Dan Clark has simply launched its newest closed-back headphone, the E3, promising a brand new era of driver expertise and a degree of ability and musicality that units a brand new normal for the model on this worth vary. Constructing upon the success of traditional best-sellers, just like the ol’ Aeon Movement and Ether Movement, what can we are able to we count on from the E3 by way of tuning and efficiency?
What’s within the Field?
Look and Really feel
With its blue-stitched headband and upgraded Gorilla Glass 3 end on the cups, the E3 introduces a recent aesthetic whereas staying true to the model’s design ideas. Gorilla Glass 3, recognized for its skinny but sturdy properties, provides sturdiness by resisting scratches and breaks (though I wouldn’t check it). The honeycomb sample beneath the glass reminds us of the mesh design of open-back headphones, emphasizing the truth that the E3 ought to sound open. Lastly, sustaining Dan Clark’s compact and no-hassle construct, the E3 incorporates the identical self-adjusting headband suspension system discovered within the Stealth and Expanse, together with folding yolks for simple portability.
By way of match, I discovered these cans completely comfy to put on. The clamping pressure was comfortable however not too tight, and the ear pads felt roomy and isolating.
Design
The E3 options the AMTS tuning system beforehand unique to the model’s costlier fashions, just like the Stealth and Expanse. Bringing this expertise to a extra reasonably priced vary, the E3 implements the tuning system with a brand new fifth era planar-magnetic driver. With new diaphragms on a recent tensioning system, the drivers are mentioned to ship decrease distortion and enhanced management. The Twin-Mode Bass Port, one other DCA innovation, provides the E3 additional management over the bass frequency response, aiming to provide a balanced and punchy sound with none bleed. We’ll see if these guarantees maintain up.
I didn’t discover the E3 too onerous to drive. In actual fact, a strong participant, just like the Astell & Kern Kann Extremely, ought to provide you with sufficient juice for on-the-go use. Nonetheless, I believe to get probably the most out of those cans, a small desktop amp can be optimum.
Sound Impressions
Soundstage
I keep in mind Dan Clark’s older fashions tending to provide a fairly targeted soundstage, and such tends to be the case right here. Whereas there may be particular scale to the stereo subject, the house nonetheless feels considerably contained, particularly by way of top. Nonetheless, the E3 is definitely their most open-sounding closed-back mannequin so far.
Whereas the E3 might solely approximate the soundscape of an open-back headphone, the sound bubble nonetheless feels entertainingly holographic, given the exact imaging and nuanced play between parts throughout all fields. And definitely, due to the the improbable degree of separation and imaging precision, parts really feel pristinely outlined and spaciously distanced from each other. General, devices keep a richness tone that by no means lose decision, even when positioned on the furthest factors of the stage. And this high quality injects colour and vibrancy of the soundscape.
Sound Impressions
Low-Finish
The bass is quick, tight and well-controlled. However don’t count on tons of juicy meat on the bone. The bass can also be considerably reserved, sustaining a impartial colour and average presence within the combine. Purists could also be drawn to the leaner, extra restrained really feel within the low-end, whereas those that get pleasure from a hotter and extra highly effective bass could also be left thirsty for extra punch on sure tracks. The sub-bass frequencies are simply as tempered in colour, though you possibly can really feel satisfactory depth. Definitely, this impartial low-end profile is consistent with most of the traditional Dan Clark fashions.
All that mentioned, listening to The Beatles’ Come Collectivelythe bass had satisfactory presence to drive the intro to the track. And because the we creep up the frequency vary, the bass turns into a contact extra assured. Moreover, the speedy and tightly contained really feel of bass injects loads of power and funk into most pop tracks, whereas rock mixes had adequate heat within the low-end to offer the track legs.
Given the improbable transparency and minimal saturation, the E3 provides most likely probably the most pure and correct tonal supply I’ve heard in whereas. Strings on this vary are particularly spectacular, revealing ample texture and timbral subtleties. Nonetheless, there may be nothing boring or sterile about this low-end; it has its personal distinctive musical character that turns into extra nuanced the extra accustomed you get to the sound.
Mids
Right here’s the place issues a get just a little extra vigorous, because the midrange provides some energetic snap and snare impression with its agency and quick supply. You’ll additionally get a superb quantity of physique right here, for the reason that low-mids are given loads of consideration. The higher mids, whereas dynamic, keep away from sitting ahead. The result’s a complete and easy-listening midrange, that additionally feels potent and entertaining.
However the midrange not solely provides good power. It’s extremely expert at conveying a movingly emotional musical efficiency. And this turns into obvious when listening to acoustic tracks, particularly. Partly, due to the considerably lean profile and spectacular resolve, acoustic guitars, for instance, are dealt with delicately and sound intricate, whereas the extremely lifelike and detailed presentation creates an intimate reference to the vocalist.
Highs
The highs are deliciously fluid. String observe progressions circulate gracefully and vocals sound textured, but velvety on the identical time. Definitely, the E3 has discovered the right steadiness between transparency and refinement within the highs. Whereas nonetheless pure, the excessive frequencies aren’t as mild as I anticipated. In actual fact, there’s a some good substance right here, making a wealthy topping to an all-encompassing however typically slender profile. And whereas you’ll hear a contact of sparkle, the treble peaks are extra crisp than they’re radiant. Usually, I discovered the highs fairly forgiving with exception of 1 or two Miles Davis moments. However I used to be in a position to pay attention for lengthy durations with none discomfort.
Abstract
The E3 is certainly Dan Clark’s most skillful closed-back headphone in its class. And if you happen to’ve beforehand owned one of many model’s older fashions, just like the Aeon Movement or Ether Movement, you’ll little doubt discover the developments which were made with respect to its soundstage and general supply. Quick, tremendous clear and complicated, it’s onerous to not fall in love with this immaculate sound signature. The bass is probably not substantial sufficient for a lot of, however for individuals who like a totally lifelike and emotive sound, the E3 delivers it in spades.
You should purchase the Dan Clark Audio E3 at Audio 46.
