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Dan Clark Audio STEALTH · Photo source

Dan Clark Audio STEALTH
Photo 1 of 2

Dan Clark Audio STEALTH · Photo source

Dan Clark Audio

STEALTH

Released August 2021

STEALTH is Dan Clark Audio's closed-back planar magnetic flagship, with a 4th-generation driver and the Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS), for listeners who want isolation without a closed-in sound.

Type
Over-ear
Noise cancelling
No
Battery
–
With case
–
Best codec
Wired
Weight
415 g

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree the Stealth is technically outstanding, detailed and accurately tuned, with Audio Science Review calling it a reference for correct sound; it is comfortable and well built. Headfonia found it cold and clinical and poor value next to the Aeon 2 Noire, Headfonics found it needs good power for full bass, and all note the very high price.

From audiosciencereview.com, headfonics.com and headfonia.com

Sound

Type
Over-ear
Noise cancelling
No
Back
Closed
Impedance
23 ohms
Bluetooth codecs
None (wired)
Drivers
76 × 51 mm single-ended 4th-generation v-Planar planar magnetic; Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS); ~90 dB/mW; THD < 0.03% 20 Hz – 20 kHz (ref. 1 kHz at 94 dB), < 0.1% ref 80 dB white noise; driver matching 0.25 dB weighted 20 Hz – 10 kHz

Battery

Listening time (maker's claim)
No battery (wired)

Design

Weight
415 g
Headphone cable
Yes
Fit and ear tips
Over-ear, closed-back; synthetic suede and protein-leather ear pads; self-adjusting suspended strap on a nickel-titanium headband; carbon fibre baffle; carbon and aluminium cups; folding gimbals
Works with
Detachable VIVO cable, chosen at purchase - 2 m or 3 m with 6.35 mm or XLR plug, or 1.1 m or 2 m with 2.5 mm plug
Colours
Matte black and red
In the box
STEALTH headphones, carrying case, VIVO cable, certificate of authenticity, manual

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Closed back isolates well
  • Very low distortion (under 0.03% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 94 dB)
  • Folding gimbals and a compact carrying case

Cons

  • Low 23-ohm, ~90 dB/mW sensitivity calls for a capable amplifier
  • Maker publishes no frequency response

Closest rivals

Model
TypeNoise cancellingBatteryWith caseBest codecWeightReleased
Over-earNo––Wired420 gSept 2021
Over-earNo––Wired350 gOct 2021
Over-earNo––Wired345 gOct 2021

Sources

  1. danclarkaudio.com/dcastealth.html
  2. audioxpress.com/news/dan-clark-audio-announces-new-stealth-closed-back-planar-h…
  3. majorhifi.com/dan-clark-audio-release-stealth-closed-back-planar-headphones

Photo: danclarkaudio.com

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