Dan Clark Audio E3 Headphone Review - Contender

[@bunnygal23]

Great review thanks! Is that the Modhouse Tungsten I see behind you?👀

[@random-internet-dude]

Forget about the Tungsten, is that the D7000 i'm seeing below it ? 👀

[@kajetan9550]

@@random-internet-dude yes tungsten and d8k LE

[@random-internet-dude]

@@kajetan9550 Ah yeah after closer look it seems to have the golden marks, which means it might very well be the D8K LE, not the D7000. Oh well. 😊

[@wavetheorysound]

@@random-internet-dude Lol. You found my expertly hidden Easter eggs (haha). Yes, Tungsten double-sided is on top (Ryan is trying to get a single sided to me as well). D8000 Pro LE is on the lower shelf.

[@davidchen4927]

@@wavetheorysound Do you like the DS Tungsten or the DCA E3 better?

[@blejzerosamigos6115]

Hey that Tungsten looks beautiful back there, I really like my set, can't wait for your take. Cheers

[@wait0333]

Thanks for the review, great seeing progress in the closed back market. Any chance for a look on the Holo Audio Cyan 2 any time soon?

[@ramlord6669]

He is waiting now for a long time to get the opportunity to review some Holo gear...can't wait as well to hear his statement on Spring/Bliss etc. 🐹

[@naren.freak1c]

After meze,DCA is one of the best build headphones.

[@jamesewanchook2276]

Wow, great review. I use an MM500 for mixing straight out of a Macbook Pro; they're great, even without a pre amp. I'd like to add a pair of closed backs for mixing and recording vocals. Q1] Would E3 and MM500 be a good pairing? Q2] Also, could you suggest an ideal portable pre amp for travel which I might buy that would enhance? Thanks for any response, Cheers from Vancouver!

[@tianshiwang3572]

Any other suggestions on amp? I found xd05pro is too bright and aggressive

[@NATEROB009]

I have the E3 coming tomorrow along with the Mojo 2. You got me thinking now. I have your review on my left screen and another guy on my right screen saying the the E3 and Mojo 2 are the "perfect match". Maybe what I don't know wont hurt me and I shouldn't plug them into a high end amp lol!?

[@Mastermnd1]

Can't wait for comparisons with atrium closed or the bokeh from zmf

[@dav__71]

Hey great review. I found even my hugo 2 with the Anni amp wasn't too great. The Seinhieser HDV 820 were quite nice. What do you think about running the hugo 2 through the perfidus or just buying the HDV 820?

[@picklesandufos7860]

I haven't yet watched this video, but I presently have the newest HE1000se ($2000 one) and need to find out if this E3 is better. Perhaps he talks about that in this video

[@arthurhaywood2184]

I own a Noire and my only issue with it is that its dynamics are just acceptable after burn-in it needs a coupe of hundred hours). My Noire sounds great off of my FiiO Q7 when used portably. I really want to try the Xduoo but it would be a bit redundant. If the E3 still needs the power requirement that the Noire needs, (it needs the same as a 300 Ohm headphone. The Astell and Kern Kann series of DAP’s also have enough power for portable use. I wish you would’ve also made a comparison vs. the Aeon 2 Noire. I’m wondering whether the improvements make upgrading worthwhile.

[@liujun050612]

No. Tested both kann max and ultra. Neither works good for E3

[@YTjuanchicod]

Modhouse Tungsten alert!!

[@rogerhuston8287]

I didn't like the Stealth until you get to 465 level. Looking to try the E3 as well.

[@liujun050612]

Great reviews! Hugo 2 still can't push E3 to the top. Wow! Basically all portable setups are gone. Only desktop setups will work fine. Although sound amazing, too bad for such a compact portable headphone that can't take on the go. Hope Dan will come out an easier to drive version of E3 in the future.

[@bobhanuman65]

my iFi Gryphon works just fine. I really don't know what the fuss is all about here.

[@moderngentlemanschool]

I've had my E3 for a few days now and WOW. Best sounding headphone I've ever heard. I can't help but wear it all day. Music to beautiful to move me to tears. This is the real deal.

[@levinste2750]

what was your previous headphones ?

[@luismiguelclemente3232]

I wonder if Mojo2 works to power the E3 on the go outdoor?

