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Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC vs HIFIMAN Susvara

Both are planar magnetic open-back headphones.

The Susvara is 190 g lighter, at 450 g against 640 g.

The Susvara needs 5 dB more power to reach a loud 110 dB peak, so it asks more of the amplifier.

The AB-1266 Phi TC lists for $5 less.

$5,995

HIFIMANSusvara

$6,000

Side by side

AB-1266 Phi TCSusvara
Driver
Planar magnetic
Planar magnetic
Diaphragm
Very thin, low-mass planar diaphragm; matched pairs (thickness unpublished)
Nanometer Grade film under 1 micrometer thick, gold-coated conductor
Driver size
66 mm
Not published
Enclosure
Open-back
Open-back
Weight
640 g
450 g
Susvara is 190 g lighter
Impedance
50 ohms
60 ohms
Sensitivity
88 dB/mW
83 dB
Power for 110 dB
158 mW, 2.82 V
501 mW, 5.48 V
Susvara needs 5 dB more
Drive
Moderate drive
Demanding
Frequency response
5 Hz – 45 kHz
6 Hz – 75 kHz
Made in
USA (Buffalo, New York)
China
Released
2019
2017
List price
$5,995
$6,000
AB-1266 Phi TC is $5 less
Materials
AluminiumStainless steelLeather
WoodLeatherEngineered films
Both use 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 Susvara →

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 Susvara

List $6,000

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

More head to head