Dan Clark Expanse | Flagship Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones

Unbeatable performance

This combination of low distortion, fast decay, Harman-like frequency response, LF extension, and HF extension seems unavailable in other headphones at any price. And they sound as good as you'd expect. The manufacturer says there is a break-in period, which does seem to be true, in that they have improved slightly in sound over time. They're quite large and a bit heavy. Though the earpads are very comfortable per se, I found them a bit hard on the clamping force. This can be adjusted, and with help from DCA it did improve. But they still aren't "wear them all day and forget you have them on" headphones for me. After an album or two I need a break. My initial dealings with DCA were disappointing in how long it took them to get back to me, but it seems maybe my emails weren't getting through. The web form seems the best way.

I have the DCA E3, Expanse and Stealth. I enjoy them all. For the money w my setup DX9 as preamp and dac into Wells V8 OTL tube amp the E3 is my fave for the money $1,700 vs $4000. Have always gotten good service and delivery from Bloom.