Over-Ear
Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC
72Good
$5995
Full review dataAbyss AB-1266 Phi TC vs STAX SR-009S: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the STAX SR-009S comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: STAX SR-009S - Outstanding overall at around $3290.
Over-Ear
STAX SR-009S
88Outstanding
$3290
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
STAX SR-009S
Sound9.5
Value6.0
Specifications
| Spec | Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC | STAX SR-009S |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $5995 | $3290 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2018 | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 66 mm planar magnetic | electrostatic |
| Driver size | 66 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-45kHz | 5Hz-42kHz |
| Impedance | 50 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 88 dB/mW | 101 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 640 g | 589.67 g |
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
STAX SR-009S
The STAX SR-009S is a premium electrostatic headphone that refines the original SR-009 formula with a slightly smoother, less bright tuning while retaining exceptional speed, detail, and openness. It offers a wide, precisely imaged soundstage and a very comfortable fit, making it a top-tier choice for critical listening, though it demands high-quality recordings and a dedicated amplifier system to shine. Its performance places it among the very best headphones available, with only the newer X9000 potentially edging it out in some respects.
- Pro:Extremely fast and detailed electrostatic sound
- Pro:Wide, immersive soundstage with precise imaging
- Pro:Comfortable fit despite large earcups
- Con:Very revealing of poor-quality recordings
- Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier, adding cost and complexity
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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