Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Offers a combination of dynamic driver, planar magnetic, and electrostatic qualities, providing impressive bass, speed, treble reach, and broad frequency resolution
- Exceptional clarity and resolution across the frequency spectrum
- Has a natural and immersive sound, very refined, with exceptional staging, positioning, layering, relative spacing, and image stability
- Very comfortable, lightweight (415g), and foldable for portability
- The Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) delivers smooth, accurate, and detailed high frequencies, while minimizing unwanted distortions
Product Considerations
- Requires a good seal to be effective, and the seal can be easily broken by movement or glasses
- The Stealths require a bit of power to sound their best, marginal efficiency at 86-89dB
- Less sensitive than other headphones, requiring higher volume settings and more powerful amplification
- Revealing of poor recordings and distortion in the system
- Can lack slam or macro contrast
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Stealth is more comfortable, better built, more isolating, has amazing quality control, and is more resolving and fun, while sounding more accurate due to the AMTS, compared to the Dan Clark Audio Ether 2
- The Stealth has better balance, with the Focal Stellia having too much bass, smoother treble, and better instrument separation, though the Stellia has better punchiness
- The Stealth is lighter, has better instrument separation, and better tuning without needing EQ, compared to the Audeze LCD-XC
- The Stealth gives a more tonal 'normal' presentation, wins for instrument separation, and has excellent design, compared to the ZMF Verite
Takeaway: The Dan Clark Audio Stealth headphones combine excellent sound quality with a comfortable, portable design, making them a good choice for audiophiles who want a high-end listening experience at home or on the go. It is a good all-arounder that does everything well with its design.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Stealth
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Driver: 76mm x 51mm single-ended planar magnetic
- Driver matching: 0.25db weighted 20-10,000Hz
- THD: less than 0.03% 20-20KHz, ref. 1KHz at 94dB
- Headband: Nickle-Titanium
- Baffle: Carbon Fiber
- Ear Pads: Synthetic Suede and Leather
- Weight: 415g
Description
STEALTH is Dan Clark Audio's closed flagship headphone, and its striking matte black and red design offers a teaser of its stunningly smooth, rich and spacious sound. STEALTH is a closed-back headphone that delivers great isolation, while our proprietary Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) works with our all-new 4th generation driver to create a huge, wide-open soundstage. STEALTH features a self-adjusting headband and an emphasis on ergonomics that make extended listening comfortable.
STEALTH is Dan Clark Audio’s closed flagship headphone, and its striking matte black and red design offers a teaser of its stunningly smooth, rich and spacious sound. STEALTH is a closed-back headphone that delivers great isolation, while our proprietary Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) works with our all-new 4th generation driver to create a huge, wide-open soundstage. STEALTH features a self-adjusting headband and an emphasis on ergonomics that make extended listening comfortable. This is our most exciting project to-date, with novel technology never before seen on any audio market - ready to dive in?
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Dan Clark Audio headphones utilize a unique folding gimbal design, using Nitinol memory metal, which enables the headphones to fold to half their size for enhanced portability.
- DCA incorporates a proprietary Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) into their headphones, which integrates waveguides, diffusion control, and resonators to eliminate standing waves and precisely shape the high-frequency response.
- The brand uses V-Planar technology in their planar magnetic drivers, molding textures on the driver surface to optimize low-frequency performance and improve diaphragm stability.
- Dan Clark Audio designs its products with a focus on comfort for extended listening sessions, evident in features like ergonomic head straps, lightweight construction, and carefully chosen earpad materials.
Select products
Select product comparisons
ÆON RT
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Offers a vibrant sound with a lightweight, all-metal headband, making it ideal for travel and everyday use. Features a proprietary planar magnetic driver that enhances detail retrieval and bass response, distinguishing it from the more advanced ÆON 2 which offers a newer driver technology for improved dynamics and soundstage.
Noire X
- Positioning: Midrange line, balancing performance and value.
