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
- Smooth and resolving electrostatic sound.
- Wide-open soundstage with good imaging.
- Smooth and delicate treble.
- Impactful and well-extended bass, especially for an electrostatic headphone.
- Detail and technical performance is very good for the asking price.
Product Considerations
- Slightly shouty and uneven midrange.
- Extremely quick decay can make things sound unnaturally dry.
- Can be difficult to power and needs a good powerful electrostatic amp.
- Some find the loose clamp force from the headband an issue.
- The headphone is quite heavy.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Stax SR-007: The ES-1a provides something special that the SR-007 doesn’t have, in its open sound, and its speed and aggression.
- Vs Stax SR-009: The ES-1a is similar in detail level to the Stax SR-007mk2, but the overall sound image was much larger than both the SR-007mk2 and the SR-009.
- Vs Stax Lambda: The ES-1a plays at a higher level of performance than the current Stax Lambdas.
- Vs HIFIMAN Susvara: The ES1a treble performance is similar to the HIFIMAN Susvara in terms of its overall character and tuning.
Takeaway: The ES-1a is a great choice for those who like electrostatic headphones. It offers good value, splitting the difference between the sound of two former flagship Stax headphones.
All
ES-1a
reviews

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:
Select products
EX-1A OPEN-BACK ELECTROSTATIC HEADPHONE
- Positioning: The entry-level option offering affordability with clear electrostatic sound.
- Description: Offers a lightweight design with an open-back electrostatic driver and a 5-pin Stax Type Pro Bias that provides clear audio reproduction. Compared to the heavier ES-2a and the closed-back ES-R10, it is best for small room use and buyers who are budget conscious and need a portable audio solution.
ES-R10 CLOSED BACK DYNAMIC HEADPHONE
- Positioning: A mid-range model focused on controlled listening environments with a dynamic design.
- Description: Features a robust 50mm dynamic driver in a closed-back design with a Paulownia casing that enhances durability. Compared to the open-back electrostatic EX-1a and ES-2a that emphasize spacious sound, this model is more suited for noisy surroundings and users desiring a more controlled bass response.
ES-2A OPEN-BACK ELECTROSTATIC HEADPHONE
- Positioning: A premium offering aimed at delivering superior performance and build quality.
- Description: Features an advanced open-back electrostatic design with a high bias voltage and aluminum magnesium alloy housing that extends frequency response. Compared to the more affordable EX-1a and the sealed ES-R10, it is ideal for professional or high-end use in quiet spaces.
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Used
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What if you spend more?
Product Strengths
- Top-notch build quality, with premium materials and a comfortable design
- Excellent sound quality with a balanced presentation—no outstanding weaknesses across the frequency spectrum
- Two sets of earpads are included (Duo and Alcantara) for sound customization
- The design has a strong aesthetic, and the magnetic pad swapping system is easy to use
- Wider soundstage and more three-dimensional imaging
Product Considerations
- Sensitivity has dropped compared to the original Empyrean and Elites, requiring slightly more power to drive
- There might be a little bit of extra emphasis around the three to four kilohertz mark, which can make them a little bit fatiguing—a little bit bitey in the treble
- Not the largest soundstage that can be experienced at this price point
- The open design leaks sound and doesn't offer much in the way of isolation
- Those particularly sensitive might hear some spikiness in the lower treble region
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Original Meze Empyrean: Empyrean II has a more neutral tuning, is more defined, and has better detail separation
- Vs Meze Elite: Empyrean II offers stronger bass extension and more of the engaging emotional delivery
- Vs Meze Elite: The Elite seems more expansive than Empyrean 2, though not by a lot
- Vs HIFIMAN HE1000SE: The HE1000SE sound is more spacious, the bass is snappier, and the amount of detail is slightly above the Elite and Empyrean
Takeaway: The Empyrean II is an enjoyable headphone, improving on the original with a more accurate and versatile sound that maintains the core Empyrean identity. The comfort, build quality, and well-balanced sound make it a great choice for a high-end listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Detailed and energetic listening experience, engaging and resolving with a low-end weight and warmth that is fun and non-fatiguing
- Dynamics are impactful, transients are notably quick, and it has Beryllium drivers with an almost electrostatic speediness
- Exceptional build quality with high-quality leather and beautifully shaped metal parts, giving the headphones a strong aura of undeniable luxury
- Easy to drive, delivering a full sound regardless of the source, and can be driven by almost anything with a headphone jack
- Likely the most spacious closed-back pair of headphones encountered by one reviewer, and presents a three-dimensional soundstage
Product Considerations
- Somewhat intimate soundstage compared to open-back headphones
- The included rubber-coated cables are slightly stiff and somewhat microphonic
- Bass can be a bit boomy with stock pads
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sennheiser HD800: Stellia offers a similar soundstage, but the Sennheisers require more power and sound thinner
- Vs Sennheiser HD650: Stellia sounds like a more detailed and bassy HD650
- Vs Focal Clear MG: Clear MG is more balanced, more open sounding, and has a better soundstage
Takeaway: The Focal Stellia is an extremely well-built and luxurious headphone that provides a detailed and enjoyable listening experience with a punchy and clean sound. For those seeking a closed-back headphone that can reveal every detail in music, it is worth considering.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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?
