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.

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.

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.

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.