ABYSS Diana MRx

Open-Back Planar Magnetic Reference Headphones with Extended Bass Response

The ABYSS Diana MRx combines exceptionally deep bass extension with the speed, transparency and spatial precision of a modern planar magnetic reference headphone. Its newly developed EBR technology extends low-frequency reproduction far beyond what can be perceived with most headphones – controlled, finely differentiated and without masking the rest of the frequency range.

The Diana MRx is not a conventionally bass-emphasised headphone. Its impressive low-frequency performance is not achieved through a strong upper-bass boost, but through an unusually linear response that reaches far into the sub-bass. The deepest synthesiser frequencies, the resonance of a large drum or the fundamental tones of an organ recording are not merely suggested, but reproduced with their full structure and energy.

The result is a headphone designed equally for demanding music listening, professional studio work and the precise evaluation of bass extension, dynamics and spatial imaging.

Extended Bass Response

At the heart of the Diana MRx is ABYSS’ proprietary EBR technology – Extended Bass Response. Originally developed for the Diana TC Signature, it has now been combined with a new generation of ABYSS’ in-house planar magnetic drivers for the MRx.

While many headphones gradually lose output in the lower bass region, the Diana MRx extends exceptionally deep. This means that it reproduces not only clearly audible bass notes, but also the deepest fundamentals, harmonics and spatial information that contribute significantly to the scale and physical impact of a recording.

This extended low-frequency response does not create a permanently heavy or bloated presentation. The MRx remains fast, controlled and clearly structured. Individual bass notes retain identifiable pitch, clean outlines and precise decay. Even complex bass passages remain separated instead of merging into an indistinct low-frequency mass.

Electronic music gains greater physical presence through deep synthesiser tones and sub-bass effects. Acoustic instruments benefit from a more complete reproduction of their resonant body. Double bass, concert piano, large drums and pipe organs gain the scale and substance that are often only partially conveyed by less extended headphones.

63 mm Planar Drivers Manufactured In-House

The 63 mm planar magnetic drivers developed specifically for the Diana MRx are manufactured by ABYSS at its own facility in New York. In a planar magnetic driver, the conductor structure is positioned directly on an extremely lightweight diaphragm that is driven evenly across a large portion of its surface.

This construction enables exceptionally fast movement and precise diaphragm control. Transients are reproduced immediately, subtle dynamic changes remain intact and individual instruments can still be cleanly separated even in complex arrangements.

The updated driver generation has been optimised for a wide-band, natural presentation and particularly low distortion. ABYSS specifies an average total harmonic distortion of just 0.05 percent THD. As a result, the sound remains clean, stable and free from intrusive colouration even during demanding passages.

The MRx combines this technical precision with remarkably coherent musical reproduction. Music does not sound like a collection of isolated details, but remains intact as a unified whole. This creates a particularly natural and believable presentation of voices and acoustic instruments.

Precision Instead of Artificial Bass Emphasis

The quality of the low-frequency range is not defined by extension alone. The Diana MRx delivers bass with speed, definition and exceptionally clean texture. The initial impact of a bass drum remains clearly separated from its resonant body, while plucked bass strings are reproduced with articulate attack and natural decay.

Despite its powerful foundation, the low end does not permanently dominate the presentation. With suitable recordings, the MRx can sound deep, powerful and physical, yet it remains neutral and controlled with leaner productions. It does not add bass to a recording, but reveals what is actually present.

This characteristic is particularly valuable for producers, sound engineers and mastering studios. Unwanted sub-bass content, low-frequency resonances and the relationship between kick drum and bass can be assessed more accurately. At the same time, the presentation remains musical enough for the MRx to function not only as an analytical tool, but also as a premium headphone for extended and enjoyable listening.

Natural and Full-Bodied Midrange

The exceptional bass extension does not come at the expense of the midrange. Voices are reproduced clearly, with convincing body and natural scale. A subtly substantial lower midrange gives male vocals, string instruments and acoustic guitars believable richness without obscuring detail or transparency.

Fine differences in articulation, recording space and microphone technique remain easy to follow. Breathing sounds, the decay of a string or small changes in dynamics are resolved effortlessly, without the headphone needing to artificially emphasise these details.

The midrange remains cohesive and tonally balanced. Instruments possess clearly defined outlines while retaining their natural texture. This combination of resolution and substance prevents the Diana MRx from sounding cold, thin or excessively technical.

Controlled Treble for Long Listening Sessions

In the treble range, the Diana MRx follows a neutral and controlled tuning. It avoids artificially emphasising brilliance and sharpness simply to create an immediately spectacular or exaggerated sense of detail.

