Abyss vs Focal Utopia

They compare like most planar magnetic headphones compare to most dynamic driver headphones.

You have to listen to both and see which you prefer. I prefer planar magnetic cans (Audeze LCD-4) to most dynamics, Utopia included. I do own Utopia’s little brother, the Elex. Not nearly as resolving and smooth, it does give a good accounting of what the Utopia’s can do.

Then there is comfort to consider. The Abyss 1266 has an excellent headband system and ear pads, but is, IMO just too heavy at 1 1/2 pounds. My LCD-4’s weigh about the same so I have some personal experience here. If you listen for a couple of hours at time they will be ok. Longer, not so much.

The Diana weighs about half that and is more in the range of weight for long term comfort. They’re on my audition list for sure.
 
I have never heard the Utopia, but I did own their brother, the Clear. Excellent headphones, but it really comes down to the difference of a dynamic drivers versus planar magnet.

My two favorites that I have owned are both planar magnet. The Mr. Speakers were really comfortable and I really liked them. The Abyss Diana Phi are beyond amazing. I have not heard the AB-1266 Phi TC's. Since I want to be able to use them both portable or with my home amplifier setup the Diana's were the best choice for me. Abyss are also built like a tank. They have a video where they literally run over a pair of the 1266 with a Jeep. The headphones had a few scratches from the pavement but nothing else. Worked perfectly afterwards. Simply an amazing American made product!

I can also use my Diana's all day long if I like. I have had them on for hours at work or all evening long at home and never any fatigue what so ever (of course depending on amplifier; when I tried a Drop 789 amp everything got fatiguing to me very quickly :)). One other thing to be aware of. Abyss uses real leather for the ear pads and head band, many companies do not. Most people like this but some may not. The leather makes a great seal but some people think it seals too good :bonkers:.
 
vortrex, could you be a little more specific? What is it that the Abyss has and the Focal doesn't and vice versa? I appreciate your post.
 
The Abyss are GREAT but IMO have too much base which covers up some of the details I personally like to hear in the music. IMO, the Focals have enough base and still allow you to hear the details in the music. As Randy stated, it's more a matter of taste.

Here's a review of three headphones including the two brands you are comparing and the one that outdoes both of them - in this reviewer's opinion...:

Focal Utopia, Abyss Phi CC, and the Hifiman Susvara - Three End Game Headphones: Which One is Right for You?
 
Th article is discussing the larger, bulkier and more expensive Abyss. The Diana was a better choice for me since I wanted a headphone that was easier to wear and that I could use portable also.

It is a matter of taste indeed. I have preferred the planar magnet design versus the dynamic driver type. To me it sounds more open, more musical. On my Diana there is plenty of bass but certainly not overwhelming. The mids and vocal range is to die for. High freq is excellent, open and dynamic. You would probably be happy with either, but to me the Abyss were the choice (being American made was a nice added benefit).
 
Randy Myers said:
Th article is discussing the larger, bulkier and more expensive Abyss. The Diana was a better choice for me since I wanted a headphone that was easier to wear and that I could use portable also.

It is a matter of taste indeed. I have preferred the planar magnet design versus the dynamic driver type. To me it sounds more open, more musical. On my Diana there is plenty of bass but certainly not overwhelming. The mids and vocal range is to die for. High freq is excellent, open and dynamic. You would probably be happy with either, but to me the Abyss were the choice (being American made was a nice added benefit).
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Correct, not the same headphones, but as stated the same brands (not headphones). I apologize for not making this clearer.

I use Magico speakers, so for me personally that helps define the type of headphones I enjoy. IMO, Magicos offer a better detailed bass and accuracy all around without losing musically. The Utopias also do this for me. So, depending upon what type main speakers you use you may prefer something else. It’s a matter of taste.
 
Exactly correct, it is a matter of taste. I have had Focal, Sennheiser, etc. To me the Focal Clear was a good indication of the type of headphones the Utopia would be. They are excellent, but for me the Abyss checked the boxes. This is real first world problems for sure since these are both about as good as you get :P.
 
Randy Myers said:
Exactly correct, it is a matter of taste. I have had Focal, Sennheiser, etc. To me the Focal Clear was a good indication of the type of headphones the Utopia would be. They are excellent, but for me the Abyss checked the boxes. This is real first world problems for sure since these are both about as good as you get :P.
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I haven’t heard the Clears. But I would think there would be a lot of difference between a $1500 set of Clears vs. a $4000 set of Utopias.

The best way to select headphones is to sample them in person. Select what you enjoy the most.
 
Calvin said:
I haven’t heard the Clears. But I would think there would be a lot of difference between a $1500 set of Clears vs. a $4000 set of Utopias.

The best way to select headphones is to sample them in person. Select what you enjoy the most.
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I would assume the same, however most lines exhibited similar "house sound" if you will. The same sound characteristics usually are there through most companies mid and High level models. Audeze for example. I have owned a few and listened to others. They all have the Audeze sound, just more refined.
 
Randy Myers said:
I would assume the same, however most lines exhibited similar "house sound" if you will. The same sound characteristics usually are there through most companies mid and High level models. Audeze for example. I have owned a few and listened to others. They all have the Audeze sound, just more refined.
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I agree that some other Focal models share the same DNA of the Utopias. Focal Production Manager Mégane Montabonel literally stated this in an article I read sometime back.

However, Utopias are the top of the food chain for Focal Headphones. These headphones are at a completely different level than other Focals. I feel very confident that extra $2500 over the Clears makes a lot of difference. Though from the same family, Magico A3s are nothing like the M6s. The M6s are just plain better on every level. In a similar way, the Utopias do everything better. I’m not saying they are better than what you currently own, that is more a matter of personal taste, but they are super good.

Seriously try a set.

Best High End Open-Back Headphones


The link above offers a 365 return policy. In time, I’m going to try a set of HiFiMAN Susvaras myself.
 
I truly believe the Utopia are an amazing headphone. Would love to check them out, but as it stands I am thrilled with my Abyss!
 
bluegrassphile said:
vortrex, could you be a little more specific? What is it that the Abyss has and the Focal doesn't and vice versa? I appreciate your post.
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Utopia are very nice headphones and especially good with the Feliks amp. The Abyss however are much superior in all aspects IMHO. The only headphone I’ve heard that sound like you’ve bolted floorstander speakers to your head.
 
Don't those actually power off speaker terminals? I've heard good things about them most of the time. Schiit actually makes an amp specifically for them.

A standard headphone amp will not work with these guys.
 
Randy Myers said:
Don't those actually power off speaker terminals? I've heard good things about them most of the time. Schiit actually makes an amp specifically for them.

A standard headphone amp will not work with these guys.
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The RAAL " Another unique aspect of these headphones is that they require a proper speaker-amplifier to operate (100w into 8Ω or 150w into 4Ω is the minimum quoted requirement)."
 
CPP said:
The RAAL " Another unique aspect of these headphones is that they require a proper speaker-amplifier to operate (100w into 8Ω or 150w into 4Ω is the minimum quoted requirement)."
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I cannot even imagine a headphone that requires a speaker amplifier. Wouldn't that amount of power, no matter how the headphone is design, be bad for your hearing. I mean, can you imagine sitting in between your speakers with them on both sides of your chair... isn't that pretty much what these cans are doing?
 
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