
Abyss Diana V3 DZ 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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Abyss Diana V3 DZ | Audeze CRBN2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $3995 | $5995 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2023 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | push-pull electrostatic, ultra-thin polyimide film infused with carbon nanotubes |
| Driver size | 63 mm | 120 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-65kHz | 10Hz-40kHz |
| Impedance | 50 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB/mW | 100 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 315 g | 480 g |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| Model code | Diana DZ | - |
What reviewers said
Abyss Diana V3 DZ
The Abyss Diana V3 DZ is a premium wired planar headphone that leverages a new 63mm driver to deliver exceptional detail and a wide, holographic soundstage. Its lightweight frame and refined, neutral tuning mark a clear step up in the series, though its low sensitivity means it demands a powerful amplifier to perform at its best. Overall, it's a high-end choice for audiophiles prioritizing technical performance over sheer portability.
- Pro:Extremely lightweight for a planar flagship
- Pro:Exceptional resolution and clarity across the frequency range
- Pro:Wide, holographic soundstage with strong channel separation
- Con:Requires a powerful amp due to low sensitivity
- Con:Very expensive for most budgets
- Con:Lacks vocal intimacy compared to some rivals
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.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.
