Have a look here: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/yepz6p/how_can_i_calculate_how_loud_a_set_of_headphones/

Maybe the Raptgo Hook-X? Haven't personally heard them but they are apparently open back planars.

[deleted]

Seems they're not for you, if you're still within the return window I'd return them!

You could get a Topping A50S for them, if you have a 4,4mm cable (although a 6,3mm cable should be fine as well). What are you using to power them right now? Abyss make particularly inefficient headphones, so you‘ll want some strong amplification to get the most out of them

Amps totally have different sound qualities even when measuring well. The changes are just very subtle, but definitely perceptible. More noticeable than 320kbps mp3 vs 16/44.1k. If you can consistently pick out lossy vs lossless, you can definitely hear changes in amps. BTW, that's like 1% of the population. Maybe if you can't reliably hear the difference, you fall into the majority of listeners.

That being said I've never heard a headphone only sound good on certain amps. If I like the headphone, I will like it on any amp. If I don't like a headphone, I probably won't like it on any amp. It's not a big deal, but a way to achieve a sound closer to what you'd like (changes in dynamics and soundstage which can't just be EQ'd in)

If you didn't like the Dianna, a different amp won't make you like it. You might like it more, but I'm sure there is something else out there that will actually wow you regardless of what amp it's being run on.

People are saying burn in doesn't exist, but in my experience it definitely does, whether it be the drivers themselves or my brain from getting used to the sound for a while. Give it some proper listening time and then re-evaluate.

As for amps, I don't subscribe to buying amps for the sound (as you can see, I'm happy with just a Schiit Magni). I think you're probably fine with the amp you have as long as you're able to listen to it distortion-free at the volume that you like. Is there a reason you went for the Diana without auditioning them first? I, personally, can't trust any Abyss products when they're peddling $2k cables and $2k aluminum racks.

Hi just try them on a different amp on a hifi store before selling them.

My first "higher end" headphones were the DCA Aeon, I blind purchased them...and I really hate them. I have 10 bucks IEMs that I prefer over them.

well not all open-back r equally "open?". my 6XX doesn't leak much sound in/out because of the heavy driver damping materials. Compare that to the XS, oh boi, its like wearing nothing.

Yeah, this sounds like it could be it. So it‘s „normal“ behavior for DT 990s?

You said that you hated closed backs because of their sound. Seeing as how 10 closed backs will have 10 different sound signatures, I find your statement ridiculous. Imagine someone who has only ever driven an A160 saying they hate all Mercedes's.

Well what is your preferred sound signature? The SHP? I think that one is a dud tbh.

What is your price range?

Depending on that I could suggest anything between the stellar AKG K371 and DT 770 all the way to the Audeze LCD XC or DCA Aeon Noire.

There was a unit measured at ASR and distortion is horrible.

Also, not a fan of the company, as they sell a lot of snake oil.

But if you lik the Diana, more power to you.

I think what you're describing is the recessed midrange, when you're talking about the dull thuds from guns sounding drowned out, or the mechanical reloading sounds. Could be wrong though.

Hey hi yeah your amp just isn’t providing them with adequate juice. These aren’t incredibly hard to drive, but they definitely need more power than the Prime can give (at least going by the 250mW at 42Ohm number I found).

I 100% recommend you try them off a more powerful source (“more powerful” doesn’t necessarily mean more expensive btw. Lots of great options under $1000 or even at the $600ish mark) before selling them for the hd800. They’re incredibly detailed and great for mixing and mastering. And if you want more bass, you’d be surprised at the difference those bass ported pads will make (is it worth $250? Idfk that’s pretty wild lmao).

Meze Classics might be up your ally. Quite bassy but they are definitely a step up from the average closed back. Sennheiser 569 (598CS) is a decent option to, though I didn't personally like their sound but they don't sound claustrophobic imo.

Get the hd800s. You are definitely feeling the difference between dynamic bass and planar bass. Also, you are experiencing going from a slight v shaped headphone to a neutral headphone. You won't get gobs of bass, you won't get exciting treble. What you get is honest detail. If this bothers you consider eqing the abyss to your taste. For me personally, after getting a flagship planar (lcd 4z) I settled with the hd800 for comfort and for the dynamic punch that you don't quite get with planars.

I think that's just a game of pong

I don't believe I said that. Very constructive though. Might you suggest a closed back that I might find enjoyable given my preferences kind sir.

What are your thoughts about these and the concerns I brought up? Truly trying to just get some advice/insight here. Brutal honesty is fine by me.

So you have tried ALL closed backs and they ALL sound bad compared to the Philips?

Hmmm. Interesting.

If it's that big of an issue, I think you just need to use open backs and try not to mind the noise. If you are coming from wide sounding open backs, closed backs simply can't compete.

None would really convey an open back feel, I tried finding that myself and couldn't.

Open and semi-open would also let all of the noise in.

They don't need burn in, since burn in is a myth.

They are not "amp picky" that's just nonsense made up by audiophiles.

An amp has no "sound qualities" unless its broken.

I am still very much a beginner when it comes to headphones. I guess I just got used to them. One of the biggest upsides is their comfort as I wear them more or less 8hr per day for gaming and work.

Totally. Are any of my concerns valid with these?

I was between these and the Sennheiser HD800s.