.png){kind=small}
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 neutral dark sound signature that is relaxing and non-fatiguing, making it suitable for long listening sessions
- Bass is well-controlled, clean, detailed, and separated from the midrange, providing a satisfying experience for most listeners, excluding true 'bass-heads'
- Midrange is neutral, flat, and very natural sounding, with male vocals sounding particularly good
- Provides a wide and deep soundstage with excellent separation, creating a holographic listening experience
- Refined and smooth sound throughout the frequency range, with every note having a clear beginning, middle, and end
Product Considerations
- Treble response lacks energy and sparkle, making the overall sound darker and potentially missing micro-details
- Some reviewers found the stock cable to be a bit stringy for the price point
- Can be power-hungry and may sound thin if not driven properly
- The size of the IEM can be large and stick out of the ear for some users
- The bass, while detailed, isn't a 'slamming' bass, which may not appeal to bass enthusiasts
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Cerberus is a dark IEM when compared to the Soft Ears RSV
- Compared to the Softears Studio 4, Cerberus is more detailed and has a better soundstage, but the Studio 4 has better treble extension and impact
- Compared to the Softears RS10, Cerberus has a touch of extra sweetness to the tone, while RS10 takes a more neutral approach
Takeaway: The Cerberus is a high-end IEM that offers a relaxing and refined sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy smooth listening experiences and well-controlled bass. It is a unique set with a colored but enjoyable sound signature that many find satisfying for various music genres.
All
Cerberus
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Driver Configuration: 2EST+4BA+1DD (2 Electrostatic + 4 Balanced Armature + 1 Dynamic Driver)
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:
- The brand's product development is characterized by thorough research, resulting in beautifully crafted and well-researched IEMs rather than a market-saturating release schedule.
- They develop drivers for their IEMs in house and custom tune them to excel in timber and tonality, focusing on a natural and accurate projection of vocals and instruments.
Select products
Studio2
- Positioning: Entry-level option designed for live stage use and monitoring with a customizable earphone design.
- Description: Delivers clear, balanced sound with a design optimized for on-stage and rehearsal environments. Compared to other products in the lineup, it focuses on essential performance at a very accessible price, making it ideal for users with basic budgets and moderate functionality needs.
Volume
- Positioning: An entry-level hybrid earphone that mixes dynamic and balanced armature drivers for everyday sound monitoring.
- Description: Offers a solid hybrid design that provides focused sound and ease of use with its combination of a 10mm dynamic driver and two balanced armature units. Compared to the Studio2, it adds a layer of hybrid performance while remaining more affordable than higher-end models like Twilight.
Twilight
- Positioning: A mid-range model aimed at delivering enhanced acoustic performance for audiophile music listening.
- Description: Features a new 10mm dynamic driver and a refined aluminum alloy build that yields precise sound imaging and improved low-frequency response. In contrast to the more basic Volume and Studio2 models, its advanced driver technology offers better clarity and dynamic range.
Cerberus
- Positioning: A flagship in-ear monitor that employs a sophisticated hybrid setup for balanced and detailed audio reproduction.
- Description: Integrates 2 electrostatic, 4 balanced armature, and 1 dynamic driver to achieve superior clarity across highs, mids, and bass, thanks to its hybrid triple crossover design. When compared to Twilight and Volume, its multi-driver architecture and meticulous craftsmanship target users with a higher budget who demand enhanced technical performance and nuanced sound for critical listening.
Enigma
- Positioning: A top-tier flagship model engineered for advanced sound reproduction through a complex multi-driver system.
- Description: Features 12 drivers arranged in a 5-way layout that ensures detailed resolution and wide dynamic range supported by innovative crossover technology. Compared to Cerberus, while both deliver high-end performance, Enigma pushes technological boundaries further with its extra drivers and refined system.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Used
Softears
What if you spend more?
