So Bartok sound sharp ? Did you check the specs of Bartok and tt2 ? Bartok is not even near the specs of tt2. Bartok has more frequency dependent distortion which gives it typical sharp pseudo detailed sound. It will always sound sharp with any music while tt2 will be more true to source. Better post some video link or analog out recordings.

If Bartók is worse on paper based on its spect, I cannot comment on that, since my ears do not listen to specs. I have always been a fan of Chord, owned Mojo, Hugo 2 and TT2, so me liking Bartók isn't because I dislike Chord. I also can't comment to what is true or not, since I wasn't the one who recorded / produced the song. I can only say, that my ears are preferring Bartók by a lot, songs that I expect to be sharp, sound sharp. Songs that I expect not to sound sharp, don't. So I am not hearing what you are referring to "always on sharpness", it is song dependant. In contrast to TT2, which never sounded sharp, not even if I wanted to.

This is an awesome and thoughtful review. Thank you for taking the time to write and post!!!

Great job, the review thought and honest.

I was afraid of this....calling my dealer tomorrow...

Great write-up. DCS is (unfortunately) in another class as compared to Chord. Even the 2-channel rags prefer DCS and Bartok over Chord, though DCS is much more expensive, especially as you go up their ladder. Thank you again for the comparison. Tks.

Contacted my nearest dealer about a demo and ordering. No demo available and backordered for months. Just saved myself $15K. Never been so happy to not be able and buy something.

Wow excellent review. You went into the details any serious buyer would like to hear. You also laid out personal issues that are relevant to understand where you are coming from that I've pretty much not seen before, congrats on your fortitude to do so. Yes indicating your income is sensitive, but in reality it does position why you'd consider such an expensive component. I also like that, unlike professional reviewers, this was really out of your own funds, so it can be taken as a fully objective review. (IEM reviews in particular I tend to view initially as suspect as for many they are not trying a demo but getting it for free, including custom IEMs.) Your 3db hearing loss in one ear is nothing; I'm over 50 so I've lost a lot more than that in the 8k+ frequency range.

I've been considering the Abyss headphones, but have yet to audition. Did you ever hear yours with the Xi Audio amp? I'm afraid of the dCS price

@ClarenceKyle thank you for your kind words. I tried my best to have the review read as honest as possible, and subtantiate it with personal context, for the reader to judge my biases. It seems that with almost all expensive gear, reviewers are hyping ot to the stratosphere. I sometimes wonder if it is because they truly believe said unit is excellent, or they just want others to read the article, or generate controversy, as most readers won’t be able to ever audition the same system, to verify with their own ears. In recent years, the tried solution to these biases have been measurements, but I have no equipment nor expertiese to provide that. That’s why I tried to compare two devices I like, TT2 and Bartok. I liked Bartok so much, that I have already sold TT2, now awaiting my black unit to arrive hopefully within a week or so. I will post a picture once it does, as a proof I actually purchased one.

@ClarenceKyle Regarding your question of XI Audio - I have only tried Formula S in a shop setting, with less than optimal circumstances - it was loud, was using an unfamiliar DAC, so I cannot really judge anything else than ”yes, Formula S is powerful enough for AB-1266”. It did sound transparent, but unsure if that was because of the DAC or the AMP, or combination of both. But worth saying, that it was that moment when I realised I do not wish to upgrade TT2 by means of having two TOTL components, but rather one all-in-one solution

@ClarenceKyle talking to online friends on head-fi, XI Audio Formula S seems to be comparable to TT2’s rear XLR outputs. Once you add Powerman to the mix (optional power supply for Formula S) it seems to be a bit better than TT2. This being said, I would definitely recommend you to audition AB-1266 first on your equipment, see if it is powerful and resolving enough to drive the headphones and if no, consider your budget options - for 5k you can get a good DAC/AMP combo, that is TT2. When I spoke with Joe from Abyss, he told me that in his opinion, Bartok’s amp is very good, but Formula S + Powerman would be even better. I do recognise how difficult it is to audition this level of gear at home, almost impossible, if you want to audition the whole system. That’s why I consider TT2 a cost effective way, as you can start there and the resale value is quite decent in my opinion. Hope this helps!

Brilliantly structured, easy to follow, cristall-clear review.
Just like your system, I suppose .

Unfortunately a great review, because it really make me want a Bartok
Besides from that, I like your intro with the budget and sonic preferences and I agree a lot re getting some context. I just had one mayor issue with your budget remarks: is 300K (and the other budget numbers) = $300K, CHF300K or 300K NorthKorean Won? it does make a difference

But thx for taking the time to write and to share.

@REAL Gordon Freeman silly me, I completely forgot about that. I have just edited the review to include the currency, thanks for calling it out