Abyss Diana TC Signature Review: A Power-Hungry Upgrade

Abyss headphones have long been at the top of an audiophile’s wish list. The AB-1266 is a flagship that impresses at a high price point, and the JOAL is a great, affordable option in comparison, still producing some excellent sound. Their Diana series is becoming increasingly more popular over time, and their latest addition proves to be a worthy addition to the lineup. The Diana TC Signature is stated to be their “most open-back to date”, promising a very wide stereo image and better air flow during listening. I was able to spend some time with the Diana TC Signature, and I could dissect all the details of the sound signature as I went. Is this headphone set to reset standards for hi-fi listening?

As always, we start with the physical design. Aesthetically, the TC Signature is a stunning piece of art. The stunning blue stands out and is a welcome pop of color against the black aluminum frame. It is a very lightweight headphone, a noticeable difference against other headphones in this class. Something like the Final Audio D8000 or the Audedze LCD-5, while still relatively lightweight, can’t match the lightness of the TC Signature. The other headphones have a bulkier build and are made of heavier materials. The TC Signature is a welcome change that makes listening sessions last longer and more comfortably.

Personally, I was a little wary when I went to put the TC Signature on my head. Having worn Abyss headphones in the past, I was never a fan of the way the earpads sat on my head. It was always a little too slim at the top, making the bottom of the earpad fail to seal properly to my head. Seeing that the Diana TC Signature fit the same build and shape as the previous Diana series models, you can imagine that my expectations were pretty low for having this be a comfortable listening experience. I was pleasantly surprised to actually find the Diana TC Signature very comfortable and actually cover my ear without complication. The bass-ported pads were a perfect fit for my head, sealing around my ear completely so I could get easily immersed in my listening. Sometimes, I found the pressure against my glasses to be a bit tight, but over time, it became less noticeable, so I could listen and not have to readjust the headphones as much.

I used the TC Signature quite a bit throughout the day of testing, which means I paired it with a lot of different devices. Digital audio players, amplifiers, DACs (both desktop and portable): it was fun to experiment with a lot of gear additions and see what worked best. Abyss recommends using desktop amplifiers like the Woo Audio WA23, and I can see why. Throughout this matchmaking process, it was clear that the TC Signature required quite a bit of power to really drive and get the full sound out of it. Using the Chord MOJO 2 wasn’t really enough as a portable amp/DAC, and the A&K SP4000 was definitely pushed to its limits on its own. Using a combination of the Enleum HPA-23RMH or the FiiO K15 Desktop amplifier with a dedicated audio player proved to be a much better power match and gave the TC Signature the power it needed to perform the best. 

• Color: Black Tourbillon
• Speakers: ABYSS custom TC Signature 63 mm Planar Magnetic Transducer
• Impedance: 72 Ω nominal
• Recommended amplifier power: 2-8 watts (@50 ohms)
• Sensitivity: 90 dB/mW
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 58 KHz
• Distortion: Average 0.025 % THD
• Weight: 369 g (with stock ear pads) / 299 g (headphone only)
• Supplied Cable: JPS Labs high-quality headphone cable with choice of 3.5 mm, 6.3 mm (¼″), 4-pin XLR, or 4.4 mm balanced plug. 

SOUNDSTAGE & IMAGING

Now, we look at the sound profile. The Diana TC Signature is said to be the most open headphone Abyss has made so far, and I must say, the soundstage definitely impressed. The sound expanded outwards horizontally and vertically, creating a very immersive image that you can lose yourself in. You are presented with a wide horizontal picture that gives a lot of space for instruments to live. There is good separation amongst these elements, so you can clearly hear all the elements in your track. The placement of the instruments in large orchestras was very accurate, as if I could see the presentation of the orchestra clearly in front of me. Not only did track elements get a decent stereo spot, but the separation to create depth and height in different genres.

The overall signature leans towards the bass, which could be partially because of the bass-ported pads. It was definitely pushing towards the front, creating a solid foundation that extended to the sub-bass frequencies. Still, even with this relatively strong bass response, the midrange and treble did not fall and become lost in the background. The treble balanced out the powerful lows with bright, airy details and a sharpness to make everything sound clean. The midrange carried musicality and color, keeping timbres and textures honest in every signature.  I liked the natural reproduction of the instruments, but there was still enough dynamic flair to make this entertaining nd not too analytical. I could see the TC Signature being a great addition to any audiophile’s collection based on the initial impressions, both for detail-chasing listeners and those who want fullness. 

BASS FREQUENCIES

As mentioned before, the TC Signature is a pretty bassy headphone. The bass-ported pads do a great job in accentuating that low-end response and creating a fullness that takes up a lot of space in the sound signature. The low end has a thick body that builds a solid foundation for other frequencies to build up from. The power and drive from the low end doesn’t sacrifice clarity; instead, it only accentuates it with the punchiness and drive you have to make all the instruments that live in the low end more distinct. I could feel the punch of the kick drum and how it made high-energy tracks more alive and driving. Alternatively, the more relaxed genres like R&B and jazz definitely got a mellow version of the bass that still stayed very detailed and exact for those low string instruments. Bass guitars and 808 drum hits kept their tonality quite well, making the entire range less heavy and a little more colorful. 

MIDRANGE FREQUENCIES

The midrange of the TC Signature comes a little forward, but not by much. It stays even with the treble and has a natural sound that carries throughout the range. Each instrument is distinctly heard and separated from the others, so each element has its own spotlight. You can hear voices come to the front, separating out from airy acoustic guitars and colorful piano. This makes the TC Signature fun and dynamic, allowing for space in between instruments and fairly accurate placement. The vocals in the midrange are impressive and come to the front in any mix, even above the low end that takes up most of the signature. They have a very natural sound quality that makes the TC Signature a great option for analytical listening, just as much as for enjoyment. I could see people wanting to use the TC Signature as a potential reference headphone due to the accurate imaging and the colorful yet natural sound reproduction in the midrange. 

TREBLE FREQUENCIES

The very top frequencies on the TC Signature create the whole image and present a certain airiness in the sound profile. As something promised to be the “most open headphone” to date, I wasn’t getting a lot of that until focusing on the treble. The treble frequencies lightened up the heavy and thick presence of the bass, adding brightness and color that was a welcome counterbalance. I really enjoyed how the lightness and detail of the treble carried throughout the whole signature, bringing sharpness and precision to every element. It is perfect for analytical detail against the thicker low end, creating an image that takes up space but doesn’t forget about body and space. The treble rounds out the whole profile of the TC Signature and creates a balanced picture that you can get immersed in very easily. 

The Abyss Diana TC Signature is certainly a step up for the seasoned audiophile. The comfort makes it easy to wear for hours, especially with the lightweight build and thinner frame. You’ll definitely need a bigger amplifier to drive them properly, so it’s worth noting that an investment in a decent amplifier should be made, just as much as in the headphones. The sound is great for people who like a lot of bass and fullness in their listening, but also want detail to be analytical and precise. While other brands may be better as a reference sound, the TC Signature still impresses with its analytical style. 

I highly recommend giving the TC Signature a try if you are interested. Feel free to come to Audio46 to test it out and ask our team of experts if this is the right headphone for you. 

The Diana TC Signature is available now at Audio46.