugal, I would keep atrium around if I could. It just depends on use case and time on head, MR is outstanding but for me it’s always on the go never at the desk.
I love it to bits, especially with a swade pads
@@jan.tovarnak Как вам Meze Elite ?
How would you say this compares to camerton binomial-er?
I wonder about FR. Have to wait for resolve to review them.
ps. you guys should really think about getting a measuring rig, landscape has changed lately.
pointless all of his measurements that is.
Everything they’ve done over the last eight years is inaccurate above 5K and below 100 Hz
It doesn’t provide any use case for anybody seen as it’s not the frequency response at the human eardrum it allows for no measurements that is of any worth to anybody apart from causing contention
It will not teach you anything, just misinformation and inaccuracy
Best to rely on Triden true methods Not that measurements have no benefits, but we are still long ways away from it being of any use Beyond the lab and the construction of headphones itself so that there aren’t discrepancies from one model to another during production
@ConvinceMeAudio being ignorant doesn't change facts.
We don't have any better now but it doesn't mean they are pointless.
It gives as a starting point to description about the sound. About leakage tolerances acoustic impedance positional variation and also if there is problem with distortion - especially important when someone wants to use eq to boost bass....
FR causing contention? Please don't treat people like that, they are not stupid they can read FR and know what limitations are.
How your subjective talk is any better than measurements? You dont have any reference point to talk about what you hear. And as you guys say its subjective so its only valid for you.....
I hope you will change your approach for better, it would be beneficial for the whole community
@@IHearEverythingDude v the only way it would make a difference is if you compare all the headphones on the same rig for the rig versus the rig and only relied on my channel specifically only in that scenario it would help
Not only that but only rely on hundred hertz to one K as well because the rest of it is pointless
We publish frequency response and THD graphs on the product page of each headphone model. Diana DZ Frequency response direct link cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2685/4510/files/Abyss-Diana-DZ-Frequency-Response.jpg
Is there a big difference between the RO and the XL and do you think it's worth the extra 4k in your opinion?
That XL was on the ground got me laughing so hard, i think i need new desk
Hooray great stuff.
Any impressions of the vegan pads on these?
Hey CMA, do you have a playlist that you use for videos?
Apart from some of the bands I mentioned in videos I usually like discovery new things and learning from instruments what product do rather than specific songs, which is a very dangerous way of assessing equipment as a rule unless there are dozens and dozens of songs in the same genre, but I will link you a playlist from TIDAL which has some of my favourite tracks
thankyou, i particularly liked the intro song. Such a huge sounding song
@@Cp48533 I actually need to create an actual big playlist for you guys and just put it in the description anyways, leave it with me
Is it still decent with hypsos oor
@@JohnSmithisnotme for sure 🐅
How was it with aic10?
With Levante, it’s fantastic so spectacular TBF
im more interested in the immanis on the back than this.
@@nhiphan6574 haha the reviews on Patreon
I have the Woo WA-22 tube amp and a Aune S9c DAC. Will this setup drive the DZ properly?
@@jaycochran2983 it will be sufficient yes, and there is significant headroom for improvement too
@ thanks so much for the quick reply👍🏻
Are they made in algeria?
Israel pro
I’d wait for the eventual discount or 2nd hand purchase.
Abyss left a sour taste in my mouth after buying the V2 and Phi new alongside JPS Labs loom and the XI stack.
My HEK sounded better off my iFI Diablo than the Diana ever could.
@@jpined14 vs se? No way
V2 requires a lot of power to sound right they were hard to drive
It’s an exceptional headphone in fact, I think it’s one of my favourites
@@ConvinceMeAudioIf they require more power than their matching Broadway; I’m not sure why they would gimp their own work.
I love your reviews so it’s not an attack against you Sir.
I just think Abyss exaggerate their products.
i have doubts about the driver itself. the previous dianas have quite high distortion. it might still not be audible but it was still many times that of audeze headphones, which is not ok for these prices.
Neither these or the MR have high distortion.
@@KXP70 compared to audeze or dca they do. multiple times higher. but might still not be audible.
DZ nuts
For the price for abyss , all there headphones sucks with unboxing experience , they treat it like a 200.00 dollar unboxing headphones , the company sucks
Are you drunk?
Lacks things bout endgames headphones system are..em are noisey with audiophiles iem..Sory!..
Have u try Brise audio Fugaku but way more expensive then this Diana wutever..usd18K.. which nice with AK sp3000t..Welcome noobs, Peace!
14yo?
@@IHearEverythingDudehis nonsensical comments are everywhere.