Over-Ear
Abyss AB1266 TC
78Great
$3995
Full review dataAbyss AB1266 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 AB1266 TC
Sound8.5
Value4.0
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
Sound9.5
Value6.0
Specifications
| Spec | Abyss AB1266 TC | Dan Clark Audio Stealth |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $3995 | $4499 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2017 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 66 mm planar magnetic | planar |
| Driver size | 66 mm | 76 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 45 kHz | - |
| Impedance | 50 Ω | 23 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 88 dB/mW | 90 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 | 415 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
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
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.
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