[@andreasschwarz4908]

Mojo 2 is pretty weak. It works with Radiance, Gjallarhorn GH50, easy to drive stuff, but not the DCA imo.

[@dhananjeyannatarajan5366]

Comparison to he1000se?

[@wavetheorysound]

Hekse is warmer and more dynamic, slightly bigger stage and the midrange tuning is a better match to my hearing. Resolution and spatial holography are probably just a hair in Hekse's favor as well. I didn't do much direct comparison because I don't know that they are really targeted to the same use cases. But that's just my 2 cents.

[@jkhmonkey_kfp_pentium_ii_cpu]

@@wavetheorysound was looking for this comparison as well so appreciated. How much more dynamic would you say the Hekse is? I know that's always been a bit of an issue with the DCA headphones in the past, and Hekse you had also described in your old review as not as dynamic as a focal or LCD, though it still had enough. Well I guess the best thing is for me to go try the E3 out myself at a local store haha (sadly no local stores have a Hekse to test out...)

[@marklloyd5275]

No one beats Focal for a unboxing . Ive been searching for a closed headphone and from the reviews ive seen many think this is the best . Thanks so much for your detailed reviews you do such an awesome job at this. I will try this with my Topping DX9 streaming from my eversolo DMP A8 . I think this will be a great addition to my Focal Clear headphone . I may buy a few more and purchase the Focal Bathys for when i travel. Was just thinking about your mention of property powered . Do u think my DX9 can power this ?

[@goldenstasgs]

I like your channel. Always set like on your video. But please! Your sound quality, light and camera equipment are awful. Maybe it’s time to upgrade to Joshua’s video reviews level?

[@JoseLuisHernandezSeptien2]

Thank you for this review! Unfortunately the Focal Radiance has been discontinued :/

[@JohnnyADi]

Id like to see an RD-X (modded lcd-x) or Meze empyrean 2, compared to the DS Tungsten, in the comparison section of one of those videos, if you get the chance to review one. I think both are the closest comparison to the DS Tungsten, the empyrean 2 is praised just as much as the Tungsten but nobody has put them head to head and so many people say both are "the best". The RD-X is basically reviewed by nobody on youtube, comes in at $1775, its said to have all the wonky tuning resolved and to maximize the drivers potential. Its the closest logical backround both from modders, and by price that probably exists in terms of what they are supposed to bring to the table other than frequency response as the RD-X is supposed to be ultra neutral.

[@IrenESorius]

Great review,, 👍‍‍😎👍‍‍ Do you think the E3 would work with the AUNE S9C pro? Thank you ever so much for your work and time,, 💖🙏💖

[@dougquesnel5613]

It absolutely will.

[@IrenESorius]

@@dougquesnel5613 Thank you kindly for your answer,, ❣🙏❣

[@時雨-f1h]

to my ears the e3 sounds a little bit thin and harsh on the vocals. it sounds fairly balanced but I wouldn’t say the timbre is natural on the voice

The O3 amp drives these really well, and you can add two 9V block batteries internally to the O2 to make it mobile.

[@maximgodunov7717]

Is xduoo at 1500$ level in terms of separate desktop dac+amp system?

[@someoneacomputer1905]

Great review but try to work on the cute language tics ; thx for the review man :).

[@Innocence44]

So Ive had the Radiance for quite some time now and it is a fun pair of cans, though I do find it lacking a bit in detail retrieval. Recently picked up my first pair of planars - Dan Clark Aeon RT closed - boy these things are so much more detailed when compared to the Focals , which to me more than makes up for the lack of 'slam'. The treble can get a little spicy on certain tracks, but I tend to listen at lower volume anyway. I now wonder about how much of an upgrade the E3 would be over the Aeon RT's (or DCA closed X), as I am quite impressed by the DCA sound. Any chance you could compare the two in a few words?

[@john808welk]

Briefly had the closed x, but I used the Noires for two years. The Noires are a small step up in detail and staging than the Closed X. Both the Closed X and the Noires have spicy treble and pulled back vocals. The E3 is a huge step up in detail, way more precise staging, and much better bass impact. However, they are pretty different sound signatures from the Closed X and noires. Way less upper treble and very forward upper mids. If you want a more neutral/vocal forward presentation than the E3 is great upgrade.

[@Innocence44]

@@john808welk I've already upgraded to the E3, and yes its quite a step up from the Aeon RT in all aspects. I still appreciate your impressions!

