Over-Ear
Abyss AB1266 TC
66Good
$6,000
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 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 AB1266 TC
- Dan Clark Audio Stealth
HearWiki score
66
78
Sound
9.0
9.3
Value
3.5
5.7
Price (USD)
$6,000
$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 4 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 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- AB1266 TC2017
- Stealth20214 yr newer
Specifications
AB1266 TCStealth
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $6,000
- $4,500
- HearWiki score
- 66
- 78
- Released
- 2017
- 2021
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2× 66 mm planar magnetic
- 76 mm planar magnetic
- Driver type
- planar
- planar
- Driver size
- 66 mm
- 76 mm
- Drivers per side
- 2
- 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
- ANC type
- none
- -
- Transparency mode
- No
- -
- Companion app
- No
- -
- Custom EQ
- No
- -
- Controls
- buttons
- -
- Weight
- 640 g
- 415 g
- Water resistance
- none
- -
- Foldable
- No
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- No
- No
- Connector
- XLR
- 4.4 mm balanced
- Balanced connection
- -
- Yes
What reviewers said
Abyss AB1266 TC
The Abyss AB-1266 TC is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, but it requires a powerful amplifier to perform at its best. As a significant redesign of the AB-1266 line with a new driver, it represents the pinnacle of the series with a reference-level audio experience. Its moderate impedance makes it more accommodating to a wider range of high-end amps, though its price and power needs firmly target audiophile enthusiasts.
- Pro:Exceptional, reference-grade sound quality
- Pro:Newly redesigned driver for improved performance
- Pro:Moderate impedance pairs well with quality amps
- Con:Very expensive at around $5995
- Con:Requires substantial amplifier power
- Con:Heavy at 640 grams and not foldable
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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