The 1266 provides the same feeling and joy I get from my favorite 2-channel system (which was Meridian). From the first time putting on the 1266, I knew I made the right decision (albeit, the decision took me 2-years). The first 30mins with the headphones was outstanding. Definitely better than any other headphone I had owned or evaluated to this point.

All-in-all the JOAL has a very natural and musical, engaging tuning with a smooth velvety presentation. I find JOAL’s tuning to be coherent and balanced. When compared to the higher end Abyss models, the note extension and decay are more limited, but still excellent.

Abyss has hit a home run with the JOAL. Its versatility and sonic capabilities make it an impressive offering at the sub-$2,000 price point. Abyss built the JOAL with care, designed it with the intent of maximizing sonic capabilities, and created an excellent sounding headphone.

The DIANA MR plays at a high technical level but it at the same time is easy to listen to. The MR is very musical, forgiving and very engaging. You just want to play more and more of your favorite tracks and I on many occasions have found myself listening to my favourite albums till very late at night.

The JOAL absolutely delivers what you expect a $2k headphone to do, and it really is a headphone that you can use for all genres. To me especially the mids, vocals and piano renderings seriously impress.