Quick answer

For ABYSS Diana TC Signature, pair it with the Eleven Audio Broadway Balanced Headphone Amplifier for a clean, detailed solid-state sound. For the JOAL, the Woo Audio WA24 20th Anniversary Edition adds tube warmth that complements its vintage-inspired tuning. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize resolution or tonal richness.

Why amplifier choice matters for planar magnetic headphones

ABYSS Diana TC Signature and JOAL are planar magnetic headphones that demand clean current delivery. A weak or noisy amp leaves them sounding thin or lifeless. The right amp unlocks their full transient speed and soundstage.

Solid-state amps like the Eleven Audio Broadway offer low noise floors and precise control. Tube amps like the Woo Audio WA24 add harmonic distortion that many listeners find musical. Neither is universally better; the best choice depends on your preferred listening experience.

Solid-state vs tube: what to expect

The Eleven Audio Broadway uses a full balanced discrete class A design with internal batteries. This dramatically reduces AC line noise, giving you a black background and exceptional low-level detail. It pairs naturally with the Diana TC Signature's high resolution and refinement.

The Woo Audio WA24 is a vacuum tube amplifier born from two decades of Woo Audio's craft. It enhances the JOAL's already engaging sound with a smoother midrange and a touch of tube bloom. The available Upgrade Tube option lets you further tailor the voicing.

Decision rules for pairing your ABYSS headphone with an amp

  • If you own the Diana TC Signature: This headphone was developed for the most experienced listener who appreciates the highest levels of resolution and refinement. It needs an amp with an ultra-low noise floor and precise transient control. Choose the Eleven Audio Broadway for its battery-powered black background and class A linearity.
  • If you own the JOAL: The JOAL delivers a time-machine sound that excels with rock, jazz, blues, and classical. Its tuning benefits from the harmonic richness of a tube stage. Choose the Woo Audio WA24 to add tube warmth and depth. Consider the Upgrade Tube option for further customization.
  • If you want to use one amp for both headphones: The Eleven Audio Broadway's balanced design and low noise floor work well with both headphones, but it will not add the tube warmth that some JOAL listeners prefer. The Broadway is a safe all-rounder. For maximum synergy with JOAL, a tube amp like the WA24 is still the better match.

Amplifier facts at a glance

  • Eleven Audio Broadway Balanced Headphone Amplifier 2025 Edition: World's first high performance full balanced discrete class A headphone amplifier by Eleven Audio. Combines smooth detailed sound with noise-free black backgrounds. Internal user-replaceable batteries reduce AC line noise to negligible levels. Battery operation eliminates power-line noise, making this amp ideal for revealing every micro-detail in the Diana TC Signature without hum or hash.
  • Woo Audio WA24 20th Anniversary Edition Headphone Amplifier: Twenty years after the WA1, Woo Audio built the WA24 20th Anniversary Edition. A vacuum tube amplifier with an Upgrade Tube option, rooted in the family's Queens, New York workshop heritage. The WA24's tube stage adds natural warmth and dimensionality that complements the JOAL's vintage-inspired sound, and the upgrade path lets you refine the tonal balance over time.

Which amp fits your setup?

Best for

  • Listeners who prioritize micro-detail, soundstage precision, and a noise-free background with the Diana TC Signature
  • JOAL owners who want tube warmth and the ability to upgrade the sound over time

Not for

  • Anyone seeking a single do-it-all amp who dislikes tube maintenance or battery charging
  • Listeners on a tight budget, as both amps represent significant investments