- Description: Uses the Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) for a refined treble and improved driver for better sound consistency. Compared to the ÆON RT, it offers enhanced comfort and a more sophisticated sound profile, while still being more affordable than the E3.
Ether
- Positioning: High-end planar headphones, designed for ultimate comfort and sound quality.
- Description: Uses TrueFlow technology and a lightweight design for a natural and detailed sound. They offer larger drivers and more refined construction compared to the E3, providing a more nuanced and organic sound experience.
Expanse
- Positioning: Flagship open-back headphone, setting new standards in soundstage and detail.
- Description: Features a 4th generation planar-magnetic driver and AMTS, providing an expansive soundstage and smooth presentation, perfect for critical listening in quiet environments. It offers a more open and detailed sound compared to the Stealth, with a focus on musicality and comfort.
Corina
- Positioning: Reference electrostatic headphone, designed for ultimate resolution and natural tone.
- Description: Uses the AMTS to deliver electrostatic resolution with a natural tone. It provides a unique electrostatic experience compared to the planar magnetic models like Expanse, with a focus on delivering a lifelike and immersive sound.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
22
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
122
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
11
Founding Year
2012
Our take on the brand
Dan Clark Audio sets itself apart with its patented Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System, which uses waveguides and resonators to shape frequency response to uniquely close adherence to various targets, and a unique tensioning system that ensures consistent performance across their headphone units. Their summit-tier headphones feature an uncommon folding design for portability, and their self-adjusting headbands offer extended comfort during long listening sessions.
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Brand Page
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Used
Dan Clark Audio
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
HIFIMAN
HE-R10P
5499
5499
/
8
Reviews
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
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Product Strengths
- Sounds big and open for a closed-back headphone, with an impressive soundstage for its type.
- Offers a warm-leaning, smooth, mid-forward sound signature.
- Very good imaging creates an immersive listening experience, and detailed separation of instruments.
- Easy to drive with a low impedance and high sensitivity, making it suitable for use with portable devices.
- The wooden earcups have a large internal space that brings sufficient volume and breathing room to the driver.
Product Considerations
- Build quality may be disappointing for the price, particularly the headband, which is considered cheap compared to other headphones in the price range.
- Comfort can be an issue due to the weight and headband design, which may cause discomfort on the scalp for some users.
- Lacks clamping force, so the weight is felt on the top of the head, and it does not isolate sound very well.
- Treble response might be somewhat softer or less energetic compared to other headphones, which might not appeal to those seeking a more exciting sound.
- One review mentions an issue with a dip around 5kHz and a peak around 10kHz that impacts some instruments, though it is admittedly 'nitpicking'.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HIFIMAN HE-R10D: There is a difference in price and sound signature.
- Vs HIFIMAN Susvara: The HE-R10P has less soundstage, the Susvara has more transparency, but the HE-R10P has more mid-bass presence.
- Vs Focal Stellia: The HE-R10P has a larger soundstage and more powerful bass, but Stellia has a safer tuning with a brighter high end.
Takeaway: The HiFiMan HE-R10P is a closed-back planar headphone that delivers exceptional sound quality with remarkable imaging and detail, making music sound lively and fun. Its unique design aims to create an open and spacious listening experience, allowing listeners to enjoy music for hours.