Our summary
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.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Excellent technical performance and detail retrieval, considered several cuts above other IEMs
- Outstanding imaging performance, with precise soundstage and instrument separation
- The bass response is a highlight, delivering a punchy sub-bass with texture and articulation
- Offers a warmer tonal balance that is easy to get into with a mostly 'neutral' sound
- Bone conduction enhances low-frequency extension, reverb, and detail
Product Considerations
- Large chassis that may be uncomfortable for some users, particularly those with smaller ears
- The subdued treble range may not provide enough energy and sparkle for some listeners
- Stock cable is lackluster in terms of usability due to its plasticky feel, rigidity, and microphonic feedback
- Driver flex (a harmless crinkling sound upon insertion) is present
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Legend Evo delivers a stronger bass impact, depth, and extension than the Legend X
- Legend Evo produces better constructed highs than the Legend X
- Legend Evo shows better clarity than the Legend X, and has more detail
- The Legend X can sound veiled concerning the Legend Evo
- The Legend Evo feels a touch smoother than the Empire Ears ODIN
Takeaway: The Legend Evo is a top-tier IEM with innovative bone conduction technology that creates a unique and immersive listening experience with enhanced bass. It is a great option for those seeking flagship-level performance with a warm, bass-focused sound signature.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The ES-R10 is a tribute to the original Sony MDR-R10, and it uses a 50-millimeter biocellulose driver, just like the original
- The build quality exceeds expectations, and it is made of the same type of zelkova wood the original R10 uses
- Comfortable to wear due to the soft pads and even weight distribution
- Offers a sense of space due to the concert hall-like reverberation
- Very good dynamics and imaging
Product Considerations
- The bass rolls off pretty early
- Significant sound leakage
- Can be brutally honest over bad recordings
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The grain in the treble is about as much as a new Sennheiser HD600
- Compared to the much darker-sounding Aurorus Audio Australis, the ES-R10 leans a touch to the shouty side still with a subjective rise between 1kHz and 3kHz
Takeaway: The ES-R10 is a well-researched and put-together headphone, with lots of love and care. It offers a unique listening experience with real instruments that is comfortable and pretty.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The ES-2a has solved the experiential physical problems that were present in the ES-1a, feeling like a very finished device from a major manufacturer, with nicer finishes, stiffer build, stronger materials, and better weight.
- Improved overall build quality and materials, and pad design compared to ES-1a.
- Marked sonic improvement over the ES1a in all areas, with one reviewer considering it one of the best examples of price to performance in the electrostatic headphone space.
- More detailed, faster, and has a bigger overall sonic image with a wider, deeper soundstage, whilst also having better dynamics across the board compared to the ES1a.
- Comfort is incredibly good; not a very heavy headphone, and feels soft and comfortable against your head.
Product Considerations
- The pads are a little on the shallow side.
- Some may find its tuning to be mid-centric.
- One reviewer experienced some contact on the inside of the earcup against their earlobe.
- Sub-bass region is slightly pulled back and less apparent.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Stax SR007: The ES2a surpasses the SR007 in all technical areas and is more comfortable and better built.
- Vs. Stax SR009: Both have fairly similar levels of detail and technical performance, but the ES2a has a slightly better low end response and feels more premium in terms of build quality.
- Vs. HifiMan Shangri-La: The ES2a more than holds its own in terms of price to performance ratio, has better build quality, and a much better cable.
