Over-Ear
Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC
72Good
$5995
Full review dataAbyss AB-1266 Phi TC vs Dan Clark Audio Stealth: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Dan Clark Audio Stealth comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Dan Clark Audio Stealth - Outstanding overall at around $4499.
Over-Ear
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
88Outstanding
$4499
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC
Sound8.0
Value4.0
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
Sound9.5
Value6.0
Specifications
| Spec | Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC | Dan Clark Audio Stealth |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $5995 | $4499 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2018 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 66 mm planar magnetic | planar |
| Driver size | 66 mm | 76 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-45kHz | - |
| Impedance | 50 Ω | 23 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 88 dB/mW | 90 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 640 g | 415 g |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC
The Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC is a premium open-back planar headphone that delivers outstanding detail, dynamics, and an expansive soundstage, though it demands a powerful amplifier to reach its full potential. Its raw tuning is polarizing, with a revealing signature that can sound exceptional to some ears but problematic to others; however, applying EQ can transform it into a highly enjoyable listening experience. Built with a rigid, top-tier frame, this is a specialized, heavy headphone aimed at audiophiles seeking extreme performance over everyday convenience.
- Pro:Exceptional resolution and transparency
- Pro:Powerful, dynamic bass response
- Pro:Huge, immersive soundstage
- Con:Requires substantial amplifier power
- Con:Polarizing out-of-box tuning
- Con:Heavy and unusual fit
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
The Dan Clark Audio Stealth is a premium closed-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers a highly refined, natural sound with impressive technical performance. It stands out among closed-back models for its clarity, detail, and smoothness, though it requires a powerful amplifier to reach its full potential, particularly for bass response. Its flagship-level build quality and included accessories further cement its status as a top-tier option.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Natural, smooth tonal balance
- Pro:Flagship build quality and accessories
- Con:Very power-hungry; needs a strong amp
- Con:Bass impact may be limited without ample power
- Con:Very high price point
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.