Cymbals, strings and high-frequency spatial information are reproduced cleanly and precisely, yet remain harmoniously integrated into the overall presentation. Sibilance and harsh recordings are not concealed, but neither are they rendered unnecessarily aggressively.

This makes the MRx particularly suitable for extended listening and working sessions. Its high resolution remains constantly available without tiring the listener through excessive presence or permanently elevated treble energy.

Open and Three-Dimensional Spatial Presentation

The open-back construction of the Diana MRx creates a spacious and natural soundstage. Instruments are not merely distributed between the left and right ear, but are given clearly identifiable positions in width, height and depth.

The presentation remains comparatively direct and tangible. Voices and instruments have clear presence and physicality without appearing attached to the listener’s head. At the same time, precise separation and spatial layering create an open and immersive presentation.

Movement across the stereo image is tracked cleanly, individual layers within a mix can be easily distinguished and reverberant spaces extend convincingly into the distance. Live recordings, orchestral music and spatially sophisticated electronic productions benefit particularly from this sense of scale and atmosphere.

The exceptional bass extension also contributes to the spatial impression. Low-frequency room information and resonances are preserved more completely, creating a more believable impression of the size of the recorded space.

CNC-Machined Aluminium

The exceptionally slim housing of the Diana MRx is CNC-machined from high-quality aerospace-grade aluminium. The redesigned frame construction is engineered to provide high structural stability while keeping weight as low as possible, and is fully machined, finished and assembled at the ABYSS facility in New York.

A durable polymer-ceramic coating protects the aluminium and gives the surface its premium appearance. Depending on the selected version, the ear cups are complemented by inserts made from forged carbon or selected Sapele wood.

The distinctive Fibonacci hole pattern on the outer surfaces is more than a visual design element. The arrangement of the openings has been specifically tuned to the new drivers and controls airflow as well as the acoustic behaviour of the open ear cups.

The combination of precise manufacturing, premium materials and an unusually slim silhouette makes the Diana MRx one of the most compact planar magnetic high-end headphones in its class.

Comfort for Extended Listening

At only approximately 360 grams, the Diana MRx is among the lighter planar magnetic reference headphones. Its weight is distributed evenly through a soft Ultrasuede suspension strap, reducing concentrated pressure on the head.

The magnetically attached Pillow-Top lambskin ear pads are softly cushioned and designed for low clamping pressure. They are also an important part of the acoustic construction and contribute significantly to bass extension, detail retrieval and perceived soundstage size.

Size adjustment is magnetic and does not rely on a conventional notched mechanism. The flexible headband adapts to different head shapes and can also sit comfortably when worn with glasses.

Its open construction, low weight and even pressure distribution make the Diana MRx suitable both for extended private listening sessions and for professional use over several hours.

Amplification and Suitable Electronics

With an impedance of 30 ohms and a sensitivity of 93 dB/mW, the Diana MRx is generally less demanding than some particularly power-hungry planar magnetic models. Nevertheless, it benefits significantly from a high-quality headphone amplifier with a stable power supply.

ABYSS specifies a minimum output of approximately 0.5 watts and recommends a power reserve of around 1 to 5 watts. Maximum output power alone is not decisive. A low-noise output stage, low distortion and good control into a low-impedance load are equally important.

Powerful portable DAC and amplifier combinations can already drive the MRx convincingly. High-quality stationary systems, however, reveal additional dynamics, control, spatial depth and fine detail. The exceptionally deep bass range benefits in particular from stable and authoritative amplification.

Highlights

• Open-back planar magnetic reference headphones
• Newly developed 63 mm ABYSS MRx planar magnetic drivers
• EBR technology for exceptionally deep sub-bass extension
• Deep, fast and precisely controlled bass reproduction
• Average total harmonic distortion of just 0.05% THD
• Natural, full-bodied and highly resolving midrange
• Neutral treble designed for long listening sessions
• Open soundstage with precise spatial layering
• CNC-machined aerospace-grade aluminium frame
• Acoustically optimised Fibonacci hole pattern
• Magnetic size adjustment without conventional wear components
• Magnetic Pillow-Top lambskin ear pads
• Ultrasuede suspension strap and low clamping pressure
• Weight of only approximately 360 grams
• Developed, manufactured and assembled in New York

MajorHiFi.com

• Exceptionally deep, tight and detailed bass without excessive emphasis
• Spacious and three-dimensional soundstage with precise imaging
• Highly resolving midrange and controlled treble suitable for extended listening
• One of the most complete and balanced versions of the Diana series

Technical Specifications

Contents

• ABYSS Diana MRx headphones
• Magnetic Pillow-Top lambskin ear pads
• ABYSS/JPS Labs headphone cable with selected termination
• ABYSS hard-shell carrying case with velvet-lined interior
• Quick-start guide