Video review
Our take on the brand
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Product Page
Product Page
Subtonic Audio
Storm
5200
5200
/
4
Reviews
Subtonic Audio is a hifi headphone brand recognized for their SLAM dual-armature woofer system, delivering bass extension down to 3 Hz, and their complex 7-way CTRL crossover that splits signals into narrow bands for precise control. Their flagship Storm IEMs showcase hand-enameled faceplates with a two-thirds rejection rate.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Considered by many as having the best sound achievable in an in-ear headphone, making it an exceptional audio experience
- The sound signature is mostly balanced with tasteful coloration, where the treble imparts a particular element that is potentially preferable
- The midrange is extremely well done
- Features unique SLAM subwoofer, woofer, midwoofer, mid tweeter, tweeter and EST technologies
- Built with Grade 5 titanium, providing sturdiness and high quality
Product Considerations
- Treble performance can be hit or miss depending on the listener's anatomy and HRTF
- Requires more power than typical IEMs, potentially draining the battery of portable audio players
- Shells are on the larger side
- The included cable is nice, but the chin cinch tends to slide down
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Hi-Senior Megafest and Dusk Default DSP, the Storm is an editorialized or enhanced version of those IEMs, particularly regarding bass and mids
- Compared to the 64 Audio U6T, it has similar balance with similar tasteful colorations, but Storm's bass is more punchy and the upper treble is more to the reviewer's preference
- Compared to the Empire Ears Odin, the Storm is preferred because the Odin is not as versatile, and the Storm sounds more detailed
- Compared to the Empire Ears Raven, the Storm is more normal in a good way because the Raven has massive bass and a strange lower midrange resonance feature
- Resolution, stage and tonality are better on the Storm compared to Grand Maestro
Takeaway: The Storm is a high-end IEM with exceptional sound quality and great build, even if pricey. It could be worth buying for those who want the best possible audio experience and appreciate a balanced sound with unique features.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Subtonic Audio is a hifi headphone brand recognized for their SLAM dual-armature woofer system, delivering bass extension down to 3 Hz, and their complex 7-way CTRL crossover that splits signals into narrow bands for precise control. Their flagship Storm IEMs showcase hand-enameled faceplates with a two-thirds rejection rate.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
HIFIMAN
Isvarna
2899
/
Released
2024
ISVARNA — Premium Open-Back Headphones with Enhanced Bass Response and Precision Crossover Design.
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Combines planar magnetic and dynamic drivers to deliver both detail/speed and powerful bass response
- Comfortable for long listening sessions, despite having two drivers per side and a crossover
- Produces clean and detailed sound, with a decent sense of clarity
- Relatively easy to drive compared to other planar magnetic headphones
- Smooth transition between the dynamic and planar drivers, creating a coherent sound
Product Considerations
- Has a mid-bass hump and a roll-off in the sub-bass region, which may not appeal to all listeners or genres
- Treble response may be too energetic for treble-sensitive individuals
- The tuning may not be suitable as an 'all-rounder' headphone for all music genres
- Needs a solid-state amplifier to control the dynamic driver in the low end
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan HE-1000SE: The Isvarna has a wider soundstage, but less height and depth
- Vs HiFiMan ARIA Organic: The Isvarna has more bass
- Vs Kennerton Veneta: The HiFiMan is more bassy for bass heads
Takeaway: The HiFiMan Isvarna is a unique headphone that delivers a fun and engaging listening experience with its hybrid driver design, especially for those who enjoy bass. It is comfortable, relatively easy to drive, and offers a clean and detailed sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Product Page
Product Page
Softears
enigma
3699
/
Released
2024
The Softears Enigma is a flagship 12-driver in-ear monitor featuring a 5-way crossover design. It combines 2 dynamic drivers, 6 balanced armature drivers, and 4 electrostatic drivers to deliver a highly resolving, full-range sound suitable for professional and audiophile use.
