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Abyss Diana V3 TC vs STAX SR-X9000: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the STAX SR-X9000 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: STAX SR-X9000 - Outstanding overall at around $5050.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Abyss Diana V3 TC
Sound9.0
Value5.5
STAX SR-X9000
Sound9.5
Value5.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Abyss Diana V3 TC vs STAX SR-X9000
SpecAbyss Diana V3 TCSTAX SR-X9000
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$4495$5050
HearWiki score84 / 100 · Great88 / 100 · Outstanding
Released20232021
Audio
Driverplanarelectrostatic
Driver size63 mm-
Drivers per side12
Frequency response6Hz-26kHz5Hz-42,000Hz
Impedance69 Ω145000 Ω
Sensitivity90 dB/mW-
Wireless
Multipoint pairing-No
Features
Active noise cancelling-No
Design
Weight2268 g432 g
Detachable cableYes-
USB-CNo-
Model codeDiana TC Signature-

What reviewers said

Abyss Diana V3 TC

The Diana V3 TC is a high-end open-back planar headphone that delivers exceptional clarity, speed, and a spacious soundstage while maintaining a balanced, non-fatiguing signature. Its compact, premium build makes it portable for a flagship, though it demands substantial amplification and carries a hefty price tag. Overall, it offers a refined, articulate listening experience with strong bass definition and smooth treble, though fit and cost may be limiting factors for some.

  • Pro:Very fast and articulate planar driver response
  • Pro:Spacious, well-separated soundstage with clear imaging
  • Pro:Premium, compact, and stylish industrial design
  • Con:Requires a powerful amplifier to reach its full potential
  • Con:Very high price point limits accessibility
  • Con:Fit may feel loose or less secure for some head shapes

STAX SR-X9000

The STAX SR-X9000 is a top-tier electrostatic headphone that excels at revealing fine detail, ambient cues, and instrumental nuance, delivering an exceptionally transparent and spacious soundstage. It offers outstanding speed, transient response, and realism, making it ideal for classical and spatially demanding music. However, it requires a dedicated energizer/driver unit, pushing the total system cost far beyond the already steep headphone price.

  • Pro:Exceptional detail retrieval and transparency
  • Pro:Huge, three-dimensional soundstage with precise imaging
  • Pro:Fast transient response and realistic timbre
  • Con:Requires separate electrostatic driver unit
  • Con:Very high total system cost
  • Con:No noise cancellation or wireless convenience

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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