MR is a bit warmer. I think more bass, not more texture or detail but a bit of a bump. It still has good texture and speed but the DZ definitely edges it out. MR can still hit tho when it’s called for. Mids on the MR are beautiful imo. Absolutely loved them. DZ seems to push the stage back a bit but I didn’t find the MR too intimate or anything (many perceive this differently tho due to ear shape etc.). Highs to me were just about perfect (didn’t like HEKse FWIW, too bright for my tastes). I like a bit of sparkle but nothing too offensive.
I felt comfort was great, didn’t mind them at all. I had the version without the strap. I’m sure the newer version is even better (like the DZ, it was comfortable). And FWIW I liked the LCD 2.2 too. They’re not the same but MR has a bit of warmth to it for fun listening. It was great off the tube mini. And I liked the suede bass ported pads. You could get away with non ported tho.
Edit: I only tried the DZ off the Stellaris, tube mini, and MJ3. It probably could have scaled a bit more on something like an AIC but didn’t have it then. Maybe that’s why I thought the MR was close enough.
@Alfredo3001 I see you were asling about the joal on headfi. A few people there said it was as big a stage as the HD800s. And while i cant debate what they hear, i personally did not think their stage was comparable. The hd800s is a big siry open field of stage. The joal is much more an inside space that is more in front of you. It is kind of like a long hexagram, where it is deep and as it comes near you it gets wider, but then narrows as it comes back to your ears… if that makes sense.
Let us know if you go for one. I want to grab one just for the comfort and looks.
Yeah I feel the MR and DZ had decent stage depth, but nothing huge. It’s interesting how many perceived the stage differently. Some thought DZ was 1266 big. Others felt they’re the same as the MR. Seems to depend on the person.
Maybe we should add the Joal to the title of the thread.
first of all ive never owned any abyss products but I heard the diana v2 and it was very very good, but I always thought there were better options for me and gravitated towards the Audezes.
Im very very hyped about the Joal, not only it seems like it could be a new beggining for abyss to make a series “better” than the Diana but everyone is saying they punch above their price, which for the last few versions of the Diana has been the opposite, they’re expensive.
Im short on money so I want to get my Joal used and I already saw one for 1450, thats only 250 more than the Diana V2 usually sell for, and the Joal seem so much better.
if anyone here has impressions about the joal Id love to read them.
Ive already asked a few owners and they all said that it really does punch above its priced even bought new. I’m not one to fall for hypes but this seems to be the planar ive been looking for a long time, a not so expensive, not so hard to drive one, with enough punch, physicality and warmth, but without exaggerating any of those 3.
Its already on my wishlist but info on them is still very much in hype / honey moon phase.
Joal is making me a metal head, its becoming my most listened genre these days.. Its like the tuning tells you: “feed me all the distortion you want, you will raise the volume and unconditionally bang your head, and you will not care about losing your hearing”.
Its not a peaky mess, or bright, or warm, or rolled off, just connects with my ears.
Don’t want to keep complimenting this HP but what to do, have to say, maybe my ears found its match.
How it produces energy and treble with all the texture and quantity, lively but comfortable.
Yep, they succeeded in making me a fanboy. 1800$? a price mistake? worth every penny new, unlike most.
If they keep going with these new tunings of Joal, MR, and DZ, the future is bright for them for sure. Ok enough, I stop now .
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