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At USD1,999, this AB-1266 listing looks like a solid bargain against the used market, where clean examples of the original or Phi editions typically trade in the USD3,500–5,000 range, depending on condition and accessories—new ones still command USD5,000-plus. Even Phi TC upgrades fetch USD4,000+ secondhand, so you're getting Abyss' signature planar slam and openness at a steep discount if it's not heavily modded or worn.
Before biting, verify the driver tension and matching—Abyss planars can loosen over years, dulling that legendary bass impact—and check for the original JPS Labs cable, stand, and leather case, as missing premium bits tanks resale. Probe the seller on hours used and any suspension tweaks, since early units sometimes need recalibration for peak neutrality.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Abyss Headphones emerged from the innovative mind of Joe Skubinski, founder of high-end cable maker JPS Labs in 1990. Drawing on his expertise in signal integrity, Skubinski launched Abyss in Buffalo, New York, USA, with the debut of the AB-1266 in the early 2010s. This pioneering planar magnetic headphone featured a distinctive large rectangular frame and strict in-house manufacturing control, allowing relentless refinement of designs from their New York facility.
The brand focuses exclusively on luxury headphones, leveraging patented planar magnetic technology for exceptional clarity, soundstage, and minimal distortion. Iconic models include the flagship AB-1266 Phi TC, the more compact Diana series, and the recent JOAL addition in 2024. Crafted with premium materials like solid aluminum frames, lambskin leather, and Italian Alcantara, Abyss prioritizes precision engineering over ancillary products such as amplifiers or cables.
Positioned firmly in the ultra-high-end boutique market, Abyss commands reverence among discerning audiophiles for redefining personal audio boundaries. Handmade in the USA with uncompromising quality, their headphones deliver coherent, distortion-free performance that justifies premium pricing, earning a reputation as the pinnacle of luxury hi-fi listening.
See all Abyss Headphones listings on RADAR.