[@TH-lo8mq]

I've not heard any dynamic that is as detailed as decent planars, not even the HD800S. I AB tested a lot not too long ago.

[@Innocence44]

I agree. For music production/monitoring, planars easily outperform dynamic driver headphones. However, the latter can sound more "musical", enjoyable, though. Sometimes I struggle to just get lost in the music while listening to planars, and rather end up focusing more on all the extra details in it.

[@marekkouril7134]

How about pairing with GS-X Mini? Thanks.

[@NeonPizza80s]

I'm looking to upgrade from my Beyer Dynamic DT770(250 ohm's) to the DCA E3's. Although, i was thinking about going for the Aeon 2 Noire's which around $1500 less, but supposedly they can't even match DT770's sound stage. I'm not willing to make any compromises, nor should there be when you factor in the $2699 sticker price of the E3's!

[@soulfulfool]

crazy price, really stupid price when Caldera closed is released

[@elba_magellan]

what is that tube amp in the background? looks pretty.

[@stevenichols5708]

Atrium closed vs e3?

[@Reubenhater]

is my RME ADI2 DAC FS and my FIIO M11 ESS enough for this? I am audio noob and I am not really dialed in on all the technical terms yet.

[@dougquesnel5613]

Yes absolutely. You could run this off of a Magni Unity as well for $190 and get end game performance.

[@robertsilviu8385]

Great review! Did you have the chance to test the E3 with the Violectric V222? I do have the V222 with the DCA Aeon 2 closed and I was considering an upgrade. I am using the balanced port of the V222 with the Aeon 2 and the sound is fine, but not great. I had the chance to listen the E3 with an SPL amplifier and was blown away by the sound. Thanks in advance, Robert.

[@wavetheorysound]

It should be a fine pairing. Most likely it will do basically what my V281 did, warm it slightly (tho not for the reasons the Chords do) and add some low end physicality. Power won't be an issue.

[@chronometa]

Don't trade in noir. Don't trade in noir is what I'm telling myself

[@arthurhaywood2184]

Me too! Although, if the dynamics on it are better, it’ll be tough to resist.

[@john808welk]

@@arthurhaywood2184 It's a totally different sound. If you like the noire without eq then you probably won't love this. E3 has WAY more upper mids (3-4k) and WAY less upper treble. The e3 also leaks a lot of sound out of the bass port. That said, e3 is in a different class for imaging and detail. Also has a bit more punch. I sold my noire's and don't miss them when I use the e3s.

[@arthurhaywood2184]

@@john808welkInteresting….. I’ll try them out at Audio46 the next time I’m there.

[@chronometa]

Well im saving up for a atrium closed so might not matter as much tbh, unless the sound is so vastly different.

[@tibormichalcik9381]

" ... and all of that ... " most video yet, good job! :D

[@soulfulfool]

I know you hate ZMF but DCA pricing is just stupid, Caldera closed will be cheaper than that plastic crap

[@Mr.Banter]

Caldera closed about $3500 with add-ons

[@levinste2750]

@@Mr.Banter E3 vs Caldera Closed ?

[@saltedpeanut5571]

Hello WaveTheory. Do you think that the Lake People G111 MKii can drive these to their full potential (or at least more than good enough)? Thanks for your great reviews.

[@wavetheorysound]

Yeah. Shouldn't be a problem

[@saltedpeanut5571]

@@wavetheorysound Great news! Thank you.

[@SmashedITR]

How do these compare to the Meze Liric?

[@chungang7037]

Look forward to the Tungsten review. Dan Clark and Abyss and Audeze have so many issues. The Tungsten is going to cannabalize sales from these American companies, just imagine if Modhouse could supply the demand out there for it now.

[@tamieu]

Hahaha c'mon.. did you hear the E3 ? It's AMAZING for a closed back.

[@chungang7037]

@@tamieu No I haven't, but after a nightmare scenario dealing with DCA trying to get warranty for a failed driver in my Aeon 2s and finding the Aeon norie replacement they sent me as very meh I'm not interested.

[@Image-X]

@@chungang7037What audio player and source files are you using?

[@soulfulfool]

for that stupid price you can get anything for example ZMF Cladera closed maybe even cheaper... DCA is overpriced joke

[@chungang7037]

@@soulfulfool I tend to agree

[@diana73654]

Radiance is better than Stellia , and the price is much lower....