Softears creates reference-quality in-ear monitors for professional monitoring. The brand features passive driver modules that relieve ear pressure without compromising isolation, and complex 15-component crossover networks more akin to high-end loudspeakers. Known for extreme transparency that can even expose recording flaws, Softears delivers flat-impedance designs engineered for pro interface.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Beautifully balanced tonal quality
- Excellent and innovative shell design
- Unique unboxing and premium accessories
- Comfortable fit despite the larger shells
- Wide stereo separation
Product Considerations
- Treble might seem too controlled for some
- The sound is source dependent
- More mid-treble and air up top, lesser fullness in lower-midrange, and less of the mid-bass boost would be ideal
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to 64 Audio’s Fourte and the Vision Ears Phonix, the Enigma competes with them in the summit-fi range
- Compared to Softears Twilight, the bass is tighter and more focused, with better detail, also the Enigma has a more precise and layered soundstage
- Compared to Elysian Annihilator, the Enigma trades the sharp precision of the Annihilator for a smoother and more forgiving presentation
- Compared to Empire Ears Odin, the Enigma is easier and more laid back to listen to, whereas the Odin grabs attention with its bold dynamics
- Compared to Lime Ears Anima, the Enigma feels more refined in comparison, excelling in accurate ear gain/upper-midrange, which results in it sounding more linear and natural
- Compared to Kinera Loki Emerald, the Enigma outshines the Loki in mids, offering a more natural and emotive presentation
Takeaway: The Softears Enigma is a well-balanced high-end IEM, with craftsmanship and attention to detail evident in its distinctive design and thoughtful packaging. If one favors a sound that leans toward musicality with a relaxed tuning, the Enigma is sure to please.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Softears creates reference-quality in-ear monitors for professional monitoring. The brand features passive driver modules that relieve ear pressure without compromising isolation, and complex 15-component crossover networks more akin to high-end loudspeakers. Known for extreme transparency that can even expose recording flaws, Softears delivers flat-impedance designs engineered for pro interface.
Product Page
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ZMF
Caldera Closed
3499
/
Released
2024
ZMF's first fully closed planar headphone, developed from the Caldera Open model. Awarded Headfonics Best Ortho 2023, the Caldera Closed features the patented Atrium Damping System, along with the patent-pending Caldera Pad and Caldera Magnet Systems. Sonically the Closed version imparts the speed, immediacy and dynamism of the open, while adding a sub-bass boost and tastefully closer(ish) to Harman tuning with the incredible isolation of a closed back.
ZMF is a boutique hifi headphone brand that crafts one-of-a-kind wooden headphones from stabilized resin-wood billets, each harvested, processed, and assembled in the USA. Their patented acoustic systems include the Atrium Damping System (ADS) and the Caldera's trapezoidal magnet structure. The brand offers lifetime driver warranties and maintains measurement transparency using professional B&K equipment. They have created a distinct enthusiast culture around their annual "ZMF November" limited-edition sales.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality and visually stunning design with unique wood cups, making each unit unique
- Good bass response with well-balanced tonality, texture, definition, speed, and dynamics
- Treble presentation is excellent, smooth, bright, and airy without being overly forward or fatiguing
- The Caldera Closed uses Atrium Damping System (ADS) for a more natural sound decay
- Very resolving with class-leading dynamics
Product Considerations
- Mid-range tonality may be uneven and forward for some listeners, potentially causing fatigue or a 'hollow' timbre
- Soundstage is relatively narrow compared to some other closed-back headphones
- Can be moderately difficult to drive, not suitable for all portable amplifiers
- Weight might be an issue for some users, though well-distributed
- Requires high-quality audio tracks to sound its best
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus Caldera Open, the closed version has a superior treble presentation, the open is preferable in the mid-range
- Versus the Dan Clark Audio E3, the Caldera Closed is easier to drive and has better dynamics, the E3 has a wider soundstage and is more comfortable
- The Caldera Closed is more spacious sounding than the Atrium Closed
- The Caldera Closed is better than the Verite Closed for all-day listening
Takeaway: The ZMF Caldera Closed is a beautifully crafted, high-performance closed-back headphone with excellent bass and treble, making for a fun and engaging listening experience. The versatility to use it with most amps makes it a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ZMF is a boutique hifi headphone brand that crafts one-of-a-kind wooden headphones from stabilized resin-wood billets, each harvested, processed, and assembled in the USA. Their patented acoustic systems include the Atrium Damping System (ADS) and the Caldera's trapezoidal magnet structure. The brand offers lifetime driver warranties and maintains measurement transparency using professional B&K equipment. They have created a distinct enthusiast culture around their annual "ZMF November" limited-edition sales.
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Ultimate Ears Professional
Premier
2999
/
Released
2023
Custom-fit in-ear monitors featuring 21 balanced-armature drivers per side—including dual sub-low, mid-low, quad mid, True Tone, and quad super tweeter drivers—all managed by a five-way passive crossover. They deliver an extended frequency response from 5 Hz to 40 kHz, exceptional acoustic isolation (-26 dB), and durable IPX-rated cabling for live, studio, and audiophile use.
