ABYSS JOAL High Performance Headphone- Master Tape Sound

The JOAL is Abyss's accessible open-back headphone, designed for listeners who want to experience the sonic character of master tape recordings through a headphone that excels at extracting subtle spatial and tonal cues from music and film. Made in the USA.

Type and Technology

Over-ear, open-back, planar magnetic. Abyss planar driver optimized for high-fidelity reproduction of acoustic and cinematic material. Available with 4.4mm TRRRS cable, with optional upgrades to XLR, 1/4", and 3.5mm terminations. Made in the USA.

Sound Character

Spacious, natural, and rich in detail. The JOAL recreates the sense of space and ambient information in recordings with exceptional accuracy, drawing out the subtle acoustic cues that convey the size and character of a recording environment. Bass is textured and present, midrange is transparent, and the overall presentation has the Abyss quality of dynamic authority and natural tonal balance.

Build and Comfort

A CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminum frame gives the JOAL a featherlight yet solid feel, at roughly 390 g with pads fitted (about 327 g without). Abyss's laser-cut, annealed "Twist and Flex" metal headband with a sling-style suspension and magnetic size adjustment spreads weight evenly across the top of the head for a personalized, fatigue-free fit. The magnetically attached pillow-top Ultrasuede ear pads use memory foam and a wide contact surface that surrounds the ear rather than pressing on it, and swap easily for cleaning or tuning. Comfortable for long listening sessions.

Best For

Listeners who prioritize spatial realism and the sense of being inside a recording, and those who want Abyss quality at a more accessible entry point than the Diana or AB-1266 series.

What's in the Box

• Abyss JOAL headphone
• 4.4mm TRRRS cable (additional terminations available as upgrades)

Specifications

What Reviewers Say

GoldenSound offers an in-depth look at the Abyss JOAL, walking through its tuning, staging, and overall presentation.