[@wavetheorysound]

I tend to agree. Stellia is more resolving and holographic and hits slightly harder. But Radiance has that fun bass shelf, a wonderfully lush and natural tone and timbre through the mids and treble, and is surprisingly resolving.

[@andreasschwarz4908]

stellia sounded so weird i thought it was broken. radiance is decent but imo gjallarhorn jm mk2 beats it.

[@Smood47]

Whats a better closed back over $3000 ?

[@wavetheorysound]

The Stealth likely is more resolving and still has the slightly better tuning. It is the technically better headphone in most performance characteristics. But, the lack of dynamics make it somewhat unenjoyable for me.

[@hemispherecompensation]

I see a DCA Stealth for $1900 though 😂 Which to buy?

[@wavetheorysound]

Depends on how important dynamics are to you and whether you have an amp that can handle the Stealth. It's much harder yet to drive than E3.

[@hemispherecompensation]

Awesome thanks. That Hifiman Prelude is something (watched your review already)@@wavetheorysound

[@Cp48533]

Havent watched this yet. Just wanna say from the first 10 seconds damn your camera is so crisp😊

[@kato2395]

If I were in the states I would send brian my adx5000 for him to review. Would like to hear what he would say about it. It is a pretty unique headphone, with a unique sound so most people wont really like it when they first try it. 😂

[@wavetheorysound]

Sounds like a good reason to move 😜😆 Thanks for watching!

[@andreasschwarz4908]

heard the adx5k is supposed to be as splashy as your avatar 😉

[@kato2395]

@@andreasschwarz4908 you're goddamn right, a splash of treble to my ears 🤓 Do you like it or do you hate it? If you're reffering to my avatar most people hate it so I guess you hate the adx5000 too? 🤣

[@andreasschwarz4908]

i haven't, however, lots of people can't stand the TH900's treble whereas i can, so now that i think about it 🤔 if i see a good used deal (ive seen it at 1.0k once but was too cowardish to pull the trigger unfort.) i should try it. i just bought an AWAS last week.

[@kato2395]

@@andreasschwarz4908 It is a gamble whether you'd like it or not. But if you do you're not going to want to let it go from your collection. The way it presents the sound is definitely very unique, I've never experienced such sound even on high tier headphones or flagship level like the he1000se, zmf atrium or zmf caldera. Perhaps the way I would describe it is it sounds airy like a grado but with much better detail retrieval and better, cleaner bass slam. It is bright but strangely not fatiguing/quite relaxing. Apparently it is very sensitive to cable change too. Changing from the stock cable to Forza Noir HPC MKII and the bass slams so much harder. But as a result it became more agressive and no longer as relaxing as how it sounds with the stock cable. Not an avid believer of cable changing sounds but now I am not so sure anymore. Just bought the cable for how cool it looks did not expect it to change it to add a new flavor to the ADX5000.

[@bobhanuman65]

This is the best closed back out there now for me. Great isolation. Folds up great and sounds fantastic. I use iFi Gryphon when I'm out and about and don't have a problem at all.

[@Lead_Foot]

This is the first headphone I really enjoy without any EQ. The tonal balance really agrees with my hrtf and preferences. AMTS refers to the metamaterial waveguide/filter on top of the driver. The driver is their 5th gen v-planar.

[@wavetheorysound]

That's a better description of the AMTS system than I gave, yes. Ultimately Dan's approach gives him pretty tight control over FR but I think it's going to keep his designs below average in dynamics and sensitivity. It comes down to the physics of putting more material between driver and ear. The more stuff the sound waves have to travel through and/or around, the more their impact is going to get blunted and the more overall energy they're going to lose. Dan's approach is unique and interesting for sure and he's consciously making these trade-offs to reach his goals. Definitely different and worthy of being out there for music lovers to consider.

[@Michael_mki233]

18:38 Some people just don't have good taste. We won't hold it against him _too_ much though.

[@dp6igw977]

Your shirts are getting worst by video

[@nhennessy6434]

What kind of rock does someone have to have in their head to take a $2k headphone OTG?

[@wavetheorysound]

It's a headphone. So all the rock they want! 🤣

[@enjoshi-godrez8775]

People who live in a first world country and don't need to worry about their stuff being stolen.