Over-Ear
Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC
65Good
$5,830
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 a HearWiki score of 78. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Dan Clark Audio Stealth - Great overall at around $4499.
Over-Ear
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
78Great
$4,500
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Dan Clark Audio Stealth leads on 4 of 4 measures.
- Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC
- Dan Clark Audio Stealth
HearWiki score
65
78
Sound
9.0
9.3
Value
3.5
5.7
Price (USD)
$5,830
$4,500
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The Dan Clark Audio Stealth is 3 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- AB-1266 Phi TC2018
- Stealth20213 yr newer
Specifications
AB-1266 Phi TCStealth
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $5,830
- $4,500
- HearWiki score
- 65
- 78
- Released
- 2018
- 2021
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 66 mm planar magnetic
- 76 mm planar magnetic
- Driver type
- planar
- planar
- Driver size
- 66 mm
- 76 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 1
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz - 45 kHz
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Impedance
- 50 Ω
- 23 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 88 dB/mW
- 90 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- 640 g
- 415 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- No
- No
- Connector
- XLR
- 4.4 mm balanced
- Balanced connection
- Yes
- Yes
- Model code
- AB1266 TC
- -
What reviewers said
Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC
The Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC is a high-end open-back planar headphone aimed at audiophiles seeking extreme detail retrieval, powerful dynamics, and a vast soundstage. Its demanding 88 dB sensitivity and 50-ohm impedance require a robust, high-power amplifier to deliver its full potential, while its raw tuning can be divisive and may benefit from EQ to suit individual preferences. The build is exceptionally rigid and premium, though the fit is unconventional and may not suit everyone.
- Pro:Exceptional dynamics and transparency
- Pro:Huge, immersive soundstage
- Pro:Very high resolution and detail retrieval
- Con:Requires powerful amplification to sound its best
- Con:Unconventional fit and heavy weight (640 g)
- Con:Divisive out-of-box tuning; may need EQ
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
The Dan Clark Audio Stealth is a premium closed-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers a remarkably refined and natural sound signature, backed by strong technical performance and flagship-level build quality. It excels in clarity and detail while maintaining a smooth presentation, though it requires a powerful amplifier to reach its full potential, especially in the bass. As a wired-only model with balanced connectivity, it targets audiophiles seeking top-tier closed-back performance.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Natural and smooth tonal balance
- Pro:Flagship-grade build and accessories
- Con:Requires ample amplifier power
- Con:Premium price point
- Con:No wireless or ANC options
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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