
Abyss Diana V3 MR vs STAX SR-009D: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the STAX SR-009D 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 MR | STAX SR-009D |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $2995 | $2640 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2023 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | push-pull electrostatic circular sound element |
| Driver size | 63 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-55kHz | 5Hz-42kHz |
| Impedance | 30 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 93 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 |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 2268 g | 594 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Model code | Diana MRx | - |
What reviewers said
Abyss Diana V3 MR
The Diana MR is a premium planar over-ear that refines the brand's signature tuning into a smoother, more universally appealing sound, blending deep bass, rich mids, and crisp highs with wide, immersive imaging. While it's easier to drive than some flagship models, it still benefits from quality amplification, and its hefty build plus proprietary cable and average comfort are notable trade-offs for its price.
- Pro:Smooth, well-balanced tuning with strong bass and clear highs
- Pro:Excellent imaging and immersive soundstage
- Pro:Detachable cable and multiple pad/finish options
- Con:Heavy and may lack sufficient padding for long sessions
- Con:Proprietary cable limits aftermarket options
- Con:Still requires a capable amplifier for best results
STAX SR-009D
The STAX SR-009D is a premium electrostatic over-ear headphone that pushes the boundaries of high-fidelity audio with an exceptionally wide frequency response and transparent, detailed sound. Its open-back design and push-pull driver technology deliver a refined, airy presentation, but it demands a dedicated amplifier and a significant investment. This is a statement piece for audiophiles seeking the utmost in technical performance, not a casual listening device.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Very wide frequency range (5Hz-42kHz)
- Pro:Premium build quality with detachable cable
- Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier
- Con:Very high price point
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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