Abyss JOAL on Demonstration

Abyss JOAL – A Standout All-Rounder with Show-Stopping Reception

When Abyss Headphones unveiled the JOAL, expectations were understandably high. Known for pushing boundaries in planar magnetic headphone design, Abyss has never been a brand to chase trends—only performance. Despite arriving at a more accessible price point, Abyss has remained true to its core design principles: custom planar magnetic drivers, a precision-machined aluminium chassis, adjustable magnetic ear pads, and manufacturing entirely in the USA.

At both CanJam and the Ascot HiFi Show, the Abyss JOAL emerged as one of the most talked-about headphones of the events. Having attended both shows, and across many long listening sessions, feedback was strikingly consistent: this was an Abyss headphone that combined technical authority, comfort, and long-term listenability, very much living up to its name, Jack of All Listening (JOAL).

Abyss House Sound Without the Demands

Abyss has traditionally been associated with statement-level performance; headphones that deliver staggering resolution, dynamics, and scale, but which demand careful partnering and present a challenging load for many headphone amplifiers. The JOAL represents a subtle evolution of this philosophy, offering a more approachable, all-round tuning while also being easier to drive overall.

With an impedance of 50 ohms and a sensitivity of 93 dB, the JOAL is still not a headphone designed to be powered directly from a phone. However, most quality DAPs with a capable headphone output stage, or dedicated headphone amplifiers, will deliver excellent results.

Listeners at CanJam and Ascot repeatedly commented on how comfortable the JOAL is, both physically and sonically. The ergonomics allow for extended listening sessions without fatigue, while the tuning avoids sharp peaks and exaggerated traits that can become tiring over time. This is a headphone you can genuinely wear and enjoy for hours.

Balanced, Musical, and Remarkably Versatile

Sonically, the JOAL positions itself as a true all-rounder. Bass is authoritative yet controlled, delivering texture and weight without overwhelming the midrange. Vocals are natural and well placed, with a sense of openness that suits everything from acoustic recordings to complex electronic productions. The treble is clean and articulate, providing air and detail while remaining smooth and composed.

What truly stands out is the JOAL’s versatility. It is particularly appealing for listeners who want a single flagship-level headphone capable of handling a wide range of genres and systems. Where the AB-1266 Phi delivers deep, impactful bass, a vast soundstage, and an ultra-resolving signature that firmly defines it as a flagship, it can also be unforgiving of poorer recordings. By contrast, the JOAL’s more relaxed and forgiving nature allows you to sit back and enjoy everything from punk to rock and reggae—your foot will be tapping.

On Demonstration at Nintronics

The Abyss JOAL is now available for demonstration at Nintronics, where it can be heard alongside its larger stablemates, the Diana DZ and the flagship AB-1266 Phi.

Since arriving, the Abyss JOAL has quickly become a favourite here. Extended listening sessions highlight just how effortlessly enjoyable the JOAL is to live with. It delivers the resolution and authority expected of an Abyss headphone, yet does so in a way that remains comfortable, composed, and musically engaging. So much so that I’ve added a pair to my own collection, and they’ve quickly become my go-to headphones while working at home.

Adam