.svg)
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
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
Yamaha's flagship: headphones with ultimate true sound and ORTHODYNAMIC™ drivers. With Yamaha True Sound you immerse yourself in a world of sound and music The Yamaha ORTHODYNAMIC™ driver provides acoustic accuracy and enables extreme responsiveness The ultra-light thin-film membrane ensures a faithful reproduction of different musical dynamics The large housing features a Japanese smooth stainless steel mesh filter and an arched elevation The magnesium housing is lightweight and offers excellent strength The two-layer headband and the stepless slider ensure maximum comfort Two types of ear pads included (leather and suede) Two types of silver-coated OFC cables included: 3.5 mm (cable with three-pin plug) and 4.4 mm (balanced cable with five-pin plug) Special headphone stand included Manufactured at Yamaha's Kakegawa plant in Japan, which produces flagship models of popular grand pianos and audio components 2+3 Extended 5-year warranty via product registration
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Lightweight design at 320-325 grams, making it comfortable for long listening sessions
- Excellent detail resolution and clarity across the frequency spectrum
- High-quality construction with materials like magnesium for the earcups and steel in the headband
- Accurate imaging and spatial placement contribute to a detailed and separated soundstage
- Comes with a complete package, including a dedicated metal stand and a choice of single-ended or 4.4mm balanced cables
Product Considerations
- Requires a high-quality source and amplification to perform at its best, one can't skimp on partnering electronics
- Headband adjustment sliders can sometimes slip, requiring readjustment
- Soundstage is not the largest, being more intimate and forward-facing
- Some reviewers found its tuning target-deviant, and it may not be suitable for all listeners
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Dan Clark Audio Expanse, the YH-5000SE is now the reviewer's all-time favorite open-back headphone, dethroning the Dan Clark Audio Expanse
- Vs Focal Utopia (2022), the YH-5000SE offers a bolder treble approach and more emphasis on bass
- Vs Audeze LCD-5, the YH-5000SE has a bigger, more atmospheric sound, deeper and more natural bass, and a significantly more open top end
- Vs Sennheiser HD800, the YH-5000SE offers more verve, a quality of being detailed, transparent and big—soundstage
- Vs Abyss Diana TC, the YH-5000SE has bass that is both more elevated and less clean, and the reviewer found more moments of glory
- Vs ZMF Caldera, the YH-5000SE is a much more interesting sounding headphone, but may sound eccentric at first
Takeaway: The YH-5000SE offers exceptional sound and a comfortable listening experience, and its unique design elements justify its price tag. It is a great choice for listeners who want an immersive audiophile experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Introducing EXPANSE, our new flagship open-back headphone! EXPANSE sets a new standard in open-back headphone musicality, soundstage, detail retrieval, and comfort. Featuring Dan Clark Audio’s all-new 4th generation planar-magnetic driver and our breakthrough Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System, EXPANSE delivers a stunningly smooth presentation to bring new depth and breadth to all your favorite music! EXPANSE ships immediately in North America. Shipments in Germany and the Netherlands start the week of Sept. 12 with other regions to follow.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- All-new 4th generation planar magnetic driver and breakthrough Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS)
- Balanced, natural, and transparent tonality with excellent resolution and detail
- Excellent comfort, due to features like the self-adjusting suspension system, comfortable pads, and well-distributed weight
- Unique and stylish design, with high-quality materials
Product Considerations
- Requires a lot of power to drive properly
- Some reviewers found the clamping force to be slightly high
- Proprietary Hirose connectors limit aftermarket cable options
- Bass may be light for those who prefer a bass-heavy sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Dan Clark Audio STEALTH, the Expanse also has a bigger soundstage, but this is by design, as an open back is going to have a wider sound
Takeaway: The Dan Clark Audio EXPANSE offers a combination of comfort, beautiful design, and high-end sound, making it a top-tier choice for audiophiles. It is an engaging and versatile headphone that should impress with its detail and expansive soundstage.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
How to buy
Headphones
Search all hifi products
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.
