Over-Ear
Abyss AB1266 TC
78Great
$3995
Full review dataAbyss AB1266 TC vs Audeze CRBN2: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Audeze CRBN2 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Audeze CRBN2 - Outstanding overall at around $5995.
Over-Ear
Audeze CRBN2
88Outstanding
$5995
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Abyss AB1266 TC
Sound8.5
Value4.0
Audeze CRBN2
Sound9.2
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | Abyss AB1266 TC | Audeze CRBN2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $3995 | $5995 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2017 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 66 mm planar magnetic | push-pull electrostatic, ultra-thin polyimide film infused with carbon nanotubes |
| Driver size | 66 mm | 120 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 45 kHz | 10Hz-40kHz |
| Impedance | 50 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 88 dB/mW | 100 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | none | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | none | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 640 g | 480 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | No | - |
What reviewers said
Abyss AB1266 TC
This open-back planar headphone is a flagship-tier model built around a large 66mm driver, delivering an extremely detailed and powerful sound when paired with high-quality amplification. Its raw performance is outstanding, but the stock tuning is divisive and often benefits significantly from equalization. While it's a substantial redesign of the original AB-1266, its demanding power needs, hefty weight, and high price make it a specialized tool for dedicated enthusiasts.
- Pro:Exceptional detail retrieval and resolution
- Pro:Powerful, impactful bass response
- Pro:Large, immersive soundstage
- Con:Requires a very powerful amplifier
- Con:Heavy and not very comfortable for long sessions
- Con:Stock tuning may need EQ to sound its best
Audeze CRBN2
The Audeze CRBN2 is a premium open-back electrostatic headphone that builds on its predecessor with a second-generation driver and SLAM bass enhancement for a richer low-end. It offers a smooth, refined tonal balance with improved headroom and comfort, though it demands a quality energizer to perform at its best. The treble is slightly subdued, making it a more relaxed listen than some rivals.
- Pro:Powerful, impactful bass for an electrostatic
- Pro:Smooth, refined tonal character
- Pro:Improved comfort and headroom over the original
- Con:Requires a strong, expensive energizer
- Con:Treble presence is somewhat relaxed
- Con:Heavy weight at 480 grams
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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