Abyss Diana DZ Review

Abyss are renowned for their approach to top of the line audio gear. With headphones like the 1266 and Diana line, Abyss has used top tier materials and created excellent audio components all in the name of creating great headphones. They’re also known for their constant iteration on their existing product lines, fine tuning them to improve on already great designs and sound. Taking customer feedback and employing design and manufacturing best practices, Abyss is on a mission to create a more perfect headphone. And new on that journey is the recently released Diana DZ. The newest edition to the Diana line, the new headphone looks to make ergonomic adjustments while improving sound. Does it live up to Abyss’ reputation? Let’s find out. 

What’s in the box:

• Abyss Diana DZ headphones
• Hardshell case with velvet lined interior
• Choice of 3.5mm, 6.3mm, 4.4mm, or 4 pin XLR JPS Labs cable

Build:

Built in the USA, the Diana DZ sports one of the finest builds you can get. Abyss CNC machines and finishes the aluminum frame components and assembles the entire headphone in house. The company claims it’s the “thinnest and lightest boutique headphone in the world sculpted from aircraft grade aluminum.” What I can say is that these headphones are extremely lightweight at 315 grams without the pads on. This is incredible considering this is a planar magnetic headphone. There are plenty of dynamic driver headphones that come in bulkier than this one. 

The Diana DZ also boasts a leather headband and the ear pads come in your choice of lambskin or vegan ultrasuede. The ear cups and headbands are supremely comfortable, and, most importantly, fit the head better than previous Diana generations. 

But what’s sure to stick out to most are the stunning new color ways. The model we’re reviewing is the violet abalone model, but you can also pre-order gold-forged or damascus-forged options. The violet abalone colorway is gorgeous, glimmering when light hits it. I can say with certainty this is one of the most unique looking headphones I’ve reviewed due to this color way. 

Design:

It’s not just the physical build that gets an overhaul here. The internals of the headphone have been custom-built for the new model too. The Diana DZ features brand new 63mm planar magnetic speaker drivers. These are meant to enhance sound quality while still delivering on the “signature sound” that Abyss is known for. At 50 ohms and with an SPL of 92 dB/mW, this is not a headphone you can drive easily. The Diana DZ wants power, and high quality power to boot. So even though these are lightweight, you’ll want to keep it plugged into your full rig to drive it properly. 

One other cool note about the design: the Diana DZ’s grill is also designed to optimize sound. The Fibonacci style side hole pattern has been configued for the DZ to help tune the sound and allow for natural air flow. It’s not an entirely new element for the Diana design, but to know that it’s being updated for the new generation means that Abyss is employing every last detail to create an excellent feeling and sounding headphone. 

Sound Impressions:

The Diana is an exquisitely built headphone, and it uses its design to enhance the sound even further. So let’s get right into the sound impressions.

Bass:

The overall tuning of the Diana DZ comes across as quite balanced with maybe a slight U-shape to give it some excitement. With that, you get a strong and rumbling bass with solid impact. The sub bass extension has a high quality to it, if not the biggest “boom” factor. These are not bass cannons, but they do give you ample low end to keep the music fun and engaging. Mid bass is really nice with a smoothness that keeps things from getting too bloomy. 

Low end dynamics are also strong with variations between kick drum hits. There’s a liveliness to instruments that make it feel like you’re in the room with the musicians. And this sense of dynamics isn’t limited to the low end. 

Mids: 

Mid range instruments have an impressive attack and decay. Listening to Focus’ “Hocus Pocus Live at the Rainbow Room,” I could hear the room’s ambiance as drums hit and guitars squealed. 

The mids on the Diana DZ are also some of the most natural sounding mids I’ve heard in a while. They aren’t forward, and if anything, they’re a little laid back. But to me, this sounds about right. There isn’t any artificiality added or any blooming effect. What you hear is what you get. That said, the mid range does have a lean timbre to them. Without that blooming effect, you get a linear response that ditches added warmth and presence for a natural tone. 

Treble:

Treble is a highlight on most Abyss headphones. The amount of detail present in all regions of the frequency response is impressive, but it’s in the treble that it’s most noticeable. And because of its cool and lean nature, the treble still comes off as quite natural. On “Goose Snow Cone” by Aimee Mann, the droning triangle hits that start the song off are crisp and musical with, again, a cool sense of detail and decay. 

Soundstage:

Soundstage is the star of the show on these headphones. Listening to Yes’ “Long Distance Runaround,” I could hear guitars and other instruments coming from all over the place. But what is most impressive is the sense of space you get with these headphones. There is room in the silence that, again, puts you in the room with the musicians. The Diana DZ reproduces all sound with the highest fidelity, even the quiet aspects of the sound. 

Final Thoughts:

Abyss is a popular high end brand for a reason. The Diana DZ’s high quality build and design and top notch sonic performance make them TOTL contenders. I’m impressed with Abyss’ desire to continue iterating on their products, and if you’re curious to hear what these folks continue to cook up, I definitely recommend giving these a listen. 

The Abyss Diana DZ is available at Audio46.