Ultimate Ears Professional specializes in custom in-ear monitors featuring their proprietary IPX/T2 connector system for touring reliability, 3D laser ear-scanning for digital custom builds, and the flagship UE Premier with 21 balanced-armature drivers per earpiece. The brand offers configurable Ambient ports for adjustable stage isolation, and specialized accessories like Sound Guard spike limiting for professional touring musicians.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Custom, personalized fit due to custom molding, offering comfort and secure fit
- Excellent acoustic isolation, effectively blocking out external noise
- High sensitivity, making them easy to drive with various sources
- Astonishing sound with a high level of detail and clarity
- Durable build quality
Product Considerations
- High price
- Deep canal fit may not be comfortable for all users
- Requires external EQ tweaking to achieve optimal frequency response, as the out-of-the-box tuning may not be ideal
- The included case design can be unwieldy and annoying to open
- Ambient port plugs are small and can be easily lost
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Simpler implementation of drivers in the Sennheiser can yield better results
Takeaway: The Premier are a high-end custom in-ear monitor option with excellent sound reproduction, build quality, and personalized fit. For those who prioritize sound quality and custom fit, the Premier could be worth the investment for critical listening or professional use.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Ultimate Ears Professional specializes in custom in-ear monitors featuring their proprietary IPX/T2 connector system for touring reliability, 3D laser ear-scanning for digital custom builds, and the flagship UE Premier with 21 balanced-armature drivers per earpiece. The brand offers configurable Ambient ports for adjustable stage isolation, and specialized accessories like Sound Guard spike limiting for professional touring musicians.
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Noble
Ronin
3900
/
Released
2023
The Ronin is Noble Audio’s 12-driver, hybrid universal IEM—comprising 4 Sonion balanced armatures for sub-bass/bass, 4 balanced armatures for midrange, and 4 Sonion electrostatic drivers for highs and super-highs—all housed in a CNC-machined proprietary resin shell. It includes the exclusive Eletech “Ronin” cable: a 7-core gold-plated OCC / OCC copper / silver-plated OCC hybrid, designed to enhance detail and coherence.
Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Gorgeous IEM with a finish worthy of a top-of-the-line IEM, pictures not doing it justice
- Highly revealing, with incredible detail and microdynamics that deliver a vivid, lifelike reproduction of music
- Excellent speed and strong texture in the balanced armature based low-end
- Clean, detailed, and transparent mids with top-tier detail retrieval coupled with strong layering and separation
- Soundstage is wide and three-dimensional, with holographic imaging, giving a real sense of being on stage or in the studio with the performers
Product Considerations
- The IEM is on the larger side, so consider this if you've got smaller ears
- Ronin is bright and has energetic treble, which may not be preferred by those who like a warmer sound with bass emphasis
- Bass is more neutral, and it's not going to have the impact of a dynamic driver bass
- Treble can be somewhat unforgiving, highlighting unpleasant aspects of older or lower-quality recordings
- Some reviewers found the character of Ronin to be a little bright and sometimes bass-lite, and may need proper pairing to sound its best
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Empire Ears Odin: Odin is more versatile, but Ronin's treble performance is at a higher level
- Vs 64 Audio Fourte Blanc: Fourte Blanc offers a more balanced sound overall, while Ronin leans towards a more technical, bright sound
- Vs Noble Viking Ragnar: Ragnar has more rumble and denser, deeper layers of bass, while Ronin has slightly higher resolution
- Vs Noble Sultan: Ronin has more details, while the Sultan is more weightier and warmer in representation
Takeaway: The Noble Ronin offers incredible detail, imaging, and resolution, delivering an immersive listening experience for those who appreciate a highly revealing sound. For those with a collection of high-resolution music who want to hear every nuance, the Ronin is an excellent choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.
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