- Vs. HIFIMAN HE1000SE: Resolution and detail retrieval are pretty much dead even between the two.
Takeaway: The ES-2a is a well-built electrostatic headphone with improved sonic qualities and comfort compared to its predecessor. It offers excellent value and a unique sound signature, making it a worthwhile option for those interested in exploring electrostatic headphones.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Incredible sound quality, with neutrality, detail, and balance across the frequency range
- Excellent build quality with premium materials and comfortable, luxurious design, making them suitable for extended listening sessions
- Adequate battery life, with reviewers reporting around 35 hours of wireless playback with ANC
- Effective active noise cancellation reduces low-frequency sounds without significantly impacting sound quality
- Versatile connectivity options including Bluetooth, USB-C for high-resolution audio, and a 3.5mm analog input that can be used passively
Product Considerations
- High price point puts them out of reach for many consumers
- Lack of a companion app limits customization options like EQ settings, firmware updates via mobile, and custom control settings
- Large earcups and overall weight may not be suitable for those with smaller heads, and the headband may slip
- Included travel case is large
- Some reviewers found the dark chocolate color scheme unappealing
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The DALI IO-12 has better ANC than the Focal Bathys
- The IO-12 is similar in sound signature to the Mark Levinson No. 5909
Takeaway: The DALI IO-12 is a high-end wireless headphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, comfort, and versatility, making it a great choice for audiophiles who want a premium listening experience on the go. Its blend of wired and wireless capabilities, combined with a mature design, makes it an excellent all-around performer.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressive sound quality bridges the gap between wired and wireless performance
- It is a versatile product that can be used as a passive headphone, a USB DAC, or a Bluetooth headphone
- High build quality, with premium materials like milled aluminum contributing to a robust and luxurious feel
- Comfortable to wear for extended periods
- Long battery life, especially in standard mode—up to 70 hours
Product Considerations
- The fit may not be ideal for those with wider heads
- The treble response could be sweeter
- The active noise cancellation may not be class-leading compared to some competitors
- The volume in wireless mode may not be loud enough for some listeners
- Soundstage presentation feels intimate compared to full-sized reference headphones
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Mark Levinson No.5909: The Solitaire T has more detail and better organization, though the No. 5909 has a bigger, more spacious presentation
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins PX8: The noise cancelling of the PX8 is better
- Vs Focal Celestee: The Solitaire T is comparable when used as a passive wired headphone
Takeaway: The T+A Solitaire T is a versatile and well-built headphone that offers high-quality sound in both wired and wireless modes, making it a great choice for audiophiles on the go or those who want one set of headphones for all situations. Listeners can enjoy music in a lot of different ways with these, and they sound very good.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressive technical performance, clarity, detail retrieval, and resolution due to its planar magnetic drivers.
- Features a new, comfortable, and ergonomic shell design that's also lightweight and durable.
- Includes two upgraded Time Stream Metal cables, providing both 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations.
- Delivers a strong, extended bass response, with texture and speed, plus a nimble, airy top-end.
- Exhibits a spacious, wide, and holographic soundstage with good imaging and instrument separation.
Product Considerations
- Lower sensitivity might require a dedicated DAP or amplifier for optimal performance, and can sound anemic when paired with just a phone.
- Can be sensitive to source pairings, warmer DACs might wash out the mids and some pairings may bring out sibilance.
- Stock tips might not provide the best seal for everyone, and the stock tip selection is poor.
- Silicone eartips can make the treble sound harsh.
- The mirror-finished stainless steel faceplate is prone to fingerprints and smudges.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Campfire Audio Bonneville: Astrolith has superior mids, clarity, detail and transparency, and better treble extension, articulation, and overall resolution.
- Vs 64 Audio Volür: Astrolith offers bigger bass and a more exciting presentation, as well as faster and more resolving sound, but Volür is more accurate overall.
- Vs. Oriolus Monachaa: Astrolith has a faster and more controlled bass with better texture, a more natural and realistic midrange with a fabulous timbre.
- Vs. Elysian Acoustic Labs Annihilator: Astrolith delivers a more robust and organic mid-range with realistic and natural timbre and more defined lower mids.
Takeaway: The Astrolith is a technically impressive IEM with a comfortable design that delivers a powerful and detailed sound. It could be a great pick for listeners who want high-end sound that can play all kinds of music well.
Video review
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