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Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC vs Dan Clark Audio Expanse

Both are planar magnetic open-back headphones.

The Expanse is 222 g lighter, at 418 g against 640 g.

The AB-1266 Phi TC needs 2 dB more power to reach a loud 110 dB peak, so it asks more of the amplifier.

The Expanse lists for $1,495 less.

$5,995

Dan Clark AudioDan Clark AudioExpanse

$4,499.99

Side by side

AB-1266 Phi TCExpanse
Driver
Planar magnetic
Planar magnetic
Diaphragm
Very thin, low-mass planar diaphragm; matched pairs (thickness unpublished)
4th-generation v-Planar diaphragm, DCA's largest to date; material not published
Driver size
66 mm
76 mm x 51 mm
Enclosure
Open-back
Open-back
Weight
640 g
418 g
Expanse is 222 g lighter
Impedance
50 ohms
26 ohms
Sensitivity
88 dB/mW
~90 dB/mW
Power for 110 dB
158 mW, 2.82 V
100 mW, 1.61 V
AB-1266 Phi TC needs 2 dB more
Drive
Moderate drive
Moderate drive
Frequency response
5 Hz – 45 kHz
Not published
Made in
USA (Buffalo, New York)
United States
Released
2019
2022
List price
$5,995
$4,499.99
Expanse is $1,495 less
Materials
AluminiumStainless steelLeather
Carbon fibreAluminiumTitaniumLeather
Both use aluminium, leather

From each maker’s published figures; sources are on each headphone’s page. Power for 110 dB is worked out from sensitivity and impedance.

Amplifiers that drive both

How the matching works

Each of these has 10 dB or more in reserve above a loud 110 dB peak on both headphones, so one amplifier serves either.

Build a setup with the AB-1266 Phi TC →Build a setup with the Expanse →

Where to buy the AB-1266 Phi TC

List $5,995

Retailer prices checked 2026-10-21. We may earn a commission on purchases. How this works

Where to buy the Expanse

List $4,499.99

Retailer prices checked 2026-10-21. We may earn a commission on purchases. How this works

More head to head