So I just got my Diana Phi’s in and they’re a slightly older model with grey pads. I get them at an extreme discount for being new in box (new and slightly old stock)? Regardless Boutique Audio in Las Vegas, NV is an AMAZING shop and if I find myself in Vegas I’ll be there.
That aside, I don’t know what the break will be but it sounds like break in has finished. I’ll remain hold off. But overall, can I say I like the sound of an ultra clear and neutral/natural headphone… yes! The Phi’s have a clear non-over powering bass. Only down side with the Diana’s versus the 1266 is that to get the most out of the bass, you need to hold the ear cups slightly away from your head to hear the rich and wonderful bass. But… when on your head you don’t look like Frankenstein either.
FR, without going into the detail is the headphone performs everywhere you could expect it. I love my LCD X but these headphones out class that headphone in every way. I’m blown away with the quality of the of the sounds and of the headphone itself. If you ever wanted to hear clarity the LCD X masked behind it’s house sound (which is VERY little) than these are the headphones for you.
Chain: Bifrost 2 -> Headamp GS-X Mini -> Diana Phi.
I was initially worried the BF2 wasn’t going to resolve enough, and while it may not I find the touch of warmth a welcomed experience with Phi to keep them from being fatiguing and always and enjoyable. The slight bright notes of the GS-X Mini that is close to the RNHP is there and works REALLY well with these headphones. Since I had some limitations on cables, my Blon B20 balanced cable is all I have been using and OMFG do these headphones love being driven balanced.
Quick note, everything that bothered me (but enjoyed with the B20) on the THX amp with EDM literally made me want to vomit. I’ve never said this before literally about audio equipment and I’m not exaggerating, the feeling was quite uncomfortable and I don’t want to repeat it again with EDM, the THX was palatable for classical FYI. What does this mean? This headphone is VERY amp sensitive. I hope to write up a @Hazi59 style review when I have the time or feeling the ability to embody a write up to nearing the quality of his write up here: A Comparison between the Rupert Neve RNHP & Lake People G111
In a nutshell, unless you really really love bass beyond absolute quality and balance, Diana Phi’s are awesome. The V2’s for grand cheaper maybe the better option for many people and after hearing an Abyss headphone for the first time… this is it for me, I don’t think I can be happier. Now nobody ruin this with a Susvara or anything… because I’m happy and I know it as I clap my hands.