hifiblueprint

Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC vs Yamaha YH-5000SE

Both are planar magnetic open-back headphones.

The YH-5000SE is 320 g lighter, at 320 g against 640 g.

The AB-1266 Phi TC needs 10 dB more power to reach a loud 110 dB peak, so it asks more of the amplifier.

The YH-5000SE lists for $995 less.

$5,995

$4,999.95

Side by side

AB-1266 Phi TCYH-5000SE
Driver
Planar magnetic
Planar magnetic
Diaphragm
Very thin, low-mass planar diaphragm; matched pairs (thickness unpublished)
Thin film with etched coil on both sides, concentric corrugation, outer-edge mount
Driver size
66 mm
Not published
Enclosure
Open-back
Open-back
Weight
640 g
320 g
YH-5000SE is 320 g lighter
Impedance
50 ohms
34 ohms
Sensitivity
88 dB/mW
98 dB/mW at 1 kHz
Power for 110 dB
158 mW, 2.82 V
15.8 mW, 0.73 V
AB-1266 Phi TC needs 10 dB more
Drive
Moderate drive
Easy to drive
Frequency response
5 Hz – 45 kHz
5 Hz – 70 kHz
Made in
USA (Buffalo, New York)
Japan
Released
2019
2023
List price
$5,995
$4,999.95
YH-5000SE is $995 less
Materials
AluminiumStainless steelLeather
MagnesiumStainless steelLeather
Both use stainless steel, 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 YH-5000SE →

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 YH-5000SE

List $4,999.95

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

More head to head